Just as Elton said, cooperation between the two families is mutually beneficial.

They discussed various matters of cooperation and finally touched upon the issue of the cooperation's duration.

"Elton, as you mentioned, in the early stages of cooperation, Spark Port needs to open many doors for you, yet your monster taming will only provide us with the required numbers three years later. It's hard to say this is an equivalent trade."

The Count calmly raised an objection: "Your sister is a rare beauty and can give birth to excellent children."

"Who wants to have children for your family?" Dorothy muttered under her breath, glancing at Li Ang, who was intently eavesdropping, before looking back into the room.

"However, there are a few issues with this," Count Feinat said. "Although I didn't plan for the third brother to inherit the family, he now holds significant power."

The struggle for inheritance rights among nobles needs no elaboration, and the Count knew that if Wendes truly intended to eliminate his two brothers, he couldn't stop him. So there is a possibility that the woman who marries him will become the matriarch of the Feinat family.

Even if he has no intention of competing, as the strongest in the family, once the bond of children comes into play between the couple, the wife can use this to influence her husband and thereby affect the family.

"Then, your siblings are also half-elves."

The elves of Nebis have long lifespans, and although half-elves cannot compare to them, they can still live beyond two hundred years.

Thus, even if the Feinat Family brothers are amicable, people of the same generation cannot outlast a half-elf matriarch and her quarter-elf children, and eventually, the family's power could fall into the hands of the Campbell Family.

Elton knew what the Count was getting at, and he smiled gently: "You're not wrong in your thinking, but our family is different. My sister has advantages that other noble ladies do not."

Li Ang turned to look at Dorothy, who was also looking over. The half-elf girl's eyes darkened: "Second brother, he actually said it."

The half-elf youth inside the room said, "Dorothy can only live to thirty."

The Count's fiery red eyebrows twitched slightly, and before he could speak, Wendes already burst out: "What kind of joke is this?! I've heard your sister is a monster, but she's a short-lived one? Then what's the point!"

Wendes' shout was so loud that even the secret passage could hear it, and Li Ang asked the girl before him: "Is it because of the Demon-Born Flower?"

Dorothy nodded, leaning lightly against the nearby wall.

"Third brother, you're too loud," the Count admonished Wendes.

"Oh?" Elton smiled, "We've never mentioned my little sister's situation. How did Lord Wendes hear about it?"

"We both know there are spies in each other's house, so let's not pretend. Of course I would investigate my marriage partner! I thought the 'monster' label was because she's a beauty on the outside but covered in spots when she undresses, which is why she's always dressed so conservatively! Living to thirty, what kind of advantage is that!"

Elton shook his head: "Those things don't affect the surface. She inherited her mother's fairy-like beauty. Even the finest artist might not craft a puppet as beautiful as she is. She has a vibrant life that will surely satisfy you."

Wendes was about to speak again, but the Count raised his hand to stop him: "Indeed, it truly is an advantage."

"Advantage?" Dorothy was incredulous: "What is Second Brother talking about? What is the Count talking about?"

Li Ang patted her shoulder: "Don't listen. I'll handle it; they won't say anything good."

At this, the girl immediately took a step forward, but after glancing at Li Ang again, her steps halted.

"I am about to leave, but if I don't know the full story after hearing the beginning, I might mind even more."

Facing his astonished son, the Count shook his head, seemingly at a loss for words.

Elton picked up the conversation: "Your father worries that our family might seize the Feinat Clan through my sister, but her short lifespan is indeed a benefit. When she's gone, with just the children, the situation will not be out of your control."

Wendes considered the words: "That does seem to make sense."

"You don't need to dwell on this. I don't have much time left, so I want to truly live once."

The half-elf girl gently took hold of Li Ang's sleeve.

In the room, people casually judged the benefits her life and death brought, and Li Ang understood she was fragile now. He remained still, allowing her to hold on.

"That's indeed so. As I watch time slip away day by day, I deeply regret my ignorance at sixteen."

Dorothy's eyes glistened with tears.

Li Ang recalled the information on the Demon-Born Flower given by the system. It did mention the flower matures by breaking through the host's body, but it also stated that if the host uses willpower to draw power from the Demon Flower, it could delay this outcome.

The Campbell Family might not know this due to their lack of such recognition.

Inside the room, Wendes said: "But that's the child's mother. I heard that children without mothers aren't raised well."

"Before the child understands, you can remarry." Elton laughed: "Who says nobles can only marry one woman? Does Lord Wendes turn out to be so devoted?"

"Of course not. At twelve, I already... uh..."

Wendes was about to boast about something when he saw his father's somewhat sullen expression and fell silent.

"There are plenty of benefits to marrying my sister; I'll reveal another."

Elton's tone was so calm it seemed like he was entirely unaware of what he was discussing.

"Her 'monster' part makes her die before thirty, but it also ensures she won't die before then. Just think, such a beauty, available to you at will..."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.