Everyone knew that someone wanted to do something to the Cathayan Underworld, but no one knew the exact details.

Only now were they getting a slight inkling that someone was trying to kick the Cathayan Underworld off the four pillars!

This was something extremely significant, significantly enough to start a war! Was this why they had invited everyone to this banquet? So they could gauge everyone's reactions?

None of the death gods were idiots, and several of them were already jumping onto this opportunity. "The four pillars were established with the requirement that they would undertake more international responsibilities in return for greater benefits. They are supposed to be the leaders of the world, and in order to fulfill that role, they would naturally have to be the most powerful underworlds."

"Indeed, with no international trade for 100 years, their GDP has to have fallen significantly. If they're no longer fit to occupy this position, then things have to change."

"I heard that there was a change in the administration, and following this transition, the Cathayan Underworld must be focusing on increasing their domestic productivity. Will they really be able to focus on their international duties under these circumstances?"

"Well, when you think about it, they've already shirked their international duties for over a century..."

Kural took a sip of sake as he listened in silence.

The flavor of the sake was very light and understated, but he...