Lumard didn't hesitate and headed to Arhan's estate. Despite feeling uneasy all day, he decided to compose himself. After all, he couldn't afford to make a mistake before even discussing an alliance.
"I never thought the Black Knights actually existed," he thought. He had heard they were spread throughout the empire, and even many nobles' servants knew about them. However, few people had actually seen them, and it was natural to be skeptical about things unseen. This was the first time Lumard had seen them in person.
"Truly, they are everywhere and nowhere at the same time," he mused. Even the gatekeeper of Vidente's estate was a Black Knight. Lumard wondered if Arhan's family was more impressive than he thought.
As his thoughts flowed in this direction, his mood improved rather than worsening. After all, he was about to form an alliance with such a remarkable family.
"How should we form this alliance? Perhaps a marriage would be the most secure," Lumard continued his pleasant daydreams. He had three children, and his eldest daughter, Silia Martin, was now twenty years old. As a father, it was natural to worry about finding a suitable husband, but Lumard already had someone in mind.
"Since Silia is twenty and Jed is sixteen, the four-year age gap might be acceptable, given the current trends," he thought. No one else came to mind except Jed. Another option could have been Ronde Arhan, but he was the eldest son and likely already engaged.
Moreover, rumors about Ronde being a troublemaker made Lumard hesitant. "I couldn't possibly marry my daughter to such a person," he thought. It was better to choose the youngest son over some distant relative.
Jed's reputation was well-known, and after meeting him, Lumard realized the rumors weren't unfounded. Despite his exceptional abilities, Jed's chances of becoming the family head were low, and he might even fall victim to internal power struggles. However, Lumard could protect him within his own family's boundaries.
As Lumard found himself smiling unintentionally, he finally saw Arhan's estate. "Halt," a guard commanded, blocking his path.
Realizing he had walked there without a carriage, Lumard understood why he felt a bit foolish. He had been so engrossed in thoughts of the Black Knights and the potential marriage alliance.
"It would have been better if I had taken a carriage," he thought. Moreover, he had come alone without any attendants. However, he decided to present himself confidently, just as Jed had done.
Lumard approached the guard. "I am Lumard, the head of the Martin family. I have come to meet the head of the Arhan family."
"We have received word of your visit, but without prior notice, we must confirm your purpose," the guard replied.
"What? Did the head of the Arhan family say that?" Lumard asked, surprised.
"Yes," the guard confirmed.
Lumard was perplexed. "Why ask why I came when I'm the one proposing an alliance?"
He realized that perhaps Arhan was keeping his own family in the dark, following the adage that to deceive the enemy, one must first deceive one's allies.
Lumard decided not to show suspicion and played along. "I've come to pay my respects."
The guard looked puzzled. "Respects?"
Lumard continued, "How long will you keep me standing? It's not polite to guests."
The guard rushed off, looking flustered. Lumard chuckled and waited patiently.
A short while later, the guard returned, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I apologize, but the head says your respects are not needed."
Lumard was taken aback. "What kind of nonsense is this?"
He wondered if Arhan was trying to assert dominance. After all, there was a subtle power struggle between potential in-laws, especially in a place like Arhan's estate where many eyes were watching.
"Perhaps it's acceptable to yield a bit," Lumard thought, considering that Arhan had made the first concession.
Believing himself to be a tolerant person, Lumard smiled kindly. "Please tell the head of the Arhan family that I've come to pay my respects."
The guard hesitated. "Yes...?"
Lumard urged him, "Don't delay; it's getting late."
The guard nodded and rushed off again. Given Genevieve's temperament, a stern order might follow, but since the head of the Martin family had come personally, there was no choice but to comply.
After a short while, the guard returned with a relatively bright expression.
----
"What's taking so long? If we don't hurry, night will fall."
"Yes, of course... I'll go check again."
The guard nodded and ran off, looking puzzled.
Given Jenedi's temperament, a stern order might be forthcoming. But since Martin's head has come to report in person, there's no choice but to comply.
A moment later, the guard returned with a relatively bright expression.
"The head requests your presence. I'll guide you, haha."
"Ah, as expected."
It's a virtue to be a bit stubborn at times.
If he had been stubborn again, it would have been annoying, but fortunately, that didn't happen.
Rumad shrugged and followed the guard.
Soon, a grand mansion came into view, with many more servants than Martin's, all bowing in unison.
He was sweating profusely to maintain his composure.
"To be allied with such a family? It's reassuring, indeed."
Who would have thought he'd set foot in Arhan's territory?
Moreover, to be able to stand tall as an ally was unimaginable.
It felt like a dream, leaving him dazed.
The door to the reception room creaked open.
A chilling coldness pierced his skin as he entered.
Rumad felt his mind snap back to reality.
"?"
A pair of red eyes stared down at him from the highest chair.
The aura was vastly different from Jed's, causing him to tremble slightly.
As if entranced, he approached, but a cold voice filled the space, warning him not to come closer.
"How ridiculous."
The voice pierced his heart.
Rumad's body froze in place.
"You asked about my well-being? I summoned you because it's absurd."
"What do you mean?"
"You dare to visit Arhan? Have you lost your mind?"
Being called an insect by someone who is supposed to be a relative?
It's strange. Very strange.
