"If it is for the stability of the Magic Realm, we are, of course, willing to contribute... In fact, we have always been doing so, just in the way we prefer."
Hayberion placed his beloved goblet on the table, intertwined his fingers, looked at Org, and continued,
"So you might as well be more specific. At such a critical juncture, what exactly does the Council need us to do?"
Org looked at the faces in front of him, some old and some young, and said earnestly, "I hope you can become the new Evaluators."
"What?!"
Except for Vorod who kept smiling and Hayberion who showed a deep expression, the others more or less displayed a look of surprise.
Although on their way here they had considered this possibility, the boldness of the Council this time was enough to amaze people.
Could it be because there are fewer people making decisions now?
Org wasn't aware of their inner thoughts and said sincerely,
"I'm ashamed to admit that I have served two terms as an Evaluator, not out of a lust for power, but sincerely wanting to do something. But during my tenure, not only did I not achieve any outstanding results, I also encountered two attacks.
"Take the Balram Alliance for example, although the Council has always monitored them and investigated, none of the three major Dark Guilds were resolved by us, and the Council suffered heavy losses.
"Of course, there are some objective reasons for this, but after many years of effort yielding such results, I must admit my inadequacy.
"Even without considering my physical state, I have no confidence in doing better than before. Therefore, new blood must be injected to revitalize the Council."
Everyone fell silent for a while.
Jura questioned, "But why us?
"I remember that after Jellal's incident, the Council wasn't willing to recruit powerful mages anymore, right?"
Org replied, "To be precise, it's not based on power as a criterion. And what was changed that time was just the evaluation standard for the Ten Wizard Saints.
"As for the Evaluators' selection... although we were somewhat influenced, there was no explicit 'rule against powerful mages becoming members'.
Brellins said, "There should be better options, right? Like some high-ranking officials in the Kingdom.
"The highest position any of us hold is being a President, and we don't have experience managing a large organization like the Council."
Org shook his head, "Matters of mages must be managed by mages, this was a principle set when the Council was established.
"Moreover, besides the two Presidents here, isn't there also a Duke? A Duke who truly owns a territory."
Rhode was puzzled about how the topic suddenly turned to him. Seeing everyone's gaze shift to him, he calmly said,
"Don't look at me like that. My territory is just a small town, plus a few surrounding villages, and all administrative matters are handled by the mayor. I've never been involved, so I don't have any management experience."
"That's precisely it," Org said with a smile, "Managing a territory doesn't necessarily require doing everything personally. Knowing how to select competent people is enough.
"The same goes for being an Evaluator. All you need to do is ensure the general direction is correct and have enough judgment and decisiveness in emergencies."
Rhode thought to mention that the mayor wasn't even chosen by him, much less knowing and appointing competent individuals... but there was no need to argue at this time.
What the old man said made sense. It seemed the previous two terms indeed had issues with judgment and decisiveness.
In emergencies... they couldn't even protect themselves, let alone respond.
Seeing everyone deep in thought, Org quickly seized the moment and said,
"After being destroyed twice, the Council's prestige and deterrence have already dropped to a dangerous level.
"In such times, the new Evaluators need enough prestige to reassure people and enough strength to deter wrongdoers...
"There's no more suitable candidates in the world than you all."
Hayberion was the first to respond, "Since things have been discussed to such an extent, it doesn't seem appropriate to set a bad example... I support the entire Ten Wizard Saints taking on the next term of Evaluators."
In fact, Hayberion had this idea when the Council was destroyed last time, but one of the Ten Wizard Saints, Zikrein, was the culprit, so he couldn't bring it up.
This time, since it was Org's and the entire upper management's opinion, there was no need for such concerns.
Org showed a happy expression and immediately looked at Uluvheim.
His stubborn personality made him the most challenging to handle in Org's expectation.
However, Uluvheim did not oppose but straightforwardly said,
"Let me make it clear: I am well aware of some issues within the Council that cannot be publicly discussed. If I join, I will not ignore them."
Org nodded without hesitation, "This is the responsibility of Evaluators."
Uluvheim turned to Vorod, "If you say anything in jest at a time like this, I won't let you off."
"Haha, whatever happens, I know how to mind the occasion," Vorod laughed,
"I too support this proposal. Though I've been planting trees for so many years, don't expect my abilities to be that strong."
"You're too humble. Your rich experience itself is your greatest ability." Org assumed Vorod was being modest.
This person has survived from over 100 years ago and experienced that legendary 'trading' war; how could he lack ability?
Even if he isn't good at management, the power he possesses is undeniable—the overwhelming magic power is not something that can be faked.
"I support this proposal, but..." Rhode glanced at the others and said,
"Among the three of them, two are single mages. Although Mr. Vorod was part of a guild, he's retired, so there's no issue. But for the four of us, it's difficult, right?"
Rhode and Jura are mages of Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale, and in principle, they cannot join the Council.
To ask them to leave their guild for the Evaluator position is something they can't agree with emotionally.
Moreover, Makarov and Brellins are Presidents of Fairy Tail and Rays of the Rising Sun, making it even more impossible for them to agree.
Brellins and Jura nodded in agreement, while Makarov wondered internally if he could retire.
However, he had some concerns—being an Evaluator might be even more troublesome than being a President.
He worried that once he took office, most of the issues he would deal with would be caused by his own guild.