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"Very well," I said, taking the lead to move the conversation forward. "Let's sit and discuss the terms of this proposal in a more civilized manner. But are you sure, You don't want to discuss this with your father?"

Lady Eveline hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "My father is aware of my presence here and fully supports my efforts to secure this alliance. However, he believed it would be best for me to handle the initial discussions personally. He trusts my judgment in this matter."

Elysia's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Very well. Let's proceed with this discussion. But know that any decision we make will be thoroughly considered and will reflect the values and interests of our family."

We moved to the sitting area, and I signaled for Liliana to serve tea and refreshments. The atmosphere remained strained but civil as Lady Eveline, Elysia, and I took our seats. Liliana and Lily stood by, ready to assist as needed, while Alice remained nearby, her calm presence a silent support.

Lady Eveline began, her tone measured and diplomatic. "The alliance between our families would not only strengthen our political standing but also create a united front against common adversaries. With the recent unrest and the ongoing feud with the royal family, it is imperative that we find allies who can offer mutual support."

Elysia nodded slightly, her expression thoughtful but guarded. "I have one question that I want answer to before we proceed. You should know, what it means to form an alliance with the Ashwood family, who has been demoted from its rank of Duke house to a mere Count House.

If you form an alliance with the Ashwood family, your Clearwater which is still the Duke's house makes an enemy out of the royal family too. Are you and your father truly prepared for the consequences of such an alliance?"

Lady Eveline took a moment to compose her thoughts, the gravity of Elysia's question not lost on her. "We are fully aware of the implications, Lady Elysia. The Clearwater family has its own grievances with the royal family, and while we have maintained a neutral stance, recent events have made it clear that neutrality may no longer be viable.

An alliance with the Ashwoods offers us a chance to consolidate our power and protect our interests more effectively."

Elysia's eyes remained sharp, but a hint of curiosity flickered in her gaze. "And what assurances can you provide that this alliance will be honored and beneficial to both parties, especially given the precarious position of our family?"

Lady Eveline straightened her posture, her voice steady. "We propose a marriage alliance, as a tangible symbol of our commitment. My engagement to Lord Samael would not only bind our families through blood but also signify a mutual pledge of support and cooperation. Additionally, we are prepared to offer resources and strategic aid to help the Ashwood family regain its former standing."

I observed Elysia carefully, noting the subtle shift in her demeanor as she considered Lady Eveline's words. The offer was substantial, but the risks were equally significant.

"And what do you seek in return?" Elysia asked, her tone probing.

"Lord Samael to marry into Clearwater family— leaving the surname of Ashwood and adopting the Clearwater name," But before she could continue a pressure again pressed down on her but this was much more powerful than before, If previous one was a flood than this one was a ruthless tsunami ready to crush everything in its path.

Crack! Crack!

Boooooom!

Due to the immense mana leaking from Elysia, the chair on which Lady Eveline was sitting shattered into splinters, sending wooden fragments skittering across the floor. The force of the pressure was so intense that it felt as if the room itself was about to collapse under the weight of Elysia's mana.

Lady Eveline stumbled back, barely managing to catch herself as she rose from the remains of the chair. Her face was pale, her composure shaken by the sheer power emanating from Elysia. I could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes, which had replaced the initial confidence she had displayed.

But Mother was not the only one who was angry, as I saw Alice and Liliana's mana begin to leak as well. Their mana, while not as overwhelming as Elysia's, was still significant, and it created a charged atmosphere that heightened the tension in the room.

Alice's eyes flashed with a protective fury, while Liliana's gaze was unsettling, her eyes reflecting an emptiness that seemed to absorb the light around her. It was as if she had tapped into a profound, primal force that transcended ordinary emotion. Her mana, though not physically overwhelming, created an aura of chilling detachment that further heightened the tension in the room.

"I think I should make a visit to your distinguished Clearwater family," Elysia said slowly in an ice-cold tone that sent shivers down my spine. Her voice, though calm, carried an unmistakable weight of authority and underlying threat. The atmosphere crackled with the residual energy of her mana, making the air feel dense and almost suffocating.

