Later that same day...
Alear was seated on the main sofa in the formal reception room of the Häagenti mansion, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
Soon, Lotte announced the arrival of the guests.
"Alear-sama, Lord Zeoticus Gremory and Lady Venelana Gremory have arrived..."
"Let them in..."
The door opened, and the Gremory couple entered. Zeoticus, with his elegant appearance and distinctive crimson hair, wore a courteous smile. Beside him, Venelana walked with perfect poise, though her violet eyes betrayed a mixture of nervousness, restrained desire, and determination.
Both offered respectful bows as they approached.
"It is an honor to be received at your residence, Archduke Häagenti..." Zeoticus said in a warm and respectful tone. "I sincerely appreciate you granting us this audience on such short notice..."
Venelana bowed slightly deeper, the neckline of her elegant dress becoming briefly more noticeable.
"It is good to see you again... Alear-sama..." she murmured, her voice softer and laden with meaning.
Alear nodded, gesturing toward the sofa opposite him.
"Please, have a seat..."
The two sat down. Zeoticus maintained his amiable smile, clearly trying to create a cordial atmosphere.
"I must say that after meeting you personally, I can truly understand the meteoric rise of your house. It is admirable how, in such a short time, you have managed to consolidate such tremendous influence. Indeed, the Underworld benefits greatly from talented young nobles such as yourself..." Zeoticus continued with carefully rehearsed praise, complimenting Alear's strength, political wisdom, the potential of House Häagenti, and how beneficial it would be for the great houses to maintain close ties...
Alear listened with a neutral expression, replying only with polite, concise responses.
"I appreciate the compliment, Lord Zeoticus..."
"You are too kind to say that..."
"I am honored by your words..."
He returned none of the praise, nor did he show any enthusiasm. His demeanor remained courteous, yet distant and professional—enough to avoid being rude, while clearly signaling that he would not be swayed by flattery.
Venelana observed the conversation in silence, lightly biting her lower lip. Her eyes lingered on Alear for far longer than they should have. There was longing, nostalgia, and quiet anxiety in her gaze. She seemed to want to say something more personal, but restrained herself in her husband's presence...
Realizing that his compliments were producing no effect, Zeoticus decided to change his approach.
"The Gremory Family has always valued strong and mutually beneficial alliances. We are very interested in restoring—and even expanding—our former partnership with your house. I am certain we can reach terms that will greatly benefit both sides..."
Alear merely gave a slight nod, showing no sign of commitment.
"I see. Then let us hear your proposal..."
The atmosphere in the room grew noticeably heavier.
Zeoticus kept his smile, but a faint bead of sweat appeared on his forehead as he decided to abandon formalities and get straight to the point.
"Since you worked with my wife in the past, you are well aware of how House Gremory managed the Gäap Family's territories. Our vassals are loyal, our administration is efficient, and we possess an extensive network of connections throughout that region. That is why we have come to present a sincere and mutually beneficial proposal..."
He paused briefly, carefully choosing his words.
"We propose that House Gremory retain only fifteen percent of the profits generated from operations in those territories. Everything else would belong entirely to House Häagenti. What do you think of this proposal, Archduke?"
Alear remained silent for several moments, his expression completely unreadable. Internally, however, he could not help but be surprised.
Fifteen percent...
They truly were desperate.
With such a small share, the Gremory Family would barely be able to cover operating expenses and maintain appearances. Within a few years, they would likely collapse financially unless Sirzechs continued injecting his own funds into the family.
This was not a proposal between equals.
It was a plea for mercy disguised as a business negotiation.
At the very least, it would allow them to preserve House Gremory's reputation and buy time to find a solution to their financial crisis...
The silence dragged on.
Venelana discreetly squeezed her own thigh, keeping her eyes fixed on Alear. Her anxiety was obvious, though she struggled to conceal it.
Zeoticus interpreted the silence as dissatisfaction. Forcing an even broader smile, he quickly revised his offer.
"I understand that perhaps fifteen percent is not enough to demonstrate our sincerity. How about ten percent? And, as an additional gesture of goodwill..." He cast a brief glance toward Venelana before continuing. "My wife could return to serving as your personal secretary, just as she did before. She is already familiar with your preferences and working methods. I am certain she would once again be of tremendous assistance to you..."
