After listening to the description of the state of the realm's protectors, Gin felt it was his time to step up and share his knowledge.

"I came here upon the suggestion of a priest and his boy. This man has spoken of heretics on the border long before I heard mention in these lands."

A murmur broke out among the nobles sat at the table, most were confused as to how a priest in a faraway land could predict the troubles occurring in the Kingdom of the Left.

However, not long after the murmurs began, a voice broke out among the crowd. "And how is it that this man knew of these 'heretics'," questioned Ciacco.

Gin turned his eyes to the man and replied, "He said the 'one true God, Yhwach' came to him and told him."

"Ha, 'one true God', I won't entertain the suggestions of a fool who denies the existence of the multiple Gods above."

"A fool he may be, but he was right about the invaders on the border. And had he not told me, I would not have come into contact with Virgil," replied Gin.

Virgil now spoke up, "Yes, yes. Gin and I have proposed a plan to protect the Kingdom without the need for help from the Lost Kings."

"And what is that plan?" asked Ciacco, dubiously.

Ciacco was highly regarded by the nobles in the room, and as such, were swayed to his position. In fact, they were so swayed, that many nobles began to air their doubts that the young duke and the blacksmith could even come up with a credible plan.

Virgil let the room settle, taking a long gander across the table, he replied, "The two assassin families are still in business."

Giorno immediately stood up, "The two assassin families? We don't even know where our enemies lay or who they even are, how do we hire an assassin to kill them?"

Virgil motioned for him to sit down, "Giorno, we won't have hire them to hunt down these people. We will hire them to defend the Kingdom. Gin here says he has come into contact with both families at various points, and that they are definitely strong."

Gin let out a little smile, "Yes. Both families could essentially be considered equals to the Lost Kings."

The air in the room now seemed to begin swaying back in the favor of Virgil and Gin. Sighing in relief, Lord Charon looked at Gin, "And the price?"

"10 Million"

Thom scoffed, "10 Million? The King's vaults barely contain 1 Million in them. I would have expected you of all people, Virgil, to know this plan was impossible."

Now Virgil cracked a smile, "Thom, the King's vaults do barely contain 1 Million. But the King's vaults do not comprise all of the Kingdom's wealth."

Ciacco, noticing the implication Virgil was giving off, dejectedly stated "Virgil, I know what you are implying. That as head of the Merchant Guild, I should be able to fund the rest. But even if I had found every last piece of gold that belonged to me, it would only amount to about another 3 Million."

The truth of the matter was that Ciacco could fund the entire process himself. However, had he done so and the plan worked, Virgil would have been the one to receive all the credit for the plan's success. Thinking primarily of his own situation among the dukes, he would not let that happen.

Now a murmur started to break out among the nobles, every noble checking their notebooks for any amount of money. Eventually, a tally had been made. 

5.5 Million Gold.

Gin let out a sly smile, "And for the rest of the gold, I will donate it in Virgil's name. The only thing I ask for in return is one of the Workshop's scrolls."