Ashen entered the room where the conclave was being held.
As he expected, most of the important people from the other two houses were present.
He felt a sudden change in the atmosphere. All eyes were fixed on him, like ravens. But the most penetrating look to fall on him was none other than the Patriarch of the House of Lucifer, Jaden Lucifer—an absolute commanding body. His eyes were the same as Ashen's; the only difference was that Jaden was much older and had grey hair. People would often say Ashen was the one who resembled the Patriarch the most.
To be honest, Patriarch loved Ashen the most among his grandchildren, but after the destiny ceremony ( a ceremony that decides the vix type and how much vix a person holds, which defines the destiny of that child), he started to show no more care to Ashen. That day onwards, Ashen knew the hard truth. In this world, strength (vix) was everything.
"Ha! That pressure on your eyes has only been growing more, Grandpa?" Ashen thought with a fierce expression on his face.
Then a voice familiar to Ashen, but also the one he hated, said,
"Grandpa, why did you invite this weakling to such an important event? You are just making us lose face."
It was Ashen's cousin, named Lucas Lucifer. He is the type of cousin who thinks he is better than everyone else, but he isn't.
Ashen's jaw clenched,
"This bastard is the same as ever. You are lucky that I have no voice here because of these power fanatics."
Then suddenly, the Patriarch spoke.
"Lucas… watch your words." His voice was deep and heavy, filled with a pressure that made everyone present there tremble. "This is a conclave you're attending. I invited him myself. Are you questioning my decision?"
The room was silent, not just Lucas, but the Patriarchs from other houses felt a chill.
Lucas, with his voice trembling, replied,
"N-no Patriarch... I..I.. would not question your decisions."
Jaden's gaze lingered on Lucas a little longer.
Satisfied, Ashen took his seat.
Kian Balan, the Patriarch of Balan House, looked down at him. " Don't you know it's a basic manner to bow your head in respect to the Patriarchs sitting here...before you take a seat?"
This was not only his question but the question the whole room wanted to ask Ashen. They wanted to know how he would respond.
Ashen gave a wild smirk, and his eyes were fierce. " I chose whom I should respect. You...the one who is called Patriarchs, " his gaze shifting to Jaden, " You are not doing any God's work, are you? All you do is give a penny amount to the commoners who dedicate their blood and sweat to working for you. So, tell me why I should give respect. "
None of them present there expected such an answer. Even Jaden had no words to answer it.
Kian tightened his fists while seated in the chair. "That son of a b*tch, he will pay for this arrogance."
Jaden coughed to get everyone's attention, "As you know the I held this Conclave to tell you an important announcement. The Giun Stone that King Harlow has found in the Sernan Mountains, he intends to give it to any one of the houses that are The House of Lucifer, The House of Balan, The House of Ferin. But under one condition. "
Jeron, the patriarch of the Ferin House, furrowed his brow and asked, "What is that condition?". Unlike Kian, Jeron is a keen person. His observance and patience are something to be noticed.
Jaden continued, "During the Rathanh Festival, which will be held in just two months, King Harlow will hold a duel between the young talents of these houses. The Giun Stone will be awarded to the house that wins."
Ashen's fingers tightened onto his knees. He knew in his heart that he wouldn't have much role to play in this; he was likely to be the first to be eliminated.
"Is this why he invited me? Don't tell me that old geezer still expects me to give some miracles after having a terrible vix energy. Coming to Guin Stone, it is indeed something special. And King Harlow, the dwarf king, already has 2 of them with him. But still, I didn't expect him to be so generous."
He also found that Lucas was giving a mocking smile, which only meant Lucas was looking down on him.
The discussion on this matter went on for a few minutes.
After it got over, Jaden turned his gaze toward Ashen. His expression was strange — hard to read.
"Every young talent in each house must take part in this event." He paused and then continued, "With this… I conclude this conclave."
Ashen knew one thing: it was a test set for him. Instead of being disappointed, he smirked. Because he was ready to play along.
As Ashen was leaving. Lucas called from behind. "Ashen. Did you think I'd let this slide?? In the next Rathanh Festival, you will see what Lucas is made of, what a real Lucifer is made of.
Ashen grinned. He didn't turn his head to look at Lucas. he replied
"You sound like a cliche villain. You know how things end up for them. Ah, Whatever, but I don't intend to lose Lucas Lucifer."
Lucas clenched his fists, his face turning red with anger. "Don't get full of yourself. Remember, a weakling is always a pawn for the strong. "
Ashen entered his carriage, and he gave his last words to Lucas. "Let's see."