When Perfikot instructed the old butler to arrange for distant relatives and recall former servants, Balles and Elvin each returned to their groups, conveying Perfikot's decision to establish a dual-worker union to the workers and engineers.

On the engineers' side, although they weren't satisfied with having to form a so-called union with the workers they view as lower-class, and without any special privileges,

they had no objections to the matter itself. After all, establishing a new association represents a manifestation of gaining power for them.

Additionally, this signifies Perfikot, the Lord of the North, placing importance on them, aligning with the engineers' interests.

However, not receiving all the benefits and having to share power with the workers were what left them a bit dissatisfied.

But suggesting that they oppose the implementation of this law was impossible.

Even the engineers most dissatisfied with the law just hoped to increase the engineers' representation in the association to broaden their power, rather than overturning the entire table.

Therefore, while engineers were dissatisfied with the details of the law, they supported the law itself.

Conversely, although workers were satisfied with many details of the law, their support for the law itself was not substantial.

"Balas, you negotiated for three days and came up with such a result? I could have done better myself!" Among the gathered worker representatives, one with the worst temper openly expressed dissatisfaction with Balas after hearing his report.

Another representative beside him tugged at him, then asked Balas, "Balas, the workers trust you. I believe this outcome wasn't what you wanted. Can you explain why we ended up with this result? I think everyone is eager to hear your explanation."

Though they weren't satisfied with the outcome Balas negotiated, they certainly didn't suspect him of selling out the workers' interests.

In the past, Balas had already proven through various behaviors that he was reliable and trustworthy.

On this point, the workers still had basic trust in him.

Facing the workers' representative inquiries, Balas candidly admitted, "It was the Count's decision. She allowed the formation of the dual-worker union, and also allowed our involvement in managing the association, but she doesn't want either us or the engineers to gain an upper hand.

You can see this in the allocation of nine representative seats: we have four votes, engineers also have four votes, and the final decision rests entirely on the one vote in the Lord's hand.

So indeed, I retreated, and for that, I must sincerely apologize. I gave up some benefits we could have pursued."

Saying this, Balas bowed his head to the few worker representatives present, expressing his apology.

Yet at this moment, everyone said nothing, their eyes fixed on Balas, waiting for his continuation.

After all, it was their trust in Balas that led them to let him negotiate. While unhappy with the result, they understood Balas wasn't the type to concede benefits without reason.

Hence, they awaited Balas' explanation, even the most hot-tempered worker representative shared this anticipation.

"Although I don't know the specifics, from the conversations between the Lord and engineers' representatives, and the Lord's own attitude, I infer that the construction of the Energy Tower may hide a great secret," Balas revealed his suspicion and judgment, then explained, "For this secret, the Lord needs the entire Northern Territory to remain stable, the fundamental reason why she constantly stresses the construction schedule while urging everyone not to cause trouble.

For the stability of the Northern Territory, she indeed would make some concessions and compromises, but if we use this to threaten her or even provoke unrest, we will certainly face the Lord's cruelest suppression!

And I have a premonition that the Lord's hidden secret might be intimately connected to each of us. Under such circumstances, I made a decision to cooperate with the Lord rather than seek benefits through blackmail."

Balas elaborated on his choice and explained the reasoning.

After listening, the others also fell into contemplation.

Though they hadn't received much formal education, those chosen as worker representatives weren't rash or dull individuals; they could understand why Balas acted as he did.

However, there was still a representative who asked, "But what exactly is the Lord's secret? The Empire is flourishing nowadays, everything is thriving, she holds absolute power, and even if unrest occurs, her army could directly suppress it. What is she worried about?"

"Uncertain. She didn't tell me nor the engineers' representatives, but I believe we must take this matter seriously, at least not provoke her at this time." Balas spoke frankly, though he didn't know what Perfikot feared, it was certainly a major matter.

Though unsure of what impact this major issue might have on the workers in the Northern Territory, Balas was certain that if the workers caused trouble now, they would face the most brutal and bloody suppression.

To prevent needless sacrifices and avoid wasting the workers' collective power on unnecessary matters, Balas made the decision to compromise and retreat.

His decision ultimately gained the support of other worker representatives.

"I agree with Balas. We indeed have no need to provoke the Lord. Her willingness to establish the union association already provides us a peaceful channel to fight for our rights; there's no need for our comrades to bleed and sacrifice for benefits we might obtain through negotiation." One worker representative, seeming quite poised, spoke in support of Balas and the Lord.

Some expressed agreement with his words, while others thought him too submissive.

Nevertheless, after a round of discussion, the worker representatives did not oppose this law fundamentally.

After all, the law indeed secured many benefits for the workers and was favorable to them.

Regarding whether further benefits could be secured for the workers through negotiation and association proposals, rather than rallies or strikes, the worker representatives did not find it unacceptable.

Thus, the law for the formal establishment of the worker-engineer union association passed smoothly and implemented successfully.

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