Lord of the Sky City

Chapter 544: Chapter 507: The City Lord’s Thoughts Chapter 544: Chapter 507: The City Lord’s Thoughts When Old Jack had finished sharing his thoughts, and others had also expressed their agreement, Athena by Rocky’s side spoke up.

“My lord, I believe there is a problem with this matter.”

Although Athena had now become Rocky’s staff officer and theoretically his subordinate, her behavior remained as it always was. When she spoke, she merely nodded slightly towards Rocky as a form of salutation. Rocky did not mind this, but others frowned.

Rocky knew the details about Athena, but aside from Liliya, no one else present really understood her. They had heard from Liliya that Athena was formidable, but that was the extent of their knowledge. Particularly now, her intention to oppose Old Jack’s proposal only added to their dissatisfaction.

Why would Athena want to object when everything Old Jack said was exactly what they were all thinking and they saw no issues with it?

Was she trying to show off?

Since they did not know Athena or her capabilities, at that moment, people inevitably formed the impression that she was trying to steal the limelight.

However, Rocky’s reaction was the opposite. He was very interested in hearing Athena’s opinion, so he looked over at her.

Seeing that Rocky was looking at her, Athena continued, “My lord, I believe that it would suffice to appoint a Governor to Carltos City. Our development focus should still remain on Thunderhawk City.”

“Oh?”

At this, Rocky smiled, “Why?”

“Because there is absolutely no need.”

With a slight smile, Athena turned to Old Jack and the others and said slowly, “Ladies and gentlemen, two years ago the Mairente Family deceitfully took Carltos City from our lord. But in just two short years, the residents of this city have willingly accepted their identity as part of the family. Why is that so?”

“Is it because the Clan Leader of the Mairente Family personally took charge? As far as I know, the former Clan Leader Atted never managed Carltos City, and the current Clan Leader Lexington has not done so either.”

“I believe the real reason lies in trust.”

“The residents of Carltos City trust the Mairente Family, believing the family to be strong enough to provide them with a safe and prosperous life under this sky. That is why they are willing to become part of the family, and it has nothing to do with who actually sits in the City Lord’s Mansion.”

“……”

“……”

“……”

After Athena spoke these words, Old Jack and the others were left frowning in silence, as they had to admit that her words made sense.

The people of Carltos City were indeed feeling anxious, and the root of this fear was indeed trust. The city’s residents did not trust Rocky; they didn’t believe he could offer them a better life than the Mairente Family could provide, so they were averse to him. It was just that this aversion was suppressed due to Rocky’s performance in the duel, not daring to erupt.

And judging by Athena’s words, it seemed she wanted to address this issue from its root.

“Indeed,” she said next, “I feel that there is no need for you to personally oversee everything. What we need to prioritize now is to soothe the people’s hearts so that they are no longer in a panic. As long as we achieve this, in time, as you further develop and grow, their worries will naturally be resolved.”

“This…”

After Athena had finished her speech, everyone frowned and looked at each other. Although not entirely in agreement, they couldn’t find any major flaws in her argument. While everyone was exchanging glances, Rocky smiled.

“Very well, let’s do as Athena suggests,” he said.

Clearly, Rocky agreed more with Athena’s method than with Old Jack’s proposal, because only he could read between the lines of Athena’s words.

Old Jack’s idea was sound. Indeed, in times of unease, it would be fitting for him, the City Lord, to take charge personally and push the city’s development forward. By doing so, the people would grow to trust him and, over time, would willingly submit to his rule.

There was, however, one small problem—what exactly could Rocky, even if he went to Carltos City, achieve?

Compared to Thunderhawk City, Carltos City was more than twice as large. Given the resources Rocky had at present, he simply wasn’t capable of developing such a vast city! The relationship between Rocky and Carltos City was like that of a three-year-old child holding a great sword. Although the sword belonged to him, the child lacked the strength to swing it.

Simply put, Rocky’s power was insufficient to control Carltos City. Therefore, even if he went there in person, it wouldn’t help matters.

Old Jack and the others had obviously not thought of this, but Athena had. Thus, from the beginning, she clearly stated that Rocky’s development focus should remain on Thunderhawk City. As for Carltos City, they should prioritize stability, ensuring the city does not cause any trouble under Rocky’s ownership. That would be enough.

Athena’s line of thought pleased Rocky greatly. In fact, he had no intention of going to Carltos City himself, and Athena’s opinion coincidentally matched his own. Naturally, he decided to follow her advice.

And so, the meeting ended swiftly. After establishing preliminary guidelines, Rocky needed to ponder the specifics, so he dismissed everyone.

However, when everyone had left, Liliya did not leave with Rocky as usual. Instead, she walked out with Athena.

“Athena, you’re advising against Rocky’s visit to Carltos City because you’ve noticed his lack of interest in that place, haven’t you?” asked Liliya directly, as they walked out of the City Lord’s Mansion together.

“You noticed?”

Athena looked at her, her eyes revealing some surprise. She had not expected Liliya to pick up on this as well.

Athena might have somewhat underestimated Liliya. Liliya might not be comparable to Athena in other matters, but when it came to Rocky, Liliya could see everything that Athena could.

Liliya had long sensed that Rocky seemed not very interested in Carltos City. This was apparent when he immediately returned to Thunderhawk City upon reaching Backhill Village. However, she did not understand why. Carltos City was better than Thunderhawk City and had more potential for development; why wasn’t he interested?

That’s why she had come to ask Athena.

Athena didn’t conceal the truth from her. As they walked together towards the outer part of the City Lord’s Mansion, Athena smiled and said,

“Because Rocky simply doesn’t trust this city.”