"TCH! You better not be doing anything that would cause us to clean up and change cells because of you!"
As Flintor watched the cell's door being unlocked, he immediately activated the Crystalforge clan's innate ability and crafted a 25-inch blade in his hand. Tightening his grip around the sword, he prepared as the cell's door gradually opened.
The moment the Gemheart guard came into view—
Boom!!
Flintor disappeared from his position, reappearing beside the Gemheart guard who had opened the cell, crimson blood shimmering as it scattered on the dungeon's walls.
"SEND THE ALERT! THE PRISONER IS E—"
"SEND THE ALERT! THE PRISONER IS E—"
Boom!
Swish!! Swish!!
Even before the two remaining guards could finish their sentence, their bodies were immediately dissected, their blood scattering on the dungeon walls as they slowly collapsed on the ground.
Taking a deep breath, Flintor deactivated the technique acquired from the 'Divine blood,' realizing that he might have overestimated their strength. He stretched his eyes and focused towards the ceiling of the dungeon before redirecting his attention to the various screams and sounds in the distance.
"I will protect the royal family, no matter what," Flintor said, his body surging forward to intercept the advancing Gemheart guards.
….....
The Gemheart Clan's manor buzzed with streams of people from different clans and families. The exterior of the clan manors was so crowded that turning around was a challenge.
As far as the eye could see, the entire Gemheart Clan was adorned with colourful banners and familiar decorations, creating a festive atmosphere, today marked the engagement of the current Prince of the Prismerian Kingdom, Zephyrion Gemheart, to the former Princess of the Prismerian Kingdom and the now-ruined Crystalforge clan, Crystalia Crystalforge.
Five days had passed since the Crystalforge clan and the former royal family collapsed. Despite the awareness of many important figures about the pressing matters demanding attention to stabilize the Prismerian Kingdom after the fallout between the two clans, they recognized the inevitability of the engagement between the Gemheart clan's heir and the former Princess because of obsession towards her.
This information, gleaned from spies within the palace, hinted at a forthcoming development. However, the possibility of the Gemheart clan turning their aggression toward them prompted a careful evaluation.
They believed that, with their own clan's resources, they could protect their families for the next decade or so. The only drawback would be withdrawing from the Prismerian Kingdom and relinquishing any power they held.
But the idea of uniting against the Gemheart Clan—
They didn't dare try it!
They wouldn't make a move unless they sensed any signs of resistance from the other Four Major Clans.
The Luminaris Clan had wholeheartedly backed the Gemheart Clan in their assault against the royal family and the Crystalforge clan, establishing themselves as the primary supporters. Thus, if they were to mount an attack on the Gemheart Clan to overthrow them, they would also have to brace themselves for a confrontation with the Luminaris Clan—a battle they were uncertain of winning.
As for the Quartzwraith Clan, even if they had been quiet since the day of the attack, all eyes remained fixed on them. Despite their diplomatic stance, they were still considered one of the closest allies of the royal family and the Crystalforge Clan. It would likely be them if anyone were to make the first move.
In contrast, the Prismaflow Clan, a declining clan with minimal interference in the kingdom's affairs, had always maintained neutral relationships with the other Four Major Clans. They were the least likely to support or initiate an attack against the Gemheart Clan.
Nevertheless, even as a declining clan, the Prismaflow Clan held the status of one of the Four Major Clans, signifying considerable strength.
It was already assumed that the Gemheart Clan would take action against the Prismaflow Clan to consolidate their power within the kingdom. The nature of this action remained unknown, so they would have to play the waiting game in other to find out.
So, in the meantime, they decided to ease their minds and enjoy the banquet.
Considering the considerable effort the Gemheart Clan had invested in its preparation, letting it go to waste would be a shame.
Various servants scurried about, arranging seats in the main engagement hall and ensuring the food was set to perfection. Others darted in and out, welcoming guests and guiding them to their designated seats.
"Luminaris Clan's Clan Head, Owen Luminous, Clan Mistress Meala, and youngest clan heiress Anna Luminous have arrived!"
"Quartzwraith Clan's Clan, Mistress Olivia Quartzwraith, Clan Head Jadues Quartzwraith, and the Quartzwraith Clan's young heirs, Luzarian Quartzwraith and Garnex Quartzwraith, have arrived!"
"Prismaflow Clan's Clan Head Ralias Prismaflow, Clan Mistress Diala Prismaflow, and Prismaflow's young heirs, Conrad Prismaflow and Arylen Prismaflow, have arrived!"
As the Master of Ceremonies announced each name at the entrance, each one seemed as scarier as the last, especially during one of the Prismerian kingdom's most turbulent times. Knowing that a single mistake could cost him his life, he ensured his voice remained firm and confident despite the cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
"Former King and Crystalforge Clan Head Brylon Crystalforge have arrived!"
Everyone paid attention to the names of each arrival within the main hall, keenly observing who attended or was absent at the Gemheart Clan's engagement banquet. When they heard the name of the Former King, Brylon, the Clan Head of the now-ruined Crystalforge Clan, signifying his presence at the engagement banquet, all eyes turned and focused on him.
They scrutinized his attire and elegance, realizing that even though he still looked regal, the man entering the main engagement hall was a living corpse in his last days.
It was common knowledge that the Clan Head of the Gemheart Clan had used a similar artefact on him, just like he had done to the former queen, to suppress his strength and reduce him to that of a mortal.
However, this artefact was much more dangerous, suppressing his strength and slowly eroding his body.
