Avery had foreseen that this matter might be brought up and promptly came to Neera's defense.
“We've already clarified this situation. Neera inadvertently saved the Lord of Phison, and in return, he aided her in securing her position as the Gordon family's head. However, regardless of the Lord's involvement, Neera's role as the family head remains unambiguous.”
Solomon sneered. “The Coxes have a long-standing alliance with the Gordons, so naturally, you're siding with the Gordon family.”
Avery's countenance darkened, and he inquired icily, “What are you insinuating? Are you suggesting that the Cox family is showing bias?”
“I didn't mean that. We trust the Cox family, but I think the Jennings family's young lady made a valid point. After all, the Cox family is the Cox family, and the Gordon family is the Gordon family. Even with a close relationship, you may not be privy to every detail,” Solomon retorted.
Stella saw that she had garnered support from someone and immediately grew more self-assured. She glanced at the others, her tone carrying a significant implication as she asked, “And what do the rest of you think?”
The others exchanged looks and discerned the situation.
Even though they didn't fully comprehend the dynamics between the Gordon family and Lordsworth Estate, reducing the number of competitors at this juncture seemed advantageous.
Therefore, to eliminate one contender, these individuals began aligning with Stella, directing their criticisms toward the Gordon family.
“It's undeniable that this new Gordon family head has emerged out of nowhere. An outsider we've never encountered before, with a vague background, suddenly taking charge of the Gordon family. It does raise suspicions.”
“I concur, the Gordon family should be excluded from the competition. The background of the Gordon family head and their ties to Lordsworth Estate need clarification.”
“The Bartitsu Guild has never aligned itself with Lordsworth Estate. I've never witnessed any martial arts family connected to Lordsworth Estate. It contradicts the principles of our martial arts families!”
“I agree...”
All of a sudden, the Gordon family became the focal point of criticism.
Neera hadn't anticipated that Tiago's arrival would pose such a significant risk to the Gordon family, and her expression conveyed her concern.
Avery's sole recourse was to advocate for the Gordon family through the Cox family.
“Regardless of the circumstances, I'll reiterate it again: the Gordon family will remain steadfast, will not engage in any actions adverse to the Bartitsu Guild, and will certainly not betray the Bartitsu Guild!”
Matthew maintained an impassive expression as he listened to their arguments.
Hearing his silence, the room gradually fell quiet, the people attempted to gauge his thoughts.
Finally, Matthew spoke in a tone that neither held warmth nor coldness.
“I understand your concerns, but we should refrain from jumping to conclusions about the Gordon family's intentions to harm the Guild. Whether the Gordon family's presence will be detrimental to the guild is a matter for the guild to determine in the future. Today, let's focus on discussing the rules for tomorrow's district election.”
His words implied that the Gordon family could still participate in tomorrow's election.
Those who had expressed dissent earlier were dissatisfied but refrained from speaking out further due to Matthew's statement.
Neera discreetly breathed a sigh of relief.
“The rules for tomorrow's election have been established by a neutral party. The participating family factions will enter Mount Cloud in Phison's dense forest. A white flag is already planted at the mountain's peak. The first to reach it will secure the district president's position. Each faction can bring ten individuals into the forest, whether they are family members or hired protectors. No specific requirements are set for this. Once you enter the forest, it's a matter of your own abilities as to whether you live or die. The guild won't concern itself with the process; we'll only evaluate the outcome.”
This rule announcement stirred a reaction among everyone in the room.
Avery, just like everyone else, hadn't expected this method for the election.
He instinctively turned his gaze toward Neera, his brows furrowing deeply.
The dense forest posed numerous risks, from the natural environment to potential conflicts, and for Neera, these challenges could be life-threatening.
Neera had also not foreseen such a brutal election rule.
Though Matthew hadn't explicitly stated it, she could imagine the violent conflicts that might erupt in the Bartitsu Guild, which endorsed the use of force as a means to an end.
A matter of your own abilities as to whether you live or die?
This implied that even if someone lost their life in the forest, the guild would look the other way.
Neera, who had little interest in the district president election, was now resistant to the idea and even contemplating abstaining.
However, at that moment, Matthew directed his gaze toward her.
“This time, the third elder and the fourth elder have nominated the Jennings family and the Gordon family. The guild hopes you will achieve good results.”
Nominated... the Gordon family?
The Guild's nomination of the Gordon family for the election took Neera by surprise. She had been pondering abstaining, but now it was clear that the Guild was insistent on their participation, and refusal was not an option.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean)
What kind of stupid confusion is this, how come she didn't know that the my bourvart they are talking about is Jean?...
Author uses too many words to describe useless things and then don't clarify others, who is this aunts friend. Neere went to play golf with who?...
Why is she keeping so many secrets from Jean?...
is it too much to ask, when are they going to know that Jean is the father of her triplets???? the man that night 6yrs ago is Jean???!!!!!!...
Chapter 328, did Alfonso not meet Jeann before, how does he not recognise him huh...
I'm a bit confused, does Roxanna not know that her sister is married..this chapter makes it look like she doesn't know but they already went to Jean for money huh...
Too many words to explain somethings, it's a waste.......
Good Day Dear Author! i just want to ask, why it cant read in normal format? the sentences for every chapter is cut, almost half of the sentence is cut thats why cant read it as whole. Thankyou....