The circular domed hall featured ceiling paintings depicting the Salisbury Family's history and local mythological figures.
An oval conference table, bearing the marks of age, stood in the center, and the walls were carved with intricate patterns.
Rex's wounds had received basic treatment.
After returning, he had immediately consulted with the family's remaining executives and, despite his injuries, dragged himself to the conference hall.
He and the young Alice sat at one end of the long table, facing Raleigh and Gion.
Before Raleigh could speak, Rex took the initiative.
"Raleigh-sama, our Salisbury Family is willing to offer all our family assets to repay your kindness for saving our young mistress and family members."
Actually, Rex was conflicted.
The remaining executives were old-school Mafia, their thinking is rigid.
In their minds, the Marines were natural enemies; cooperation was impossible.
Besides, they valued their freedom.
Cooperating with the Marines would bring restrictions.
As long as they weren't facing immediate destruction, they still held onto the hope of preserving themselves.
It was under these circumstances that Rex had to ask, otherwise he couldn't justify himself to the family's old guard.
Raleigh sighed, and the fireplace flames seemed to dim.
An immense pressure slowly emanated from him, pressing down on Rex and Alice.
The two trembled under the weight, as if facing a ferocious beast ready to devour them.
"You don't understand me. I'm someone who hates trouble the most—I always want to take the lazy way out," Raleigh said, tapping the table.
"But I also have a habit: anything that affects my laziness must be resolved, otherwise it brings endless trouble. This new system was proposed by me, so naturally, I'm responsible for it."
"If you neither cooperate with the Marines nor disappear from this island, it will cause me great trouble."
Though his tone remained unchanged, the threat was clear.
Their faces turned deathly pale.
They had no doubt the man before them would follow through; the example of the Mesfield family was laid bare before their eyes.
As time ticked away, their fear intensified.
Opposite them, Raleigh appeared quite relaxed, holding Gion's small hand without any intention of letting go.
Just as the pressure on Rex and Alice grew unbearable, they heard a commotion from outside.
Raleigh smiled—it seemed Tokikake and the Marines had returned.
Upon hearing the noise, a certain thought in Rex's mind grew clearer.
He asked in a hoarse voice, "Raleigh-sama, if the Salisbury Family agrees to cooperate with the Marines, what conditions would we need to meet?"
At this point, further negotiation was unnecessary.
The Marines were already here; there was no chance for escape or resistance.
It was better to hear the terms.
If the cost was too high, he would rather die than agree.
Raleigh snapped his fingers, and the imposing aura around him abruptly receded.
The fireplace flames returned to normal, sweeping away the tense atmosphere.
"There are far too many Mafia families in the North Blue, numerous as the hairs on an ox. Conflicts erupt every day," Raleigh began. "I don't want to spend my time here constantly dealing with them. So, Chaniaral Island is the first place I intend to resolve."
"On this island, aside from your two families, there are five or six others, large and small. In my view, they can all be cleared out. I will entrust the governance of this island to two families, each managing half of the island."
"From now on, you will maintain order, including facing challenges from emerging Mafia groups and pirate invasions, ensuring the safety of the island's civilians. Of course, the Marines will also permit you to collect a portion of protection fees. We will set regulations for this. If you encounter powerful enemies, you can call for marine support. Those are the general terms. What choice will you make?"
After speaking, Raleigh paid no further attention to them.
Gion asked softly, "Raleigh, if we collect protection fees, how is that any different from the old Mafia families? Aren't we just aiding and abetting evil?"
Raleigh shook his head and gently squeezed her hand.
He whispered close to her ear, "The reason Mafia families mistreat civilians is entirely due to their need to compete for territory. If we delineate their areas clearly, they will naturally protect the stability within their zones. A stable environment is more conducive to collecting protection fees. No one wants to live in chaos."
"Even the civilians," he continued, "if they find that paying ensures a peaceful and stable life, will willingly hand over the fees."
Raleigh's words left Gion only half-understanding, but his breath by her ear made her cheeks flush bright red.
"Raleigh… move away a bit. It's a little ticklish."
Raleigh's masculine breath against her ear sent a wave of warmth through her.
"Raleigh-sama, we are willing to accept your terms," Alice's youthful voice rang out, "We're only asking that you do not abandon the Salisbury Family."
In truth, they had no other choice.
Perhaps this was the sorrow of the weak.
They understood clearly that agreeing would make them mere tools controlled by the Marines, but refusing would mean the Salisbury Family would be wiped out just like their rivals.
Under the pressure of survival, people let go of many stubborn attachments.
Hearing Alice's words, Raleigh turned his head and smiled.
"A wise decision, Alice. The Salisbury Family now has a brighter future because of your choice."
He stood up, ready to greet his victorious subordinates.
"In this world, strength is the foundation for everything. But justice also exists within the Marines. Believe me, you will never regret your choice."
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