Chapter 265 - 263: Positive Reactions

Chapter 265: Chapter 263: Positive Reactions

Kennedy Manor was shrouded in darkness.

Natalia, holding a Magic Energy Lantern, accompanied Count Kais down the corridor to the inner courtyard.

Count Kais had dismissed the servants. It seemed he had something to discuss with his daughter.

"Today’s tournament is over. What do you think of Duane?" he asked.

Natalia tilted her head slightly, treating her father’s question as just a normal inquiry.

"In terms of strength, he’s exceptional! A seventeen-year-old Shooting Star Warrior. Even across the entire Star Continent, he’d be considered a top-tier talent!"

"In terms of intellect and managing a territory, he’s probably also among the best of all the young people in the Kingdom!"

’And,’ she added silently, ’Duane is a genius at magic, too.’

As she spoke, thinking of all Duane’s strengths made her feel somewhat inadequate in comparison.

’Compared to him, I should probably get rid of my title as the genius Magical Girl of Silent Shore.’

Count Kais could hear the sincere praise for Duane in his daughter’s voice.

But why did it sound like his daughter was lacking a bit of confidence?

So he teased, "Duane isn’t skilled in magic, and he’s a man. What does that have to do with your title?"

Natalia couldn’t help but smile. "Father, you know that’s not what I mean."

She could only retort in her heart: ’Duane’s magic is incredible!’

Kais sighed. "Some people in this world are just special, rising at an incredible speed. A genius like you has no need to compare yourself to a monster like that. You’d just be looking for disappointment."

He stopped walking and looked at his daughter seriously. "Tell me honestly, is Duane interested in you?"

Natalia froze. Her thoughts were pulled from the conversation, a flicker of panic appeared in her eyes, and her heart began to beat faster. She felt the alarm of a daydreamer being caught by their tutor.

"Even if you don’t say it, I understand."

Count Kais turned and continued walking, saying with the air of one who had seen it all, "He can’t hide the way he looks at you. Your mother and I have been through this before. Is there anything we wouldn’t see?"

He paused for a moment, then said, "Duane is indeed excellent. I approve of him. If your feelings are mutual, a marriage alliance would be a win-win."

"Father..."

Natalia’s voice was a mixture of playful protest and shyness as she tried to stop Count Kais from saying more.

The Count couldn’t help but smile. It was rare to see such a complex expression on his usually somewhat aloof daughter’s face.

"Your mother is more concerned with whether you’ll be happy in your marriage, but as the Clan Leader of the Kennedy Clan, I’m more concerned with whether the clan can benefit from your marriage."

His words were blunt, but they were the reality.

Take His Highness Otto, for instance. Although Count Kais didn’t think highly of him, he still kept him on his list of potential sons-in-law.

Then there was also Edwin of the Ugo Calvin Clan. In the end, a marriage alliance was an exchange of benefits.

"However, when those benefits don’t conflict with your happiness, isn’t that perfect?"

Natalia took a deep breath and hurried to follow him, lantern in hand.

"So, you have your eye on Duane, Father?" Her tone returned to normal.

"He’s young, intelligent, decisive, highly talented, powerful, and his character isn’t bad either."

Count Kais listed a string of virtues. "I’ve gained quite a few benefits from him—Hot Spring Mountain Tea and Warm Sun Soup, as well as some novel design theories, all necessities for the clan’s development. And I feel that he definitely has other, even better things he hasn’t revealed yet!"

"A mere business partnership isn’t deep enough. But if we can form a marriage alliance, not only will it bring greater benefits, but the Kennedy Clan will also gain a Shooting Star Warrior."

For the Kennedy Clan, having developed to its current scale, protecting its existing interests was equally important.

The security brought by an Extraordinary Powerhouse far surpassed the mining rights to some Secret Realm that His Highness Otto could offer.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that the King was about to forcefully push for the Holy Radiance Court to establish branches in the territories of the major noble families.

For a long time to come, all the Nobility would be maneuvering around this issue. Conflicts would be inevitable, and even war couldn’t be ruled out.

The loyalty of the Nobility to the King wasn’t born from oaths, as commoners believed, but from interests.

When those interests were harmed without compensation, conflict became unavoidable.

Unless, of course, the King possessed the absolute authority to suppress all dissenting voices.

But clearly, Eric did not.

When the Pruck Kingdom was founded, it relied on the support of many clans, such as the Hughes, Smith, Kennedy, and Bloom clans.

Natalia hesitated for a moment, then finally admitted, "Duane does have feelings for me. And, well... I do too."