Lady Eveline's face took on a horrified expression as she grasped the full extent of Elysia's unspoken threat. The implication of Elysia's "visit" was clear: it was not merely a social call but a declaration of potential destruction. The kingdom knew well what such a visit could mean—total annihilation for anyone who crossed the formidable mage's path.

The room fell into a heavy silence as Lady Eveline struggled to regain her composure. Her face, once assured and resolute, was now a mask of fear and resignation. She opened her mouth to speak but seemed to find her voice faltering.

"Lady Elysia," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I didn't intend for this situation to escalate so dramatically. My father and I are prepared to discuss alternative solutions and negotiate terms that can accommodate your family's concerns."

Elysia's gaze remained icy, her mana pressure still palpable but slightly tempered. "Let me be clear: Any attempt to separate my beloved from me will be met with the full force of my wrath. My family and I have endured much, and we will not accept any form of disrespect or coercion.

If the Clearwater family wishes to proceed with this alliance, they must be prepared to engage with us on equal terms and acknowledge the full weight of our strength and dignity."

Lady Eveline swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Elysia and me. "Of course, Lady Elysia. I assure you, that we only seek a partnership that is mutually beneficial and respectful of all parties involved. We will reconsider our proposal and seek a more balanced approach that respects the Ashwood family's standing."

Elysia's expression softened, though her eyes remained vigilant. "Good. Remember, it is not merely about the political advantages but also about honoring the bonds that come with such an alliance. Our family's honor and integrity are non-negotiable."

With that, the intense pressure in the room began to recede, though the atmosphere remained tense. Lady Eveline, though visibly shaken, attempted to regain her composure. "Thank you for your understanding, Lady Elysia. I will relay your concerns to my father and arrange for a follow-up meeting to discuss revised terms."

I stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your willingness to adapt, Lady Eveline. It's important that we find a way forward that aligns with both our families' interests and values."

Lady Eveline nodded gratefully, her demeanor reflecting both relief and apprehension. "Thank you, Lord Samael. I look forward to our continued discussions."

As Lady Eveline prepared to leave, Elysia, Alice, and Liliana all visibly relaxed, their mana dissipating into the ether. The room, though still charged with the remnants of earlier tensions, began to return to a more manageable state.

Alice immediately pronounced on me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. Her eyes, usually filled with bright innocence, were now filled with a mix of relief and concern. "Big brother won't leave me, right?"

I held Alice close, feeling the weight of her worry and the echoes of the recent confrontation still lingering in the air. Her voice trembled with a mixture of fear and hope, and it pained me to see her so distressed.

I hugged Alice tightly, feeling her trembling form against me. "Of course, not, silly sis," I reassured her, trying to convey both confidence and comfort. "Nothing will separate us, and we'll face whatever comes together."

Mother smiled looking at us as she too pronounced at me, As I held both of them, While placing all their weight on me.

Liliana's gaze shifted between Elysia, Alice, and me. Her expression was a mix of contemplation and uncertainty as if she were trying to navigate the complex emotions and tensions in the room. Despite her usual composure, the recent events had visibly affected her, leaving her to grapple with her own feelings and observations.

"Hey, My vampire girl~ Come join us."

Liliana's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of hesitation in her gaze. The intense emotional exchange and the weight of the recent confrontation seemed to have taken a toll on her. But as I called out to her, there was a slight softening in her expression, and she slowly moved toward us.

Elysia, noticing the shift in the atmosphere, allowed her stern demeanor to soften, offering a gentle nod of approval. "Yes, Liliana, join us. It's important that we support one another in times like these."

Liliana approached us, her smile too bright to fully conceal the shadow of her earlier unease. She slid into the embrace, joining the tightly-knit circle that had formed. As she settled beside us, her presence brought a subtle, calming effect that seemed to help diffuse the lingering tension in the room.

"Thank you, Samael," Liliana said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers gently brushed against mine, a silent reassurance that she was here, both for me and for the family.

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

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