This isn't the flow he had imagined.
His head was in chaos, as if his soul was escaping.
At that moment, Jenedi's icy voice echoed again.
"How long will you stand there?"
"Yes...? What does that mean—ah?!"
-Thud!
His knees hit the floor, not by his will but by some unseen force.
The power was so strong that he couldn't even resist.
"Why...?"
Rumad asked, sounding both indignant and fearful.
It was equally astonishing for Jenedi.
"Well, I've lived to see many strange things. What is your name?"
"My name...?"
Doesn't he even know the name of his future relative?
Is this all an act?
No, Jenedi is certainly sincere.
He's also a 9th-circle magician.
It was impossible not to notice this until now.
"I've been deceived...!"
He couldn't suspect anything because his heart was stolen by Jed.
His insecurity about Arhan and the sweet praise blinded him to the rosy future.
He never imagined that the youngest heir, who was mentioned by the emperor and received special attention from Jenedi, would pull such a stunt.
Now that he understands everything, it's too late to turn back.
"You don't even ask for my name?"
-Thud!
"I am Rumad Martin...!"
He replied reflexively to Jenedi's shout.
Like a mouse before a cat, Rumad's situation was precarious.
"Rumad? Is that the name of Martin's head?"
"Yes, it is..."
"If you have no attachment to life, I'll end it here. Dying by Arhan's hand would be an honor beyond your life's worth."
"No, no! It's all a misunderstanding!"
Rumad looked like he was about to cry.
He was terrified and felt deeply wronged.
Trembling, he added quickly:
"It was Jed Arhan! The youngest son of the head came to me and proposed an alliance. I believed him..."
"What? Jed?"
"Yes! How else could I dare to come to Arhan? I'm innocent...!"
Arhan's presence was far greater than he had imagined.
One of only two grand magicians in the empire.
Even the 9th-circle magic seemed insignificant before Jenedi.
To be allied with such a formidable family? It's absurd.
Rumad keenly felt his position.
Like a buzzing insect in his ear.
-----
"Arahant is just that much to Martin," someone said.
"Jed did that?" another person asked.
"Hahahaha! The head of a clan, defeated by the sharp tongue of my youngest son?" The man laughed boisterously, causing the mansion to shake as if it might collapse at any moment.
Rumad wondered if this person was truly human. He felt an overwhelming sense of fear and closed his eyes.
"How amusing! An alliance with such a wretched clan? Hahahahaha!" The man's laughter was followed by a blatant mockery of Rumad's family.
Rumad's eyes snapped open, as if his sanity had returned. His trembling body calmed, and a silent emotion stirred within him, fueled by fear.
"How dare you mock my family?" he thought. Even if Jenendy saw his clan as insignificant, Rumad was still its head. He could be insulted, but his clan must not be.
That was the duty of a clan leader—something he could not compromise on, even if it meant his own demise. It was a principle he had to uphold, no matter the cost.
With a deep breath, Rumad slowly stood up. He knew this action could lead to his death, especially since he was using magic in someone else's domain, providing a perfect pretext.
However, he didn't care. If he couldn't even throw a stone in defense of his family, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
"Apologize," Rumad demanded.
"What?!" the man replied.
"Arahant may see Martin as inferior, but our pride is not so weak," Rumad said, his eyes flashing with determination. This was the stance a clan leader should take.
For the first time, Jenendy's expression twisted.
"Do you truly want to die?" he asked.
"I am prepared to die if it means defending my clan. You have insulted us, and as a clan leader, I must hold you accountable," Rumad replied.
"To a mere insect like you?" Jenendy sneered.
"Apologize immediately!" Rumad shouted.
Ice shards formed, reflecting Rumad's fierce intent, but they did not touch Jenendy. Rumad quickly prepared another spell, but his magic was ineffective.
"What?!" Rumad exclaimed, shocked that his mana wouldn't gather. The difference in power was too vast.
"You're surprised? You didn't even know there were realms beyond your reach," Jenendy said.
"Beyond? What do you mean?" Rumad asked.
"A true master mage operates on a different level. Not everyone can reach it just because they're at the tenth circle," Jenendy explained.
"That's impossible...!" Rumad exclaimed.
"Now you understand why you're just an insect," Jenendy said.
Rumad was completely demoralized and slumped to the floor. As a mage, he couldn't even use his magic. He wasn't even worthy of throwing a stone.
"Ahh..." Rumad felt a crushing sense of despair and hopelessness.
He closed his eyes, and memories of happier times flashed before him, ending with visions of his three children.
"I'm sorry, my children..." Tears streamed down his face as he blamed himself for his foolish decisions.
Just as he accepted his fate, a voice came from behind him.
"That's enough. Leave now."
Rumad was confused, realizing the voice was coming from the doorway, not from in front of him. Jenendy was standing by the door.
"I suppose my youngest had his reasons. He doesn't act without purpose," Jenendy said.
Rumad was perplexed.
"I apologize for insulting your clan. Indeed, you are a clan leader worthy of being called the second to Arahant," Jenendy continued.
"Yes...?" Rumad replied hesitantly.
"As a fellow clan leader, I will watch over your clan," Jenendy said, his voice now calm and gentle.
As he left, the oppressive energy surrounding Rumad dissipated.