Ace looked at Noa gloomily as he wasn't expecting this kind of reasoning from Noa, but he couldn't refute it since he knew what 'enemy' she was talking about here, and she wasn't wrong in the least bit.
He felt even more pressure and somewhat guilty for putting them all in this situation, and just as Noa said, they were all walking their own path, and he couldn't control them.
Even the reason they were all gathered was because of Eva, who had to face who knows what in the abyss to trigger this mission on her own.
Eva and the others also turn silent and no longer dare to correct Noa since they all feel the same. However, there was one exception.
"What is she talking about? What enemy?" Zaria asked sternly while looking at Ace, "I think it's about time you tell me everything. After all, I'm part of this, whether I liked it or not, and I admit I brought it upon myself. But I have a right to know. After all, nothing is free in this world, and with all these benefits, I know there was a catch, and now, after hearing her, it seemed who had some terrifying enemy."
Ace glanced at Zaria and was about to explain when Freya spoke first, "There is no need to divert from the topic; I'll explain everything to her."
Noa also looked at Zaria and narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, "You must be the newcomer. You should know better than to be discourteous to your superior!"
"The fuck did you just say? How about I show you who your superior is!" Zaria instantly snapped as her peak Ascension Lord spiritual pressure descended in the hall.
She had already been frustrated about this whole situation, and Noa had provoked her by stepping on her sore spot. Even Ace never dared to flaunt his status because he knew how powerful she was, and others might not be aware of it; Ace knew no one was her match yet.
He was already grateful for Zaria's understanding and keeping her temper in check, but it seemed she had reached the tipping point.
The house members' expressions changed when they finally sensed Zaria's spiritual pressures and became solemn, including Eva and Alina.
A hint of realization dawned on them as they finally understood why Zaria was able to join the Thief House. It wasn't like they didn't have their doubts, but now it was crystal clear that he had fallen into a situation where he had to trick Zaria, or there was no way he could escape from her.
However, Noa was fearless as she glared back at Zaria, but even she could tell she was no match for Zaria. But she can't back down, or Zaria will step over everyone if she let it slide, and that was something Noa absolutely won't stand for.
"Enough! This is turning into a mess, and I can't have it right now!" Ace coldly intervened, glaring at Zaria, "Remove your spiritual pressure. We don't fight each other, or I won't be able to stop the 'punishment'."
Zaria instinctively trembled when she heard 'punishment' as she still vividly remembered that indescribable enforced on her when Ace tricked her into joining the Thief House.
Despite her anger, she still retracted her spiritual pressure, but the resentfulness in her eyes only grew stronger as she glared at Ace and then Noa.
Ace then looked at Noa and coldly said, "You should be more considerate towards others. Zaria is new and still learning about our ways."
He then looked at the others and said impassively, "Thief House has grown so much in these past years that I didn't realize that we are way past our initial growth stage.
"You guys are no longer rookies and weak and, evidently, can handle your own matters, and I know all of you are very talented, and the Thief House will only grow stronger.
"I guess it's also time for me to grow up and accept that I'm no longer alone and be a real leader. This also means I will also be expecting you all to behave according to your own ranks."
Ace then glanced at Eva and Alina, and they were frowning deeply, but he had already collected his resolve.
"That's why I'm going to add a new rule in the Rules and Regulations of the Thief House to make sure when we are discussing business, it will stay that way, and private matters will be handled privately, not in these serious meetings.
"The ranks of the members will reflect their authorities in the Thief House, not personal connections. If you have something to say about a problem with your fellow members, you can talk to me privately, and if I find it reasonable, I'll take action.
"But I will no longer stand this chaos anymore and no longer hesitate to inflict appropriate punishments. Furthermore, since you all are capable of making your own choices, I will no longer interfere unless you guys are harming each other or Thief House."
Ace glanced towards Noa and continued, "But anything that involved a major power, like someone or something way beyond your capabilities, you need to get my approval to go through with it.
"As the House Leader, it is my duty to prevent you all from taking any reckless actions, and I think I'm fully capable of judging whether the planned theft is worth it or not. If anything, I'll personally help you, and please don't hesitate to ask for my help; I will never say no unless I find your proposal impossible."
Ace then looked towards everyone who had different reactions to this new development. But he knew this needed to be done, especially after what he saw and experienced since the start of this house meeting.
He had never expected that by giving everyone equal treatment and showing favor towards a few, he was harming the Thief House unknowingly. He could even feel that if he didn't do this, factions would be formed in the Thief House, which would be even more dangerous in the long run.
Ace even thought about the Nightfall Ravenhood that he had gathered until now. Although they didn't have his lineage or system, they were extremely organized and didn't do anything against their own organization.
But despite that, Eleanor still acted against her group and exposed them to Ace, which also means their rules weren't effective enough, and the reason was probably that they didn't have the freedom of choice.
That's why Ace gave them freedom while maintaining minimal control so they wouldn't take reckless risks like Noa. This way, he can help them and ensure they won't feel inferior to others.
Ace then looked at everyone and said sternly, "Now, if you have any problem with this, please speak up. Let's start with the highest to lowest-ranking members. Thief Assassin Noa, please give your opinion. As for what you did, let's have a private chat after this!"