Both the Frostheart and the Silverthorn families simultaneously dispatched envoys to the Starfall family, each with strikingly similar messages.
Both parties told the Starfall family to align themselves with their cause while simultaneously laying blame on the other faction.
Each side alleged that it was the other family that initiated the plot to destroy the Starfall family, expressing frustration when their offer was declined.
In the initial portion of their messages, both families presented compelling reasons for the Starfall family to join them.
However, in the latter half, they resorted to issuing threats as a means of persuasion. Both factions warned that if the Starfall family were to side with the other party, they would be the first to be destroyed.
The Family Head stood in the main hall, with the letters from both the families. After he finished reading, he glanced at the two envoys that were waiting for his answer.
"My family is not interested in the war over territories. You two can return and tell your families that we won't involve ourselves with anyone. We shall stay neutral and focus on the safety of our own people."
The Family Head placed both the letters on the table as he stood up. He walked past the two envoys without sparing a second glance.
"You're making a mistake. Do you think if the Frostheart Family won, they would let your family live? After they gain control over our territory, who will they target next?" The Envoy from Silverthorn Family said right as the Family Head was about to leave.
"Of course you know what will happen since this is your plan," the Frostheart Family Envoy exclaimed, his expressions dark.
He glanced at the Family Head. "But he isn't entirely wrong. He just switched the sides in the story. If anything, they'll be the ones to destroy you if they win. In any case, rejecting us might be the worst decision of your life."
"You still have time to change your mind!" he exclaimed, as if reminding the Family Head of the Starfall Family that it was in his best interest to play along.
In response, the Starfall Family Head started laughing. He stepped out of the room.
However, the moment he took a step out, threads became visible before the two envoys. The threads passed through their throat.
Both their heads rolled over their shoulders, falling to the ground. Their eyes still open in disbelief even as he died.
The Family Head walked past one of the Guards. "Send a message to both the families. Tell them that their envoys killed each other. Also tell them that we would sit this war out as we're not strong enough to take part in it."
The guard nodded as he disappeared.
The Family Head further walked over to a dark haired man, whose beautiful violet eyes shone brightly.
He stopped next to the man. "Why didn't you tell me that you were bringing the plan forward?"
The dark haired man replied, "I didn't have a hand in it. It wasn't the right time for it either. Those two screwed up my plan, but it doesn't matter. I'll make the arrangements."
The Family Head nodded as he left the place.
However, the moment he left, the violet-eyed man's expressions turned dark.
He couldn't help but mutter under his breath as he also walked away, "Was it really an accident caused by the two families, or there's someone else who's trying to fish in troubled waters?"
As the man walked away, momentarily a badge flashed on his chest. It was the same badge that Karyk had shown to the citizens of border City to prove that the man was an Envoy of the Royal Family.
Sitting atop a roof within the Silverthorn Family Territory, Karyk was playing with the completely identical insignia, as if it was nothing more than a toy for him.
He also kept an eye on the surroundings, noticing things progress smoothly. The movements of the two big families weren't hidden from anyone. Before long, the news spread in the entire city that the war between the two giants was about to begin.
All the stores within the city were closed abruptly. People who were in the danger zones left their homes, temporarily shifting into the border areas of the city.
After finding out that their envoys were also killed by the other sides, the two families couldn't control their rage anymore. Both of them knew that if they swallowed this disrespect, they were going to lose all the respect they held within the city.
In this city, influence was half the strength of a family after all.
The battles that might start a few days later, started much sooner. By the evening, the entire city was caught in the grasp of battles, explosions resounding all over the city.
The Frostheart Family attacked the Silverthorn Family in their territory, and the other side did the same.
What started as a battle between the lower echelon to check the strength of the other side soon escalated to a full scale war in which the Family Elders also joined.
Each family brought their terrifying treasures. There was bloodshed everywhere.
The only people who survived were the purebloods as they couldn't be killed. But each side captured the purebloods of the other side, taking them out of the battle and imprisoning them. Some were even tortured.
After ensuring that nothing happened out of his expectations and watching the city burn, Karyk returned to his bar where his men were waiting for him.
"My task here is done. I'll be leaving for the Royal City," Karyk told his men. However, before leaving, he didn't forget to take a bottle of alcohol.
Taking a sip, he stepped out of the bar. He was done here. As for the rest, it was for the Royal Family to take care of.
Unfortunately, the moment he stepped out, his footsteps halted. He frowned, looking into the distance.
Not too far from him, there was a dark haired man, the Royal Insignia shining brightly over his chest.