Venelana visibly stiffened on the sofa. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, yet she did not utter a single word. Her violet eyes lowered briefly, filled with shame, restrained excitement, and resignation.
She knew exactly what her husband was doing.
In practice, he was offering her as part of the deal.
Even worse, she knew Alear had understood that perfectly as well.
Zeoticus maintained his smile, though his voice carried an almost imperceptible strain.
"She is highly competent and dedicated. I am certain she can continue providing every service you may require... without restrictions..."
The atmosphere in the room grew even heavier.
Alear looked at the couple before him with a calm, almost indifferent expression as he silently evaluated the shameless proposal before finally speaking in a calm voice tinged with faint irony.
"Ten percent of the profits... and Venelana returning as my personal secretary, without restrictions..."
He tilted his head slightly, looking directly at Zeoticus.
"I am certain I understood that last part correctly. Essentially, you are giving me free rein to sleep with your wife whenever I wish, correct?"
Venelana visibly stiffened on the sofa, her face burning a deep crimson.
Zeoticus did not hesitate. His smile remained, though it had become noticeably more rigid.
"Yes... that would be acceptable..." he replied, trying to sound natural, though his voice carried an almost pathetic note of submission. "Venelana and I have not had an active sex life for a very long time. She is a woman and has her own needs... If that were to happen, I would not mind..."
Venelana remained silent, her face filled with a complicated expression—a painful mixture of shame, suppressed excitement, and profound disappointment.
Why am I still married to this man?
The question echoed through her mind as her heart tightened.
For a woman as proud as she was, the humiliation was almost beyond words.
It was not merely that her own husband was effectively offering her as part of a political negotiation.
It was the complete indifference with which he did so, sacrificing her dignity in an attempt to save House Gremory from financial ruin.
What made it even more painful was that the man sitting before them was Alear himself—the man for whom she had harbored feelings for a long time.
Instead of approaching him of her own free will, she was being treated as nothing more than a bargaining chip by her own husband.
Her pride, her honor, and her autonomy seemed to have been reduced to whatever value they could add to that negotiation—a reality that wounded her deeply...
Yet Zeoticus once again demonstrated why he was a man who placed reputation, status, and wealth above all else.
He turned toward his wife with a gentle smile, as though asking something utterly trivial.
"Venelana, my dear. What is your opinion on this?"
Venelana took a deep breath, forcing her voice to remain steady.
For a brief moment, her violet eyes met Alear's, filled with longing, shame, and resignation.
"I... do not mind..." she answered, almost in a whisper.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Zeoticus appeared visibly relieved by her agreement, as though an enormous burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Venelana, on the other hand, kept her eyes lowered while her cheeks continued to burn with humiliation.
Alear observed the couple with a calm, impassive expression, though inwardly he felt a mixture of contempt and cold amusement.
The ease with which Zeoticus was willing to "sell" his own wife in order to preserve House Gremory's status and finances was pathetic—even by the standards of the Underworld.
He leaned back against the sofa and crossed his legs.
"I see..." he said in a soft, ambiguous tone. "That is truly generous of you, Lord Zeoticus. Offering your own wife as part of a business agreement, without restrictions... It demonstrates remarkable devotion to your family. Few men would possess the... greatness required to make such a decision..."
The veiled sarcasm was obvious to anyone willing to recognize it.
Zeoticus stiffened briefly, and his courteous smile faltered almost imperceptibly.
Even so, he swallowed his pride and replied with the same politeness as before.
"I appreciate your compliment, Archduke Häagenti. As the head of House Gremory, the well-being of the Gremory Family comes before any personal consideration..."
Venelana remained silent.
A bitter smile slowly appeared on her lips, though her eyes revealed a sadness that was difficult to conceal.
Alear continued, maintaining the same casual, almost bored tone.
"The proposal is certainly interesting. However, I regret to inform you that I no longer have any interest in leaving the Gäap Family's territories under House Gremory's administration..."
He spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Recently, I concluded a far more advantageous agreement with House Agares. Considering that they are the second most powerful house in the Underworld, and that their heiress, Seekvaira Agares, is my future wife, it seemed far more strategic to concentrate my interests there..."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Zeoticus visibly turned pale.
