Chapter 175: Fight it out.

"For someone that uses my money for low-born charity, you sure have a way of supporting me." He commented sarcastically.

Bianca scoffed in response.

Achilles smiled, because he had shut her up the right way. As he stretched his arms overhead and let out a satisfied yawn, he didn’t notice a tiny, thread-like shadow slip out from the bark of the cone tree. It moved like a living leech, pressing against the back of his exposed neck and instantly sinking beneath his skin with a tiny, imperceptible twitch.

Achilles blinked, smacking his lips. He lowered his arms and stomped his foot on the ground. "Hey, actually! I feel totally energized! Wow, Zyra, those pills are magic. Let’s go, let me lead! Let’s get this mission done with so I can go home and eat!"

Zyra gave him a dubious look, completely unbothered by his sudden burst of enthusiasm. She simply shrugged, pulling out a map from her inner pocket and unrolling it.

She traced a line with her thumb, comparing the crystalline landmarks around them to the glowing ink on the paper.

"We’re almost there," Zyra said, her voice dropping as she pointed toward a dark, jagged ridge slicing through the mist. "Just a little further in the northern direction."

*****

Kaelion estate.ℯℯ𝘭.

During dinner, the grand patriarch subtly noticed that Lita was not just extra attentive to him, but to Sabrina as well. The young lady poured tea with crisp, flawless grace, making sure both of their cups were never less than half-full. She was like a squirrel, jumping from side to side, forgetting to feed herself properly in her desire to please them.

This little fox is already siding with my daughter. Truly, the worst spy I have ever met, the old patriarch thought, swirling the fragrant brew in his cup. And I will let that connection grow, then use it to break them both when the time comes.

He glanced up and offered a subtle, benevolent smile to Sabrina.

Sabrina caught him looking at her and immediately smiled back__ a wicked, sharp little curl of her lips that carried no real warmth.

"Father," she said smoothly, resting her chin on her knuckles, "do you have something on your mind? You’ve been staring at me like I owe you energy stones."

The grand patriarch scoffed inwardly. Yes, I am wondering why a cunning snake like you, who always despised low-borns, let one marry into this family while claiming ’times have changed.’ I only allowed it because I want to know what you need this foxy girl for and what you are up to. You killed your nephew because he was a low-born. How could you allow your precious son to marry one?

Outwardly, however, the old man just let out a long, sighing laugh, shaking his head. "Ah, nothing much. I was just thinking about the upcoming clan assembly. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Alessa."

Sabrina dropped her silver fork onto her plate with an ugly metallic thud. In an instant, her sweet demeanor vanished, and her face turned sour, as if someone had just forced her to swallow a mouthful of bitter herbs. She lost her appetite completely, tossing her napkin onto the table.

"Alessa left the family home on her own accord, Father," Sabrina sneered, her voice dropping into a cold tone. "If you ask me, you should just convince your dear daughter to leave the clan entirely. She shouldn’t attend family and clan activities anyway. After all, her being there or not makes absolutely zero difference to our standing."

"Watch your mouth, Sabrina!" Derek Kaelion, who was sitting across from her, slammed his fist onto the table and hissed at his sister. His eyes were ablaze with anger. "Do not speak ill of Alessa in this hall! You know damn well she left because you made life an absolute living hell for her and her husband!"

Sabrina clicked her tongue loudly, rolling her eyes with pure disdain. "Oh, please. Alessa is weak__ a pathetic trait she inherited directly from her parents. She isn’t like our mother, who was a legendary Soul maiden! Alessa’s father was weak, and so is she. The new world has no room for weakness."

The Grand Patriarch’s palm struck the table. A shockwave of pure, golden spirit aura burst from his hand, sending ripples through the air. The dining table trembled violently for a single second before splitting straight down the middle and crashing to the floor in two shattered halves. Plates, bowls, and soup went flying everywhere.

Silence fell over the room like a graveyard. Nobody dared to breathe. Even the servants standing along the walls froze mid-step, terrified to make a sound.

The Grand Patriarch slowly stood up, his eyes cold and dark. "How many times have I told you two never to argue at my dining table?" he barked, his voice carrying the terrifying weight of a high-level fighter.

He didn’t wait for an answer. Turning his head slightly, he barked toward the shadows, "Maverick! Bring the swords."

A collective gasp echoed through the hall.

Lita, sitting silently at the far end with her hands folded neatly in her sleeves, narrowed her eyes. Her sharp mind was taking in every detail, recording every word, every twitch of power, and every weakness. Good, she thought secretly. All of this goes straight into my report to the divine maiden tonight.

Heavy, footsteps echoed through the hallway as Maverick entered carrying two long wooden cases. He opened them, revealing two gleaming, broad swords.

The Grand Patriarch gestured coldly. "Give one to Sabrina, and one to Derek."

The butler quickly presented the weapons to the two siblings.

"Fight it out and get done with it," the Grand Patriarch commanded, sweeping his long robes back as he turned toward the doorway. "To the martial ring, now! I am waiting."

This was how problems among siblings were solved in this house. No long lectures, no quiet apologies__ just raw strength and iron and blood. The only exception had been Alessa, who had chosen to pack her bags and move out into the estate rather than face Sabrina in the ring.

Sabrina was far too ruthless in combat, and Alessa had genuinely feared her sister would chop her head off during a ’sparring match’ and simply call it a tragic accident.

The entire household filed out into the cool night air, following the Patriarch down the stone steps toward the lit martial arena outside.

"Well, dear brother," Sabrina purred, twisting her wrist with a sword in her hands "it looks like you finally get the chance to defend your beloved Alessa. Try not to embarrass yourself in front of Father."

Derek gripped his hilt until his knuckles turned white, his aura flaring red. "Shut up, Sabrina. Tonight, I’m knocking that ugly smirk right off your face." He had been waiting for the opportunity for so long. The resentment he had for her had been building for years.

So what if she was a Soul maiden? He was the eldest son, and rightful heir of the family. Sabrina had usurped his throne, and he would never forgive her for that.