Chapter 361 Closing Ceremony 2/3 (2/2)

”Don't worry.”

Rhode understood her concern. On the surface, it might seem as though both Southerners and Northerners were eternally incompatible; but as a matter of fact, both of them needed each other's existence. The North had abundant produce, plus they were the central hub for all food and minerals whereas the South had wealth beyond imagination. Both sides were equally disgusted with one another but neither could leave. Nothing was more irritating than not being able to leave someone you hate.

In the end, the most valuable resource in the world was money and authority. Money was necessary for Starlight to develop, and compared to Purple Lily or Cole Falcon who had operated for years to build a stable infrastructure for itself, Starlight's foundation was quite fragile. Once something happens and the supply line gets cut off, Starlight's development would easily screech to a halt.

But that wasn't as important as what he was thinking right now. As they say, when the water is overly clear, there's no fish. But on the flip side, if the water is too polluted, there will no fish either. As the situation between the North and the South were too complicated, the King's Party was unable to get rid of the Reformist Party. Even if they managed to get rid of them, they would be negatively impacted as well.

The Country of Light were like ghosts, lurking in the shadows and waiting for an opportunity to strike. If the King's Party did not manage to pull out all the roots at once, the Country of Light would take advantage of the situation to wipe them out. But of course the Reformist Party also had its own concerns, so they didn't dare to defame their rivals publically.

(ED: Oh the irony.)

One had to give it to Lydia; her method was flawless. Using an analogy, the Reformist Party was now like a cancer-stricken patient. Even though they were going through terminal cancer, they chose to live on and spend money to take medication that would only prolong the inevitable. If they were sensible, perhaps they would request for euthanasia, alas it was a pity that common sense didn't apply to them.

Back in the game, when the terminally-ill Reformist Party realized that their days were numbered, they decided to give one final blow to the King's Party. But in the end, they were unsuccessful and were eventually double-crossed by the Country of Light.

Similarly, Rhode drew a distinct line with the South. While this action created a few enemies, it also forced loyal mercenaries to join the group. People who understood what enemies Starlight had to face and still decided to join were the ones worth trusting. Furthermore, using external pressure to temper strength was no doubt beneficial.

Compared to Purple Lily and Cole Falcon, Starlight's foundation was like a speck of dirt not worth mentioning about. Because of this, Rhode had no choice but to remove the impurities within the group. Unlike guilds, Starlight didn't have the power to deter those who they mistrusted. The only way was to use external pressure to force them to leave. Having matching ideologies, goals or missions could help foster unity and make long-term goals easier to develop.

If those furious people knew that their actions were actually helping Rhode, perhaps they would've committed suicide.

At this moment, the sound of the bugle suppressed the bustling noises in the Main Square. Then, a graceful figure appeared at the top of the platform.

The entire mass quietened as they bowed towards the figure. Standing on the highest platform before them, was the ruler of the country, Lydia Paphield Mila Frandrica.

Rhode lifted his head and squinted at the beautiful figure glowing against the sun rays.

Her golden hair shimmered as they fluttered in the gentle wind. A beautiful, slender body complimented by a fitting, elegant white dress. There was no royal crown on top of her head, but a bright halo glinted in its place. Behind her, were six wings gleaming with holiness. A symbol which only she had.

The symbol of an Archangel.

She hadn't changed a bit.

Rhode lamented from the bottom of his heart as he reminisced the painful memories.

Lydia looked the same as that day.