Chapter 202: Mira’s Proposal
Lira exhaled sharply, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall.
"Indeed, it will be hard to make any move against Baron Mortimer now," she admitted, her tone edged with frustration.
"If we act, Count Vortigern will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to label us as the masterminds behind the rebellion. He'll drag our names through the mud in noble circles, using the scandal to undermine us."
Adrian nodded in agreement, outwardly calm but inwardly calculating. "You people thought you could play me when you leaked information to Vortigern through covert channels, but now let's see how you'll try to manipulate me into becoming your pawn".
He mused silently." I've already subdued Mortimer without alerting Vortigern. We have no enmity between us yet. Let's see how you attempt to use me against him."
Mira, who had been quietly observing the exchange, turned her gaze to Adrian, her tone shifting into something more businesslike.
"Since our plan against Mortimer has fallen through, we should discuss our next steps regarding the alliance," she suggested smoothly, her eyes watching Adrian intently.
"We originally allied to fight Baron Mortimer, but the real threat is Count Vortigern. We need to—"
Adrian's voice cut her off, sharp and clear.
"No," he stated, holding Mira's gaze firmly.
"That was never on the table. Our alliance was solely to deal with Mortimer. Your job was to keep an eye on Vortigern, not to drag me into a war with him on behalf of the Blackthorn family."
The room grew tense, Mira's regal composure wavering for a fraction of a second before she regained it, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
Lira's lips parted in surprise, to say something to him, but in the end, she close her mouth, with fist clenched.
She wanted to tell it was Mira's plan to do so, but at the end of the day, she was still her big sister.
So, she had to put her family forward first even if it meant wronging her savior, for this was how the things worked amongst nobles.
There was no eternal allies, nor eternal enemies, just benefits amongst the nobles. She decided to talk to him after, to try and ease the tension, but ultimately, she chose to support her big sister and her family.
Mira leaned forward, folding her hands in her lap as she studied Adrian's face. "Are you saying you have no interest in opposing Vortigern?" Her voice was measured, probing. "The Count is a threat to your family and your position, as much as he is to us."
Adrian didn't flinch. "Vortigern and I have no direct conflict. Mortimer was my concern, and that's been handled. If you plan to go after the Count, that's your choice, but I didn't sign up for a crusade against him."
The silence that followed was palpable. Lira looked between her sister and Adrian, her brow furrowed, as if contemplating the shifting dynamics in the room.
Mira, meanwhile, maintained her gaze on Adrian, her expression unreadable but undoubtedly calculating her next move.
Finally, Mira broke the silence with a slow, deliberate nod.
"Very well, Adrian Everhart," she said, her tone light but with a distinct undercurrent of something deeper.
"It seems our paths only align for so long. But remember—Vortigern is not one to ignore those who have the potential to stand in his way. Whether you like it or not, he will see you as a threat."
Adrian's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."
The tension in the room remained thick, but the conversation had shifted into dangerous territory.
Mira knew that their alliance was now fragile at best, and Adrian had made it clear that he was not so easily controlled. The game had changed.
The room descended into a tense silence, each of its occupants deep in thought. Mira's gaze flicked to her sister, Lira, her mind working rapidly.
She needed more than just brute strength or sheer will to fulfill her ambitions at the upcoming noble gathering in the capital next year. Remaining as a mere Count was not enough for her.
To rise higher, Mira had a grander vision—one that required the support of powerful nobles and barons around her territory.
She intended to unify them under her influence, solidifying her base of power before making a move on those of similar rank.
But securing Adrian Everhart as an ally had become crucial. He had a 3rd-class awakened by his side, a fact only her family was aware of for now. That alone was worth its weight in gold.
If she could leverage that power, it would help her far more than any alliance with rebellious barons.
Mira shifted her posture slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought as she looked back at her sister. Lira had shown a soft spot for Adrian, which Mira had noted.
If Adrian could be roped in, she could finally gain access to someone she desperately wanted to recruit—the former royal mage who had ascended to a 3rd-class awakened.
Lira glanced at her sister, as if sensing the thoughts swimming behind her eyes, but said nothing. It was clear now that the room was not just tense; it was a battlefield of strategy, each side quietly assessing their next move.
Adrian stood with his arms crossed, his demeanor unchanged. He could see Mira calculating, but he remained unfazed.
His subtle smile betrayed nothing of his thoughts. The Blackthorn family had hoped to use him to their advantage, but they had underestimated his own ambition and cunning.
Now, it was time to see just how far they were willing to go to secure his loyalty.
Mira finally broke the silence, her voice calm.
"Baron Adrian," she began, "perhaps we've gotten off on the wrong foot. You are, after all, someone with a great deal of potential. More than most realize."
She paused as she was looked at her naive little sister. Then she continued," Perhaps our alliance is not strong and our trust is not that strong as well. So, I have a proposal for you, why don't you marry my sister, Lira, then perhaps, our alliance can be strong as steel?"
