Persuasion and Threats

After that, Matisa didn't say much more and simply left. Before exiting the mansion, she only expressed her regret. It was clear that my words hadn't reached her.

I couldn't shake the memory of the look she gave me at the end—a gaze that seemed to pity me.

For some reason, that look kept nagging at me, making me uneasy.

"Ugh… I told you not to come until I called for you."

"I was just feeling a bit restless."

"Listen, if you overexert yourself while you're still young, you'll regret it later."

"Who's overexerting? I just came out for some fresh air."

I found myself at Kran's training ground.

Sitting on a large rock he used as a chair, I could see the bustling city of Neka in all its glory.

The golden city sparkled under magical lights, teeming with people.

"It's already 8 o'clock. Have you eaten?"

"I have. It was quite delicious."

Kran sat down beside me, and I silently gazed at the city's night view.

It felt like the noise in my head was finally starting to calm down.

"What's up?"

He asked casually, throwing out a question without any context.

Still, I knew what he was getting at.

But just because I understood didn't mean I had an answer readily available.

I didn't even know why I felt this way myself.

"I just… feel a bit… overwhelmed. Should I call it worry?"

"You met your grandmother or something?"

"How do you know that?"

"I'm friends with Racto; we're the same age. He must have mentioned it."

Oh right. They're best friends.

The 'Illusory Space' set up around the training ground was also Racto's work.

Thanks to him, I could unleash my magic without any reservations.

"It seems the elders are already starting to make their moves."

Kran broke the brief silence between us.

He smiled lightly, as if he understood my worries.

"Things didn't go well, did they? Your expression says it all."

"They're supporting First Lord Ron without showing any signs of changing their minds…"

Ron is a powerful mage character from 'Last Saber.'

As the main character, his talents and skills are beyond question; the developers wouldn't have chosen someone mediocre for such an important role.

With the elders' support tipping the scales even further against me, it felt like an uphill battle from the start.

Considering Matisa's reaction, it wouldn't be surprising if political strife began immediately.

The gap between Ron and me, coupled with the elders' biased support, meant I was facing a double whammy—a very unfair fight indeed.

'They came to me right after I became vassal lord. Did they approach my other siblings in the same way?'

The thought of my worst-case scenario—where all my siblings had already sided with First Lord Ron—was too much to bear.

From Second Lord Leon to Sixth Lord Tunda...

Their continued existence could be interpreted as a sign that the tide had completely turned in their favor.

If they posed no threat, there would be no need to eliminate them either.

'Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned wanting to become head of the family.'

It was likely that the elders had approached my other siblings too.

And just like they did with me—they probably received similar responses from them.

My siblings would have firmly rejected any thoughts of becoming head of the family.

'That's right; Matisa's reaction when I mentioned becoming head was anything but ordinary.'

Her maniacal laughter suggested she had never encountered this situation before.

Suddenly, I regretted being so brash in my declaration.

If only I had simply stated that "I'm not interested in becoming head," I might have bought myself some time!

"Just do what you feel is right. That's the only way to sway the elders."

"…What?"

Kran stood up and stretched his arms wide before casually continuing,

"The elders of Arahhan never go against prevailing trends; they know how to maintain their power."

"…How do you know so much about our family?"

"Listen here! I've been friends with your grandfather since we were kids!"

"Wait… Are you serious?"

"Mercenaries tend to have wide connections. Your friend Dennis was sweet and kind when we were young."

"No way! How could you possibly be friends with a former head?"

"I'm telling you! I was there when Genedin was born! I even saw him when he was just a tiny baby!"

If true, that would be quite shocking!

I hesitated as Kran seemed lost in thought for a moment, staring into space.

"I witnessed Dennis win his competition and become head. Honestly, I helped him out a few times along the way. Arahhan's reputation started back then."

"What happened?"

"Do you think it's normal for someone to kill their siblings and then flaunt being head? Those guys would jump into hellfire for their goals! I've traveled across the Empire and never encountered a family as ruthless as Arahhan."

Well, that much is true...

They're aiming for an impossible goal—surpassing even emperors!

I don't understand why they are so obsessed with being on top of the Empire; perhaps they feel compelled to be its best or maybe there are other reasons behind it?

'Meanwhile, those elders are acting as obstacles in this whole mess.'

The more I thought about it, the more complicated and convoluted this family became.

And here I am—the youngest son of such a family...

"As far as I know, your grandfather was second-born. How did he manage to win over the elders?"

"Luck played a role. The firstborn suffered from chronic illness and died early on—effectively making Dennis the eldest."

"I see…"

"It wasn't without its challenges. Before his brother died, he confided many worries similar to yours."

"What did you say back then?"

"Me? Like I said earlier: Just do what feels right."

"...That's really helpful advice."

Chuckles "Back then, it was just youthful exuberance—I didn't think it would turn out to be correct!"

Correct? How could doing whatever one wanted possibly be correct?

While pondering this absurdity, Kran chuckled softly again.

