Charlemagne and Awenna were divided about whether to accept Hao Ren's offer.
It was not that the siblings did not have the guts, but it was because they were still in a heightened state of alertness and suspicion after the pirate attack. The unequal exchange of intelligence and the lack of choices meant that they had to think twice before they committed to anything.
Hao Ren could see the concern of the siblings and did not push them to make a deal. "You can go to the lounge next door to think about it. But I hope you'll give me an answer as soon as possible."
"I realize your concern, but I believe that you know what's best for you. We obviously have nothing to do with those pirates. The Basilica of the World Tree has been in isolation for a long time. We need a new channel of communication with the outside world, and you need protection as well as help; we could have a win-win cooperation."
