บท 142: 139 Challenge of a Duel (4)

". . .If you wish, you can meet them, but forget about taking them back."

"What did I tell you, Luo Shan?" Han Shitian said, shooting a displeased look at the mayor. "I told you, he wouldn't be ready to negotiate. People like him as he pleases. We should've gone the hard way from the beginning."

The mayor's face wasn't looking all too well, either, though he still had some patience left. "Like I mentioned, Shitian, you need to work on your patience," he said, and turned back to Gale. "Mr Carpenter, you presented your case well. As per martial law, the few practitioners belong to you. However, since you decided to cut time from your busy schedule to present yourself here, I'm assuming you are open for negotiations."

Gale gave a simple nod. He had no false hope that the Mayor would play fair, just because he took his side for once. As far as Gale comprehended political play, this was merely a setup. Good cop, bad cop play in a way, a setup for them to win it all.