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I nodded. "I agree. Like I said, the consequences of this getting out are more far-reaching than just the Bael's stranglehold on the Pillar structure.
If the other factions learn of it, we may be looking at an inter-pantheon arms race followed closely by a full scale war.
I only really told you because I needed to make it clear just how dangerous Zekram is.
I'd much rather us avoid pissing the Bael family off, but it will be somewhat inevitable that we will when we pull Ruval out from under their thumb.
So long as we can work something out with them, I'd prefer we do that. Outright usurping them will cause far more trouble than it's worth."
"I agree." Seekvaira said. "While the Bael Family has done little to promote our people for quite some time, openly attacking another Pillar will set a dangerous precedent.
We cannot afford to pave the way for opportunistic, short-sighted Pillar Heads in the future.
While I would certainly be pleased if my family's power grew to be greater than that of the Baels, I refuse to jeopardize our race's already fragile unity."
"Seconded." Ruval said, the most serious I'd ever seen him. "Regardless of whatever backroom deals and manipulation Zekram is guilty of, we Devils are in the best position we have been in for centuries.
Evil Pieces are allowing us to grow our numbers and Rating Games give us an excuse to gain combat experience in a way the other factions can't object to.
We cannot risk that for political power." Ruval turned to me and nodded sharply. "Thank you, Riser.
We were moving too far afield from our actual goal. You put things into perspective when I was too focused on how much I could benefit from becoming Lord Phenex."
"You're welcome." I said, somewhat relieved the more extreme aspects of the conversation had died.
"I said that as much to remind myself of the consequences as anyone else. Our plan for uniting the Phenex, Dantalion and Agares families is solid, but we need to make sure we don't reach too far and risk destabilizing the Pillar structure."
Ruval took a deep breath and said, "You're right. Thinking with a clearer head, I think we should backtrack to a slightly altered version of Zissa's original plan.
Riser publicly decries our parents by openly refusing to become a Phenex in place of marrying into the Agares Pillar and Seekvaira capitalizes by announcing the betrothal and beginning to sell Phenex Tears at an unprecedented rate.
Pressure applied to my parents by your parents would also be welcome." Ruval said, shooting Seekvaira a pointed look.
"As mother and father continue to lose face, I will present myself to all interested parties as a mediating force that will excel where my parents failed. I will also do my best to appease the Baels."
"I can agree to this plan." Sekvaira said. "I will meet with my parents to inform them of the…less sensitive details of this meeting to see if they are able to lend any support."
Looking around at everyone, I said, "Then we're done? We've agreed to keep things simple and refrain from kicking any hornets' nests?"
Ruval chuckled. "Yes, little brother. We have agreed not to 'kick hornets' nests'."
Seekvaira nodded and stood. "I look forward to seeing this venture through to the end. I imagine we will all be pleased with the outcome."
I stood and motioned to the door. "Since we're done, can I interest anyone in lunch? We can drag Ravel and Clarissa out of their lab so my new fiance can meet our sister." I said, looking questioningly at Ruval.
He stood with a smile. "Why not? I'm also interested in meeting your new knight if she isn't indisposed."
"Then follow me. I'll invite my peerage to join us."
The six of us filed out of the room and made our way to the dining room. Yubelluna stepped away to retrieve my peerage and Ravel.
When she returned, Valerie was with them both. Apparently Clarissa had apparently continued teaching Valerie more varied magic.
Judging by the way Ravel and Valerie were absorbed in conversation with one-another, they were getting along rather well.
The meal was more soup I didn't know the name of, something white with what looked like rosemary in the broth.
It was really good. Ravel and Seekvaira hit it off well. My little sister was surprised that I was suddenly getting married, but she opened up to the idea rather quickly after she realized my fiance was the same woman I'd fought in my last Rating Game.
Apparently Ravel was amazed by Seekvaira's 'thorough thrashing' of me and was using it as inspiration to get stronger.
Ruval spent the entire meal pestering Arondight and Valerie with questions. He wanted to know everything they were willing to share.
While his peerage was impressive, he didn't have a Longinus wielder or a sentient sword that served Sir Lancelot for several decades.
More than once, Ruval told me to treat both of them well.
I wasn't sure if he thought they would ditch me or if he was just looking out for me, but Arondight and Valerie seemed to enjoy talking to him, so I simply thanked him for his advice and moved on.
Alivian and Clarissa sat next to each other and had a quiet conversation removed from the rest of us. I wasn't sure what they discussed, but they seemed to enjoy each other's company.
Kalawarner split her time between listening to Ravel and Seekvaira's conversation – judging by how she sat protectively next to Ravel, she'd taken a liking to my manipulative little sister – and talking to Zissa, comparing strategies on how to combat devils.
I wasn't sure if the conversation was purely hypothetical or if Kalawarner was actively developing strategies to use in our next Rating Game.
Judging by the way she was idly tapping the new sword sheathed at her hip, my best guess was her discussion was purely practical.
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