Pirate: I was just slacking off, do you really think I'm bad?

The hall features a circular dome with murals depicting the history of the Selsebury family and some local mythological figures.

An oval conference table bearing the marks of time, walls on both sides are carved with intricate patterns, and the glass is cut and pieced together from precious materials.

The fireplace flames were burning, illuminating three figures: three large and one small.

Raleigh and Gion stood across the long table, gazing at Rex and Alice from afar.

After receiving a simple bandage, Rex returned to his family and immediately discussed the matter with the remaining family members before dragging his ailing body to the council hall.

Before Raleigh could speak, Rex interjected:

"Lord Raleigh, our Selsebury family is willing to offer our entire fortune to repay your kindness in saving our young master and family members."

Rex was also conflicted about what to choose.

However, the remaining members of the family are all old Mafia members, and their thinking has become rigid.

In their minds, the navy was an inherent enemy, and there was no possibility of cooperation.

Besides, Mafia families are free to do as they please, and cooperating with the Navy might bring many more restrictions and unacceptable conditions.

As long as they are not on the verge of life or death, they still hold a glimmer of hope: to preserve themselves in the face of the navy.

Rex was forced to ask such an illogical question under these circumstances, otherwise he would have no way to explain himself to the senior members of the family.

Raleigh sighed, and the flames in the fireplace dimmed at that moment.

An extremely powerful pressure slowly emanated from Raleigh's body, pressing down on Rex and Alice opposite him.

The two figures, one large and one small, trembled under this oppressive aura, as if a ferocious beast was sitting opposite them, staring at them and poised to devour them at any moment.

"You don't understand me. I hate trouble the most, and I always want to be lazy in everything I do."

"But I also have a habit: I must solve anything that prevents me from being lazy, otherwise there will be endless trouble."

"I proposed this system, so naturally I'm responsible for it. If you neither cooperate with the Navy nor disappear from this island, it will cause me a lot of trouble."

Raleigh tapped the table and said expressionlessly.

Although their tone remained unchanged, Rex and Alice both understood the underlying threat in their words.

Their faces turned deathly pale with fear.

They had no doubt that what the man said would come true, because the example of Maysfield was right before their eyes.

As time passed, their inner fears gradually intensified.

On the other hand, Raleigh seemed very relaxed, holding Gion's small hand tightly without letting go.

Just as Rex and Alice were feeling increasingly stressed, they heard a commotion outside.

Raleigh smiled; it seemed that Kaji and the Navy had returned from outside.

Upon hearing the sound, a certain idea in Rex's mind became even clearer.

The hoarse voice asked:

"Lord Raleigh, if the Selesbury family agrees to cooperate with the Navy, what conditions will we need to offer?"

In fact, negotiations had reached a point where no further negotiation was needed.

The naval soldiers had already arrived, and they had no chance to escape.

Given the overwhelming strength of the navy, there is no chance of resistance. It would be better to listen to the conditions offered by the navy.

If it requires a lot of sacrifice, he would rather die than agree to cooperate.

Raleigh snapped his fingers, and his aura suddenly receded from his body.

The fireplace flames returned to normal, dispelling the tense atmosphere from before.

"There are just too many mafia families in the North Sea, as numerous as hairs on a cow. Every day, conflicts for territory unfold on different islands, and bloodshed erupts at any moment."

"I don't want to spend all my time dealing with these Mafia families after arriving in the North Sea. So, Chanialar Island is the first place I need to take care of."

"Besides your two families, there are five or six other mafia families of varying sizes on this island. In my opinion, they can all be eliminated. I will hand this island over to the two families, each governing half of it."

"From now on, you will be responsible for maintaining order on Chanialar Island, including dealing with the challenges from the emerging mafia and the harassment from pirates, and ensuring the safety of the island's civilians."

"Of course, the Navy also allows you to collect a protection fee from civilians. We will stipulate this. If you encounter a powerful enemy, you can call for Navy support at any time. These are the general conditions. What choice will you make?"

After speaking, Raleigh ignored the two people opposite him.

Gion asked softly:

"Rolley, if we're collecting protection money, how are we any different from the old mafia families? Aren't we just aiding and abetting evil?"

Raleigh shook his head and gently squeezed Gion's small hand.

He whispered in Gion's ear:

"The reason why Mafia families treat civilians badly is entirely due to their need to seize territory. If we define their territories, they will naturally protect the stability of those territories."

"Because a stable situation makes it easier for them to collect protection money; nobody wants to live in chaos."

"Even civilians who are charged protection money will willingly pay it if they find that they can live a peaceful life as long as they pay the protection money."

Gion only vaguely understood what Raleigh was saying, but the breath he was breathing near her ear made her face turn bright red.

"Rayle...stay away from me, I'm a little itchy."

Raleigh's masculine breath tickled Gion's ear, making her feel hot all over.

"Lord Raleigh, we are willing to accept your terms, only hoping that you will not abandon the Selsebury family."

Alice's childish voice rang out.

In truth, they had no other choice; perhaps this is the tragedy of the weak.

Even if you know in your heart that by agreeing to the navy's conditions, you will become a tool for the navy to control the island.

However, if they do not agree, the Selsebury family will be eliminated like their rivals, the Maysfield family.

The pressure of a family's survival can actually help people let go of many of their obsessions.

Upon hearing Alice's words, Raleigh turned his head and smiled easily.

"A wise decision, Alice. The Selesbury family has a brighter future because of your decision."

Raleigh stood up; he was going to greet his victorious men.

"In this world, strength is the foundation for everything. But justice also exists within the Navy. Believe me, you will never regret your choice."