Chapter 123: A Battlefield Without Swords
A Battlefield Without Swords
Folks say the yearly trade gathering in Valemont kicked off with words from the town’s top officials.
A grand space once filled with feasts now held quiet order. Down its center, long rows of smooth tables ran like tracks through stillness. Before every delegate sat tools ready: mics beside screens, tags aligned just so. The air felt tight with expectation.
A hint of coffee drifted through, mixed with the quiet smell of clean wood. Morning light touched the floorboards, soft underfoot.
The moment city officials walked up, noise in the room began to fade. People stopped talking as attention turned forward.
A figure shifted, straightening the frames on his nose before sound spilled from the mic.
"Next year, Valemont will focus heavily on environmental protection."
"We must reduce carbon emissions and improve industrial sustainability."
A glow spread across the back wall, filling it with graphs and numbers.
"Several new policies will be implemented. Companies must adjust their production models accordingly. Those who actively cooperate will receive government support and incentives."
The speech continued.
Projects.
Infrastructure.
Green industry transformation.
Urban planning.
For nearly half an hour, the leaders carefully outlined their vision for the coming year.
Most people in the audience listened politely.
Some nodded.
Some pretended to take notes.
Others simply waited for the real battlefield to begin.
Because everyone knew—
The real meeting would only start after the speeches ended.
Finally, the leader concluded.
"Thank you for your attention."
Applause echoed across the hall.
Then the microphone was passed to representatives of the major households.
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The first person to stand was Bianca De Dominicis.
She rose calmly from her seat at the front.
Her long red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her red eyes carried sharp intelligence.
Many eyes turned toward her immediately.
Henrik De Dominicis, the patriarch of the De Dominicis household, leaned slightly toward her and murmured quietly.
"Remember."
"Confidence."
"And strike precisely."
Bianca gave a small nod.
Meanwhile, Wystan Valquin, sitting a few seats away, leaned toward Gwen Valquin and spoke in a low voice.
"Watch carefully."
"This is how business wars begin."
Gwen nodded thoughtfully.
At the podium, Bianca began speaking.
"Our De Dominicis Group will actively respond to the city’s environmental initiative."
"We will invest in green technology and support Valemont’s long-term environmental goals."
Her tone was calm.
Professional.
But suddenly her expression sharpened.
"I also have a question for the leaders."
The room grew slightly quieter.
"Bear Group, as a major enterprise in Valemont, has been damaging the environment for profit."
She paused.
"Their chemical plant in the southern district has been discharging large amounts of untreated wastewater."
"The surrounding ecosystem has suffered serious damage."
Her voice became firm.
"This issue deserves investigation."
A wave of murmurs spread across the hall.
This was not simply a statement.
It was a public accusation.
-------
The moment Bianca finished speaking, representatives of the D’Aurelius household and the Valquin household began speaking as well.
They presented financial reports.
Environmental data.
Market violations.
Each point struck like a hammer.
The three powerful households launched a coordinated assault against Bear Group.
No shouting.
No anger.
Only calm, precise words.
But everyone in the room understood.
This was a declaration of war.
Businessmen across the hall exchanged glances.
Some frowned.
Others quietly calculated.
If Bear Group collapsed...
Its market share would become an enormous opportunity.
Many companies began thinking.
Should they take a side?
Within minutes, most had reached the same conclusion.
Yes.
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By the time the annual meeting ended, Bear Group had unknowingly gained more than half of Valemont’s business world as enemies.
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Outside the hotel, luxury cars lined the street.
The evening air carried the faint scent of rain.
Inside one car sat Wystan Valquin and his beloved granddaughter Gwen Valquin.
The old patriarch glanced at her quietly.
After a moment, he spoke.
"Gwen."
"What exactly is going on between you and that boy from the D’Aurelius household today?"
His voice wasn’t angry.
Just curious.
When the two of them had played the piano earlier...
The happiness on Gwen’s face had been obvious to anyone watching.
Before Gwen could answer—
Mike Valquin leaned forward from the front seat.
"Grandpa, do you even need to ask?"
He grinned.
"My sister likes my big brother."
"They’re perfect together."
Before he could say another word—
WHACK.
A cane struck his head.
Mike yelped.
"Ow!"
Wystan Valquin glared at him.
"Your sister may be a perfect match."
"But you are a complete disaster."
He raised the cane again.
"If you bring another woman home again, I’ll throw you out of the Valquin household."
Mike rubbed his head and laughed awkwardly.
"Grandpa... relax..."
Seeing her grandfather looking at her seriously, Gwen bit her lip slightly.
Then she spoke softly.
"Grandpa... I do have feelings for Julian."
The car fell quiet.
Wystan sighed slowly.
"You should have said this earlier."
"If I knew sooner..."
He shook his head.
"...I might have secured the marriage before the Aurevale household did."
Gwen looked forward calmly.
"It doesn’t matter."
"They aren’t married yet."
Her voice carried quiet determination.
"I won’t easily give up what I want."
----------
In another car nearby, Henrik De Dominicis sat beside Bianca De Dominicis.
The old patriarch looked at his granddaughter seriously.
"That boy from the D’Aurelius household is excellent."
"But he’s already engaged."
Bianca flipped her red hair lightly.
"Grandpa."
"Just take care of your health."
She smiled confidently.
"Your granddaughter will obtain whatever she wants."
Inside her mind, another thought quietly formed.
Tomorrow...
I’ll call him for a meeting.
A playful smile appeared on her lips.
Maybe I’ll wear something special.
The old patriarch sighed.
Young people these days...
Were far bolder than his generation.
------------
Meanwhile, inside another car—
Shan Aurevale was giving his daughter Selene Aurevale a serious lecture.
"Selene, you must act quickly."
"Stop being so cold like before."
He spoke passionately.
"Good men are rare."
"When I was young, I was even more popular than that boy!"
The driver nearly lost control of the car hearing this.
Master...
Is this really the right conversation to have while I’m driving?
Shan continued proudly.
"Do you know why your mother married me?"
Selene felt a bad feeling.
Shan said proudly—
"She got me drunk."
"Then she slept with me."
"And after she got pregnant with you—"
"Father!"
Selene’s face turned completely red.
"Can you teach me something else?!"
Shan laughed.
"Men understand men."
"I’m doing this for your own good."
He leaned forward seriously.
"Tonight."
"Invite him for a drink."
Selene fell silent.
Her heart beat slightly faster.
After a long moment—
She quietly thought.
...Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea.