chsdbacks Chapter 275: Friendly Negotiations
Chapter 275: Friendly Negotiations
Chapter 275: Friendly Negotiations
The members of Team Hollow Shade sat across from each other in their training room below the coliseum. Their professors sat in a corner, quietly talking amongst themselves. Sylvie was the only one who stood, she was busy reenacting her victory over Damian from a few minutes ago.
Then I jumped at him and swung my ax down with all my strength! Sylvie raised her arms in the air. Buuut, the stupid ax you gave me, Freya, was unevenly balanced. I ended up missing his head and barely got his arm, she puffed her cheeks in mild frustratio
Wait, you were trying to kill him? Callum asked incredulously.
Uh, yeah, Sylvie said as if it was the most obvious fact in the world.
But why? Callum frowned.
Isnt that the whole point of a duel? Sylvie cocked her head to the side. Its not like these are mock duels, right?
Sure, but that doesnt mean we should actively try to kill our opponents, Callum said. Those sorts of actions can have serious repercussions in the future. Damian is part of a powerful family, who probably all want to kill you right about now.
If Sylvie hadnt taken the fight seriously she could have gotten killed by Damian. Would you have preferred that outcome instead? Stryg raised an eyebrow.
Callum sighed, Obviously not.
All duels are dangerous. I have to agree with Stryg on this one, Freya said reluctantly.
Callum slumped his shoulders, Yeah, I know. It doesnt make any of this better, though. Were all in enough danger as it is.
Freya nodded sympathetically, At least none of us are fighting in the next match.
Its that Frost Rim giant and some Murkton orc fighting, right? Stryg said.
It should start in about an hour, Freya said. Which leaves us plenty of time for lunch.
About that, Gale spoke up. Your professors and I have been talking
About what? Freya asked.
This, Ismene held up a letter. The black rose sigil of House Thorn was stamped over the letters wax seal. It seems Lady Thorn has invited you for lunch, Stryg.
Me? Stryg frowned.
Not just you, your Loh as well, Ismene read the letter.
Stryg narrowed his eyes, What?
Loh glanced at Stryg uncomfortably, ...We dont have to go if you dont want to.
Want to? Who would ever want to be in a room alone with Lady Thorn?! Cornelius exclaimed.
Its way too dangerous, Gale nodded. But that letter didnt just arrive right before the next match out of some strange coincidence. This was deliberate. House Thorns is one of the few families who hasnt sent you a letter yet, until now.
So you think I should go? Stryg asked.
Yes, but Im coming along as protection, Gale said.
So am I, Lysaila said quietly from the corner of the room.
Stryg nodded slowly, ...Fine, Ill go. But Im not going anywhere with that liar, he glared at Loh.
...Thats fair, Loh mumbled.
Then Ill be going in her stead, Ismene said.
Why? Stryg furrowed his brow.
Gale and Lysaila will be busy scoping the room for threats. Youd be talking to Ophelia alone. I wont let you face her by yourself. Ismene slammed her cane on the ground, End of discussion.
Stryg held back his tongue and bowed his head in acquiescence.
~~~
A pair of elite guards stood on each side of the entrance to House Thorns walled pavilion. Stryg quickly looked them up and down, noting the swords on their belts, the various daggers on their arms and legs, but most importantly, the silver mage amulets hanging from their necks.
House Thorn equips their men well at least, Gale muttered.
Meh, I could end them in 3 seconds, Lysaila shrugged.
Not a step further. State your purpose or leave, one of the guards stated in a deep voice. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and stared steely-eyed at Lysaila.
Ismene hobbled past the others and looked at the guards with an air of amusement, Im quite certain you are well aware of who and why we are here.
The guards glanced at each other with uncertainty. We were expecting only two guests, not four.
Not to worry, the two behind me will be keeping you both company while Stryg and I sit down for a chat with your mistress, Ismene said nonchalantly.
The guards reluctantly let go of their swords and stepped aside.
To a commoner, yes? I admit, it is strange to see an Aspirant married to a commoner, but it doesnt bother me.
Yes, but
Do you not find me attractive? Ophelia smirked.
Stryg suddenly found his eyes drifting down towards her ample chest and the way her thin silk dress left little to the imagination.
Since when does attraction have any weight in the marriage decision of a Lord or Lady of a Great House? Ismene asked.
It doesnt, Ophelia said. But Id wager it does to Stryg. He is a young man barely out of his teens, whose needs clearly havent been met for some time now, judging by the way he is staring at my breasts.
Stryg blinked and looked up, Huh? What?
Ismene shook her head in disappointment.
