Ethan didn’t know the Matriarch personally, but he knew that family was the only other one that rivaled the main families in strength and popularity.

Everyone knew this.

The CEO of Crypco, the high-tech equipment company that had announced a full mecha build some weeks ago, was also part of this family.

Carson continued, "One thing most people don’t know from the stories passed down is this: Lady Audrey’s last-minute involvement in the battle against Mikael was what turned the tide. The family leaders didn’t win by their strength alone."

Ethan’s eyes widened just a bit at that. ’So Eduardo lost because of this woman?’

"By helping these leaders, she had also gained the majority support from them, and it has been this way ever since. There is more to the story, but time and again, her actions have put her at odds with the Tudor house."

Carson paused for a moment before adding, "I tell you all this for one reason, Ethan. You are a rare opportunity that has appeared before me."

Ethan tilted his head with a puzzled expression, unsure what to say to him exactly.

"With you by my side, and with both families in alliance, Tudor and Stark, I am certain none will be able to challenge my seat."

"And in return, you will have the full backing of a king who will support that mad ambition of yours."

"Think about it for a moment. With our alliance, a single word from me would see Stark Industries freed from taxes for as long as I decree. If it’s space for expansion you need, I’ll grant it. Materials? Tools? Manpower? Name it, and it will be provided."

Ethan genuinely did not see this part coming.

It wasn’t that these things were difficult for him to acquire on his own.

He had the resources, the connections, and the will to make it happen regardless. But when the ruler of the country was the one directly handling these matters, then it wasn’t just easier. It also made things exponentially faster.

The best kind of boost.

However, Ethan said, "Your offer is well within reason, Your Majesty, but there are a few things you must know."

Then he began raising his fingers to make his point. "One, I am not part of the Grand Class, and I am unsure how much relevance my power would be against those who are."

He raised a second finger. "Two, even if I were to reawaken as one, I do not have a personal squabble with the Desdemonas. At best, our lines of business may intersect in the future as business rivals, but nothing more."

He lowered his hand and met Carson’s gaze. "I say this because you strike me as the kind of man who would go to war to protect your seat. A war that could end in blood. An alliance with you would draw me and my house into that conflict, something I have no interest in being part of."

Carson exhaled slowly, then replied, "It is true that you are not part of the Grand Class. But pure-blooded dragons do not reawaken in the first place."

"Their own power comes from their affinities, which grow alongside them, enough that they become as powerful as Grand Class awakeners. "

"And Beilong here confirms you come from a bloodline so strong, your affinities are sometimes considered...bizarre."

He paused, then continued with more emphasis. "This is all in addition to the fact that you are not just a pure-blooded dragon. You are also a demon noble. And that much power in one person? Even against other Grand Classes, you would be a force to reckon with."

It was true that the potential of his affinity had only just been scratched. In fact, it was only just one aspect he had achieved until now.

But Ethan felt a sting in his chest when he heard the King say he would not reawaken in the conventional sense like the others do.

Carson continued. "Your second concern, I understand. And I cannot deny the fact that I will smite anyone who openly challenges my authority. But I am not seeking an alliance here in preparation for war."

He leaned back in his chair. "This is merely to portray a stronger hold. By announcing an alliance between House Tudor and Stark, we have won the game of influence and politics."

"Imagine it; the sitting ruler in alliance with the one whose name and influence is traveling the fastest across the continent. That alone will infuse doubt in the minds of anyone who even dares form the thought."

Then he paused for a moment before adding in a more solemn tone, "And if the day comes when my position will have to be fought for by blood, then be rest assured that I will not force your hands into fighting my own battles."

Ethan sighed. "You make it sound so simple, Your Majesty, but it is not. When people know Stark and Tudor are in bed together, it also makes me a target for those against you."

"Hehe," Carson laughed, though it was not mocking. "But do not also forget, you have the ambition of a madman who is ready to dare the world. Do you think other businessmen will simply sit and fold their hands as you take the world by storm?"

"You will find yourself in a spotlight of the worst enemies. And when that inevitably happens, who do you think will be your strongest ally?"

Carson grinned.

Ethan stared at him for a moment, then sighed. King Carson had a point.

In fact, his little experience with getting the parliament to overturn their laws against business owners seeking to own guilds, had just told him how easy it was to gain enemies in this world.

Carson then said, "I can see that even for a teenager, you are careful and give thought to things, so I will let you. But if you are to agree to my proposal, then our next item for discussion would be..."

He paused deliberately.

"The banns of marriage."

Ethan’s gaze widened. "What?"

Carson raised both hands wide with that grin still on his face. "Of course. How else do you think we were going to solidify an alliance between two houses?"

—-

About twenty minutes later...