"!!!" Vina definitely missed this one. That was right. From the beginning, Clovis had only brought twenty people even though they had two representatives.

In the beginning, she only thought that this was Clovis' way to balance the strength of both parties. If the Three Swords brought thirty people to fill up that number, Clovis wouldn't be able to fight back if Eid chose to attack them.

If the Three Swords brought twenty people, it showed that Eid didn't respect and believe Clovis.

Hence, Eid agreed when Nathan proposed to bring ten people from each side.

Because of Reolf, Clovis suggested that they bring the fighters since Melody would become their operator and Rin came as a chef.

However, the moment the mission reached this point, the twenty-member limit was questioned again.

Clovis already knew that there was a traitor. If they assumed this was the main reason for the number of members instead of other reasons, other possibilities started to emerge.

Vina didn't expect Clovis had thought this far. And thanks to this thought, they were able to reach this conclusion.

Only one question remained. Why would Clovis do all this?

If his aim was to kill Stefany, he could achieve it by slicing her throat. Even the Dark Supreme would most likely turn a blind eye to it, knowing that Stefany simply reaped what she sowed.

But he didn't intend to kill Stefany. Then, for what reason?

"Why did you choose to spare me, Clovis Hacfield?" Stefany squinted her eyes.

"Because you're still useful." Clovis smiled. "If you betray me again, I will simply show them the truth and make no one able to believe you anymore."

"Blackmail…" Stefany frowned. "Even then, I have lost everything. The Dark Supreme will definitely find out that I have betrayed you. Do you think he won't do anything?"

"Of course he won't. What matters is my and Eid's opinion. If both the Libation Fiesta and the Three Swords deny it, he won't do anything. In the end, he words this battle as the succession battle, while the truth is this battle is a trial."

"To train us…" Vina nodded.

"That's right."

"Still, the rules of the succession battle have stated clearly that I will be stripped of my status. In other words, I'm no longer the leader of the division. You can say that the division is now under Vina."

"Yes, but you are someone who is able to lead the division that is known for its connection. The connection between you and them won't be as simple.

"Even if they follow Vina, I doubt they will follow her as much as they followed you in the beginning. However…" Clovis smirked.

He stopped at that point, as the two girls understood what Clovis wanted.

"So, you want me to be her follower." Stefany snorted. "I don't want to. Just kill me. Who wants to be a follower?"

"I'm not going so far as to tell you to be her follower. How about the vice leader?" Clovis raised two fingers. "Even if any of you can reach the top, you will find out that you are unable to become the next Dark Supreme. You can't have all of his qualities at the same time.

"However, if you work together, you will be able to wield the Dark Moon Mercenary. You can say you will be under one person and above everyone else."

"That's indeed tempting, but do you think I won't betray her? I have done it once, so I can do it again. I can simply take my time to rebuild my own force and strike her in the future."

Clovis nodded in agreement. "That's why if you want to backstab her, do it."

"Oi!" Vina never thought Clovis would suggest such a thing right in front of her face.

Even Stefany was baffled by Clovis' nonchalant attitude.

"If you can usurp her, that means she's the one lacking."

"..." Vina rolled her eyes but couldn't deny it.

"I only have one demand," added Clovis.

"What is it?"

"Support her for three years without scheming anything. I believe you owe us this much, no? After that, I will treat it as if the betrayal never happened. If the information about your betrayal appears because of my group, I will personally take responsibility."

For keeping the secret of her betrayal and for giving her one more chance to fight, she indeed owed Clovis this much.

Three years might be long, but not too long. If he asked her to remain loyal for a decade or even more, Stefany would definitely rebel or ask him to kill her instead.

To let her keep that hope, he proposed three years. By that time, Clovis would definitely grow strong enough that no matter what trick she threw at him, it would be useless.

"I have one last question." Stefany asked. "Why me? If you want, you can get Albert. Besides, he has the sword of the Dark Moon Mercenary."

"Well, looking at how his group betrayed him earlier, he would probably get punished after this. And that kind of person will definitely not be someone I can get along with.

"Once the battle reaches that point, you two can work together to crush him. Don't you think so?"

Vina didn't want to admit it, but if she worked together with Stefany, her chance of becoming the next Dark Supreme would be 100%.

Besides, with Stefany, she didn't have to become too dependent on the Libation Fiesta.

Stefany turned to Vina before saying, "The Three Swords…"

"I will convince them."

"I see. If that's the case, the only one who can give that answer will be…" Stefany looked Vina in the eyes.

That was right. This was Vina's decision, not hers or Clovis's.

If Vina rejected her, nothing could be done.

Vina could see how lacking she was in this succession battle. She had no other choice but to work together with her former enemy to chase after her dream.

"Let's work together." Vina finally made her decision. "I'm looking forward to working with you."

"I'm looking forward to seeing you trip so that I am able to take that seat from you."

"Try it if you can." Vina snorted.