Ch 98: Offending Appearances - Part 1

The reaction was swift and predictably hostile. Nobles whispered furiously to one another, and several openly scoffed at the audacity of the demand. Fenrir, for his part, remained silent, his golden eyes scanning the room with an air of detached amusement.

"You overstep," one noble growled, his face red with anger. "Do you think we'll simply hand over centuries of tradition and prestige because you happen to be convenient in this moment?"

Mary Ann's smile sharpened. "I think you'll do whatever is necessary to protect Chashire. Your pride won't save you from whatever killed Count Lancer—or from whatever might come next."

Fenrir finally spoke, his voice soft but cutting. "This isn't about pride. It's about survival. You need us. Deny it all you like, but you know it's true."

The eldest noble leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable as she considered their words. "And if we refuse your demand?" she asked, her tone calm but with a hint of menace.