The City Hall stood in the heart of the Thebe Autonomous Territory. It was tax audit season, so the City Hall was holding meetings one after another.0

"The imperial tax authority is really cracking down hard this time," a voice complained.0

"Well, that's because they found evidence of your money laundering!" another retorted.0

"As if you didn't do the same! You lot aren't innocent either!"0

Raised voices filled the room, capturing the chaotic essence of the scene. They belonged to representatives of the various trade guilds, the dominant powers in Thebe. They had set aside their dignity and were shouting at each other, pointing fingers.0

Mayor Grine, the seventh mayor of the Thebe Autonomous Territory, sighed deeply as he watched the bickering unfold. It had been a year since he was elected, yet he still hadn't gotten used to this. He'd witnessed such scenes countless times, but the sheer lack of maturity and responsibility from these so-called leaders of the city never ceased to amaze him. They were simply pathetic.0

"Everyone, please calm down—" Mayor Grine began.0

"Mayor! You must punish these criminals on behalf of the city!" one of the leaders shouted, interrupting him.0

"Excuse me? Criminals? You think I don't know about the shady deals your guild has struck with the southern kingdoms regarding weapons—" another voice interjected.0

"I said there was a complicated reason for that!" came a defensive resp...0