Twenty-One - Dura Lex Sed Lex

Downcaster

"The Drax Industry has filed bankruptcy this morning! The remaining ownership of their company was fully surrendered to Alderige International. The CEO and President Hector Exconde have yet to release any statement regarding the decision. The Drax Industry was believed to have been in debt and unable to recover since Alexander Drax's death. The family's remaining ancestral house, the Chateau De la Mercedes was acquired by the shipping giant, De Lutherbergh Shipping Lines."

House Samira was on high alert. Renard doubled everything. From his personal guards to his daughter-in-law's security details. Tension filled the grounds but they remained calm. Their enemies will have to guess their position in this matter, but the young lord of Samira was not impressed.

"How could they do that? It was my mother's ancestral home!" Devonne burst into anger. "Is that even legal? The attack was not even solicited to the council!"

"Apparently they can. It was supported by the three council members. Constantine, De Lutherbergh and Hawthorne." Renard stated.

Francesca looked away, hearing the involvement of their name. She was not at fault but she carries the guilt of the decision of her grandfather. She despised her position.

"But they did not consult us!" Devonne's temper reached its peak.

"It's not really necessary. Even if they are to decide anything like that again, we are in no position to react. Uncle Viktor is our ruling elder. He represents our family in the council." Renard firmly reminded his prideful son. "Be careful not to say that out loud around the council. They are not really fond of opinions from someone beneath them."

"Beneath them?" Devonne's emotions mixed. "Is this about my mother? How long will everybody condemns a dead woman for something she did a long time ago?"

Renard breathed really hard. "Our position is precarious, especially yours. You are part Drax and if Samira intervenes in council matters, it will implicate our family. Our silence is our best defense."

"Bullshit!"

"Language, Devonne!" Allison quickly scolded him.

"I'm sorry! It's just horrible! What they did to our ancestral home was a disaster! Is there any news about Luthor?"

"Not yet, but we believed he escaped. Hector is now being transported to Monte Carlo for trial."

"Is he going to be sentenced to death?" Allison worriedly asked.

"Depends on his involvement," Renard looked at his wife knowingly. Hector and Allison had a bit of history. "According to the Drax insider, most of the attacks were solely ordered by Luthor."

"That explains why Hector is granted a trial." Francesca joined the conversation.

Mr. Mercer was out of the line but he had to remind everyone regarding the more pressing matter, the debutante ball of Samira's youngest daughter. It will be grand. The attendance will be massive and packed with elites. Given the council's recent dilemmas, this will be challenging to push through. However, if this important events will be canceled, Samira's reputation and youngest daughter will be shamed.

"Can we consider extending that for a few days? Let the atmosphere relax." Allison suggested. "I'm worried about a lot of things. The organization is unstable."

"I quite agree with my lady, but," Mr. Mercer sighed deeply, "I'm quite sure Lord Viktor will be against that decision. He is more traditional than Master Renard's late father."

The room went silent. Mr. Mercer was right. Viktor Samira is obsessed with reputation. Without their marvelous facade as a perfect family, their foes will fall in line. Everything is thrown under the rug and all the family's worst affairs were untold. Things that shouldn't surface in public were either paid or silenced.

"Indeed," Renard shook his head. "Continue the preparation, Mr. Mercer. Lessen the guests and prioritize the council members."

"Including the Alderige?" Mr. Mercer reluctantly asked.

"Especially the Alderige," Renard muttered with absolute certainty.

***

Hades Mansion

Romeo St. James Alderige was offered a new position. The Clement-Alderige seat in the council. Two personnel from Zion were sent to confirm his decision, waiting patiently for his answer. It was also an invitation for him to be the main jury for Hector's trial.

The Zion was a neutral house. Their duty was to relay information from the inner circle after a series of considerations. They were the link to all houses in the Underground Society, and they were solely controlled by the Clement bloodline. Zion was on the verge of collapse as it was to fall to anarchy. Most houses will do their best to have their influence inside the Zion. The last attempt of desperation was to convince the last Clement to join the High Order so the neutral house will remain neutral with favors to the oldest family in the council.

"What about Aberdeen? She's more illegible for this matter," St. James raised his right hand, quickly interrupting his visitors from voicing any insulting opinion. "Don't even think about questioning her legitimacy. She legally belongs to this family."

"That's according to the United States law, sir, but we are following the organization's ancient law which was forged and written by your ancestors. The order only merits blood." The man said containing its subtle shade.

"And if I chose to ignore or deny this offer?" St. James leaned back.

"We would suggest, you reconsider, sir," the Zion representative grinned deviously. "The Clement-Alderige seat has been empty since Lady Nathalia's death. There are a lot of aspiring candidates who wish to have that. Your family may not be sitting on the throne but the entire Underground Society knows where the real influence resides, and that is to your family's council seat."

He dedicated his life to correct the morbid reality of his family. St. James joined the Bureau to prove a point. That they are capable of having the most basic qualities, just and humane. He may deny it, but there's only one choice left for him, becoming the very person he swore he'd destroy.

"Before I forget, my lord. The youngest daughter of Samira will have her debutante ball. As the oldest member, the Clement-Alderige house is the guest of honor. We took the liberty to insert that important occasion into your schedule. " The man stated with much confidence of St. James' attendance to the event. "Of course, assuming you accepted our offer. Ms. Aberdeen is also invited as the known heir to the Alderige."

With Mr. Smith's presence, he saved the frustrated agent in the drawing-room. The two Zion personnel politely nodded to the butler with visible discomforts. Mr. Smith offered them refreshments.

"Not having a decision yet, master Alderige?" The old man cackled.

"You have no idea." St. James snickered back.

"Try me." Mr. Smith dare.

"Well, these gentlemen," St. James boringly gestured his visitors, "are here to invite me to take our family's seat in the council. What would you suggest I should do Mr. Smith?"

"For all its worth, you are the blood and flesh of Nathalia, so there's nothing wrong if you take it. How badly do you want to avoid it?" Mr. Smith smiled mysteriously. "Why starved in the Bureau when you can easily have them investigate your father's death?"

"We would like to remind the good sir that Zion is a neutral house. We are not in a position to conduct nor encourage an investigation of a decades-old murder." One of the Zion members calmly explained.

"I need no reminder of that," Mr. Smith snorted. A smug look on his face, he winked at St. James, "but does our new Clement-Alderige councilman share your views?"