Extra's Revenge: Reincarnated As A Slave-Chapter 108: Advisors Meeting (Part 2)

"Let us begin with operational updates," Aldric said, pulling Rey from his thoughts. "Vera, what’s the security situation?"

Vera’s report was concise and troubling.

The Fanged Serpent Club had made moves in three more territories over the past week—nothing as overt as the district nine situation, but clear probes testing the Red House’s ability to respond.

Two minor skirmishes had occurred, resulting in casualties on both sides.

"We’re holding our positions," Vera concluded, "but barely. Their coordination with the Blue Lotus House gives them resources we can’t match in direct confrontation."

Brennan’s financial report was equally concerning. Revenue was down eighteen percent from the previous month, primarily due to lost territories and increased security costs.

Several major clients had quietly shifted their business to other Houses, not wanting to be associated with an organization that appeared to be in decline.

"We have reserves," Brennan said carefully, "but at this rate of expenditure, we’ll be operating at a deficit within three months."

The other advisors provided similar reports—intelligence showing other Houses circling, recruitment efforts struggling to attract quality people, logistics becoming increasingly complicated as safe routes were compromised.

By the time all updates were complete, the picture was clear: the Red House was losing ground steadily, and current strategies weren’t reversing the trend.

"Recommendations?" Lady Z asked, her voice steady despite the grim assessments.

Silence fell for a moment before Aldric spoke. "We need support. Not just resources, but active backing from a power that can counter the Blue Lotus-Fanged Serpent alliance."

"You’re suggesting we approach another House," Lady Z said, not a question.

"I am. Specifically, I propose we approach the Yellow Lily House. They’re in direct competition with the Blue Lotus for control of the luxury goods trade. Our enemy’s enemy, as the saying goes."

Vera nodded agreement. "The Yellow Lily has the muscle to make the Blue Lotus reconsider their support of the Fanged Serpent. If we can offer them something valuable in exchange for protection—"

"We’ll be subordinating ourselves," Lady Z interrupted. "Trading one set of potential masters for another."

"Not masters," Aldric corrected smoothly. "Allies. Yes, we’ll have to make concessions. Share some territories, split certain revenue streams. But we’ll survive. The Red House will continue to exist."

"As a diminished version of what my father built," Z said quietly.

"As a living version rather than a dead one," Aldric replied. "My lady, I understand this is not ideal. But pragmatism must prevail. We cannot fight a two-front war against the Fanged Serpent and Blue Lotus simultaneously. We need support, and the Yellow Lily is our best option."

It was at this point that Cassius spoke up.

He had a saddened expression, but his tone exhibited bravery and deep consideration for the organization.

"I agree with Aldric. I’ve already made preliminary inquiries through back channels. The Yellow Lily is interested in discussions. They see the strategic value in preventing the Blue Lotus from consolidating too much power."

Other advisors began voicing support.

Brennan argued from a financial standpoint—the cost of concessions to the Yellow Lily would be less than the cost of continued territorial losses.

Vera saw it as a necessary military alliance.

Lady Z listened to each argument, her expression carefully neutral.

Rey could see the conflict in her eyes—the desire to maintain her father’s legacy intact versus the pragmatic recognition that survival might require compromise.

"We should put it to a vote," Aldric suggested. "All advisors present, as is protocol for major strategic decisions."

Z nodded slowly.

"Very well. All in favor of approaching the Yellow Lily House to negotiate a formal alliance, understanding that it will require territorial and revenue concessions, raise your hands."

Hands went up around the table.

Aldric, Vera, Brennan, Cassius, and six others. Ten out of twelve advisors.

Only Rey and one other abstained.

"Ten to two," Aldric announced. "The measure passes. We’ll begin formal negotiations with the Yellow Lily within the week."

Lady Z’s jaw tightened slightly, but she nodded.

"Very well. Aldric, coordinate the initial approach. Cassius, prepare our negotiating position—what we’re willing to concede and what we consider non-negotiable. Brennan, calculate the financial impact of various alliance structures."

"If we’re doing this, we’re doing it properly. I won’t have us enter negotiations from a position of desperation." She looked around the table.

"Understood, my lady," Aldric said.

The meeting continued for another hour, discussing implementation details and contingency plans.

Throughout it all, Rey remained silent, observing the dynamics between advisors, noting who deferred to whom, which alliances existed within the group itself.

But internally, his mind was working rapidly, analyzing the proposed strategy from every angle.

’They’re making a mistake,’ Rey thought with absolute certainty.

’A fundamental, potentially fatal mistake.’

Approaching the Yellow Lily House from a position of weakness would indeed provide short-term relief. The Blue Lotus would back off, the Fanged Serpent would lose momentum, and the Red House would survive the immediate crisis.

But at what cost?

’They’ll concede territory, which reduces their operational capacity. They’ll share revenue, which weakens their financial position. And most critically, they’ll establish a relationship where the Yellow Lily holds superior power.’

Rey understood something these advisors apparently didn’t—once you accepted a subordinate position, escaping it became nearly impossible.

The Yellow Lily would ensure the Red House remained dependent, would structure the alliance to prevent the Red House from regaining independence.

’They’re not seeking an alliance. They’re orchestrating a slow absorption. Within a year, maybe two, the Red House will exist in name only, with the Yellow Lily making all real decisions.’

And there was another factor these advisors were overlooking.

’The other Houses will see this as confirmation that the Red House is weak. They’ll intensify their own moves, knowing that the Red House has effectively conceded its inability to defend itself. The Yellow Lily might protect their investment, but they won’t protect the Red House’s broader interests unless it serves them.’

Rey watched as the meeting concluded, advisors standing and beginning to disperse.

Lady Z’s expression was composed, but he could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her hands gripped the table’s edge.

She knew this was wrong.

She felt it, even if she couldn’t articulate exactly why or didn’t have an alternative to propose.

’There is another way,’ Rey thought, his mind already beginning to formulate possibilities. ’A better way that doesn’t require subordination or permanent weakening. But it’s risky, aggressive, and would require convincing Lady Z to trust me completely.’

He stood as the meeting formally adjourned, watching the other advisors file out.

Cassius caught his eye and gave a slight nod—perhaps wondering why Rey hadn’t voted, perhaps curious about what the newest advisor was thinking.

Rey returned the nod but said nothing.

His thoughts were already several moves ahead, calculating what would be needed to shift the Red House’s trajectory from slow decline to actual resurgence.

’They’re accepting defeat disguised as pragmatism,’ Rey concluded, his elderly features settling into a neutral expression that hid the sharp calculation beneath. ’They’re choosing survival over victory because they can’t see a path to victory.’

He looked at Lady Z, who remained seated as the room emptied, clearly lost in her own troubled thoughts.

’But I can see that path. I just need to convince her to take it.’

The game was becoming more complex, and thus more interesting in his eyes.

’I could ignore this situation, or perhaps go along with the flow to somehow take advantage of it. But, if I interrupt this flow, is it not possible to gain more in the long run?’

For example... shooting up the ranks!

’Hehe... Okay!’ Rey beamed to himself, finally leaving the hall.

’Let’s do it like this...’