The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

"Today, I care more about position, status. About ensuring my family's continued prosperity and reverence long after the campaign. Long after I'm gone."

Aeric's eyes flicked to Edwin's face, noting the slight gleam of greed in his eyes. "What exactly are you proposing, Lord Varnel?"

"An investment," Edwin said simply. "If you wish to raise funds for the campaign, I will supply the gold especially as well as other things you ask for. However, I require something in return. A signed permission to allow the structure of my statue in Golden Plains town. It would be a fountain, where people could toss coins into and make a wish to the Divinity.

Aeric tilted his head and smirked. "And they go through the hidden tubes in the fountain and into your family pockets. You are a clever, greedy man, Lord Edwin."

Since he was caught, Edwin had no choice but to smile sheepishly, accepting the names.

"In fact. I'm certain that the statue will only be plated with gold and then made of stone, because you wouldn't want to spend that much money. Let us not pretend that this is a matter of reverence for your family. You simply discovered a scheme to make money and you think the royal family will help you do it."

Edwin frowned, seeing Aeric's face darken.

"Are you really brave, Lord Varnell? Are you just plain stupid."

Edwin's frown faltered for a fraction of a second, and his eyes narrowed in rage. "You dare speak to an elder in such a manner. I'm many ranks higher than you!"

He tried to get to his feet but suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, pressing him to remain on his chair. Looking up, his heart dropped at the sight of Son Aeric, standing over him, staring him down with a dark crimson glow in his eyes.

"Sit down, Edwin." The Son said.

Edwin did as he was told. Heart beating, mind reeling, everywhere dead silent. 'How the hell did he move that fast? And what was that energy holding me down? It was so intense! So it really is true that he has such a high Affinity?"

Aeric calmly walked back to the head of the table. Once he got there, Edwin Varnel said, "I'll supply the funds. Anything you need. In exchange, the Queen can reward us as she wishes. I apologize for trying to use your family to increase my wealth."

Aeric considered the apology, playing the part of the reluctant negotiator. Finally, he nodded, acting casual like this wasn't the perfect request, one with no incentive at all. "A reasonable request. I'll agree, but only if the Varnel family promises to also aid in the allocation of food and supplies to the families after the war."

Edwin's eyes trembled, and he nodded after. "Agreed."

5 down.

Lord Hollunder Vale had been sitting silently, watching the other families squabble over trivial matters, only finding small entertainment when Son Aeric ruthlessly disgraced Lord Edwin. But now it was his turn.

"Prince Aeric," he began, his voice smooth as velvet, "you must understand that my family's position is not one to be taken lightly. The Player Market is a thriving business, and any misstep here could cause significant upheaval."

Aeric raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

Hollunder leaned forward. "It is because of us that the Starlight Region is number three when it comes to the Player Market, irrespective of us having the least Awakened Players and the lowest amount of ambient Divinity."

"Still, I've heard whispers of a potential partnership with the Dawn Region. I trust you understand the implications of that."

Aeric paused, carefully masking his reaction. "Are you suggesting that my mission will somehow jeopardize Vale's position?"

Hollunder gave a nonchalant shrug. "If you're not careful, yes. The Dawn Region would be more than happy to take over our position in the Player Market if they see an opening."

Aeric let the words hang in the air, watching Hollunder's face carefully. "And you would like me to ensure that Vale remains the sole distributor of supplies in Starlight, then?"

"Exactly."

Aeric smiled, but there was an edge to it. "The Moonspear Family in Moonlight and the Knightshades in Twilight still are our biggest suppliers. In fact, you even work with them in imports, but I don't think there's any family in Dawn that could take over you. Not the Dannisters. But, I suppose you'll want to invest heavily in this campaign to ensure your position is secure."

Hollunder hesitated for a fraction of a moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Yes. We will contribute heavily. Since the Moonspears are more powerful, we want you to replace the Knightshades with us. Make us your second most important suppliers. We will not fail the royal family."

Aeric thought of it. "That could take some time to get down, but... You will have what you ask for, Lord Vale."

Hollunder nodded. "Perfect, my prince. And you will have yours."

6 down.

Aeric then moved his attention to the couple in dark clothing. "Lord and Lady Zorath."

Lord Damon Zorath and Lady Kavria Zorath exchanged a brief glance before Damon spoke, his calm and apathetic tone making it clear that he wasn't a big fan of Aeric.

"Son Aeric, we are in the business of trading rare beast cores. Your list of what you require for sponsorship is... quite vast, and perhaps..." He pouted and kissed his teeth. "We will be willing to sponsor you, but I will allow you to come up with the incentive. We want something, but we do not know what it is. Is there anything that comes to mind."

Aeric studied them for a moment. "My mother has consistently refused your previous proposals so do not think I am going to be accepting of them. They are far fetched and

simply... wrong."

"But..." he paused. "I wonder…" His voice trailed off as he shifted his gaze to a corner of the room. "As a punishment for those disrespectful proposals you offered my mother, do you think I should consider a partnership with a lesser-known Player guild. Their offer of exclusive rights to sell the monster parts we harvest from the raid could prove more lucrative."

Damon's eyes flickered with unease. "You would risk alienating the Zorath family?"

Aeric's lips curled slightly. "Only if I don't have your commitment."

Lady Kavria's eyes narrowed like she was calling Aeric a pest at that moment.

"You'll have our resources," Damon said quickly. "But the spoils must be ours."

"Not all of it of course," Aeric said smoothly. "Your family gets a fair share but the Players who are partaking in this raid also will need them to level up. Fruit of their labor, you see."

Lord Damon Zorath nodded, "I understand." Though in his face was genuine anger and hatred.

"What is that?"

Mhm?

They looked down at what Aeric was looking at. The ball.

"Oh this is simply us wanting to record this. As we do for all our meetings," Lord Damon said.

Aeric glared at the green glowing ball for a while before responding, "I see. Very well, let's move to the Kythersons."

Lord Mathis Kytherson arrived at a fine deal with Aeric, and so did the Farrentails. Then, it finally arrived at Lady Seraphina Ivermere.

Aeric gave the extremely voluptuous and precious looking woman a long gaze before asking. "So, Lady Ivermere, what would your demands be?"

The lady stayed silent for a while, staying in eye contact with him before saying; "Nothing. I will sponsor you as you have asked."

"Eh?"

"What?"

"Ngh!"

Even Aeric was surprised. "You will provide your support without any incentive for your family."

Seraphina nodded in concurrence. "Yes."

"And your husband will be fine with this?"

"That doesn't matter. The Ivermere Family is one. Every decision I make is a decision my husband will make. What you're doing is admirable and we would like to sponsor you."

Aeric looked at her for a moment, even others at the table noticed the tension between them. He then smiled and said, "Thank you."

~ ~ ~

With each family now tied to his cause, Aeric watched the room shift. The tension had faded, replaced by an air of quiet desperation and anticipation.

But Aeric wasn't done yet.

"I think we're nearly done here," he said casually, letting the words linger. "But let me remind you all…" He gave a sweeping glance at each family. "Once this campaign succeeds, those who contributed will have first access to the rewards and will forever remain in the Royal family's favor. Those who hesitated — well, I suppose we'll see how things turn out for them in the future after your demands have been given to you."

The room fell silent, and Aeric knew he had made his final play.

They were all in.

~ ~ ~

Hours later, when Lord Draco Dravencourt returned home, he discovered from his spies that the Morgasons had never made any business deals with the Son Aeric and he'd basically been tricked into a Divine Contract to sponsor them.

"Arghh!" he slammed his fist on the table. "That bastard guile prince!"