9:00 a.m., Grimvarn Isle Conference Hall.
Jethro's delegation, as per the host's instructions, entered the room and settled into their seats.
Shepherd, along with Dorian, the leader of the Dark Eagle group, and representatives from 20 top families, were also present.
Additionally, there were representatives from Autreynia, Kangaroth, Novaros, and other island regions involved in the ongoing mediation.
Upon their arrival, Shepherd warmly greeted Jethro and his team, showing great respect.
"General Quintana, we are truly grateful that you and your team have come to Grimvarn Isle today to take part in these negotiations with Divine Drakebane," Shepherd began.
"The events that took place at Dragon Manor years ago were the result of a conspiracy, masterminded by Baird from the Dark Night Alliance.
"We were victims in this too. The past is behind us, and I hope we can all leave those unpleasant events in the past.
"Before Divine Drakebane arrives, I would like to share our position with you, General Quintana. Our goal is to reach a reconciliation with Divine Drakebane.
"We are willing to offer substantial compensation and a formal public apology to express our sincere regret for the misunderstanding that occurred 20 years ago."
Jethro nodded slightly. "Shepherd, we've conducted a thorough investigation into the events of that time, and we now have a complete understanding of what happened.
"I'll share our stance as well.
"Before Divine Drakebane arrives, I want to make our position clear, Mr. Gilkes. The mastermind behind that incident must be severely punished!
"Otherwise, this entire negotiation is pointless."
Shepherd's eyelid twitched in reaction. "General Quintana, we are here today with the utmost sincerity—"
Jethro cut him off, his tone unwavering. "Mr. Gilkes, the meeting has not yet officially begun. Once Divine Drakebane arrives, we can discuss this matter further.
"What I just said represents our position.
"We will not proceed with the actual negotiations until Divine Drakebane is present.
"In the meantime, I must bring to your attention that the business fleet under the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance has recently been engaging in aggressive actions in our eastern waters. This is something we strongly disapprove of.
"If such incidents continue, we will reserve the right to take the most severe measures against any provocation of our borders.
"It's not just you or the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance. Any group or organization, anywhere in the world, that dares to challenge us will face the same response!"
At that moment, Shepherd's assistant quickly approached and whispered something into his ear.
Shepherd's eyes briefly gleamed with a sharp intensity.
"General Quintana, I need to step away for a moment. I'll be back in two minutes.
"We still have 15 minutes before the official start of the meeting. I trust you'll understand and support the proposal I just put forward."
Without waiting for Jethro's reply, Shepherd leaned in and speak briefly with representatives from Autreynia, Kangaroth, Novaros, and others. He then turned and exited the conference hall.
In his hand was crucial information passed to him through the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance's intelligence network, and his face twisted into a cold, calculating smile.
The intelligence he had received revealed that Mecria had acquired the super weapon system.
Previously, the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance had secretly bribed certain departments within Mecria to strike a private deal.
If Divine Drakebane attempted to attack the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance, the super weapon system would be deployed to target and eliminate Robin.
Five minutes later, Shepherd returned to the conference hall.
He took his seat again, his demeanor completely altered—gone was the polite and respectful attitude he had shown earlier.
He whispered to his entourage, and then, with no further acknowledgment of Jethro and his group, Shepherd and the Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance delegation proceeded to laugh and chat amongst themselves without a care.
Jethro immediately understood the change in behavior.
It was clear that Shepherd had learned the super weapon system was no longer in Robin's possession, and this newfound knowledge emboldened him.
Jethro's assistant, Charlie Page, leaned in and quietly spoke. "General Quintana, we've received new intelligence.
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