Free Web NovelChapter 21: Lilia Offer For A Heir
"You don’t walk into people’s room without permission, Lilia."
She scoffed, crossing her legs as she slouched into the chair, her eyes still held that raw arrogance.
"You don’t even deserve to standing here," Lilia said.
I brushed it off as a petty insult. Waiting to hear her admit why she’s here. But the silence stretched, amplified by my finger tapping the table, slow and rhythmic, with no words said from her.
So I had to ask myself.
"Why are you here?"
Lilia avoided glancing at me, suddenly interested in the moon.
"It just happens I haven’t left my chambers in a while. So I decided to walk around. In my ’Mansion’."
As expected, she was too arrogant or prideful to admit why she’s here.
"Is that all? Then you can probably take your leave now."
"Hmph... what, you’re going to throw me out?"
"No. You’ll walk out yourself."
Another silence followed. I planted awkwardly with nothing but a bath towel around my waist. The wind from the window was really chilling.
While Lilia was trying to act mysterious, which really ticked me off.
I already knew what she wanted... yet pride held the words in my throat.
"Lilia—"
"Do you know why this estate is very lonely... I’m literally the only one with power living here. The rest are dead."
"...? I thought the queen killed only the barons."
"I didn’t ask you to speak. And I wasn’t done speaking."
Lilia then adjusted herself on the chair to sit upright. Fire danced around her fingertips, she scrutinized, keeping me once again in silence.
I was already having suspicions.
Wicked suspicions.
For now I let her entertain herself with her display.
Finally she spoke again.
"Our queen eliminated the elders, every loyalist in the Hearts House. Cause they questioned her rule. Once they weren’t obedient pets anymore. This is what leads me to you."
The flames then extinguished theatrically. She stood up, walking back into the room, her heels clicked with each step.
Lilia loomed before me, hand on her waist.
"Once you don’t remain an obedient pet. She’ll kill you. So I’ll make you a proposal. I loathe you. But if you cooperate—"
"I reject your proposal," I cut her off, getting bored of her.
Lilia was taken aback, her lips parted. She stared at me with astonishment.
"If that’s all, you can leave." I then gestured to the door. freёweɓnovel.com
"I wasn’t done talking."
"There’s no need for that. If you’re going to offer me protection, then I’ll break the report, I don’t need such."
Lilia stayed speechless, she clenched her fist, flaring her mana.
Then a red flaming aura began to burn. Her face hardened.
I laughed. "It seems you’ve forgotten your magic doesn’t have any damage on me."
She stayed persistent. Not turning the heat down. Well it was just warm. Better than the chilling wind.
From my observation, I could suspect she didn’t hear about the information, I healed a curse that was tagged incurable.
If so, this was Lilia trying to get me to her side quickly, that way the Hearts House could be united more so she could use my leverage against other houses.
Desperation is already setting into her.
"You said it yourself, once they weren’t obedient pets anymore the queen would kill... so I’ll just play the system. Use all my leverage now I’m under the queen’s mercy. Till the time comes I’m strong enough to defy. But you currently are under my mercy."
"Me? You do dream a lot..."
"You’re making it worse for yourself, Lilia. I might just take the negotiation bar higher."
"...fine."
Lilia then turned down her aura. Its flaming heat washed away, replaced by the cool breeze.
She folded her arms.
"You can learn magic. Well I give you an opening."
She straightened her spine, as she reveled with pride.
"The Dragon-Bone Refinement Art, an ancient technique."
I smirked.
’Now we’re talking business.’
"What does it do?"
"It’s an ancient technique that allows anyone to withstand and wield high-density draconic mana without exploding."
"You should be honored, what I’m offering is a technique passed down from generation to generation, exclusive to the Hearts House."
"Is that all the technique can do?"
"No. It also strengthens the body, making its wielder’s body tougher than a dragon’s scales."
Okay.
I held my head down while monologuing.
The bargain was worth it. With it I could adapt to strong mana attacks better since it toughens my body. The damage I take before fully adapting would also be lowered.
On the other hand,
My [Magic Amplify] was limited to my mana rank, because my body can’t wield high-density mana.
With it I would have an opening.
Still I was bored of Lilia. I didn’t want to fulfill her wish. Accepting the bargain now would just feed her pride. She still had left. I want her to beg for it.
Rather than a transaction.
For other Baronesses I might be quite different. Not Lilia. Her demeanor needs a check.
If I’m going to live under the same roof as her.
I’ve made up my mind, Lilia, and once again I reject your proposal.
"What?! Did you hear what I just said?"
"Yes I did. If all your technique can do is allow me to wield high-density mana... I don’t need it."
I dismissed it.
"This isn’t a joke."
"I’m not joking. Because I know other houses would come crawling to me with better offers in exchange."
She groaned, her anger barely contained.
"What makes you think that?" ƒreewebɳovel.com
Lilia pointed a finger at me.
Before I could reply, a knock at the door.
We paused, shifting our attention, curious who was on the other side of the door.
"Lord Amor."
It was Solen’s voice.
"You have a visitor. Lady Quinette is seated at the lounge awaiting your presence."
’Perfect timing. The information already reached her.’
"Solen, tell her I’ll be there."
"Yes sir."
Her footsteps then receded from the door.
"You were saying?"
I targeted the question at Lilia, and she couldn’t reply. Realizing she wasn’t the only one desperate...
I brushed past Lilia to my wardrobe, dropped my face towel aside, to check for an outfit to wear for my meeting with Quinette.
Today had to be the busiest since I arrived at this mansion.
"If you don’t have anything else to say. Leave my room."
I kept my voice firm as I ordered her out.
Lilia being Lilia proved stubborn, not moving a step. She backed me, staring at nothing. Didn’t know what was going through her mind.
I grabbed a shirt, sizing it.
"Well, if that’s your kink. You could stay and watch me dress."
That did it, she stormed out of the room, without looking back, slamming the door behind her.
With a loud bang, which shook the walls.
Someday she’ll come around, even if she’s the last.
For now I had a meeting. A border pass to possess.
My plans were all in place.
