Chapter 200: Chapter 192 Covert Solicitation
The stars seemed like countless pearls adorned in the profound night sky, the moonlight scattering a faint silver glow over Nasir Town beneath the night.
In the night, Nasir Town appeared as if it had become part of a dream, its residents all sleeping in the tranquility of their dreams, falling into even deeper slumbers.
A completely black carriage slowly approached, its family crest deliberately concealed by the person inside, covered by a black cloth.
It soon came to a gentle stop in front of the Fischer family estate.
After the carriage driver, with a somber expression, opened the door, Ariel Romann stepped down from the carriage gracefully and calmly. Under her black robe was an incomparably beautiful countenance, with golden hair and blue eyes, and a tall and slender figure.
She was one of the Monarch Level powerful experts of the Romann family, a master of transformation magic, and also the illegitimate daughter of Duke Black Iron. She was half of the blood tribe and half humanity.
Just as Ariel Romann stepped down from the carriage, she saw Byrne approach calmly from not far away, slightly bowing his head and saying respectfully, Get more chapters at m|vl-em-py-r
"I apologize, esteemed Madam Ariel, I cannot greet you with a smile, for a loved one of mine has just passed away, and profound sorrow envelops my heart."
Ariel Romann paused for a moment before she inquired indifferently,
"Has someone from the Fischer family passed away? Was it Chris Fischer or Irene Fischer? Or perhaps another member of the Fischer family?"
It was clear that Ariel had not heard of Irene's death, although the news had already spread throughout the East Coast.
Byrne realized something; it was apparent that she had quickly traveled from another province to the East Coast, hardly resting at all along the way.
"It was Irene Fischer, my cousin. She died resisting an attack by the Rhea People. A few days ago, emissaries from the Mayer family of Rhea came to Nasir Town and suddenly launched an attack, nearly bringing great disaster to this town. It was thanks to Irene's sacrifice that the town and the Fischer family were preserved," Byrne explained.
"The Mayer family, those who play with fire?"
Ariel fell silent for a moment before nodding faintly, "I am grieved to learn of the death of Madam Irene Fischer, please allow me to express my deepest condolences."
Clearly, she felt little if anything for Irene's death and was certainly not genuinely grieving; it was merely a polite expression of condolence.
Byrne could understand, after all, they were completely strangers to each other.
The two quickly entered the manor and went to the parlor where Byrne, skipping the pleasantries, asked directly but still respectfully,
"May I ask, esteemed Madam Ariel, what exactly brings you to Nasir Town?"
Ariel revealed a slight smile and spoke in a calm tone, "Well, to be direct, the Romann family hopes to grow closer in our relationship with the Fischer family. We will help to secure your position on the East Coast."
"However, in return, you must also assist the Romann family with several matters."
It seemed the Fischer family had finally entered the purview of Duke Black Iron. Byrne felt a slight surprise in his heart before immediately calming down, aware that with the help came greater responsibility.
"The Fischer family would naturally be willing to pledge allegiance to the Romann family, an important pillar supporting the Cyart Kingdom, just like the Leone family. In fact, we are already knights of Duke Black Iron!" Byrne stated without hesitation. He then probed cautiously,
"I just don't know, Madam Ariel Romann, what exactly you or Duke Romann think? And does Viscount Bast know about the tasks required of the Fischer family?"
Ariel slightly lifted her swan-like neck and responded serenely,
"There is no need for you to communicate with Viscount Bast. Remember this, the Fischer family need not mention those matters to anyone else. To be more precise, you only need to be responsible to me, and there is no need to inform other members of the Romann family."
Oh?
Byrne keenly sensed something amiss. What did the "Stars Mortal" Ariel mean by this?
Why did the deep collaboration between the Fischer and Romann family need to be kept hidden even from their allies, and not only that, but also from the other members of the Romann family, with the Fischer family accountable only to Ariel herself?
He felt that there must be a significant issue at hand, but couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
Ariel continued, her tone cold and arrogant, "The Romann family needs you to undertake several tasks. The first task is…"
Byrne immediately interrupted in a loud voice,
"Madam Ariel! May I clarify one thing first? Is the Fischer family supposed to pledge allegiance to the Romann family, just like the Leone family, or to Duke Black Iron alone, or perhaps to Madam Ariel alone?"
Ariel narrowed her eyes and nodded in response, "You've quickly noticed that something is off, good. If you weren't perceptive enough, I would have found it very regrettable."
Byrne fell silent as she continued.
"The thing is, my father, Duke Romann of the Romann family, he's actually nearing the end of his life, and it won't be many years before he leaves this world."
"What?"
Byrne's mind was struck as if by a thunderclap. It was well known that Duke Black Iron was the most critical figure within the Romann family, as well as a covert supporter of the Lion clan.
