Fangs

Chapter 70 Fangs

Seeing Caitlin's decisive surrender, Tallinn paused slightly, then a hint of curiosity appeared in his eyes as he asked, "Why did you suddenly give up? This is only the beginning!"

No wonder Tarlin asked curiously. After all, just half a minute ago, Caitlin was still stubbornly refusing to admit anything and was ready to fight if necessary.

Upon hearing Tallinn's question, Caitlin pursed her lips and then said softly, "Because we have no chance of winning."

Upon hearing Caitlin's reply, Tarlin stroked his chin, nodded, and tossed a bottle of potion to Caitlin, saying, "Feed this to your men so they don't die—as for you, come with me, I have questions for you."

Caitlin caught the healing potion that Tarlin threw to her. Although she didn't know what the potion would do, Caitlin knew that she had no choice at the moment.

Fortunately, Caitlin took a deep breath and quickly summoned a member of the family to treat the wounded.

Then, Caitlin walked over to Tallinn.

Tarin didn't waste any words. He arranged for the flesh-toothed beasts and Yuntars to keep an eye on the law enforcement officers to prevent them from acting rashly. Then, he led Caitlin, Qiyana, Farin, and the others to an open space at the back.

Seeing Caitlyn following alone, not only others but even Qiyana couldn't resist her curiosity. She held the Orthal Ringblade and spun Caitlyn around twice before asking with interest, "What's going on? Didn't you think the Ixtals were just a bunch of uncivilized barbarians at first? How come they surrendered as soon as the fight started?"

In response, Caitlin glanced at Tarin and then said in a low voice, "Because I misjudged this gentleman's strength and harbored some unrealistic fantasies."

"Tell me more," Qiyana said, not satisfied with Caitlin's brief reply.

Seeing this, Caitlin glanced at the people around her. After confirming that most of their gazes were filled with curiosity and amusement, and not much murderous intent or malice, she quickly calmed herself down.

Instead of answering immediately, he paused to organize his thoughts before raising his head and speaking calmly and clearly: "The unit I lead has extremely strong combat and adaptability capabilities; it is the elite force within the family."

Given the special nature of this mission, and as a precaution, a large number of mercenaries from Valoran and Shurima were additionally hired.

"Although the battle was very brief, this gentleman has demonstrated absolute power. After careful consideration, I am certain that there is no possibility of victory, so I choose to surrender."

As she said this, Caitlin bowed slightly toward Tarlin.

Caitlin knew perfectly well that those mercenaries were not to be trusted at all—for those guys who risked their lives, it was always a matter of getting paid for what they did.

In this situation, given the abilities Tarin has demonstrated, if he wanted to behead him, then even with the protection of the family's elite enforcers, he would have no chance of surviving.

Even if I die, the law enforcement force will be fine. They are all elites from the family, and even if their morale collapses, they will still be able to maintain the corresponding order.

But those mercenaries—

They're already being lenient by not taking advantage of your retreat to kick you a couple of times. When things are going well, they can help you expand your gains, but when things are going badly, expecting them to turn the tide? You might as well just surrender and see if these Ixtalians show any mercy.

Upon hearing Caitlyn's words, Qiyana nodded thoughtfully.

Instead of mocking her for this, he actually stared at Caitlin's face with great interest after hearing her reasons.

Caitlin made no further move in response, simply standing quietly in place, seemingly awaiting the verdict from Tarlin and the others.

But Caitlyn's reaction clearly bored Qiyana, so she simply snorted and ignored it, leaving the matter entirely to Tarin.

Tallinn wasn't bored by Caitlin's calm reaction. Instead, he looked at Caitlin with great interest and said, "So, you're now admitting that the team you're leading is using a diplomatic visit as a pretext for intelligence gathering, laying the groundwork for your subsequent invasion of Piltover?"

Upon hearing Tallinn's question, Caitlin swallowed hard, clearly realizing the profound impact that admitting to the matter would have.

After a long silence, Caitlin finally nodded and said, "Yes, but if possible, please give me a chance to explain."

"Go ahead," Tallinn nodded.

Tarlin's calm demeanor relieved Caitlin, but she quickly gathered her thoughts and looked at Tarlin, saying, "Although Piltover is nominally a single entity, it is actually a huge collection of interests, led by the Piltover Council, composed of many trading nobles."

My family, the Giramanen, holds permanent seats in the Piltover Council and wields significant influence in judicial and law enforcement matters.

"I'm not saying this to prove how special my identity is, but simply to illustrate that even within Piltover's external policy, there are still some people who oppose the takeover plan—like my family."

As she said this, Caitlin raised her head and looked at Tarin and the others. Seeing that no one was making trouble because of this, she relaxed a little and continued, "If you are willing—the Giramanen family is willing to establish a friendship with Ixtal outside the city-state."

Upon hearing Caitlin's words, Tarlin didn't rush to answer. Instead, he looked at Caitlin and asked, "Is this your family's will, or your own idea?"

"—Mine, and part of the family," Caitlin replied.

"A part?" Tallinn asked.

"And my mother, Cassandra Gilamann, was one of the family's three auditors, responsible for Piltover's security, law enforcement, judicial interpretation, and other related matters."

Piltover's understanding of Ixtal is not yet comprehensive, so they have many concerns about how to approach him. Once they have a full understanding, I believe the family would be very willing to become Ixtal's friend.

"Ixtal doesn't need to be friends with Piltover, nor with Giraman," Tarin shook his head, then looked at Caitlin calmly and said, "However, we are indeed very interested in Piltover."

Although Tallinn's voice was calm, Caitlin involuntarily held her breath.

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