Lin Nation…


    The sprawling forests surrounding the Lin family''s capital city were thick with ancient trees, their towering forms casting long shadows over thend.@@novelbin@@


    The Lin family''s wealth came from these woods, filled with rare herbs and resources that made the Lin family one of the most prosperous in the Seventh Realm. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Among the wealthiest families, they held the third position, following the mighty Red family and the opulent Stick family.


    At the heart of the Lin family''s capital, stood the grand Lin Pce, a testament to the family''s riches.


    In the center of the pce was the Grand Hall, a room of grandeur, with marble floors and towering columns, where the Lin family''s royal matters were discussed and decided.


    But today, the hall was filled with tension and argument.


    "Father, you can''t be serious!" Scott Lin''s voice boomed through the hall, his toneced with frustration. His sharp features were set in a scowl as he faced his father, King Jerome, who sat on his throne, his expression equally stern.


    "I''ve made my decision, Scott. The Doom family holds valuable connections in the royal court. Supporting them was a strategic move," King Jerome replied, his voice calm but resolute. His silver beard bristled as he leaned forward, his eyes shing with irritation.


    Scott mmed his fist on the arm of his chair, rising to his feet. "Strategic? The Doom family is nothingpared to the Frost family. They''ve been our allies for years. And now, just because you see some temporary benefit with Doom, you throw that alliance away?"


    Jerome''s expression darkened, and his voice dropped, low and dangerous. "The Frost family? Have you forgotten, Scott? The Frost princess, Lily, brought an outsider into their house—a masked man, no less! This is a direct insult to us. Why should we continue to support a family that can''t even respect the terms of a prearranged marriage?"


    Scott''s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "Because the Frost family hasn''t broken any bond. That masked man hasn''t challenged me, and until he does, the marriage arrangement stands."


    Jerome rubbed his temples, clearly weary of the argument. "Do you honestly think you can defeat him, Scott? That masked man took down three powerful fighters at once. Even the royal court is buzzing with rumors of his strength."


    Scott''s eyes zed with defiance. "I don''t care what he''s done. I am the strongest in this realm, and I will not concede defeat until I face him myself. Until the bond is broken by battle, we owe the Frost family our support."


    King Jerome sighed, standing up from his throne and towering over his son. "You''re blinded by stupidity, Scott. I will not risk our family''s future over your love interest. I am the king, and I will do what''s best for our family. And that means severing ties with the Frosts."


    Scott''s voice raised, challenging his father with a pointed finger. "Father, you''re making a big mistake. The Frost family supported us in crucial situations. First, send a letter to King Ragnar. Apologize for supporting the Doom family during the royal court. It''s the least we can do!"


    Jerome''s face flushed with anger, his voice sharp as he retorted, "I will never apologize! The Frost family has lost my respect, and I will not mend ties with them when they''ve humiliated us by bringing in that outsider."


    Scott stood tall, his muscles tensing as the argument reached its boiling point. "If you break our agreement with the Frosts, I won''t participate in the Trident Summit. Our family''s strength depends on these alliances."


    Jerome''s nostrils red as he took a step closer to Scott, his eyes zing. "Then we will make new alliances! The Stick family is a powerful ally, far more valuable than the Frosts ever were. You''re thinking too small, Scott!"


    Just as the argument reached its climax, and the father and son stood face-to-face, ready to erupt, a servant named Bari burst through the doors, his face pale with urgency. "Your Majesty!" he gasped, bowing deeply. "An important guest has arrived from the Stick family."


    Jerome''s anger shifted, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Who is it?" he demanded.


    Bari hesitated for a moment before answering, "It is Princess Soni Stick, Your Majesty."


    Both Jerome and Scott exchanged doubtful nces. Scott sat back down, his face set in a dissatisfied scowl, while Jerome straightened his robes, his mind racing.


    "Bring her in," King Jerome ordered, his voice now calm andposed, though his eyes still glimmered with residual irritation. "And ensure she is treated with all the respect and honor of our royalty."


    The servant hurried out, and the room fell silent for a brief moment, the atmosphere tense with unspoken words. Scott crossed his arms, his gaze dark and brooding as he waited. He had no love for the Stick family, and this visit only worsened his mood.


    Momentster, the grand doors swung open, and in walked Princess Soni Stick. Her deep red gown hugged her body, revealing her smooth curves and cleavage ran deep, revealing snow white mountain tops.


    One shoulder was bare, showing off her soft skin, while a high slit in the dress showed her leg as she moved. Her long, dark hair flowed down her back, framing her face with striking, dark eyes.


    There was something both graceful and bold in her attitude. She walked with the grace and poise of a prideful princess from the wealthiest family in the Seventh Realm. Her dark hair was pinned back with intricate jewels, and her eyes sparkled with intelligence and cunning.


    "King Jerome," she greeted King Jerome with a bow, her voice soft yet confident. "It is an honor to visit your esteemed family."


    Jerome smiled, a gleam of excitement shing in his eyes. "The honor is ours, Princess Soni. Please, sit."


    Soni''s gaze flickered to Scott, who remained seated, his arms crossed and his expression cold. She arched an eyebrow but didn''tment, turning her attention back to the king.


    "I havee to discuss a potential agreement between our families," Soni began, her tone diplomatic. "The Stick family believes that a partnership between our two houses would be mutually beneficial, especially with the Trident Summit approaching."


    King Jerome leaned forward, intrigued. "What kind of partnership are you proposing?"


    Soni smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "The Stick family wants to join our two family armies during the Trident Summit. Together, our families can present a united front against the other houses.


    In exchange, we will also help your family in certain trade routes and business agreements to be established between our nations. We will defend each other''s interests and, in the final struggle, should ite to that, we can decide which family will emerge victorious."


    Jerome''s excitement was palpable. He had long desired to strengthen ties with the Stick family, the wealthiest and most powerful in the realm. Their resources were unmatched, and such an alliance would elevate the Lin family''s standing considerably.


    "This is a most generous offer, Princess Soni," Jerome said, barely containing his eagerness. "I believe this partnership could be exactly what our families need to secure victory in the Trident Summit."


    But Scott, unable to remain silent any longer, stood up abruptly, his eyes shing with anger. "Father, this is madness! The Stick family is not to be trusted. They''ve only ever looked out for themselves. We cannot tie our future to theirs!"


    Soni''s expression didn''t falter, though her eyes flickered with amusement. "You doubt our intentions, Lord Scott?"


    Scott red at her, his fists clenching. "Your family''s reputation speaks for itself. I will not have us bow to the whims of the Stick family."


    Jerome shot his son a warning nce. "Scott, enough. This is not the time for your personal grievances. The Stick family is offering us an alliance we cannot refuse."


    Scott''s gaze hardened, his voice cold. "You may tie our family to theirs, but mark my words, Father—this will not end well. The Stick family has never been loyal to anyone but themselves. Also, if you agree to this, i won''t participate in Trident Summit." Without another word, Scott stormed out of the hall, his anger palpable as he shot a final re at Princess Soni.


    Soni watched him leave with a bemused smile before turning back to Jerome. "It seems your son is not as enthusiastic about the alliance."


    Jerome waved his hand dismissively. "Scott is young and headstrong. He wille around. Now, let us discuss the details of this partnership."


    As the conversation continued inside, a sense of unease settled in Scott''s mind. Later that night, as the pce quieted down, he found himself wandering the grounds, his thoughts consumed with frustration. But every thought of his ended with the Masked Man, Kent... Kent!