Chapter 225: New Family Head.

The conversation during the meal had finally become more civil. Most of the talk revolved around the excitement of the upcoming tournament, everyone was eager to go home as soon as the flood disaster passed.

"We are winning this year." Aunt Grace shouted and belched, earning herself a frown from some adults and giggles from the children.

The youngest at the table, who was a three-year-old girl mimicked her, resulting in more laughter. The air was sweet and homely, nobody cared that Sabrina was red in the face and chewing her food as if it had offended her.

Suddenly, Andrea popped the happy bubble. "I am not just saying this because Elliot is my brother but, I don’t expect much from Maverick," she said, taking a quiet sip of her tea.

The entire table went dead silent. Every single pair of eyes locked onto her. It was not surprising that it had come from her, as she was Sabrina’s daughter. But they just thought nobody would be bold enough to anger the patriarch just when he had settled.

She shook her head, unbothered by the stares. "What? It’s true. The other clans are extremely well-prepared this year. Take the Craw clan, for instance. They brought a literal giant of an ex-special forces’ soldier with a high level double horned rhino, with a steel hide to fight for them. Their younger generation is already going around bragging that the trophy is already in their pocket."

Elliot leaned back in his chair, letting out a lazy, amused laugh. "Hey, good for them. I’ll be in the front row loudly cheering for the big guy! It sounds like he has it in the bag and we are in for a show."

The Grand Elder’s face darkened instantly. He let out a discontented grunt, his thick eyebrows knitting together as he glared at Elliot. "How much alcohol did you have to drink last night?"

Elliot casually swirled his cup, looking back at the old man with an innocent expression. "Not much, Grand Elder. Just enough to stay honest."

"Hmph!" The Grand Elder slammed his chopsticks onto the table. "Let me make one thing clear. Once my regime as clan head officially begins, a lot of things are going to change around here. I will not tolerate any bad behavior, especially in public. You will all carry yourselves like proper high-borns."

Sabrina let out a loud, dramatic scoff. Her sharp eyes darted from one person at the table to another, her lips curling with disgust.

"Oh, please. We need to address the actual elephant in the room," she declared, leaning forward. "All this petty, useless talk about morals and public behavior is going to make me throw up."

The Grand Elder feigned total ignorance, sighing like a tired teacher dealing with a dramatic child. He tapped his chin, waiting a few agonizing seconds before snapping his fingers like a light bulb had finally turned on in his head.

"Ah! You mean the vacant seat," he said casually. "That is really not something for you to worry about."

Sabrina slammed her fist lightly onto the table, rattling the porcelain dishes. "Of course it’s something to worry about! The family head position is now empty! As my mother’s eldest daughter_ and a Soul Maiden, it is only right that I fill those big shoes."

Instantly, a wave of nervous grumbling rose across the dining hall.

No one_ absolutely nobody_ wanted Sabrina to take that position. Right now, without any official power in the family, she was already an out-of-control tyrant. If she actually became the family head, she would use her authority to step on everyone’s heads and grind them into the dirt!

Fourth Aunt Grace leaned over to her neighbor, whispering wishfully, "If only Derrick could become the Patriarch_ at least he’s sensible."

Sabrina scoffed so loudly it echoed off the high rafters. "Derrick? Please! The boy is weak! He’d cry if a feral beast sneezed on him! Didn’t father adopt brother Maverick for the greater good of the clan? He should continue with the hypocrisy for the greater good of the family and that good is me." Of course, she didn’t miss the chance to say Maverick’s name sarcastically.

Murmurs of protest or support rose. Others focused on their meals, as if nothing was more important than eating.

"Silence! All of you!" The Grand Elder shushed them, rubbing his aching temples.

In his head, the old man was running through the list of candidates, and it was depressing. Honestly, there was no one in this room strong enough to hold that seat firmly. Hunter would have been the perfect choice_ he was strong headed, fiercely capable, and possessed a rare quality of natural fairness. But Hunter was gone.

The Grand Elder’s eyes scanned the room, passing over the anxious faces of uncles, aunts, and spoiled young masters. Finally, his gaze stopped. Right on Alessa.

Alessa was currently mid-bite, holding a fork with a piece of roast duck, completely trying to blend into the wallpaper.

"No!" Sabrina shrieked, jumping out of her chair. She could feel it right in her gut_ she knew exactly what her father was about to do! Her was clearly trying to spite her. Alessa had never made it onto her own list of possible opponents. How could the crown land on her? "Never. I forbid it." She shrieked.

Her desperate, angry cry was pure music to the Grand Elder’s ears. A subtle, sharp grin touched the corners of his lips. It was so obvious. Alessa was the only person in this entire cursed family with the sheer balls to openly stand up to Sabrina. It had to be her.

The Grand Elder raised a heavy hand and pointed a long, bony finger straight at Alessa.

"By my authority as Grand Elder, Alessa is hereby named the new Head of the Family."

Shockwaves hit the room.

Horas dropped his fork. Fourth Aunt Grace gasped so hard she choked on her air. Andrea’s mouth hung wide open.

Even Alessa froze, the piece of duck slipping off her fingers and landing back onto her plate with a soft splat. "Wait_ what?" she blinked, pointing at her own chest. "Me?"

Sabrina looked like her head was about to explode with righteous fury. "Father! You can’t be serious! She’s a_ "

Before Alessa could voice her absolute rejection, and before Sabrina could throw a full-blown tantrum, the Grand Elder briskly stood up from his master chair.

"Alessa," the Grand Elder said, his voice leaving zero room for argument. "My private office. Now. We need to talk in private."

Without waiting for her response, the older man turned on his heel and strode out of the hall, leaving behind a room full of jaw-dropped relatives and one very confused, very reluctant new Family Head.