Grandpa Riette paused for a moment before continuing, his voice firm. "From now on, your parents are under your care. That means you're responsible for them, for their well-being, protection, and safety from all harms and dangers. If you fail to protect them, you'll be defeated in our deal. And just like them, you'll be responsible for every person who comes under your care. Do you understand?" He asked sternly, his tone serious and unwavering, his eyes piercing as he awaited her response.
Lily nodded her head and replied with the same indifference, "Hmm, I understand, Gra.. Your Majesty." and when king Riette didn't talk anything she bid him "Then I'll take my leave." She nodded and turned to leave the room. However, King Riette stopped her "Wait" and Lily paused in her steps "You are allowed to visit your parents or be with them whenever you want from now on. It's a gift for your hardwork. But don't neglect your responsibilities in the palace or regarding your empire. That's all. You may go now."
Tears formed in Lily's eyes after listening what she was gifted with. She glanced at King Riette and said, "Now I truly feel i did well today. It's worth it." her voice carried her emotions swirling within her. She bowed to her grandfather gratefully as an acknowledgement for his gift before leaving, but as reached the door, her grandfather's voice followed her. "Don't be complacent, thinking no harm will come your way. Sometimes, those we trust the most can betray us. Be alert." Lily didn't turn back, but her voice was icy cold as she replied, "You need not worry, Your Majesty. I'm not naive enough to blindly trust everyone. I'll deal with the person who betrays me in the most ruthless way, before they can imagine it, or at least when they least expect it." Her words hung in the air, a subtle warning that left an impression as she left there.
A smile tugged at Grandpa Riette's face as he uttered to himself, "I know, little devil. And I'm waiting to see how you will deal with them."
From then on, Lily's journey to build her empire began, marked by determination, strategy, and a hint of ambition not only for to win but also to live happily. She never did anything solely on purpose for winning, She did things what she really want to do.
••••PRESENT•••
After leaving the hospital, Eli arrived at Allen's mansion. As he entered, he felt the weight of several gazes upon him. He walked directly toward the living room and took a seat on the couch, surrounded by his family members. Their faces were etched with worry, their eyes filled with anticipation to listen about his grandfather condition from him.
"He's fine now," Eli reassured them, his voice calm and soothing. The worry lines on their faces began to fade, replaced by relief.
"It's late," Eli said, glancing at each of them. "Go and get rest now." With that, he stood up, preparing to leave the room.
Eli's mother, Chloe Allen, called out to him before he left to his room with her gentle tone. "Eli, come down to eat after freshening up. Everyone is waiting for you to eat together. Come quick."
Eli turned back, his eyes turned cold and his icy gaze locking onto his grandfather's younger brother, Victor Allen, who gulped and quickly looked away. With a measured stride, Eli headed upstairs to his room. After a quick shower, he descended the stairs and directly went to the dining room and seated himself on his chair.
The room fell silent as everyone focused on eating their meal. The atmosphere during dinner was heavy, and the usual warmth and chatter were absent. The tension was palpable due to the coldness emanating from Eli. Even the elders present seemed to be trying their best to eat calmly, aware of his presence.
As the dinner finally came to an end, Eli's voice cut through the silence, his tone low and authoritative. "Grand uncle Victor" he called as his eyes still fixed on Granduncle Victor, "Do you have anything to say?" The question hung in the air, and Granduncle Victor's eyes darted nervously around the table before meeting Eli's intense stare.
The air was thick with anticipation as everyone held their breaths, waiting for Granduncle Victor's response. Granduncle Victor forced a nervous laugh and feigned innocence, "Do I have something to say? No, nothing, Eli. Ohh, It's already late. It's time for me and my wife to sleep. You're looking tired as well Eli, go and get some rest. Good night." He hastily stood up, glancing at his wife before offering his hand to her. "Jess, let's go."
Jessica Allen rose from her chair, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes as she watched her husband flustered like a child in front of Eli. Her gaze drifted to Eli, who still looked displeased. She tried to reassure him "It's fine Eli. It's just tonight. He's worried about brother-in-law. Don't be mad."
Eli's gaze met Grandaunt Jessica's, he nodded his head and replied, his tone neutral yet firm, "Hmm, Go and get rest Grandaunt Jess, it's already late."
Jessica's expression subtly shifted, her eyes lingering on Eli's face before she nodded slightly and wished everyone a good night. She then followed her husband out of the room. As they left, the tension in the room lingered, and Eli's expression remained unreadable. "What are you all still waiting for? Go and rest," he said, before turning to leave for his room to sleep.
••••••
The sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow on Eli's face, accentuating his sharp features. The room was silent, except for the sweet melodies of early morning birds drifting in from the garden. Eli slowly opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling without blinking for what felt like minutes. His gaze was distant, lost in thought. With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and murmured to himself, "I'm missing you."
