Frost Family Palace, Central Hall…
Inside the vast Frost Family hall, King Ragnar was deep in concentration, reviewing the financial and resource allocations for his cities across the Frost Nation.
Over thirty City Heads sat silently along the hall’s sides, listening intently to his every word and awaiting further instructions.
Suddenly, the heavy doors swung open with a loud thud, and the Frost Family’s head servant, Ghule, dashed in.
“Your Majesty!” Ghule’s voice boomed, catching the attention of people who were inside their rooms. “The Princess of the Stick Family, Sony Stick, has arrived and is on her way here to see you personally.”
The City Heads exchanged nervous glances, shifting uncomfortably. Everyone knew Sony Stick’s reputation as a prideful and domineering figure who didn’t hesitate to assert her position. King Ragnar took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.
“Bring her in,” he ordered. But before Ghule could carry out his command, Sony Stick had already made her grand entrance, striding confidently into the hall as though she owned the place.
Every City Head immediately rose, bowing their heads in respect—or perhaps fear. None dared to meet her gaze, knowing the consequences of offending a member of the Stick Family.
Sony wore an elegant white dress with open sleeves that ended above her thighs, flaunting her long, slender legs. Her golden trinkets and rare ornaments sparkled under the dim lighting, reflecting her noble bearing and unmistakable pride. A delicate yet authoritative crown adorned her head, enhancing her royal aura.
“Get out,” she commanded coldly, her voice slicing through the air like a blade. “I want to speak with King Ragnar personally. Everyone leave now.”
The City Heads exchanged anxious glances, but they didn’t wait for King Ragnar’s permission. They turned and hurried out of the hall, clearly eager to escape the brewing tension. Sony took her seat without a second thought, her gaze fixed firmly on Ragnar. Just then, Lily, who had been standing nearby, approached and sat across from Sony with a stern face.
With a weary sigh, King Ragnar closed the financial ledger and turned to Sony.
“What brings you here, Princess Sony?” he asked in caution.
Sony leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with a prideful smile. “Please send a word to Kent. I want him to hear me personally.”
Ragnar’s face remained neutral, but Lily’s eyes narrowed. “No need. First, speak on why you’re here. Then, we’ll decide whether it’s worth disturbing Kent for your untimely arrival,” Lily replied coolly, her tone defiant.
Sony glanced dismissively at Lily before returning her gaze to Ragnar. “It concerns the Trident Summit,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “I’ve come with an offer for an alliance. Kent is the one leading your family’s forces, isn’t he? So, call him.”
Lily’s expression hardened. “Who said Kent is leading the Frost Family troops?” she countered. “I will lead our forces at the Trident Summit. Whatever you have to discuss, you’ll do so with me.”
Sony’s face twitched with barely veiled annoyance as she ignored Lily and focused on Ragnar. “King Ragnar,” she said, addressing him formally. “Surely, you know what my family’s alliance would mean. We have over eighty thousand soldiers prepared, along with the support of several major families. An alliance with us would be a gift. Do you truly want to let this chance slip by?”
Ragnar remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed intently on Sony. Then, with a small nod, he called Ghule forward. “Summon Kent to the hall,” he ordered.
Ghule’s face lit up with excitement as he quickly left to carry out his command. Moments later, after a tense wait, Kent entered, his face as stoic as stone. He glanced at Sony, his expression clearly unimpressed.
Without hesitation, Ghule pulled a chair for Kent next to Lily, earning a sharp, displeased glare from Sony. She’d expected him to sit beside her, given he had entered from her side of the hall, but thanks to Ghule’s actions, Kent now sat opposite her.
“What’s so urgent? Don’t tell me you’ve come to talk about an alliance again. I already said I wouldn’t join hands with you.” Kent’s voice was cold and direct, cutting to the heart of the matter.
Sony’s lips tightened momentarily before she composed herself, flashing him a smile that bordered on sly. “Kent, consider the benefits I’m offering,” she began, her tone persuasive. “If you agree to this alliance, you’ll have full authority over the combined forces. And more than that, I’ll let you select the three participants eligible for entry into the Spirit World after our victory.”
Kent’s expression didn’t change. He folded his arms, leaning back, entirely unimpressed. “Full authority? Three spots?” he repeated dryly. “Let me save you the trouble, Princess. I’m not interested.”
Sony’s gaze turned fierce, her smile fading as she leaned forward. “I don’t think you understand the opportunity you’re passing up,” she said sharply. “We’re talking about a force of two hundred thousand soldiers—more than enough to sweep aside any opposition. No other family could compete with us.”
Unmoved, Kent held her gaze, his expression icy. “I do understand. But I don’t fight wars to share the victory. I won’t bow to your terms or your so-called ‘authority.'” Kent replied in a firm tone.
Sony’s hand clenched slightly, but she forced herself to relax. “I’m willing to negotiate,” she said, softening her tone. “If it’s not enough, tell me what you want. Whatever it is, name it, and I’ll see it done.”
Kent shook his head, standing up. “Your ‘terms’ are meaningless to me. I don’t need your alliance, nor do I desire anything you have to offer.”
As he turned to leave, Sony’s face twisted with anger. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with,” she spat, her voice loud and threatening. “I am Sony Stick, and I don’t let go easily. If I set my mind on something, I’ll go to any lengths to have it.”
Kent paused and looked back over his shoulder, his expression steely. “Is that supposed to scare me?” he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. “Be careful whom you try to control, Princess. You might end up ruining more than just an alliance.”
Sony rose to her feet, her voice filled with a venomous edge. “This Trident Summit… my family will emerge victorious. And once I control those three spots for the Spirit World, you’ll come crawling, begging for a place.”
Kent raised an eyebrow, giving her a withering look. “My little Princess, it’s one thing to admire a lion’s face. But never try to ride one,” he said, his tone deadly serious. “Prepare coffins for your troops before leading them to battle, because, I, the husband of Lily Frost, standing between you and your so-called victory.”
The room fell silent, every pair of eyes glued to Kent as he walked away without another word. Lily’s mouth parted slightly, stunned by his words. “Husband…” she whispered, hardly believing what she’d just heard.
Sony, however, clenched her fists, her face pale as Kent’s words echoed in her ears. For the first time, a bead of sweat appeared on her brow.
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Excited!?