Three days had passed since the arrival of Geldrain Yuikra at the Drathalkin residence. Having received all the information he desired about the clan's business dealings. A potential area of authority, and other desirable information. He was satisfied with what he had gained by coming here.

By his admission the immensity of the commerce. Controlled by the Drathalkin on four continents. Was far greater than anything his clan could partially muster. But one thing stood in the way of a harmonious relationship.

Just three days before a letter had reached him from the Matriarch of the Drathalkin clan. Asking for marriage negotiations between his sister Illtris, and and the young man Melryn.

Now Geldrain loved his little sister as any brother should. But a young man barely fifteen, while able to manipulate mana would only be able to do so at first order. So they would be equal in that light. But the choice of patron that his clan had chosen made any negotiations unfruitful.

While in practice the globally ranked clans maintained peace for the most part.

There was still animosity between the Haldrathin and Dragons.

At present, the Yuikra were attached to the Haldrathin while the Drathalkin were to the Dragons. However, he had sent his report back to his mother the head of the clan. With the letter requesting the marriage.

Looking out over the residence. He had been awestruck by the size. Never in all his life had he seen even one great house of any other clan and he had seen many. To match the majesty of what he saw here.

But he was anxious just a moment ago a maid had informed him of a person sent from the Yuikra clan. Was arriving at some undisclosed time. While not all that odd, his mother always held off sending instructions until the bitter end. But it was obvious that the negotiations would at least be talked about. Which in his mind was amazing considering that Illtris was Halgathy. And would likely bare another child to maintain the link with the Dreclimos clan.

"If the main branch decides to take this seriously. Then there will be a daughter sent who I don't know." [Geldrain]

Rarely would something like this have any real weight behind it. A woman would be sent, but would likely be someone from one of the branch families. Giving the entire matter no real weight.

Continuing to wait Geldrian heard the sound of footsteps behind him. Unlike the other males in the residence. He could neither sense nor manipulate mana.

"Representative Yuikra a guest has arrived to meet with you."

Hearing this Geldrian turned to see who had been sent. Standing just behind the maid. With a look in her eyes that looked like she had. Seen a disgusting piece of garbage was Devrien Yuikra his aunt and the second most powerful individual in the clan.

" If it pleases my lady. I shall depart if ever you require anything ring the bell."

At this, Devrien just nodded with little care. This girl before her was a simple maid. There was no need for too much interaction.

"Tell me Geldrain. While you enjoy your tea have you at any time felt that it might be useful to gather more information? Then being completely useless as you always are." [Devrien]

Of course, this woman was infuriating to deal with. The matriarchal system has removed all compassion. From her otherwise beautiful homely nature that grew ever saw. If a man ever saw it he was considered a blessed being.

Geldrain had for most of his young life hated this woman. Known for being a controller she oversaw the girls that became Halgathy. Making sure that there was someone ready when a male Haldrathin came to call from the Dreclimos clan.

"So these upstarts think they can through some weight around. And get one of our clan's best-behaved Halgathy. What can my sister be thinking even accepting to meet with them." [Devrien]

Listening to the woman speak, was like taking poison through the ears. Geldrain slowly picked himself up from the table. Walked over to his aunt. In his heart, he wished he could strike her but he knew if he did he would die.

"The Matriarch will be waiting for us now. Shall we proceed to meet with her?" [Geldrain]

Two hours before

Alone with Lanthim. Leinea wondered how long it had been since something like this was allowed to happen. His neck was now completely healed with no discernable sign of any damage. Both his arms were far enough along that they were useable with minimal discomfort. His left side and thigh had still completely closed up. Being a constant source of consternation for Yreni. Who wished he would stop being a child and just let himself heal?

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The topic between them today was Melryn and Illtris.

"A conflict is unavoidable we do not deal with this situation quickly. Melryn will wait if he at least feels he can have her in the end. But if there is no acceptable arrangement he will go get her." [Leinea]

Lanthim listened silently as his wife spoke. For his part, he would allow his brother to go get the girl he love if she was denied him.

"To think he will be fifteen in four days. Regardless of the position the Yuikra takes you must make our stance immovable. We shall not hide ourselves any longer. Use his Neytriel to push through the fact that we can get her if push comes to shove." [Lanthim]

It was apparent to Leinea that Illtris was going to enter the clan. Regardless of what anyone had to say on the subject.

