"It should be obvious by now that since the Nightingale clan has already been deemed as a threat by the government, it won't be long before things get much worse here." The gray-haired girl sneered. "Of course, everyone is free to continue being in denial if they so please... if you can handle the consequences."
There were many who wanted to refute her, but in the end, they could only keep their silence. After all, what she said was indeed true. And considering that she was supposedly speaking on the behalf of all the elders, the one who stood out first would definitely be punished severely.
Noelle's gaze became indifferent as she continued. "Even if you continue obeying the government's orders now, what you've already done cannot be erased. "
Naturally, most people present in the hall had given it some thought as well, and understood that although it was hateful to admit, the gray-haired girl was indeed correct.
Currently, the government was still cautious because there were many things that they had to deal with at once. However, once they managed to curb any signs of rebellion, the way they would deal with the Nightingale clan would definitely be extremely ruthless.
Even if they weren't completely annihilated, their clan would definitely be broken up and separated till there was almost nothing left of their former self, though maybe the 'recycled' parts would still be put to 'good use' under the government's care.
Noelle could see the struggle and desperation slowly welling up in their eyes, and she couldn't help but sneer. 'Do they find it unjust that they have to be put into such a position?'
Clearly, it was impossible for those in the Nightingale clan to remain oblivious to how the regular citizens of Carmen were treated. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say that they were partially the source of the problem.
After all, the Nightingale clan had been actively supporting the Gray Wolfe for multiple generations already, and it was only through their influence that the people currently in power managed to get where they were now.
Even now, when they were going through such extreme internal turmoil, the 'worst' thing that the government did to the Gray Wolfe Corporation was to restrict the flow of sensitive information being sent their way. And that... was it.
Of course, although a part of it was because of sentimental reasons and not wanting to tear off previous agreements, those in the know understood the real truth.
The strict policies of the government gave them a very strong hold over Carmen, but they'd left its economy and supply chain almost completely dependent on a single corporation. Without the Gray Wolfe, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Carmen would start to crash and burn in a matter of weeks.
They may not be in as desperate a situation as that of Blue Dawn back when things went south there, but they weren't in a good enough position to make a move similar to Oriana, who had successfully converted most of Black Tiger Corporation's enterprise into government assets.
'But maybe taking down the Nightingale clan is the 'first step' to getting into a good position to prepare for taking over Gray Wolfe later, and that's what they're going for…' Noelle thought. 'Of course, they have to deal with the public unrest first.'
Since that was the case…
"It's too late for the Nightingale clan to reconcile with this government, but the situation isn't unsalvageable yet."
Seeing the hope flicker in some of their eyes, Noelle smiled. "Go prepare everyone to start taking covert assignments from tonight. From now on… the Nightingale clan will be actively assisting the public against the government in secret."
If she'd mentioned such a thing from the start, maybe some of them really would have protested by now, regardless of the awaiting punishment. But thanks to Noelle guiding their thoughts carefully, not only did no one oppose her idea, but many even felt pumped up and ready to go.
That's right. The spirit of the Nightingale clan is to fight, so how can they give up so easily just because the opponent had weapons that could suppress them?
Although the elders were slightly dissatisfied with how off-handedly Noelle did things, they still cooperated according to their deal with Emilia, and quickly expressed their agreement.
"It's not yet certain who will win and who will lose in the end!
"There is still time!"
"Right! We cannot sit and wait for death."
Noelle smiled. "Great. In that case, everyone except for the ones I mention next can leave and start with your preparations as soon as possible."
Some people lingered for a few moments before noticing that the gray-haired girl was only asking the previous clan leader and lady Narcissa to stay back, and they quickly lost interest in any 'gossip'.
The previous clan leader might have had many personal conflicts, but his leadership ability and strength were both top-notch, and everyone acknowledged it. In this time of crisis, it made sense that he was picked out from the crowd once more to help the clan.
As for lady Narcissa, the roles she could play in continuing the survival of their Nightingale were too many to count. After all, she was not only one of the most influential figures in their currently most stable branch, but also the previous clan leader's ex-wife.
The two of them usually mixed about as well as water and oil, and the elders probably just wanted to make them temporarily give up their mutual grudge for the sake of the clan.
Thinking so, everyone except for the two Noelle pointed out took their leave, leaving only the few of them in the large hall.
Noelle looked at these two 'parents' strangely for a few moments before turning to her 'mother' with a smile. "Why is your face so pale?" She paused before continuing with a smirk. "Could it be because of… guilt?"
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