When the plot-skips players into the game world

This title was the best designation he found after much thought—Aiwass has many titles, such as Minister of the Department of Care of Magical Creatures, former Pope, Crown Prince... But he believes that "Cardinal Archbishop" is the highest-ranking title, and also subtly implies Aiwass to "please spare me" as a sign of submission.

His address of Isabel as "Queen" also carries similar meaning. Although Isabel is no longer a queen, he hopes Isabel would recognize this as an important conversation concerning the relations between two countries, and requests Isabel to place herself in the position of a queen.

Through social positioning of others, influencing their self-definition subconsciously, and adjusting the environment to be more conducive to one's own survival—this is undoubtedly a survival strategy belonging to the Path of Adaptation. Since it is not an Extraordinary Skill, it would not cause any fluctuation in the Path.

Upon seeing him, Aiwass's lips slightly curled up.

At that moment, Chairman Pierre already sensed something was amiss.

Fortunately, Aiwass did not immediately act, but instead warmly nodded towards the reporters on both sides of the street and the continuously flashing cameras, showing a gentle and bright smile, greeting everyone present and extending a Blessing.

Afterward, amidst the frenzied screams and cheers of the people, he slowly walked Isabel and Chairman Pierre into the elevator of the Sky Tower.

Sky Tower—this is a hotel or rather a landmark in the capital, City of Light. Its feature is being extremely tall, allowing a view over the clouds. It's also the venue for top-level banquets... After all, being at such a height, neither assassins nor eavesdroppers can infiltrate.

Of course, it also implies another possibility—that when those inside want to escape, they cannot.

After taking their seats, Aiwass leisurely said, "Chairman Pierre... I've heard your reputable name."

"Not at all."

Pierre showed a hearty smile full of Affinity, touching his head: "Honestly, I don't think I'm that famous... Perhaps you don't know, Cardinal Moriarty... I'm mainly a mascot within the party, haha. Everyone else is actually more enthusiastic and proactive in work than I am. Usually, I don't have much to do, as for why I reached this position... It's probably because I don't know much, so I'm not threatening."

His words could almost be described as weak.

But from another angle, it was actually an act of passing the buck.

Pierre hinted that "I don't actually hold much real power," hence "if anything goes wrong, it's not my responsibility."

Aiwass did not pick up the cue.

He merely smiled calmly: "Is that so? I think the title 'leader of the Hawkeye Organization' is still quite formidable."

"..."

Pierre suddenly fell Silent.

"It must be quite busy, right? Beyond political life, you have to manage such a large organization. There aren't many people to help you... After all, even at the high levels of Hawkeye, not many are aware of this; and within the Giant Tree Party, none.

Aiwass chuckled, sipping sparkling wine.

Chairman Pierre slowly exhaled a breath, showing a smile of helplessness yet relief.

He didn't argue or pretend ignorance—he knew such actions were meaningless. Given Aiwass's status, since he mentioned it, he certainly has substantial evidence to back it. Being pretentious or pompous would only further lower Aiwass's evaluation of him.

This elegant yet seemingly disheartened middle-aged man slowly bowed his head, clasping his hands together. He gently rocked back and forth in a pleading manner.

"I beg for mercy, sir."

He sincerely said in a low voice: "I concede defeat. It was all my fault. I'm sorry. I'll do whatever it takes."

He did not even bother explaining, "though the assassination attempt was not my command," but rather it was the Assassin Master's unilateral action driven by his vengeance.

Pierre knew such words were true, but he couldn't explain it—no matter what evidence he presented, the opposite side would see it as truth only after Pierre had hidden it for long. Moreover, regardless of circumstances, he understood this incident implies at least a tacit approval or non-opposition from his side, assigning him some responsibility.

"Smart fellow."

With a squinting smile, Aiwass said: "I thought you'd struggle a bit. At least throwing the blame of my assassination attempt to someone else... After all, it was Master Thomas's decision, right?"

"... You even know that."

Chairman Pierre felt rather helpless.

He had always thought he fully controlled the Hawkeye Organization as his domain. But now, it seemed everything leaked out like a sieve.

However, his heart sparked with a glimpse of hope—shrewdly capturing a chance for survival in Aiwass's words.

"As expected from Cardinal Archbishop Your Excellency, the only Pope among humans."

Chairman Pierre flattered: "A powerhouse completely on a different level than us—even it may be my fantasy, but is there a chance for us to fight under your command?"

"You?"

Aiwass raised an eyebrow: "Hawkeye?"

"The elite within Hawkeye," Chairman Pierre corrected, "each one is among the best of the best. They come from respectable families; their parents and ancestors sacrificed their lives for the Iris Flower, and now these high-ranking assassins are very trustworthy..."

Aiwass smiled while looking at him.

Chairman Pierre immediately amended his words once more: "Of course... Even among the elite, there aren't many that are absolutely reliable anymore. However, it would be a real pity to eliminate what's left of them entirely. They are very clean—you can conduct investigations; I recall that a Master is following your footsteps to the Holy Nation... I remember it's Master Honey Badger.

"She knows too, that some of the assassins within the organization have not been corrupted. Although the number is small... I have kept their morals and spirit intact. This was for cultivating healthier talents for the organization...

"You know, those assassins with somewhat unclean hands might be bribed by others, so I'm not daring enough to use them. Plus, their hearts on the Path have become stained... After all, not many assassins have access to me personally, so I must select carefully among the best."

"... Then."

Aiwass looked at him for a while before suddenly speaking: "How many remain from this batch."

"Sixteen, all are at Fourth Level and above, and three already promoted to the Fifth Power Level this month."

Chairman Pierre promptly replied.

Aiwass looked at him for a while longer, gently tapping his fingers on the armrest. To Pierre, whose hearing was acute, each soft tap sounded like a thunderclap.

Finally, Aiwass provided an answer.

"—Then, deal with the remaining ones."

Aiwass squinted slightly, his pupils burning with Radiance.

He smiled, putting an end to the Hawkeye organization: "Ensure the process is clean—be careful not to harm any innocents."

"Yes."

Chairman Pierre promptly responded respectfully: "Every assassin's behavior assessments are continuously conducted internally... Their every move is monitored by senior assassins. There will be no incorrect killings, nor will anyone be spared."

"Prepare for the transition."

Aiwass mildly stated: "Now with Hawkeye and Son of the Moon gone, many grassroots facilities... such as welfare centers, without anyone overseeing them. Although showcasing is no longer necessary, these parts must be properly handled."

"Absolutely, I'll personally manage it."

Pierre quickly said: "Not a single issue will arise—I swear on my life."

"You're a smart person, Pierre."

Aiwass laughed: "Your intelligence saved you.

"Does the Iris Kingdom have any interest in returning to the empire?"