Even though the leaders' discussion was taking place in a closed area, all of the other party members outside could witness and hear the conversation through the giant magic mirror Ellena had created.

Linda had become enraged after hearing the sentiments expressed during the opening discussion, and made her rise from her seat. "What a bitch!" she shouted, her fists clenched tightly. "I have to teach that rotten woman a lesson!"

It seemed like she was preparing to storm into the igloo and confront the woman. The people from Elite Hunters who had heard Linda's words then stood up from their seats, some of them even starting to approach her.

Muramoto also stood up in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. "Linda-chan, please don't make the situation worse," he implored her. "Let's give Nathan-san a chance to settle this."

Gaem and the people from the Shadow Warriors then also stood up, positioning themselves to block the Elite Hunters from continuing their advance. "Let's try to remain calm while our leaders make up their minds," Gaem suggested, her voice carrying in the cold night air.

***

Robert stood from his seat and made his way over to Gydarra. He lightly ran his finger along the blade of his sword and smiled. "It's a very strong and sturdy sword. I'm sure it'll be able to take down many monsters."

Robert tried to lower the sword with his finger, but then quickly changed the subject. "Ah! I almost forgot! We need an appetizer for this very cold discussion."

He clapped his hands and several girls came in carrying glasses and bottles. The girls helped pour the contents of the bottles into each glass.

Robert smiled at Gydarra and said, "Let's enjoy this drink first, shall we?" Gydarra responded by spitting in Nina's face, then turning and walking back to his seat.

Nina's hands trembled as she crossed them over her chest, her eyes never leaving Gydarra.

Once the girls had poured out their drinks, some of the leaders cautiously took a sip, their tense expressions gradually melting away. Then, another figure entered, clutching a violin in his hands. Instantly, the room was filled with the sweet sound of the instrument, peaceful and captivating.

After some time had passed, the situation started to de-escalate. Nathan rose from his seat and all eyes were instantly on him.

"I would like to thank everyone for attending and displaying such enthusiasm for this discussion," he said in a composed and dignified manner. "First, I must apologize for the tension that has arisen between my friend Gydarra and the leader of the Elite Hunters."

Nathan slowly walked towards Nina, causing her to tense up. He took out a thin cloth from his pocket and gently wiped the spot where Gydarra had spat on her face. "Let me help you," he whispered.

Nina remained still and silent, her face turning red despite the cold air.

***

Anonymous Cat: "What the heck! Nathan, what was that move you just pulled?"

Anonymous Horse: "Oh my goodness! I can't believe he did something like that. I can't fathom how Nina must feel to be treated in such a way."

Anonymous Deer: "Man.... this dude has been a ladies' man since the day he was born, I mean, who could resist being wooed in such a manner?!"

***

"Please forgive me and Gydarra." Nathan apologized quietly, his voice barely audible, as he handed Nina the thin cloth.

He stepped back a few paces and, in a more serious tone, said, "I strongly advise you not to speak of Meriel and my other friends in such a way again. I will do my utmost to ensure they do not do the same to you and yours."

Nina stepped forward, raising her face to meet his gaze. She bowed her head in response. "I am deeply sorry for my arrogant attitude and for turning this discussion into a hostile environment. I will be more mindful of the words I choose from now on."

Nathan smiled as he reclined in his chair, leaving everyone in the room - the entire stronghold and all the inhabitants of the new Earth watching the live event - awestruck. His actions had linked up all the puzzle pieces, culminating in a beautiful and unforgettable moment.

After a moment of silence, Nathan rose to his feet and spoke in a softer tone. "I apologize for my outburst. I just wanted to express my opinion."

"If we are searching for someone to lead the alliance, I would suggest Robert. He has worked diligently to make this alliance possible, and I consider him to have the qualities necessary to be an excellent leader. As for myself, I am more interested in taking a vanguard position in tomorrow's combat and striving to defeat as many monsters as I can."

His words elicited shocked and surprised reactions from those around him, as they were taken aback by sudden shifts in emotions.

"I just have one request." he continued. "Please, let me be the first one to start the fight, tomorrow. I have a quest to accomplish, and it's something I have to do myself."

"I think that's all I have to say." He then concluded.

The discussion then progressed without any major issues; everyone agreed to elect Robert as the leader of the alliance, with the power to make the final decisions in the most crucial of circumstances during the upcoming battles.

***

Muramoto laughed out loud, exhausted, after only watching an emotionally draining discussion. He said, "Man, that was really, really, really intense!" as they all gathered around the fireplace.

"I can't even imagine Marco's reaction if he were to see this," He added with a chuckle.

"Nathan Oppa, you're truly amazing," Linda said with a cheerful smile. "I'm proud to be your first slave!"

"What are you talking about, Linda-chan? Nathan-san never enslaved you," Muramoto pointed out.historical

"Hey, what kind of crap are you talking about?" Gydarra interjected as he joined them, "I'm Master Nathan's first servant!" He chuckled.

Muramoto shook his head in amusement, looking around at them. "What a weirdo," he said, "Why are you guys competing to be the first slave of Nathan-san?"

Meriel chuckled softly at the lively conversation, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Gydarra then grabbed the grilled meat that was lying nearby and began to eat it ravenously.

"Gydarra, what are you doing?! That's our meat!" Linda scolded him.

"What?! When did it become yours? This is the food that Master Nathan prepared for his slave, hahaha!" Gydarra replied with a mouth full of food, laughing. "It's so unfair that you guys have better food than the rest of us. What a pain!"

Muramoto let out a hearty laugh, his eyes filled with tears. That night had certainly been tense. "In the end, Robert was elected as the leader, and the results were quite satisfactory," he continued. "I do, however, still believe that our party leader is the best."

He then looked at Nathan with a mischievous glint. "I just remembered, Nicolas Gilson was also a friend of your late father, Nathan-san. I'm sure you two can be good friends." Muramoto smiled. "It's in Robert's blood to excel at this job. After all, he is the heir of someone very influential in the Hunter world."

"Nicolas Gilson?" Nathan repeated the name that Muramoto had just mentioned, his brows furrowing with purpose. He had a personal reason for wanting to enter CEHA: to avenge the deaths of his parents.

"Yes," Muramoto continued, "Nicolas Gilson is the father of Robert Gilson."