THE ONLY SON AMONGST THE DAUGHTERS OF EROS

“I hope you don’t mind signing a Divine Contract then?”

Draco’s eyes darkened. “A Divine Contract? Why? You never asked the Archelins to sign.”

Aeric offered a slow, knowing smile. “A verbal promise is one thing. But because this has to do with two families, I have to make sure that giving you my word is balanced with something as strong as a Divine Contract. I am the Prince after all. My word is far stronger than yours. This evens the odds and makes sure you keep your word.”

Draco hesitated — but now, with the weight of every watching noble, he couldn’t refuse.

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “You’re a manipulative little bastard,” he muttered.

Then, a glow of light appeared before him with a golden pauper materialising after.

~ ~ ~

Having captured the sponsorship of two out of ten branching families, Aeric felt pretty successful so far. But it was also time to speed things up. Besides, it wasn’t only family discussions he planned to carry out today.

He moved his attention to the Tavert Family being represented by Lady Elyse Tavert alone.

The Taverts were one of the families which had stronger and friendlier connections with the royal family. So Aeric had hoped the negotiations would go easier than the others.

Seeing that he was now focused on her, Lady Elyse leaned forward, having watched the exchanges with quiet intensity. Her dark eyes weren’t as tender as he had expected they would be towards him, rather calculating, meeting him with a sharp gleam.

Aeric had a small smile that said, ‘Seems she’s not going to be going easy on me after all.’ She had seen how the others were maneuvering, and she wouldn’t be outdone.

“The Tavert family has always prided itself on strength, culture and respect. And yet, we’re more than that,” Elyse’s lips curled slightly, “we’ve always been known for our knights’ loyalty and valor. In fact, most of the Knightguards who guard this castle were groomed and trained by the Tavert family business. You even have my cousin as a royal courier.”

Aeric turned back to look at Ilyon who was standing by the door. “In training,” he added jokingly. “Courier-in-training.”

“What I am saying in essence is that the value of the Tavert family speaks for itself. And our continuous support should be a proud testament of our loyalty. Wouldn’t you agree, Son Aeric.

Aeric raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. “Loyalty is a trait I value highly. But although we hold the Taverts in high regard, that doesn’t mean you are more valuable than the other families. I’m sure they would find that a bit insulting.”

Some murmurs spread and some eyes narrowed her way. Aeric was ever the instigator.

He hid his smirk. “I would say… Sponsoring this battle we are partaking in, the Taverts would consider such an investment a long-term venture.”

Elyse nodded, eyes narrowed, but she wasn’t done yet. “Perhaps. It is always a good thing to be owed by the royal family as they always pay their debts.”

Aeric nodded as well.

“But I would like to see something in return. Not just recognition. Not just a promise of future contracts. If I am to provide men, since men are my commodities, I would want my commodities to be advertised. I want my knights to stand in the front and center of this campaign. When it is successful, they will take enough credit for the glory, and their valor and strength will be broadcasted over the Realm.”

An extremely bold request.

Aeric allowed the silence to stretch as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze shifted briefly to Lady Seraphina, who was eyeing him intently from across the table. This was the moment where his ability to turn the tables would shine.

“You’re a business woman true and true, Lady Elyse.”

She sat back, accepting the compliment.

“I suppose the question is,” Aeric continued slowly, “why should I place your knights at the forefront when other families could provide just as much — if not more men?”

A slight twitch of annoyance crossed Elyse’s face. “You doubt Tavert’s strength?”

Aeric held up a hand. “No. But a powerful force can only be as effective as its reputation. If other families see Tavert’s knights as a mere extension of their own influence, the prestige of this campaign will fall short of its potential.”

Elyse’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting my knights are not worthy?”

“Not at all.” Aeric’s voice was calm, but firm. “But you’re asking for something that would make everyone see your family as the primary force. And that requires more than just promises. It requires action.”

Her gaze hardened, but Aeric was unfazed. He let the silence stretch, making her feel the weight of the decision. “Take the Selvadez family for example,” he motioned at Olvador. “Their knights are extremely powerful. Proven so in many wars. Why you and not them?”

Elyse kissed her teeth, slightly frustrated. “They have not asked.”

“Oh, but look at him. He’s just dying to get a deal like that. Don’t you think that your men getting the praise of clearing a dangerous Beast Glade could put a positive spin on the issue of your experiments that have been red flagged, Lord Olvador?”

The dwarf man nodded with thirst and intrigue. “Indeed it will,” he agreed.

“See?” Aeric looked at Lady Elyse and shrugged.

She looked away, brows creased, slightly frustrated. ‘Has this boy done this before? Negotiating? Pitting me against a family like Selvadez because he knows we both sell warriors as commodities. And now, we’re the ones fighting to sponsor him so he can advertise our commodities. Give us a good name. Unbelievable.’

Finally, Elyse spoke again, the veneer of composure slightly cracked. “What are you proposing, then?”

Aeric extended both hands sideways, shifting gazes between her and Olvador. “A competition. Whichever family slays the most beasts in the raid gets the credit. The other family gets a consolation prize of a stock purchase of any of your commodities.”

Elyse’s jaw clenched. She glanced at Olvador, who kept looking at her with fixed determination. Then, she slowly nodded. “Agreed.”

Olvador smiled then nodded as well. “I agree as well. It’s high time the Realm became aware of the strength of the Selvadez Family.”

“And now we have a deal.” Aeric said to them both smoothly.

And just like that, the Taverts and the Selvadezes were committed.

Pitting them against each other was a smart move. Not only would it give the warriors an incentive to fight harder and slay more beasts, he had literally offered two of them only one proposal whereas others left with their own separate proposals.

And they couldn’t even smell the trickery.

Four down.

He then moved to the Varnel Family and he knew that here, he would have to use The Greed Play.

Lord Edwin Varnel was the next to step forward, and from what Aeric could see, the man’s demeanor was as calm and assured as ever. His family was known for its wealth, and his eyes were always searching for the next lucrative opportunity.

Hence the Greed Play.

Aeric could already guess what he wanted.

“Prince Aeric,” Lord Edwin began, his voice smooth, “I believe we both understand that victory in Mursbridge will lose us a significant amount of money, but I think it can also bring wealth.”

The lord sat forward. “However, for today, let us not focus on just the money—”

‘Eh?’ Aeric’s mind went. ‘That’s unexpected.’

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