The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'-Chapter 394 - Valmenf Family: The Politically Motivated Proposal

Several conversations quieted as people recognized the man’s approach - the Valmenf family held significant influence with their shipping and trade networks. Making them valuable allies to any rising political figure. Such as a young hero being celebrated.

"Commander Qatrand."

The patriarch spoke out as he reached the target of his social maneuvers before offering a small bow that was respectful without being grossly flattering. Qat sat down her cup and nodded her head back politely.

"We’ve never met. My name is Dris er Valmenf and here with me is my daughter Nysoi. We’ve traveled quite far to witness your remarkable achievements and we were not disappointed."

"An honor to meet you both. I hope the journey wasn’t too arduous."

"Not at all, we had plenty of guards and took the best routes. Nysoi has been particularly eager to meet the hero that the southern branch of the Void Defense Society has been speaking of for weeks."

The man gestured toward the older teenager and she offered a practiced curtsy. A kind that reminded the swordswoman of the poise of her little wife. So much that all she could think of was the cute little girl when they were younger performing the very same motion with far more grace.

"She’s quite accomplished herself - Fifth Echelon Enchanter in all three energies. With a Salt Element and Clairvoyance Astralism that’s proven invaluable for our family’s shipping concerns."

The young woman’s cheeks colored at her father’s overt praise in front of all the strangers. Yet, she maintained her overall composure. Rather than scold or make a scene, she turned her eyes and voice onto the Yecine as she wanted to for her own reasons... and was ordered to for her father’s.

"Your victories have inspired many of us, Commander. The innovations your force has developed are being discussed throughout the cultivator community. Extra testing for your particular Physique is sure to be part of all Youth Guild "

"My team deserves more of the credit for those successes. Good people working together can accomplish remarkable things."

A low voice spoke back, not exceptionally warm but neither intentionally chilly. It was the same sort of response she gave to anyone... any time they tried to pin too much of the result on her shoulders alone.

"Indeed. Which brings me to a broader point about cooperation and mutual support."

Dris er Valmenf had expected such a ’humble’ response and dove right in to the rhythm of political conversation, not knowing the Yecine’s real thoughts.

’Is it possible that wearing a wooden sign on my neck at these functions saying the same sentences will make people understand I mean it in truth and not that I am trying to seem virtuous? For who would do something that silly if they were trying to look good...’

Around them, other conversations continued, but Leysah noticed several people discretely listening to their exchange. The woman’s attention sharpened, her hand resting casually on her blade hilt in a gesture that might have seemed relaxed to casual observers... but got a clear look and discreet ’no’ from a set of pigeon blues.

The raven-haired cultivator was fine with everyone listening, for now.

"The aftermath years are challenging times for all our families. Mortals and cultivators alike. Strong alliances become ever more crucial for maintaining positions and protecting interests."

"Alliances are important."

Agreeing with an innocuous point to keep a conversation flowing was something that her family taught... but the tactic was also championed by Elua. The heiress knew that her ’fortress’ did not like lying that much. Apparently neither did the reddish-blonde haired young woman, who had gained a flicker of discomfort in her eyes and spirit as she was gestured toward.

"Nysoi has proven herself not just in cultivation, but in managing complex trade negotiations and diplomatic relations. In our region, many rising heroes understand the wisdom of... diversifying their partnerships to strengthen their standing."

The short pause was loaded with implications that made several people sense the purpose behind the tone. Because the cultivator population of the southern coast in the last couple centuries had declined drastically, there had been a push for rapid repopulation that left many of them lacking the ability to have further children.

Rather than abandon their homeland, a system of concubinage arose during that period of upheaval... one modeled after a foreign region’s historic emperor. Most on the continent viewed the behavior with a bit of displeasure, no matter how they tried to frame the social benefits of continuing it past the crisis period.

"I’ve heard tales of your dedication to your current spouse - and such loyalty is very admirable. But surely a cultivator of your rising status understands that political necessities sometimes require... an expansion of one’s household."

Qat remained calm as he spoke. She didn’t want to make assumptions about what he was heading toward, even if it was obvious to everyone else in the pavilion. Forks had been sat down and plates pushed aside, as none of them wanted to choke on their meal. freewebnoveℓ.com

"Nysoi would make an excellent second wife and would bring our family’s considerable resources and connections to support your endeavors."

The patriarch’s smile remained absolutely diplomatic, but his eyes contained the sort of gleam that someone usually held when making what they considered a generous business proposition. At that, the swordswoman couldn’t help but allow a slight amount of incredulity to show on her face.

"Our shipping networks could prove invaluable for Yecine and Goltbred interest alike. And of course, if there ever are any children from such a union it would strengthen both our bloodlines considerably."

Fingers tightened on blue skirts as her chastity was being offered to the man of the hour. She knew it was coming, but now that it was out there... Nysoi only felt dread. Any remaining nearby conversations stopped entirely, as the proposal was not spoken quietly.

Offending the Valmenf family could have serious consequences, but the proposal had been remarkably tone-deaf given recent events. Those who knew about Elua er Goltbred’s recent disappearance exchanged uncomfortable glances over the ill timing of such an approach... while others simply waited to see how the ’celebrated young man’ would respond to such a bold overture.

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