"That’s for the best."

Count Kais grinned. "You don’t need to sell yourself short. With your talent, you should be able to become a Grand Mage by the time you’re about twenty-five. A partner like that is hard to find."

"Besides, you have the Kennedy Clan behind you. Duane can gain a lot from me as well."

Top-tier shipbuilding technology, ample food production, a large population, trade routes, and even the results of magic research—a portion of these could be offered as a dowry, and they were all things Duane needed.

"Alright!"

Natalia conceded, "Although I’ve understood since I was little that for a noble’s daughter, marriage is politics, when it’s my turn, it still feels awkward to hear."

"That’s perfectly normal, my dear."

Count Kais strode into the main building of the inner courtyard. The darkness retreated, replaced by bright light. "Get some good rest!"

"Good night, Father."

The father and daughter ended their conversation and returned to their respective rooms.

For Count Kais, he had made a decision tonight.

And for Natalia, tonight had also brought a great change to her life.

After washing up, she lay in bed, unable to stop herself from fantasizing about a future with Duane.

Sailing the seas together, living together, sleeping together, being together...

"Oh my, what am I thinking!"

The more Natalia thought about it, the more her face flushed, and she couldn’t help but pull the blanket over her head to hide.

What young woman doesn’t dream of romance?

In truth, it wasn’t just the Kennedy Clan. Tonight, many minor noble families were also secretly weighing Duane’s potential.

Take Baron Rikson Holmes, who was staying in a room at the Royal Inn, for example.

As a Baron ennobled by the previous King, Rikson had once had his moment of glory.

But with the passing of the previous King, and his territory having no special resources or valuable industries, the Holmes Clan gradually fell into decline.

Now, they could only sustain their economy through grain production and a low-end beer business.

At this moment, three generations of the Holmes Clan were gathered around a round table.

Sitting to Rikson’s left was his son, Ackman, and sitting opposite him was his grandson, Lune.

The gray-haired Baron said in a grave voice:

"You both know our family’s situation. If we don’t make a change, then after I die, Ackman, I’m afraid you won’t even be able to pay the succession fee."

Ackman didn’t refute him, because it was the truth.

Just like this time, they had originally wanted Lune to participate in the tournament to make a name for himself and hopefully open up some opportunities for development.

But considering the registration fee and the likely outcome, they had ultimately given up on the idea.

In fact, Lune’s talent wasn’t bad. At twenty-four, he had already reached the strength of a Human Tier Warrior and had even had a breakthrough during the Great Blessing Technique.

But even if their direct line consisted of three generations of Earth Tier Warriors, it still wouldn’t solve the territory’s financial problems.

"But Father, although Baron Duane’s situation is good, from what I know, he already has three core retainers. Two of them followed him from Lakefront Manor, and the other is Simone, the eldest son of the Gobel Clan."

"If Lune were to follow Baron Duane, he might not be able to secure a place for himself."

Rikson glanced at his son, then said to his grandson, "Look at your father. Spending all his years dealing with farmers to ensure the territory’s grain output has made his thinking slow."

Lune gave his father a troubled look and said, "Father... It hasn’t been easy for him."

Hearing this, Rikson sighed.

It was indeed not easy being the primary heir to a family on the verge of bankruptcy.

"Lune, there’s no future for you if you stay with the family. Pledging loyalty to another major noble would make you dispensable. Duane is rising powerfully now, and he’s certain to achieve even greater things in the future."

Rikson said seriously, "You are the heir to the Holmes Clan. In the future, after your father passes away, you will need to return to the family and inherit the title of Baron. Therefore, you are different from Simone. You don’t need to covet one of Duane’s Knight positions."

"You are following him for your own sake, for a better future!"

At the very least, after pledging fealty to Duane, he would either provide Lune with land to support himself or pay him a salary directly.

If Duane became a High Lord or even a Grand Lord in the future, the Holmes Clan would have gained an important connection.

Regardless of the method, it would alleviate the awkward situation of the Holmes Clan being unable to support three Earth Tier Warriors.

Lune also knew his own situation.

"Grandfather, Father, I understand the family’s situation. I accept this arrangement!"

Rikson smiled with gratification.

"I spoke with Baron Duane at the banquet tonight and mentioned this. Tomorrow, take the letter of recommendation I’ve written and go find him at the Golden Crown Opera House."

Ackman then instructed, "Since you’ll be working for Duane, always try to think from the Lord’s perspective. Don’t act on your own initiative in certain matters. Loyalty is essential!"

Lune nodded. "Don’t worry, I understand!"