The smile froze on his face like a mask on the verge of shattering.
Every trace of color vanished from his cheeks, and for a brief instant he seemed to age several years all at once.
Venelana also went pale, her violet eyes widening in genuine shock.
Her lips trembled slightly, as though she wanted to say something, yet no words emerged.
The humiliation she had felt moments earlier was suddenly replaced by an icy emptiness in her chest.
The mention of Seekvaira as Alear's "future wife" struck her like an unexpected blow.
She had always known he had three fiancées, but hearing him declare it so directly and casually—precisely while her own husband was trying to offer her as part of a bargain—made the situation even more bitter and painful...
Zeoticus opened and closed his mouth several times before finally managing to speak.
His voice came out slightly hoarse, betraying the effort required to maintain his composure.
"I... understand. House Agares is indeed an extremely powerful ally. It was... an excellent strategic decision."
He tried to remain composed, but the proposal he had brought as House Gremory's last hope had just been rejected with almost cruel indifference.
Worst of all, Alear did not even need to justify his decision.
As an Archduke, he possessed better options, more influential allies, and a status far above Zeoticus's.
He had absolutely no obligation to negotiate with House Gremory.
Insisting or demanding an explanation would accomplish nothing except humiliate him even further before a man whose position already placed him far above his own...
Venelana, however, although she had reached the same conclusion thanks to her political acumen, could no longer restrain her emotions.
Gathering every ounce of dignity she still possessed, she took the initiative.
Her voice trembled, yet remained clear.
"Alear-sama... please forgive me for any offense I may have caused you before. I was foolish, arrogant, and naïve. If I displeased you in any way, I offer you my sincerest apologies..."
She leaned forward, almost bowing despite remaining seated.
"I beg you to reconsider. We can make this agreement far better. Whatever condition you impose, we will accept it..."
Seeing his wife take the initiative, Zeoticus immediately followed, swallowing what little pride he still possessed.
"Exactly. House Gremory will remain forever indebted to House Häagenti. We will support you unconditionally in every political, economic, and military matter. We are one of the oldest houses in the Underworld and still possess considerable influence. Please grant us the opportunity to prove our loyalty..."
Alear observed the two of them for several moments, maintaining the same calm, impassive expression.
Finally, he replied, addressing Venelana first in a low, perfectly controlled voice.
"I was never offended by your previous actions, Venelana. I was simply deeply disappointed."
Those words struck Venelana like a direct blow to the heart.
Her body visibly trembled as the little color remaining in her face disappeared.
Disappointed.
That single word hurt far more than anger, contempt, or any insult ever could.
Then Alear turned his gaze toward Zeoticus.
His voice became cold and final, leaving no room whatsoever for negotiation.
"As for your proposal... there is nothing left to reconsider. House Gremory has until the end of this week to completely vacate every territory belonging to House Gäap. Once that deadline expires, House Agares will officially assume administration of the region..."
Zeoticus opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
His face had become utterly pale, almost gray, as though every ounce of energy had been drained from his body.
"But... this..." he muttered, his voice breaking halfway through the sentence.
Alear did not show the slightest reaction.
"This is my final decision. You may leave now..."
The Gremory couple remained motionless for several seconds.
Gradually, reality began to settle into their minds.
This was not merely the failure of a negotiation.
It was the collapse of the last hope they had of preventing the crisis looming over House Gremory.
The truth had finally sunk in...
Both slowly rose to their feet, as though every movement demanded superhuman effort.
Zeoticus offered a stiff, mechanical bow, while Venelana kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her body trembling slightly.
Before leaving, however, she paused briefly by the door and discreetly turned back.
Her eyes met Alear's one last time.
They held pain, regret, sorrow, and a profound longing that she already knew would most likely never be returned in the way she had dreamed of over the past several days...
Then the door closed behind them with a soft click.
Alear remained seated on the sofa, silently watching the empty space where the couple had stood only moments before.
A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
The meeting had ended exactly as he had expected.
Now, all that remained was to await the arrival of Sirzechs Lucifer...
_______________
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