''I don't believe there is any purpose in carrying on this meeting any further. Go get some rest. Later, I'll send the blue-grade item to your room. '' Cael said.
As he continued to speak, it was very interesting to observe that his authoritarian behavior from earlier had completely vanished. The look on his face gave the impression that he was both worn out and engaged in some serious reflection.
A similar observation could be made about Raydon's mother, Thalia. She remained disconnected from Raydon and even those around her as she allowed herself to become lost in her thoughts. Others, including Zephyr, had also noticed this, but they chose to keep quiet about it for whatever reason.
'I think I went a little too far in demonstrating my potential.' Raydon reflected, noticing the oddness in everyone.
''Fine. '' Raydon has also made the decision to bring an end to the meeting.
He believed that he had more than demonstrated his value to them, which meant that he had already accomplished his goal. Additionally, the blue-grade item he won today was just the start for him; he could carry on this deal later. It would be more reasonable for him to drain the family's treasury slowly by asking for an item in return every time his family wanted something from him, rather than asking for everything all at once.
As Raydon turned and made his way towards the exit, he caught a glimpse of Tika following him. He furrowed his brow and thought to himself, 'Is this annoying girl planning to come with me? '
Tika was still his battle maid regardless of the situation, and it was her responsibility to accompany her young master inside the mansion, despite the fact that she appeared reluctant to do so. So for Raydon, their interaction appears to be unavoidable. Raydon usually brushed off Tika's provocations and paid little attention to her words, but having her constantly by his side, with her annoying presence, still managed to get on his nerves.
As Raydon contemplated the headaches this maid would inevitably cause him, he halted his steps and turned around to face the council again. ''I have another request. ''
''Say it. '' Cael said.
Raydon said in a nonchalant manner, pointing at Tika, "I don't want her."
When Tika heard Raydon's unexpected request, her eyes grew wide as she reacted in surprise. She did not want to serve Raydon either, and if she had the opportunity, she would have already replaced the person she served; however, she found it insulting that Raydon was asking this question of the family in such a casual manner right now.
However, after witnessing Raydon's remarkable performance a while ago and realizing that he was no longer the crippled child she had once perceived him to be and that he now even has the authority to be able to bargain with the family elders, she chose not to speak and instead simply bowed her head in silence while she awaited the family's response.
''I see. '' Cael, upon hearing the request, showed no sign of surprise. On the contrary, it seemed as though he had been anticipating it.
Zephyr and the others must have anticipated Raydon's request as well, because they didn't show any surprise either.
Having witnessed Tika's consistent failure to fulfill her duties as Raydon's battle maid, along with her frequent displays of hostility and disobedience, Zephyr and the others were well aware of her shortcomings. Moreover, as Tika had always been under the command of Cael and Thalia, they were not oblivious to her unfavorable attitude and animosity towards Raydon.
While everyone agreed that Raydon's request was reasonable and could easily be granted, they were all taken aback by Cael's response.
Cael said, "Unfortunately, we cannot accept this as it violates family rules. ''
Zephyr cast another sideways glance at his brother and thought. 'What are you up to again? '
The rule that Cael mentioned was, in fact, valid. The bond between a battle maid and the young master she serves is typically forged from the very outset and is intended to remain unbroken, except in exceptional cases where significant issues arise.
However, there was in fact a significant issue, and Raydon had every reason to want to change his battle maid; therefore, it was pointless to adhere to this rule in this particular circumstance.
When everyone was wondering what Cael had in store for them again, he resumed his previous line of discourse. ''This change is not possible unless there is a major issue, and both the person the battle maid serves and the battle maid herself are still alive. ''
'So that's why you insisted on having her attend this meeting as well. You truly are going to great lengths,' Zephyr finally grasped Cael's intentions and, letting out a sigh, chose not to interfere further.
Raydon retorted with a chuckle, "Unless there is a major issue?"
''Isn't it a major issue that she ignores her responsibilities, like taking care of me, and leaves me to die by myself in the slum? '' Raydon's voice unintentionally grew louder as he spoke, anger bubbling up within him. The memories of his body's past hardships surged back, causing his blood to surge with heightened intensity.
"But you are still alive, right?" Cael said it in an eerily composed tone.
Raydon felt his long-repressed feelings rising to the surface as he observed Cael's composed demeanor. Accompanied by the rage that Raydon was experiencing, the dark aura involuntarily began to emerge once more from his body.
Although it had been a very long time since Raydon had been affected by such emotions, this wasn't the first time it had happened to him since he had entered this world.
After enduring betrayals in his previous life and confronting the memories of betrayal in his current body, Raydon had carried a complex mixture of emotions for some time. The wall he had constructed to contain those feelings was now on the verge of crumbling, and the seething rage hidden beneath the surface threatened to consume him.
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