Many of the tribal chiefs who had not yet departed gathered inside Shelter City, their voices rising in heated debate. Yuna Grant sat at the highest seat—the place once occupied by King Grant—and every pair of eyes was fixed on her.
This tribal princess, who had appeared so suddenly, spoke words that everyone present found laughable.
"Yuna Grant, Jiang Territory isn't..."
"Elder Yu, even if I married over there now, do you really think Jiang Territory would send troops? Hah..."
Yuna Grant sneered, and for a moment the voices in Shelter City faded. Everyone present understood clearly: the Grant Family was now mired in a swamp, and Jiang Territory would never send troops lightly.
Yuna Grant leaned back with a casual air, lifting a short rifle upright onto the table as she swept her gaze over the assembly.
"Who said women can't inherit in the tribe? Do you know how many clans have had female successors? Now, with a great enemy at our gates, am I supposed to just wait to die in Grant Domain? My father, mother, brothers, and sisters are all gone. In this generation of the Grant Family, only my second sister and I remain. If I don't step up, do you expect to surrender and hand us over for a reward?"
Yuna Grant's final words were cold and low, and immediately the murmurs resumed. Joseph Qiao said nothing. Although the previous meeting had seemed united, in critical moments, people could become hidden threats under enemy pressure and temptation.
The Yuna Grant before them now was imposing, utterly different from before; her presence was unmistakable to all.
"But you're not even fifteen yet. These matters should be left to Joseph Qiao and the rest of us..."
"If another division like the one at Central Rockfield happens again, will you listen to Joseph Qiao, to yourselves, or to me—the only heir of the Grant Family?"
Joseph Qiao looked at Yuna Grant in surprise. Beneath her coldness, there was a subtle strength that startled him. The decision to withdraw or hold at Central Rockfield had ultimately been made by King Grant and Edward Grant. Many opinions had been voiced, but in the end, the leader of all the Grant Family tribes made the final call.
"Enough. There's no need to discuss trivial matters further. From now on, you must remain united. Joseph Qiao, prepare the cavalry."
"What are you planning to do?"
Yuna Grant chuckled, then stood and drew the Jade Spear from her back, driving it into the ground with a resonant clang.
"Is it even a question? The enemy is already at our doorstep. If we do nothing and wait for them to feast and drink before coming for us, how is that any different from waiting to die?"
Joseph Qiao swallowed and managed a helpless smile. Voices of dissent rose all around—the soldiers were simply no match for the enemy now.
"Everyone, please listen to me."
Joseph Qiao called out.
"We really can't keep waiting. If we do, it's hopeless. The enemy is relaxed now because they think we've already lost. Such a large force can't move in quickly—it's impossible in just a few days. If we strike now, we can blunt their momentum. The enemy's vanguard should already be near us."