Simon did not immediately respond to Carl's proposal. As he deliberated on whether to agree, a voice, aged yet powerful, suddenly echoed from outside the De Molinos family's main hall.
"Well said!"
"To strive, to dare—that is the spirit the younger generation of the De Molinos family should possess."
"I grant your request."
"However, our De Molinos family currently lacks wealth and provisions. The support we can provide you is extremely limited…"
"You claim you can rally the clansmen, the armored guards, and even the household servants to follow you? Then go forth and carve your own path!"
The speaker was none other than Arius.
As the figure in a flowing gray robe with silver hair cascading down his back stepped into view, both Carl and Simon felt a jolt in their hearts. Without hesitation, they quickly cupped their hands in salute.
"Greetings, Ancestor!"
"Greetings, Ancestor!"