He instinctively calculated that Duke Black Iron indeed had lived for several hundred years, a legendary figure who made his name in the central regions of the Ouden Continent even before the formation of the Cyart Kingdom.
Sadly, even this legend would ultimately succumb to the end of life.
If Duke Black Iron truly passed away, the status of the entire Romann family within the Cyart Kingdom would plummet.
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They were about to plummet from being second only to the Adley of the Cyart Royal Family to the bottom rungs among the several top families.
By that time, the numerous families under the Romann family's command in every province would certainly face a significant impact.
The Fischer family could not possibly remain unaffected; they had already chosen their side early on, and it was simply impossible to enjoy the benefits without taking a beating as well!
Byrne remained silent for a while, then took a deep breath and calmly looked at Madam Ariel, asking, "So, Madam Ariel, what exactly is the Romann family's strategy in response to this?"
Ariel did not answer directly about the strategy but suddenly brought up another matter.
"You know, Byrne, actually, besides my father, Duke Black Iron, there are two other Monarch powerful experts within the Romann family. One of them is me, and the other is 'Dragon Taming Lord' Aldrich Romann," she said.
"Both of us are low-level Monarch strong fighters with nearly identical strength. Unless one resorts to desperate measures, it's basically impossible to determine who is superior. Therefore, it's indeterminable who will definitely inherit the dukedom of the Romann family."
This spelled trouble. Byrne realized the unwelcome nature of this news upon hearing it.
He felt a bit regretful for meeting Ariel, yet he knew he couldn't really refuse her.
Ariel gazed at Byrne and slowly stated her most important purpose.
"My relationship with the Leone family is not as good as Aldrich Romann's, who is especially close with Viscount Bast. Therefore, I hope to add more to my assets so that, after my father's death, I will have the support to become the next Duke of the Romann family."
Byrne fell into a deep silence, hesitating for a long time.
So that's how it is, he thought, no wonder Ariel was courting the Fischer family. According to the current situation, once Duke Black Iron passed away, the entire East Coast would follow Viscount Bast in supporting 'Dragon Taming Lord' Aldrich Romann.
Ariel very much hoped to become the next Duke!
"Byrne Fischer, not opening your mouth to speak, are you waiting for me to state my terms? Fine, then I'll make them clear to you first," she said.
Ariel understood that without offering anything in return, expecting others to simply submit to her was certainly impossible, especially since the Fischer family already had a certain status.
"I will gift you a Forbidden rare artifact with a four-digit code, provide two inheritances capable of reaching Monarch Level, and also offer a barrier more powerful than the one currently in Nasir Town..."
She paused for a moment before continuing:
"Once I officially become the Duchess, I will fully support Chris Fischer in breaking through to Monarch Level, and I can immediately make The Oath with you, how about it?"
Byrne did not respond to her terms, but was lost in deep thought.
The benefits were immense, but if he agreed to Ariel, would that count as betraying Viscount Bast?
He utterly detested the actions of traitors, and the Leone family had shown kindness to both him and the Fischer family that simply couldn't be ignored.
If Viscount Bast was likely to support 'Dragon Taming Lord' Aldrich Romann, and he chose to support Ariel here, it could eventually lead to a rift between the two families.
There was even the potential for mutual assassinations in the future...
The old man's kindness could not be repaid in such a manner.
He took a deep breath and shook his head firmly, his expression grave.
"Please allow me to answer, no, Madam Ariel, I am on very good terms with Viscount Bast, so I cannot betray him. However, the Fischer family can pledge allegiance to the Romann family and its Duke..."
Byrne knew very well that his response could not satisfy Ariel. He waited calmly for the outcome.
"Very well!"
"So, you've decided to offend me?" she asked.
Ariel's tone was laced with barely suppressed rage, the aura of a Monarch powerful expert suddenly erupting, focused entirely on the man before her, making Byrne turn pale and nearly immobilizing him.
"Please stop, I've already informed many people of your arrival..."
She wouldn't kill him!
Although immobilized, Byrne's gaze was resolute, believing he was in no real danger.
Duke Black Iron had not yet passed, and the Romann family was not simply under Ariel's control. The Fischer family was, after all, a viscount family with considerable potential. If he were to be killed without reason, Chris, being stubborn, would surely break with the Romann family!
At that point, both Duke Black Iron and other members of the Romann family would blame Ariel, making her chances of inheriting the dukedom even slimmer!
As expected, Ariel was furious, but in the end, did nothing drastic.
She merely snorted coldly, then took out a black envelope and threw it on the ground before turning and walking away without looking at Byrne again.
"Duke Black Iron has tasks for you, Byrne. This is no longer a command from me. Go and carry out the orders in the letter!"
After she had left, Byrne picked up the black envelope and let out a long sigh.
"As long as Chris cannot reach the 5th Rank, the Fischer family will still have to cater to the whims of those of higher status."
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