Chapter 267 - 265: Parting on Bad Terms

Chapter 267: Chapter 265: Parting on Bad Terms

Kais was the Clan Leader of the Kennedy Clan. He held the title of Count and was the family’s sole public representative.

But this clan was somewhat different from others.

His wife, Delilah, was in charge of the Magic Research Institute. The Magic Potions and Magic Energy Ships they developed or replicated were all considered strategic assets for the Kennedy Clan.

Therefore, Count Kais placed great importance on his wife’s opinion in certain matters.

From Delilah’s perspective, she wanted Natalia’s marriage to bring benefits to the clan while also ensuring her daughter’s future happiness.

For example, marrying her daughter off to a noble in his fifties or sixties for the sake of profit was absolutely out of the question.

In Count Kais’s eyes, while Orisien was indeed exceptional and had an excellent status, the man’s character was questionable.

If he was motivated by revenge, then to Orisien, Natalia would become nothing more than a tool.

Moreover, the Holy Radiance Court was far away on the Sunset Continent. Within the Pruck Kingdom, it operated entirely under the patronage of the Royal Family, which introduced many uncertainties.

Thus, Count Kais did not look favorably upon Orisien.

Instead of answering the question, he looked toward King Eric.

"Your Majesty, this is all too sudden. Please allow me to return to the Silent Shore and discuss this with my clan members before I give you an answer."

Lloyd stood by the King’s side, silently taking notes, his face betraying no emotion.

Inwardly, however, he fully supported his father’s decision.

King Eric seemed to have expected this response from Kais, and he nodded.

"Of course. But before that, you might as well listen to what they have to offer."

His gaze shifted to the Saint Hall Grand Commander, and the Level 7 Mage spoke up.

"We have now established the Punishment Holy Hall in the Kingdom, with myself, Mage Mitchell Iverson, serving as its Grand Commander."

"Our Chief Judge, Thomsen, is a Silver Moon Warrior. Lucius, the commander of the Black Armor Knight Order, is a Shooting Star Warrior. Furthermore, Secret Magic Judge Eric and Bishop Clement are both Grand Mages."

"Furthermore, the Black Armor Knight Order includes two at the Celestial Tier, six at the Earth Tier, and twelve at the Human Tier."

Count Kais’s expression grew more solemn the more he listened. They might be few in number, but they were all elites.

It was just that, the more he listened, the more he felt like he was being threatened.

Mitchell continued, "I know the Kennedy Clan lacks a Star Level powerhouse. Therefore, after Miss Natalia and Orisien are wed, the Black Armor Knight Order will be stationed at the Holy Radiance Court’s branch in the Silent Shore to help protect the Kennedy Clan."

Ostensibly, they were discussing a marriage alliance, but in reality, they had also folded in the matter of establishing a branch court.

Kais simply hadn’t expected that he would be the first to be targeted for discussion after the kingdom’s founding celebration.

"As far as I know, there are still many details regarding the establishment of this branch that have yet to be finalized, are there not?"

Bishop Clement smiled. "I’m confident that after some friendly negotiations, our branches will take root and flourish throughout the Kingdom."

Count Kais shook his head. "The Silent Shore can protect its own wealth, even without Star-level Warriors."

"Then what about your eldest son, George?"

Grand Commander Mitchell asked mockingly, "From what I hear, thanks to Count Kudro, both of your sons are in their twenties and yet neither has a single prospect for a marriage alliance, is that right?"

Count Kais’s face darkened. ’They bring up such a disgraceful matter and still expect to discuss my daughter’s marriage?’

Lloyd made a sharp note of it—Mitchell was incredibly rude.

At this, King Eric stepped in to smooth things over. "What Mitchell means," he explained, "is that with their intervention, the misunderstanding between Tara and your son George could be properly resolved."

Count Kais snorted coldly. "You needn’t concern yourselves with that matter. And, to be perfectly frank, I have already found a suitable candidate for Natalia. Baron Orisien, excellent though he may be, is a step too late."

He had originally planned to use a delaying tactic, but their presumptuous attitude made him reconsider.

’If this was their attitude before a marriage alliance was even made, the consequences would be unthinkable if Natalia actually married into their circle.’

"Is it Duane?"

Orisien finally spoke, a smile on his face. "Lord Count, Duane is merely a minor Baron. The Brian Clan has only been on the rise for a little over a decade; their foundations are shallow. Would you truly rather marry Natalia down to him than choose me?"

Count Kais remained noncommittal, offering no response.

Orisien’s grin vanished, his expression turning cold. Twice now, the Count had ignored him. It made him feel like he was putting on a one-man show.

At this, Lloyd couldn’t resist speaking up. "Baron, my father never once mentioned Duane’s name. And while some of what you said about Duane might be true, he is at least the foremost figure of the Kingdom’s younger generation. Whereas you..."

He trailed off with a smile, but his meaning was clear to everyone.

A vicious glint flashed in Orisien’s eyes.

But Count Kais reprimanded his son. "Lloyd, after all your years in the Royal Palace, have you still not mastered basic etiquette?"

As he spoke, he rose to his feet. "Your Majesty, perhaps Lloyd is unfit for the duties of a Clerk. I request your permission to take him back to the Silent Shore for discipline!"

This was, in fact, a statement. It was Kais’s way of expressing his dissatisfaction with the King’s arrangements.

The Kennedy Clan might not have a Star-level Warrior, but they couldn’t be threatened by a handful of Shooting Star Level fighters.

If it came to a fight to the death, they could inflict heavy losses on even an enemy like Kudro.

"You speak too gravely, Kais!"

King Eric said, "Lloyd is your son; it is only natural for him to voice his opinion on this matter. Besides, he has been an outstanding Clerk these past few years. The Kingdom needs his talents."

He did not grant the Count’s request.

Count Kais had no real intention of taking Lloyd back, either. To do so would only invite all sorts of gossip and speculation.

The King also rose from his throne. "In that case, let us discuss this matter at a more leisurely pace. Mitchell, you and your people must show more sincerity! And Kais, you should go home and think it over carefully. After all, this is indeed a beneficial arrangement for the Kennedy Clan."

Count Kais bowed slightly. "If that is the case, I will take my leave."

The King nodded. "Lloyd, see your father out."

After the Kennedy father and son had departed, Mitchell finally spoke.

"Your Majesty, you are too lenient! Among the High Lords, the Kennedy Clan is our easiest point of entry."

King Eric returned to his throne and sat down.

"Of course I know that. But pushing too hard will only be counterproductive. We’ll start with the territories of the Barons and Viscounts. Once those pieces are in place, we can turn our attention to them."

Mitchell nodded in agreement. "And the matter with Orisien?"

Clement added, "Your Majesty, I believe we can still salvage this. We could, for example, start with Baron Duane. His Territory already has one of our branches. If we offer him certain benefits, he might be willing to give up on Natalia."

"Indeed!"

Mitchell nodded. "If the Kennedy Clan were to form an alliance with Duane, it would perfectly fill their lack of a Star-level Warrior. That would be detrimental to your plans."

King Eric pondered this for a moment before finally nodding. "Then I suppose we’ll have to trouble Duane a little more. Randy, go and inform Duane to come to the Cyan Snake Fortress this afternoon."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"