Both walked in silence along the stone‑paved path of the garden. The scent of flowers filled the air, and most of the way was lit by the soft glow of the moon.
Daisy suddenly stopped:
"What did you want to talk about?"
Elias carefully chose his words:
"As you know, after the Emperor, there are five great families who hold the real power: Hamilton, Warren, Foster, Davis, and Black. Outwardly, it seems the Emperor has the greater power, but both you and I know that's a lie."
Daisy crossed her arms:
"Well, go on."
"The Emperor is nothing more than a puppet, with strings held by each of these families."
Daisy finished his sentence:
"That's right. Every family has someone inside the palace."
"It's more than that. If one of them is in danger, the others come to help. They are the best allies."
Daisy stepped closer:
"May I ask why you're talking to me about this?"
Seeing her face, Elias remembered the days when they tried to remove each of those families from their path. Every time they thought they had won, they were forced to retreat. Elias needed to gather his own allies:
"Miss, even now I'm caught in these strings. My best friend, and the one who is to become my wife, belongs to one of these families."
"And what help could I possibly give?"
Daisy still stood with her arms crossed. The night breeze passed between them.
Elias said:
"I know you've been hurt by them too. When you stayed hidden, you were secretly preparing to take revenge."
He thought making a deal with Daisy was better than showing romantic feelings. The only deal possible was help with revenge in exchange for her cooperation.
Daisy's eyes narrowed:
"I don't understand what you mean."
"I know you've been gathering evidence to destroy them. But that's not enough."
Daisy's arms loosened. She was so surprised that silence hung between them for a few moments. Then, in a sharp tone, she said:
"Well, fine. Let's set aside how you know about it… What do you want to do? You want the evidence from me, don't you?"
Elias stepped closer and shook his head:
"No. I want to help you. Because this is the wish of both of us. In return, please help me rebuild this country."
Then he knelt on one knee and raised his hand:
"Miss Daisy Walker, will you accept to be my wife?"
Daisy froze at first, then suddenly burst into loud laughter:
"Hahaha… You're joking, aren't you?"
She laughed so much that tears gathered in her eyes. After taking a few deep breaths, she looked again at Elias, who was still in the same position:
"Tell me the truth. What do you want?"
Elias insisted again, but Daisy was not convinced. She leaned toward him slightly:
"Do you think they'll stay silent and just watch? If someone other than themselves takes this position, it's nothing but another obstacle they'll quickly eliminate."
Elias had thought about this part too and had a solution. But first he needed Daisy's approval. Now Daisy wanted to know whether she could trust him or not. It was time to stir things up a little—something she would surely enjoy.
Elias stood up:
"Miss, I am different from the others. I think I should show you how serious I am about the decision I've made."
Then he turned and walked quickly back toward the banquet hall.