-129- You came at the right time

"I-I..."

"Mel, that's enough."

Seeing Heimerdinger at a loss, head lowered, looking at his hands, Linwin couldn't help but speak up.

He looked at Mel and shook his head at her.

Linwin certainly knew that Mel was not wrong.

In fact, long before Linwin went to Shurima, the people of Piltover were already contemplating the weaponization of Hextech. However, at that time, Jayce, Heimerdinger, and Viktor all vehemently opposed it.

Especially Heimerdinger, as the father of Piltover, the university headmaster, and a Piltover councilor. 

Though Heimerdinger didn't involve himself much in politics, he was like a mascot. His words carried weight, and if Heimerdinger spoke, Piltover councilors and families would generally give him face.

Large families valued their interests, and Heimerdinger was involved in countless interests.

And this was also a sign of respect for Heimerdinger's wisdom.

But, Heimerdinger made a real mistake in this matter.

If a place is impoverished, without any wealth or resources, then not having weapons is fine because no one would want to occupy such a poor place.

But Piltover has enormous wealth, abundant resources, and an excellent geographical location. This, of course, would attract envy, and if you don't have weapons, honestly, aren't you just giving it away?

If they don't strike you, that's really underestimating your trust in the world!

"Linwin, did I, did I make a mistake?"

Hearing Linwin's voice, Heimerdinger quickly raised his head to look at Linwin.

Linwin was silent for two seconds, then affirmed to Heimerdinger, "No, Professor, from your perspective, you're actually correct. But, Professor, sometimes you have to look at these things from our perspective. You're an long life being; you've been around since the birth of Piltover. Your views on things are different from ours."

"Councilor Mel is also correct, Professor. You see human nature too kindly. In fact, you understand the pros and cons of weapons better than any of us. But, Professor, you exaggerate the downsides and overlook the benefits that humans have in possessing them. Professor, this is a chaotic world, and you must have seen many powerful beings. In front of them, without powerful weapons and strength, we humans cannot survive."

Hearing Linwin's earnest words, everyone in the room was a bit uneasy.

Well said; this was indeed Heimerdinger's issue.

As a long life being, no one knew how long Heimerdinger had lived—centuries? Thousands of years? 

Yet, despite living for so long as a Yordle, Heimerdinger didn't become complex. On the contrary, as he fell in love with science and grew up with Piltover, Heimerdinger became increasingly simple.

But how is Linwin speaking on behalf of us humans with such a serious face? Are you even human? Speak for yourself!

"Linwin."

Hearing Linwin's words, Heimerdinger nodded and weakly lowered his hands. Standing there, the professor's furry beard trembled a bit, and he whispered, "I understand. Everyone, I, Heimerdinger, won't oppose the weaponization of Hextech anymore."

"Alright, from the beginning of this discussion, it's been about your affairs." Silco interrupted the dispute among Piltover citizens. Crossing his hands together, he spoke in a deep voice, "The matters have already passed. Now, what we should discuss is the affairs between Zaun and Piltover."

"You should be grateful because for various reasons, we didn't plan to occupy Piltover. Otherwise, with your current state....." Silco narrowed his eyes.

This statement made both Lady Kiramman and Mel frown simultaneously.

Silco's meaning was not hard to understand.

If Piltover's response today is unreasonable or if Zaun is dissatisfied for various reasons, Zaun might consider taking over.

Although the Undercity is already well-developed, no one wants to be the sewer rat, right?

"This matter still allows us to consider it. For example, the use of Hex Gates." Kiramman looked at Camille, who hadn't spoken, and whispered, "I think, Gray Lady, you should understand what I mean?"

Camille raised her eyes calmly and said, "There are three families that invested in Jayce's Hextech. Ferros takes the largest share, followed by Medarda and Kiramman families. The benefits of the Hex Gates are enormous, and we have a small share in it. However, the actual control of the Hex Gates, mostly lies with Talis. Yes, we invested in him; but what we invested in is Hextech. So, the patent for Hex Gates is with Talis."

"I certainly won't refuse the idea because I don't have the right to refuse."

Camille revealed a faint smile, elegantly raised her hand, and, with the palm facing Silco, she said softly, "I support opening the usage rights of Hex Gates to Zaun, and the Ferros family agrees to all the demands Zaun has put forward."

Kiramman was stunned at her words.

Furrowing her brows slightly, she didn't expect the usually possessive Gray Lady to agree to these demands from Zaun.

The individual demands were not excessive, But independence for Zaun... now, even if they didn't want to agree, it was an impossible thing.

The reason Zaun proposed these demands was not to be open but to seek an explanation and dignity.

But the subsequent clauses were a bit excessive.

So, dragging it out doesn't mean Councilor Kiramman wants to violate the agreement. 

Instead, by delaying and negotiating, if some of the clauses can be changed, Piltover can benefit from it. Moreover, even if it doesn't work, the later the implementation of the plan, the more time Piltover has to find ways to cope.

But now, Camille directly cast her vote.

This gave Councilor Kiramman a headache.

"Hm, the Gray Lady has already cast a vote in favor. Thank you." Silco's eyes lit up, and he quickly applauded. He smiled and said, "So, what about the rest of you?"

"I..."

"Um, I think..."

The councillors exchanged glances.

After a while, a small hand went up; it was Heimerdinger's hand.

"Professor...?" Mel paused, and after a moment, she raised her hand too. "Well, well, this is what we should do."

"As the Zaunites said, it's what we owe Zaun," Mel sighed.

At this point, three councillors had raised their hands.

There were still Ms. Kiramman and another councillor left.

She looked at Mel and then at the hesitant councillor.

After a while, sighing, Ms. Kiramman was about to raise her hand.

And at that moment.

The closed door of the meeting room was pushed open.

Two men walked in side by side.

Seeing everyone looking at them, Mr. Talis showed a slightly embarrassed smile.

"Uh, did I come at the wrong time?"

"No, Jayce."

Linwin smiled and said, "You came at just the right time."