CHAPTER 464: CHAPTER 299: INFIGHTING_1

"Who!" The crone seemed somewhat panicked. Why would the Romani be passing on such information internally?

However, the experienced always remained shrewd. After a moment’s thought, the crone quickly deduced who was likely using the Romani’s communication channels to spread the news. Only Amanda’s teacher, as a department head, had both the ability and the motive; she naturally controlled some internal channels as well.

"What does she want to do!"

This was not a question, but a challenge to her actions.

"The message was sent before the Spiritual Network went down. According to the data at the time, the man was not deemed highly dangerous. She did this to introduce external forces to disrupt the local situation without direct involvement, thereby seizing the Sacred Object. This aligned very well with the plan."

Strangely enough, the woman didn’t kick her opponent when they were down; instead, she defended her. However, sometimes speech wasn’t that simple; the truly important part came later.

"Now that communication within the imperial region is cut off, even if we arrange to send out notifications, it would take at least a month to achieve full coverage. I’m afraid we can no longer stop the spread of the message."

The woman first affirmed the plan’s validity, but then she firmly established the finality of the situation, indicating that the event’s impact had become irreversible.

"Alas... this ruins my important plans." The crone felt somewhat helpless as the situation was increasingly spiraling out of control.

She had initially predicted a high chance of failure if she went personally, and now the possibility of reaching a reconciliation seemed even slimmer.

"Forget it." The crone waved her hand dismissively. "Go and prepare."

"What about the other party...?" The woman hadn’t forgotten their opponent and reminded the Elder, seeing she had stopped speaking.

"She will find out about this. There’s no need for me to tell her."

"Understood." Seeing that the Elder did not wish to discuss the matter further, the woman quickly excused herself to arrange the travel details.

Now alone in the vast room, the crone hesitated only briefly before taking out her divination tools to predict the outcome of her trip.

It was their custom, and in some cases, it had even become a dependency.

However, the results of this divination plunged her into a state of panic and anxiety; not even an omen of great misfortune had ever made her feel this way.

It was because the results of the divination were different all three times; everything seemed to be veiled and obscured by something. When facing that man, the Romani’s prized ability was rendered useless, as if he were enshrouded in fog.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Seeker of Omens, another conversation was taking place via the newly restored Spiritual Network.

Just as the crone had guessed, the Elder who had voiced dissenting opinions at the Elders’ Council had sought out Amanda’s teacher, the head of the Seeker of Omens’ secret department.

"I didn’t use a direct Romani channel, but our department’s internal secret channels. Even if the message gets out, it might not be traced back to us."

"But you forgot that Tamara and Amanda are both in his hands. Can you guarantee that the channels used to spread the message won’t be exposed? Even if he doesn’t guess, he’s likely to blame us directly, especially since we are one of the few organizations capable of mass message distribution. Moreover, the timing is too coincidental. Do you really think *he* wouldn’t guess? Don’t think your enemy is a fool."

"Yes, Teacher."

"At work, address by title."

"Yes, Elder."

Indeed, this Elder was the woman’s teacher—at least, she once was—but that relationship had been severed after the student became an Elder.

According to the rules, the moment one becomes an Elder, they must sever all worldly ties and be responsible solely for the Romani community.

But how could such ties be so easily severed? Even if unacknowledged, some connection remained, more or less. Otherwise, why would this Elder appear here?

"I’m very disappointed in you..." The Elder paused briefly before addressing the critical issue.

"Although this matter doesn’t directly involve you, the intelligence you collected has been utterly useless. On the contrary, it led to the misjudgment that caused this situation. You failed to verify the accuracy of the intelligence before acting on it, so you are definitely responsible."

The woman was also at a loss for words. She was at headquarters, and Amanda had collected the intelligence, yet she was the one being blamed.

The Elder was disappointed in her, and she, in turn, was disappointed in Amanda. In a way, it was a case of the apple not falling far from the tree.

"Forget about aiming for an Elder’s seat for now. Focus on keeping your current position."

"Is there really no way at all?" The woman was a bit reluctant. Ordinary members didn’t know that an Elder was preparing to step down, but those like her with access to certain channels were already aware. Originally, only two or three people were qualified, and now she had been directly eliminated from contention.

"Not entirely. The higher-ups are taking this incident very seriously. If you can secure that man’s support, you might still have a chance."

The woman furrowed her brow upon hearing this. Her people were still detained by him. Moreover, considering the confrontation with the Elder that had directly destroyed the Spiritual Network, approaching him seemed less like negotiation and more like walking to her death.

Then, something occurred to her, and she tentatively asked the Elder,

"What was it that man said, about matters concerning the survival or demise of the Romani?"

She hadn’t expected the Elder’s expression to instantly turn grave upon hearing this. He chided her sternly,

"That is not something you need to concern yourself with!"