"I can't stress enough that elders never go against prevailing trends. Do you know what their agenda is? To elevate stronger bloodlines as heads! Establishing a powerful leader ensures stability for their family—and thus maintains their own power."

"Wow… Matisa said something similar… Were you really friends with your predecessor?"

"What?! You still don't believe me? What kind of fool are you! Ugh! Do whatever you want!"

Kran turned abruptly and began striding away from me.

He seemed genuinely offended by my disbelief.

How could anyone believe that my master was friends with a former head and even saw Genedin as a baby?

"Master!"

"Get lost!"

"I apologize! From now on, I'll believe everything you say—please continue!"

"Tch!"

Kran irritably scratched his ear and turned his head away from me in annoyance.

As I pondered how to make amends—I suddenly had an idea pop into my mind.

I wasn't sure if this would work—but it was worth trying!

"In that case, how about I buy your information from you? Would 100 gold coins suffice?"

"200 coins."

It worked!

That gave me chills down my spine!

"...Alright then; please tell me what you know."

"Hmph! Do you still not understand what it means when they say 'never go against prevailing trends'?"

"That basically means there's no opportunity for me since things are leaning towards Ron."

"You foolish disciple! Instead of thinking about how to reverse those trends—you young people always hesitate too much!"

Who could understand such vague statements?

With an exasperated sigh, I raised both hands in surrender.

This must be what Kran wanted from me!

"I'll give you 300 coins."

"This is where things get serious—so pay attention."

"..."

His suddenly friendly tone raised suspicions within me.

He might have made quite a fortune working as a mercenary—but those who have wealth can often be more intimidating than expected!

Kran adjusted himself and focused his gaze back on me again:

"When I say 'do what feels right,' it means showing the elders who you truly are. They won't move based on mere words alone—never!"

"And who am I supposed to be?"

"That's right; when they talk about superior bloodlines—it doesn't solely refer to strength! It also includes being composed, ruthless, and possessing keen insight! The head of Arahhan must embody these traits!"

Wait… Is he suggesting that I need to impress them?

"So now you've finally grasped it! The elders want to envision what you'll become once you're head—that way you'll buy yourself some time! If during that time you show overwhelming growth compared to Ron—the tide can turn in an instant!"

"Oh..."

That makes perfect sense!

This is why one must never underestimate experience; Kran provided insights beyond my expectations!

Logically speaking—if someone wants to win others over—they should first aim to present themselves positively rather than acting recklessly without regard for others!

"For now—it might be wise for you to relocate your residence too. Pack your things by tomorrow morning."

"…I suppose Liu and Lisa will need to evacuate along with everyone else."

"We'll have no choice but to remain cautious until those elders cease their meddling."

"But given my position with the priest's mark and pending orders from the Emperor—I can't act recklessly either…"

"There are countless ways to carry out an assassination without leaving traces behind! It doesn't hurt to be careful!"

True enough; now isn't the time for bravado—it's better to tread carefully instead!

I nodded in agreement as an expression of understanding toward Kran's wisdom.

"Ha ha! Make sure you bring those gold coins by tomorrow! Timeliness matters—a trust-based relationship is key!"

This wasn't just worth 300 coins—it would be worth 3,000 coins without hesitation!

I bowed deeply in sincere gratitude toward Kran for his guidance.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The magical clock chimed at 3 AM—a signal that even those standing guard outside were beginning to doze off.

Jed's mansion lay eerily quiet—darkness enveloping every corner without even magical lights illuminating its surroundings.

Thud!

At that moment—a magic scroll fell onto the floor.

Matisa had stuck it under the table before leaving the mansion earlier.

Whoosh...

The scroll unfurled as if possessing its own willpower.

It emitted a faint light before inscribing an unspoken magic circle upon the floor.

Soon after—the shapes began wriggling out from within that circle in droves.

Hissss...

With rough scales and amber-colored eyes—they slithered quickly toward their destination while flicking thin tongues in anticipation.

As if guided by purpose—they passed through corridors before ascending stairs in unison like black smoke creeping forward...

Hisss...

These dark creatures reached up to where members were sleeping on the second floor—stealthy and swift without making any noise whatsoever!

Ignoring their snores—they climbed up toward another flight of stairs leading higher into darkness...

The mansion remained silent and shrouded in shadows...

Their serpent-like movements halted right before a door on the third floor...

Cautiously lowering their speed—they crawled up onto its surface slowly yet deliberately—ensuring nobody noticed them...

Creeeak...

As they coiled around doorknobs—their bodies tensed before pushing downwards until finally—the door creaked open!

In unison—hundreds of amber eyes turned toward their target lying on the bed...

Clearly excited by what lay ahead—they flicked their tongues incessantly while eagerly anticipating their next move...

Soon enough—a thick black mist began spreading throughout...

Across ceilings—beneath floors—through windows—and finally settling atop Jed's bed...

Before long—the room filled entirely with this ominous darkness...