"Don't you think it would be better to wait the two years for Melryn to become seventeen.?It would be more acceptable socially than rushing things now." [Leinea]

Nodding slightly Lanthim agreed with his wife. But other circumstances were at play Illtris being Halgathy. Did not help sustain such a desirable outcome

"The longer we wait the more likely of another child or more coming into the equation. Being Halgathy does not stop after one child." [Lanthim]

Hearing this Leinea shuddered. The thought of living under such conditions was appalling to her

"So she ends up stuck with a suckling anyway. Does not sound entirely fair to me." [Leinea]

"No, it does not. But when they are married best leave what happens in their bed with them." [Lanthim]

With this Leinea agreed, while she had encouraged Melryn to think about marriage. And the possibility of it being sooner than later. She did find herself wishing that he could have the two extra years. That said the world was moving quickly, and she would have to make this meeting produce results.

"Leinea troubled not yourself with the unnecessary. Speak the truth and front them with the reality that they can not oppose use. Then take everything from them." [Lanthim]

While Lanthim's way always sounded like it was a challenge to the world. Leinea had found that it was the only way to deal with a cruel world.

"Oh! Yes before I go there is one last thing. How are we to deal with the Helgothma clan? They have yet to recognize our clan and will ask for marriage candidate selection. Because you already have two wives they will not impose upon you. That is not the dragon way." [Leinea]

" Well, our, side has three possible candidates. We will have to see who is the more desirable." [Lanthim]

Leinea's Territory Audience Chamber

Sitting in a place of authority had never in her life crossed Leinea's mind. Now she sat at the end of what had been prepared for an audience chamber. A place where the lower clans subservient to the Drathalkin would come to pay homage. It also was the place where she would welcome representatives from other clans. However, as she sat upon the gilded chair which would be better described as a throne. She could see two people coming towards her. A man and woman both from the Yuikra clan.

"Peace, and long life to the matriarch of the Drathalkin." [Geldrain]

Giving a traditional clan greeting the man bowed low paying respect to the head of the Drathalkin clan. His aunt, however, just stared at Leinea as if she was some unclean thing.

"We come to discuss a marriage not boost a little ddragon'sego." [Devrien]

In an attempt to anger Leinea. Devrien intentionally insulted her. Only to have the other look down on her with pity.

"Well, at least I don't gauge my worth by the number of Haldrathin I sleep with." [Leinea]

Both women just stared at each other. As if all it would take was one word and they would both burst into flames.

"Since we will be becoming family why don't we get these negotiations underway in a more private setting? If you will follow me." [Leinea]

Rising from her seat she began to move to an adjacent room.

'Don't think you will get your way little bitch.[Devrien]

With a cruel smile, Devrien was prepared to destroy. This little upstart and all that were part of her clan. Entering the well-lightroom all that could be seen. Was a table three chairs and an open box. But from their current perspective, they could not see into said box. Moving closer it was Devrien who realized what the item was first.

"Impossible a third order Neytriel." [Devrien]

In an instant, her face went white. In the next moment, Geldrain noticed the item and stopped. To Leinea the situation was the greatest satisfaction. The look of fear in both their eyes was priceless.

"Please sit down. And don't touch the Neytriel you will instantly die. Considering you are only first-order beings." [Leinea]

Rubbing in the reality that they were beneath her allowed for a moment of vindication.

"Now to get to the negotiations." [Leinea]

In an instant Devrien return to a state of composure but remained deathly weary of the item in the middle of the table.

"Yes, negotiations. Why don't you state what you want then we shall see from there." [Devrien]

Opening a series of prepared documents Leinea got straight to the point.

"The owner of this Neytriel has taken a liking to Illtris Yuikra. I intend to ascertain what the Yuikra clan's price for one of their Halgathy would be." [Leinea]

While Leinea hate making Illrris into an item to be sold. In all truth, she already was in the eyes of her own family.

"You think that we so easily put a price on our daughters?" [Devrien]

"Well, considering how easy it is for you to put them into a Haldrathin mmale'sbed I would assume so." [Leinea]

The silence in the room was almost suffocating. The reality of things was beginning to show and Devrien was losing the fight.

"Our side would appreciate an immediate answer to this question. How much for Illtris and her son?" [Leinea]

Caught in a death spiral Devrien could not find a way out of the situation.

'Fine if this is how things are going to be. I will make them pay out the nose for her' {Devrien}

"Seventy billion Sulmian to be delivered as soon as possible. After that, you can have them." [Devrien]

Leinea outwardly made no sign of what she thought of this price.

'So Cheap!' {Leinea}