In fact, Ophelia smiled. Id wager, like every man Ive met, you dont like to share, do you, Stryg? You seemed uncomfortable when I mentioned my husband.
Im just uncomfortable being at this table, he said.
You know what? Ill get rid of my current husband, no questions asked. You dont have to share me with anyone, Ophelia winked. And of course, I dont mind how many secondary wives you decide to take on.
Stryg swallowed, his eyes slowly drifting back towards her chest, Um dont you have kids?
Two, yes. Does that bother you? I am only 42 years old. Compared to a goblin, my body is still in its early twenties. I can easily have your children for many years to come.
Stryg frowned. Children?He had never given any thought to having children of his own.
Stryg is a hybrid, he cant have children, which is one of the most essential parts of any marriage alliance, Ismene noted.
That little tale has never been quite proven, has it? Ophelia shrugged. Someday Stryg will be an Ebon Lord with powers that none of us have. Im quite certain that with his future abilities and my arcane knowledge we could find a way to continue his line.
You mean your line, the bloodline of House Thorn, Ismene tapped her cane.
Ophelia sipped her wine, Lady Ismene, Im not going to disrespect you by lying to you about the painfully obvious. Having an Ebon Lord back in my family would reinvigorate House Thorn to its former glory. We could take our rightful place back in Hollow Shade.
As the ruler of Hollow Shade, Ismene crossed her arms.
No, Ophelia shook her head. That role will fall to Ebon Lord Stryg of the Great House of Thorn.
Wha? Strygs eyes widened in shock.
You, Stryg, will sit on Hollow Shades throne. And I will stand by your side as your faithful queen, Ophelia smiled proudly.
Youd give the boy the throne? Ismene said cautiously.
Of course, the people of the realm will only accept a true Ebon Lord on Hollow Shades throne, Ophelia said. I think youve misunderstood me, Lady Ismene. Im not interested in ruling Hollow Shade. Ive only ever cared about returning my House to its former glory. Stryg is the key to that dream. She glanced at Stryg with a warm smile, Ive been waiting for someone like you for a very long time.
Um, Stryg cleared his throat, That sounds good and all for you, but why would I marry you?
Besides the fact that I am your greatest hope of protection within this city and that you clearly want to sleep with me? Ophelia smirked.
Yes, besides that, he nodded.
Mm, very well, Ophelia nodded. Undergrowth and Hollow Shade have been close to war many times in the last century. My citys armies have grown significantly larger than Hollow Shades. However, your city is currently at war with the Valley Tribes, but despite their best efforts, they are unable to quell Lord Marek and his savages.
Ophelia leaned forward, But what if my armies helped? How quickly could we end this Lord Marek? The man who killed many of your classmates last year and almost killed you. If we married, one of the first things I would do is help you find Marek and end his miserable life.
Stryg looked down at his hands, they shook with a slight tremble. How many times had he dreamed of killing that bastard and all his bloody tribe? He swore on Clypeus grave that he would end the Cairn and the lives of every single one of them. He thought it would take years before he was strong enough to exact his revenge. Now, the answers to his problems sat right in front of him in the form of a beautiful Lady.
Stryg glanced at Ismene. What do you think? he whispered.
...I think that Lady Thorns offer could easily be turned into a threat, Ismene said grimly. As she said, her armies are greater than ours. How easy would it be for her to attack Hollow Shade while were busy fighting the Valley Tribes?
Ophelia said nothing and simply sipped her drink with a small smile.
Ismene sighed, Overall, her offer isnt bad. Ruling Hollow Shade is a far-fetched idea for anyone, even an Aspirant. But with Lady Thorn, it might actually be possible or perhaps itll all end in catastrophic failure. You need to know Stryg, that no matter how all this plays out, blood will be spilled over your mere existence. Itd be best if you are on the winning side. Though if that side is the Thorns, I do not know.
I never really thought of ruling Hollow Shade Stryg muttered. But Im not too keen on dying either
Its your life, Stryg. I will not make this decision for you, Ismene said quietly. Either way you will have to live with the consequences.
So what do you say? Ophelia stretched out her hand. Will you marry me?
Stryg breathed shakily, ...I
He will have to think on the matter! a familiar voice called out.
Stryg shot up from his chair in surprise. A petite vampiress strode past the guards and marched towards their table.
Ophelia narrowed her eyes, And who might you be?
Me!? the vampiress scoffed with indignation. I am the right hand of the Ebon Aspirant, his closest confidante, and his most trusted advisor! You may address me as Lady Maeve of the Great House of Mora!