Apocalypse Villainess? Nah, I'm Nice

’The problem could be the seeds, or it could be the cultivation techniques. But either way, from what she had observed at Bloodfall Base, Paige Summers was the key!’

’Under these circumstances, her only choice was to build a good relationship with Bloodfall Base.’

’For the people, food is everything!’

’She couldn’t afford to offend those who controlled the food supply.’

’Although Southreach had its own stockpiles, its reserves were dangerously thin. The news that Bloodfall was selling food could only be a cause for celebration.’

’Looking at the bigger picture, even if she managed to secure her position as City Lord, she could never make a move against Bloodfall.’

’She might be able to use her military superiority to seize Bloodfall and get her hands on the food they grew, but how long would that last?’

’She couldn’t kill the goose that laid the golden eggs!’

’Besides, even if she took the City Lord’s seat now, it would take time to consolidate her power. She wanted to shorten that period as much as possible, and that had everything to do with Marcus Monroe. With his influence among Southreach’s Hunting Parties, he could definitely cause trouble for her, even if he couldn’t stage a major challenge. Even if she eventually overcame his obstacles, it would be a costly victory.’

’That was a price she couldn’t afford to pay!’

’On the other hand, if he gave her his tacit support, things would be much easier.’

She had weighed these matters again and again.

So while Marcus Monroe’s display of power today had certainly surprised her, it only strengthened her resolve to build a good relationship with Bloodfall Base.

’As long as Bloodfall Base harbored no ulterior motives, she would absolutely keep the promise she had just made!’

After settling matters in the conference room, she immediately whispered a few words to Keith Preston. Although he looked somewhat disappointed, he accepted his orders and left.

Marcus Monroe returned to his quarters and didn’t wait long.

Claire Chapman came back.

”Are you hurt?”

Claire Chapman shook his head. ”No.” He sank listlessly onto the sofa across from Marcus Monroe. ”I totally misjudged her! I never thought Maisie Joyce was hiding so much depth!”

Marcus Monroe was unimpressed. ’Of course,’ he thought smugly. ’How many people have you really sized up? Even I couldn’t see through her at first. You? You’re lucky you made it back in one piece.’

In truth, he hadn’t been a hundred percent certain that Maisie Joyce had Claire Chapman. What he’d said in the conference room had been partly a bluff to feel her out, and luckily, it had worked.

”So, how did you get captured by her?”

Claire Chapman scrubbed a hand over his face, looking like he’d rather not revisit the memory, but he spoke anyway. ”It wasn’t her, initially. It must have been that masked group you all were talking about. I managed to pull off one of their masks and saw they really were from Eldoria. I was trying to capture one for interrogation when I walked right into their trap. They had a Spiritual System Superpower User with them...”

”Maisie Joyce must have already had people watching them. When they tried to escape, she and her inside contact cornered the whole group at once, rescuing me in the process. She detained me, either because she was still weighing her options or because she wanted to use the situation to her advantage. Hmm, I’d say the former is more likely.”

”Did she finally have a frank talk with you today?”

Marcus Monroe smiled. ”You catch on quick.” He briefly recounted the day’s events.

Claire Chapman clicked his tongue. ”Looks like Southreach is about to have a female City Lord!”

”Yeah. Of all the candidates, she’s a decent choice. That’s why we shouldn’t get too involved with things here. The sooner we get back to the base, the better.”

Claire Chapman said nothing at the time. Two days later, however, just as Marcus Monroe was preparing to depart, he suddenly announced, ”I want to stay.”

Marcus Monroe’s eyes narrowed. ”Why?”

Claire Chapman hesitated for a long moment, unable to give a reason. His expression, however, held a strange, unreadable quality.

Marcus Monroe frowned. ”Suit yourself. Just be sure you know what you’re doing.”

”I’m sure.”