As he drifted into his thoughts, his phone buzzed on the bedside table, snapping him back to reality. Eli's eyes flickered open, and he reached for the phone, his fingers grazing the cool screen. A message from SAO - SECRETIVE ARMY ORGANISATION flashed on the display. Eli's expression turned serious as he read the message, his brow furrowing in concern. He sighed, his fingers typing out a response before he tossed the phone aside. With a subtle stretch, Eli got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up, the cool morning air greeting him as he stepped out of his warm bed.
After freshening up, Eli emerged from the bathroom and headed to his closet. He opened the door and selected a pair of casual attire, dressing quickly. Once ready, he made his way downstairs, where he found his uncles engrossed in reading newspapers in the living room. His mother and aunt were deep in conversation, their voices hushed. Meanwhile, his siblings and cousins were nowhere to be seen. Eli greeted his family members and strode into the kitchen, instructing the maids to prepare for something.
Eli came back and took a seat in the living room with his family. He glanced at his uncles, Noah and William and called them "Second Uncle, Third Uncle"
Noah Allen and William Allen who was called by Eli, glanced at him and William asked him "Anything, Eli?"
Eli nodded and replied, "Second Uncle, I need you to go to the office on my behalf. And Third Uncle," he paused, pulled out his phone, and sent a number to his Third Uncle's phone, which buzzed on the table. "That was Grandfather's saviors' number. Convey our thanks to them. Also, make your day free, you're coming to the hospital with me. I'm leaving today." Both uncles nodded in understanding and agreed. "Okay," and his Second Uncle, Noah said concernly, "Take care, son." Eli's expression softened as he responded, "I will."
The Allen family members who were present in the mansion gathered in the dining room for breakfast. Unlike the previous night, the dining room was now filled with lively conversations. After breakfast, a maid served vegetable juice to Granduncle Victor and Grandaunt Jessica. Granduncle Victor's brow furrowed, and just as he was about to ask why she had brought it, Eli's voice intervened, his tone clear and firm, leaving no room for argument. "Granduncle, this will help you and Grandaunt Jess remember to eat on time from now on. Have it."
Everyone in the room struggled to suppress their smiles as Granduncle Victor's mood soured. His grand nephew was being a bit too much for him, and he knew better than to argue further with Eli. Pursuing his lips, he took the juice, aware that arguing would only worsen the situation. Unlike him, Grandaunt Jess looked at Eli with pleading eyes, trying to persuade him. "Eli, have pity on your Grandaunt Jess. I won't eat late again, even your Granduncle did."
Eli glanced at her for a moment, nodded, and said nonchalantly, "Then, Grandaunt Jess, you can drink half of it, and the other half will be for Granduncle Victor." Granduncle Victor, who was sipping his juice, choked and spat it out upon hearing Eli's words and cursed him. "Phew~ cough cough, Are you serious, Eli? Oh, come on! It's just one time we ate late. Don't be such a naggy old man!" Eli's eyes narrowed at his Granduncle Victor, and he said in a final tone to his Grandaunt, "Grandaunt Jess, I give you an option. It's up to you to decide." He stood up from his seat, took the breakfast prepared for Grandfather Felix from the maid, and turned to Uncle William. "Third Uncle, let's go."
••••••
At Lily's home, she and her parents were having breakfast while conversing. "Dad, Mom, how about you two come with me to AELIN city tomorrow?" Lily thought it would be great for her parents to visit different places. They had never taken a vacation for enjoyment, except for the 20 days they spent with Lina. They always cited various reasons to avoid it. But now, Lily understood why, perhaps it was because of her Grandpa Riette's instructions to keep a low profile when he exiled them.
As she pondered, Lily thought to herself 'Hmph, I need to talk to Grandpa after I return from AELIN City. Interestingly, he wasn't angry with her parents, and he had been secretly keeping in touch with them, a fact unknown even to the rest of the family. Maybe Grandma was aware, Lily speculated.'
"We'd love to join you, my princess, but you know we need to inform them a week in advance for long leaves," Lily's father, Mark, replied. Lily snapped out of her thoughts, sighing as she expected their rejection. Selina noticed her daughter's sullen face and tried to reason with her in a coaxing tone. "If it's just one or two days, they might manage, sweetie. But you're planning to stay for five days. It's tough for them if we take leave without prior notice. Maybe next year, we'll definitely come with you."
"Fine. Then, it's a promise. You'll attend the anniversary next year, and no more excuses," Lily said, a smirk playing on her lips as she thought to herself that at least it was a good thing to get their approval, even if it was for next year.
Mark and Selina exchange a knowing brief glance between them "Okay, we promise. Next year, it is, princess," Mark replied, assuring her with a helpless smile.
As Lily happily continued eating her breakfast, her mother called out to her softly, her voice laced with mischief and curiosity. "Sweetie, don't you have a boyfriend yet?" At her mother's question, Mark's eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned in, his ears perked up to hear his daughter's response.