The Moral High Ground

Chapter 77 The Moral High Ground

In the early morning, before the mist from the Sea of ​​Watchers had dissipated, the brass walls in the center of Piltover were bathed in a soft glow from the morning light.

To welcome guests from afar, the main road leading here has been swept clean, and law enforcement officers, dressed in gleaming power armor, stand solemnly on both sides of the road.

Just before setting off, Tallinn also saw Caitlin, the person in charge of their safety.

"How did your conversation with your mom go yesterday?"

Sitting in the car, Tallinn casually asked.

Upon hearing Tallinn's question, Caitlin, who was in charge of driving, sighed and replied, "I'm alright—"

With a hint of helplessness, Caitlin sighed, "My mother still has some concerns about Ixtal's power, so I can't guarantee I can persuade her. I think you can understand this, because my mother wouldn't gamble the future of the entire family based on just my word—"

"I understand, after all, your mother doesn't know what Ixtal really looks like."

Tallinn seemed casual: "I hope the people of Piltover can understand the power Ixtal possesses through the performance of technology, rather than having to demonstrate it through violence."

Upon hearing Tarlin's words, Caitlin remained silent, only pursing her lips in quiet contemplation.

Because what Tarlin was talking about was exactly what Caitlin least wanted to happen—violent conflict.

The distance from the hotel to the center of Piltover was not far, and soon the group arrived at the first destination of this diplomatic visit.

After getting off the bus, the group walked along the clean avenue, which was already filled with Piltover residents who stopped to watch, their eyes full of curiosity.

In addition to the Tarlin and Ixtal people, Piltover councilors, many representatives from Piltover unions and chambers of commerce also arrived this time.

A familiar blond-haired boy also caught Tallinn's attention, as did Ezreal.

Unlike his character in the game who proclaims himself the male protagonist, Ezreal now merely observes the Ixtals with curiosity, his eyes filled with passion. He even takes out his notebook from time to time to record the patterns on the clothes of Tarin and the others, perhaps gathering intelligence for the next expedition.

Thinking this, Tarin remained silent for a moment before saying, "In a little while, organize the information about Ezreal and send it to my rest room."

"Ezreal?" Upon hearing Talin's words, Caitlyn was slightly taken aback, and for a moment she didn't even know who Ezreal was.

That's true. After all, although Ezreal comes from a good family, compared to Caitlyn's background, it can only be considered a moderately wealthy family at best.

Not to mention Ezreal, even the Explorers Guild that operates in Ezreal is sponsored by the Gilamann family.

Following Tarin's gaze to the side, Caitlyn nodded knowingly upon seeing Ezreal, recalling this interesting young man who had appeared quite a few times in the Explorers' Daily.

But then, Caitlin asked curiously, "I heard he's quite famous in the archaeology field? What do you need his information for?"

"He's not only famous in the archaeological world, but even more famous for buying and selling shares." Tallinn shrugged, then stroked his chin with interest and said, "And isn't it a coincidence? He loves to be active on the Shurima continent, and he also loves to explore ancient tombs in the rainforests of Ixtal."

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Caitlin immediately understood Tarin's purpose, and then a strange expression appeared on her face.

However, Caitlyn also knew that Tarin wasn't targeting Ezreal, but rather Piltover—it was perfectly normal for the decisions of a major figure to affect minor characters.

Thinking this, Caitlin nodded and said, "Okay, I will compile a list of explorers, mercenaries, hunters, and pioneers who frequently operate in the Ixtal region."

A moment later, Tarin and the others entered the venue, and Piltover and Ixtal took their seats in order of seniority.

The protocol officer announced the official start of the diplomatic ceremony, followed by Cassandra's speech, and Tallinn also went up to say a few words.

After the brief remarks, the formal talks began.

Upon their arrival, a representative from the Mildar family inquired, "Lord Tallinn, I have a question. Not long ago, the Piltover expedition team heading to the Kumangu Mountains was massacred in the Kumangu Jungle. The survivors reported back that the perpetrators seem to be those of you who came here this time!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the hall fell silent. The trading nobles did not show much surprise, clearly having anticipated this or having planned it beforehand.

However, the citizen representatives and guild representatives standing to the side were filled with surprise and turned their heads to look.

After recalling the cause of "Ixtalge", everyone realized their identities and looked at Tallinn, waiting for Tallinn and the others to respond.

Before Tallin could speak, an elderly man with white hair, dressed in white, and sitting in a white wheelchair said, "Ixtal certainly owes an answer. Those pioneering teams were merely scouting the terrain and exploring unknown territories in the Kumangu Mountains; they had no ill intentions, yet they were brutally murdered—"

Tallinn remained calm as he listened to the old man's words.

Isn't it just standing on a moral high ground and pointing fingers? Anyone can do that.

Thinking it over, Tarin glanced at the signboard in front of the old man, which clearly displayed the characters of the Philos family. He then looked at the old man's wheelchair and realized that this man was Stevan Philos, the current head of the Philos family.

They have no ability whatsoever, and are even negligible.

Thinking this, Tarin raised his hand to interrupt, "You're so angry over just a few people blinded by money, so why do you turn a blind eye to the losses suffered by Ixtal, and indeed all the people of Runeterra, Mrs. Piltover?"

"—You—also suffered losses in Runeterra?"

Stevan was slightly taken aback by Tallinn's words, not expecting him to respond in that way.

Please, you're the ones who killed people, so why are you acting like we should apologize?!

Despite the puzzled looks from the crowd, Tarlin's face remained expressionless.

Just kidding, isn't it all about moral blackmail? You like to call yourself a progressive city, a beacon of civilization, right? Well, I know all too well about that.

Standing up, Tarin calmly said, "The vegetation and forests that have grown in the Kumangu Mountains for thousands of years, and the countless precious wild animals and plants that inhabit them, are all treasures belonging to Runeterra as a whole!"

When those hunters entered the Kumangu Jungle, they had already caused irreparable damage to the entire Runeterra.