CHAPTER 79: GIDEON’S DECISION

As Mitsuko had said, the situation in the wolf village could become dangerous for them after Bian decided to reject Gideon’s newly proposed idea of uniting the mythological races.

Lady Mitsuko suggested discussing this further in her own village, the safest place for Gideon.

She could guarantee that the Kitsune would not harm him, but she could not promise that they would agree to his idea.

The three of them stepped out of the village hall, where Bian and several wolves were watching Gideon with wounded hearts, feeling betrayed.

But Gideon was still human. Bian should have known that he could not rely on him forever. No matter what, Gideon would always prioritize his own race above others.

There were no threats, no intimidation, nothing. Gideon managed to leave the village accompanied by Mitsuko and Siver.

If Bian was truly set on his decision, then the wolf village was no longer an ideal place to discuss this idea.

Gideon would find another way to search for the best source of power besides the waterwheel generator in the wolf village.

He felt certain that he could use materials found around the villages.

For now, it was much better to hear Mitsuko’s idea about uniting the mythological races.

The three of them arrived at the Kitsune village, where many of the villagers welcomed Gideon warmly.

They still clearly remembered the time when he and his team saved so many of their people. They would never forget that moment.

Mitsuko invited Gideon and Siver to talk in her residence. They went up to the second floor and arrived in her study, where she ordered the servants and elders to leave.

"I’m glad your people are healthy," Gideon said.

"Lena has taught us so much about living healthy. Thanks to her, the lives of my villagers are much healthier than before," Mitsuko explained.

The door to the room was shut tightly. Not one of them dared to eavesdrop on Mitsuko’s conversation. The atmosphere became silent and calm. There was no one else there, not even a wolf.

"I’ve actually been worried about this for a long time. The wolf race is strong, but they’re stubborn," Gideon said.

"And your meeting with that noble commander... If I’m not mistaken, with your strength, you could easily become a noble yourself."

"My words proved right. After days of not visiting, now you are a Baron."

"I’m sorry," Gideon said, feeling guilty for not telling them earlier.

"I don’t mind too much. Lord Gideon truly deserves to be a noble," Siver said.

In their history, not many battles had involved the Lamia against humans. The Lamia were mostly occupied with conflicts among the other mythological races, fighting against Lizardmen and Gnolls.

That was why the Lamia had no strong opinions about humans. They thought of them as a weak race that relied only on numbers, breeding quickly and in large numbers like rabbits.

"I feel the same. In fact, I’m glad you’ve become a Baron. That means trade can happen more freely," Mitsuko added.

"Thank you for your support," Gideon said, grateful.

"Let’s set that aside. There’s something important that you might use as a way to unite the mythological races," Mitsuko said.

"We can’t ignore this idea, since we’ve already discussed it once. The unification was nearly successful before Bian withdrew," Mitsuko explained.

"You can build your own kingdom as you wish. You can still unite the mythological races without involving them," Mitsuko said.

"What do you mean?"

"You must become the villain."

"Me?" Gideon asked, shocked.

Lady Siver was confused. She didn’t fully understand what Mitsuko was thinking. Gideon had always acted as a good, noble, heroic man to the non-human races. He and his team were like divine envoys destined to help everyone.

Asking Gideon to play the role of a villain was completely opposite to his true nature.

"There’s no way Lord Gideon could become as evil as the people of Moko, right?" Lady Siver asked.

"That’s exactly the point, to make him appear as though he’s part of Moko," Mitsuko answered.

"I don’t understand," Lady Siver said.

Mitsuko smiled, sitting on the sofa and inviting Gideon and Siver to sit as well. The kitsune woman explained her plan to bring peace to all the mythological races in the southern region: they needed a common enemy, and one far stronger than themselves.

"There’s no denying Gideon and his team’s strength is extraordinary. With that power, you could—"

"Act as the villain and threaten the other races. When they’re on the brink of defeat, they’ll have no choice but to agree to unification in order to protect themselves," Gideon said, cutting off Mitsuko’s words.

"I knew you would understand."

"But wouldn’t that make him even more hated?" Lady Siver asked.

"Remember Gideon’s promise to separate from Moko? Think of it as him being like Moko’s soldiers who always oppress the mythological races. When Gideon raises a new banner as part of a new kingdom, they’ll come to crush Moko!" Mitsuko said firmly.

"This is nothing but a trick to make two sides fight each other. When that happens, you step in and protect the mythological races’ lands without interfering in their kingdoms," Mitsuko emphasized.

Gideon cleared his throat. That would require careful planning and caution. But if it worked, it would give him the chance to win them over.

But that was Mitsuko’s plan. Gideon had another in mind, one he believed was far more effective than fighting Moko like a hero.

I’m sure my plan will be much more effective than what Mitsuko is suggesting.

"I fully understand your idea, Lady Mitsuko," Gideon said.

"You’ll become the villain and follow her plan?" Siver asked.

"This is for the greater good."

"The two of you should stay close to the other races, support them as though you are on their side."

"There will come a time when you’ll need my help."

"For now, I’ll focus on strengthening the economy and trust of my village. When I reach the point where I and my people can stand independently, I will break away from Moko," Gideon said.

"Keep this secret to yourselves," Gideon said.

"I don’t want you to be suspected by them."

Lady Mitsuko cleared her throat. She could easily keep a secret, and so could Lady Siver, especially since the Lamia rarely interacted with other races.

These two women might be Gideon’s most strategic hidden allies for what was to come.

Any information he needed from them could be obtained through Mitsuko, of course by trading. Trade was the most effective way to get information of any kind.

"I’ll return to Rockvalley and discuss this with the others," Gideon said.

"Yes, take care of yourself," Mitsuko said.

Mitsuko stood and hugged Gideon, and Lady Siver did the same. After this conversation, the two women would return to the wolf village and begin spreading the news that Gideon had canceled the unification plan.

The kitsune woman would try to persuade Bian to take up the idea, to stand together against the new strength of the Moko Kingdom.

"Bian already knows your capabilities. He will have no choice but to follow the idea without you," Mitsuko said.

"That’s much better. Bian can handle it. You just keep supporting him as best you can."

"I understand, Lord Gideon."