Chapter 467
Chapter 468 The Price of Her Support
She had twice voiced agreement with the rebels’ proposal.
That only deepened Rainer’s sense of crisis.
Lyra typed, “Still, I’m a stubborn sort. I’ve taken a liking to this third-tier planet p>
Leif blinked.
His mind raced fast.
“It is our honor that this world has won your favor. This matter can be worked out/
Yet he would not give a clear, straightforward answer.
Lyra’s lips tugged faintly upward. She fell quiet again, her gaze settling on Rainer.
What about you?
Is that all you’re willing to offer?
Your bargaining chip is not nearly enough.
Rainer read her meaning.
His eyes shifted between Leif and Lyra.
It suddenly clicked.
+5 Pearls
No wonder she’d let a captive like Leif join the talks. She was playing them against each other.
Rainer said, “Ms. Kaelin, if you truly like this world, I am willing to consider granting you special rights as a Tier-3S Guide, to treat it as your independent territory.
“So long as your loyalty remains with the Federation, and you stand with us to eliminate these destabilizing forces. Our two sides can still work together to build a more harmonious and prosperous future p>
Lyra raised an eyebrow. He finally backed down.
Leif kept his expression unchanged. But when he caught Lyra’s faint, drifting glance, his heart skipped.
This crafty Guide-was she planning to play both sides?
Leif could only respond, “Ms. Kaelin, I’ll repeat myself. Equal footing, no interference between
09:21 Sat, Oct 24
Chapter 468 The Price of Her Support
+5 Pearls
n’t absolute freedom what you want most? We respect every Guide’s choice p>
Lyra lowered her eyes and studied her fingers.
Neither man spoke. Calm on the surface, neither felt secure inside.
Lyra was hard to pin down-easy to read one moment, impossible the next.
When she prepared to type, both men held their breath.
Lyra typed to Leif directly. “Will you yield this third-tier planet p>
She wanted a definite answer, no vague half-promises.
Leif paused.
She would not move without a firm commitment.
He gritted his teeth silently. “If it is for you and your loved ones to settle here, we are willing to accept it p>
As long as she did not switch sides at the critical moment.
A powerful ally like her was worth the price.
Lyra nodded in satisfaction.
They had dragged their feet at first, but now reality had sunk in.
She put on a troubled look.
“Now you both agree. I truly don’t know which offer to pick p>
Both men’s hearts tightened.
This wavering attitude tortured them more than a final decision.
At that moment, Draven stepped forward.
“It’s mealtime. You must be hungry, Lyra p>
Lyra’s expression brightened.
“I hadn’t noticed until you said something p>
09:21 Sat, Oct 24
Chapter 468 The Price of Her Support
She smiled toward the two men. “Shall we eat first and resume afterward p>
+5 Pearls
Laf forced a suff smile. “Thank you for the offer, but I have no appetite for sharing a table/ with an enemy p>
Rainer’s gaze turned cold as steel.
He had no wish to waste more words bickering.
“I’m not hungry. Please enjoy your meal p>
Lyra turned to Draven and gestured for the food to be served.
Rainer had no desire to watch others eat, nor to linger in the same space as the rebel.
He said, “I’ll head back and return shortly p>
Lyra nodded. “As you wish p>
He had barely taken a few steps when Lyra spoke to Leif.
“I realize I still don’t know your name p>
His footsteps halted.
Leif’s tone carried faint accusation. “Guide, we’ve known each other so long, and you still don’t know my name p>
Lyra replied, “You’re one to talk. You never introduced yourself at the Black Spire p>
Leif laughed theatrically. “Oh, it’s my fault. I’ve wronged you. Please forgive me, Guide. My name is Leif Lunden. I look forward to working with you p>
Their conversation carried an easy, friendly tone, until Rainer turned back around, his face empty of emotion.
Lyra smiled. “Commander, what brings you back p>
Rainer spoke without the slightest flush of embarrassment.
“To save you the trouble later. I will wait here p>
He would never admit his real fear-if he left, the two might grow closer and cut him out of the deal entirely.
Leif shot him a mocking glance at that transparent lie.
09:21 Sat, Oct 24
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.