Noa looked at Ace with a hint of shock, just like everyone else, since Ace's abrupt decision to reform the thief's house was a huge surprise.
Furthermore, it was apparent that he made this decision because of her, and it also seemed that he was aware of the chaotic situation of the Thief House because of his relationship with Eva and Alina. "I have no problem with this arrangement. If we want to become stronger, we need a Leader to lead us without any qualms. I would also like to apologize if my reckless decision caused your distrust. I know how much you care about all of us. It won't happen again." Noa solemnly stated as she bowed in front of Ace.
Ace subtly nodded, but his expression didn't change, and he looked towards the second-highest ranking member according to their house ranking and thievery count.
"Faceless Thief Winter, speak your mind if you have a problem with my arrangement."
Winter seemed surprised as she wasn't expecting her to be the second highest in the ranking as she thought it was Freya. While Freya's eyes flashed with a hint of astonishment and glanced toward Winter, her eyes narrowed subtly.
Winter remained silent for a moment before she spoke up, "I would like to ask a few things before I give my opinion."
"Go on." Ace readily agreed. "You just said, according to our rankings, we'll have certain authorities over low-ranking members. Can I ask what kind of authorities?" She questioned.
Ace mused for a little while before he spoke, "Well, for starters, you will get priority over Thief's House facilities. If there are no higher-ranking members, then you are already using them.
"You can also borrow low-ranking members' certain treasures if you need them; you can seek help from low-ranking members if they are not on any mission and free. Furthermore, if certain members are undercover in big organizations, you can use those organizations to your advantage as long as it won't threaten their covers.
"Lastly, let's introduce a voting system. Each decision and proposal will be put to vote. The First and Second House Ranked Members will have two votes each, while the rest will get one each.
"On the other hand, I will hold the veto power as the House Leader and won't interfere in voting unless appropriate. "This way, it'll be much simpler to make decisions. For example, if you want my help and, at the same time, someone else also needs it, we can put this to vote, and I'll help the person with the most votes first.
"Or if you all want to introduce high-level missions, which include the entire thief house, we'll do the same. If your proposal is approved, you'll get the highest house point reward among everyone else.
"This way, we can all work on your team skills. I was already thinking about doing this when I gave you, Noa, and Freya information about some of the biggest organizations of the Mortal Ascension Heaven.
"So, when you guys are ready, you can propose and present your final plan, and as long as everyone thinks it's doable, I'll arrange a full-scale massive house mission. But you all need to do your groundwork, or I can reject your entire plan based on my veto right as the House Leader. You might not even get the chance to put it on the table!"
Ace declared before he looked towards Zaria and others, "As for the lowest ranking members, if you want help of high-ranking members, you need to be at least an expert rank member and come to me, and then I can make proper arrangements or help you instead.
"If anyone wants advice, you are free to call each other, and I hope the high-ranking members won't reject their junior's requests and advise them if you can't, call me directly. If I'm not available for some reason, don't worry. I will reach out as soon as I can."
Ace then looked at Winter and asked, "This is all the authority I can give you because you already have enough authority and benefits in the Thief's House, and like before, I won't interfere with your Thief Acolytes. They are your responsibility, and you can teach them as you wish as long as they won't harm or endanger Thief House and its members, or I'll hold you responsible."
Winter nodded and spoke, "Thank you for your explanation, Leader. As long as you go through with this arrangement impartially, I have no problem." She then subtly glanced toward Eva and Alina and said, "In fact, I think you should've done it long ago. Nonetheless, I don't know about others, but I'm very pleased to see you taking your role seriously for once."
Eva and Alina glared at Winter, while Noa scoffed at Winter's comment on Ace's leadership abilities but didn't say anything.
Ace didn't react as he had already realized this problem and that there wasn't any need to retort. He also knew why Winter glanced at Eva and Winter.
But he pulled an ambiguous smile as he moved towards the third-highest ranking member, "Next, the third-highest ranking member, Abyssal Architect Thief Eva. Give your honest opinion." Ace's words shocked everyone, and Freya's eyes narrowed gloomily as this news was even more shocking than Winter getting ahead of her. After all, how long has it been since Eva joined the Thief House?
Furthermore, Freya didn't doubt Ace's rankings because he didn't need to pull such a trick. He could've given them first and second ranking if he wanted Eva or Alina in a higher position.
But with Ace's seriousness, she didn't think he was lying. After all, doing this will instantly make Alina unhappy, and from Alina's shocked yet terrifyingly gloomy face, everyone knew Ace wasn't joking.
Winter suddenly felt like she had just stepped on a landmine because if Eva could surpass Freya so quickly, it might not be long before she surpassed her and even Noa, who had never been beaten before.
They all thought about the only reason Eva could've done then, and that was the Abyss!
However, the most shocking about this was none other than Eva. She was startled for a moment before instantly flashed an enthralling smile and didn't forget to look at Alina.
"Well, it is unexpected. But with how I worked my ass off in the Abyss, I think I deserve this ranking." Eva sounded delighted as her gloomy expression was gone.
Still, her eyes suddenly narrowed dangerously, "Since 'Dear Leader' has made this arrangement, as the 'third' ranking member of the thief house, I know he would what only best for all of us, and it's also an eye-opener to see some of you unhappy because of his so-called favor.
"However, let me be blunt, he didn't favor anyone over others. It's just that he didn't want any of you to get killed or hurt. He's always been there for all of us, but some of us think of ourselves as better than others and too arrogant to seek his advice and help.
"I won't deny that I have the same mentality, and I think I know why; it's because I want to prove myself to him while the others might have their own thoughts. Nonetheless, I admit my behavior was inappropriate and diverting. So, as his wife, I'll follow his arrangement and separate our private and professional lives."
Done saying, she looked at Ace tenderly with a smile filled with encouragement and sent him a mental message, "I know how much it pains you to do this, but don't worry, I'm not angry or disappointed. Just follow your heart, and I'll always be there with you, no matter your decision!"