The Igris Family Central Manor was filled with a celebratory atmosphere as many guests flocked to the ballroom located in the building's rear. Fancy dresses, luxurious suits, and expensive jewelry created a scene of opulence.
Kieran analyzed the crowd in silence as he sipped on a drink Zerim personally handed him. It had accents of wine, but it was stronger since Awakened Beings were unaffected by mild intoxicants.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Aatrox?" Zerim questioned as he stood beside Kieran underneath a light blue drape.
Kieran gave a faint nod before lowering his glass. "I am. Many people here are of high status, and it's truly an eye-opener. I didn't expect your family to be so well-connected."
"Of course. Our connection with the War Deity Council predates my grandfather. Truthfully speaking, we have somewhat declined. Our lineage used to hold positions as Generals, with our less talented members holding the status of Lieutenants," Zerim revealed.
His expression seemed somewhat disheartened as he recounted his family's slight fall from grace. Although they hadn't declined to the point they were insignificant, their voice within the War Deity Council wasn't as broad as before.
Kieran listened to Zerim's voice with an understanding expression. "That's the thing—times change. With the knowledge of our ancestors and predecessors, we understand what path rewards the greatest strength. This also means that competition becomes more intense."
"That's true," Zerim agreed. "I recall my grandfather and father uttering similar words—that the caliber of talents have been on a steady incline."
"We're considered a Great Family, but I want to reclaim our glory as an Ancient Family, one that sits on the same throne as the Great Empires," Zerim voiced.
He looked down at his cup and swirled his drink after expressing his great aspirations. Kingdoms and Empires weren't the only affluent parties within Xenith. Aside from those civilizations, there were also independent parties known as Families.
Families fell into three categories—Noble, Great and Ancient. Noble Families were of decent renown and possessed a presence equal to that of a Kingdom. The stronger Noble Families could rival the Great Kingdoms in wealth and authority.
A step above was the Great Families, who claimed a large portion of land for themselves, similar to the Ignis Family.
The string of Ignis Family Manors was merely the heart of their territory. They also possessed mines, farmlands, and other required social constructs to function as a sovereign family.
Lastly, Ancient Families were the most mysterious ruling class. Most of them possessed abilities that exceeded the Emperors and Empresses of several Empires, but their presence was sparse, secluding themselves from the world unless there was a good reason.
Their territory could easily rival one of the Great Empires, and they usually possessed descendant families that existed in a separate stratum despite being able to contend with the aforementioned categories.
After hearing of Zerim's aspirations, Kieran grinned. "Your dreams begin with you. As your father stated before, your talent surpasses everyone in your family. Your uniqueness may cause you to bear a heavier weight, but I believe—no, I know it's possible."
Kieran felt Zerim had the best character he had experienced thus far. Not only was he dependable, reliable, and righteous, he understood the importance of honoring his word and exercising restraint.
Zerim glanced in Kieran's direction. "If I were to propose that you help me realize this dream, would you accept? I know that my grandfather and your master have a peculiar relationship, but I feel it shouldn't dictate how we interact with one another."
"Considering that you're on the path to accomplishing it and we hail from the same organization, it wouldn't be too difficult. However, just as you have your aspirations, I have mine as well," Kieran responded, keeping his answer ambiguous.
"I see," Zerim breathed through a light grin. He downed the remainder of his drink before extending his hand to Kieran. "If your aspirations refer to making a unique name for yourself, I'd happily assist. I wouldn't be shocked if your sights surpass this world, but mine are less voracious. There will be zero conflict between us."
Kieran firmly grasped Zerim's hand and nodded. "I'm unsure whether your opinion is true, but there may be some truth to it in the future. I intend to etch my journey one step at a time without worrying too much about the future. Too many mysteries exist there for us to claim that we'll be fine."
Zerim naturally agreed with Kieran's point of view.
While it was great to have aspirations, one shouldn't dwell on the future. It should act as a mold and nothing else. In the end, it was one's present actions that determined their longevity and success.
At that moment, a notification appeared before Kieran's eyes.
〈System: Your relationship with «Zerim Ignis» has increased to «Befriended»!〉
Counting Ronan, Zerim was the second NPC that Kieran befriended within his generation. Kieran couldn't count his relationship with Grandma Agatha because it wasn't her true identity.
After returning to her original form, Kieran's favorability with Agatha was reset. If he met her again, he'd have to start over from the beginning and rebuild his favorability.
There were ways to circumvent the difficulty of this task, but it didn't rely on Kieran's actions. It relied on factors that were somewhat outside of his control. If it worked in his favor, Kieran would benefit. If it didn't, he wouldn't experience much backlash.
After their talk, the atmosphere in the ballroom changed.
Zairen Ignis walked to the center of the ballroom, where an elegant fountain spewing crystalline waters cascaded behind him. Joselia embraced his arm with a winsome smile that exuded an air of nobility.
"Pardon my insufferable behavior. I didn't mean to break up your festivities. However, I gathered it was the best time to make a statement and pass the spotlight to my son—the impetus for today's event," Zairen spoke.
His voice wasn't loud, but it was deep and magnetizing and reached every corner of the room, which gathered everyone's attention.
A round of applause filled the ballroom as the attention shifted from Zairen to Zerim, who stood beside Kieran while waving his hand.
"Zerim's accomplishment will herald another generation of Ignis sons and daughters entering the War Deity Council. I announce this with a joyful heart as it is my pride and joy to name my eldest son, Zerim Ignis, as the heir to the Ignis Head position."
The applause intensified as Kieran passed his gaze between Zerim and Zairen.
'A smart move to couple his official succession announcement with this event. Many people who want to deepen their relationship with the Ignis Family will make it their priority to gain favor with Zerim.'
However, as Kieran listened to the announcement, he noticed that Zairen's gaze fell on him with a light smile. No words passed between the two, but Kieran could sense Zairen's following mentions.
"Aside from Young Zerim being set to ascend this position in the future, I'd like to thank this year's War Champion for gracing our presence. Everyone, please, give Aatrox your warm regards!"
Before applauding, murmurs broke out within the ballroom. Because some of these people hadn't attended the Gladiator's Coliseum, they weren't privy to Kieran's appearance.
Finally, after overcoming their shock, the ballroom erupted into another fit of loud clapping where Kieran could only respond with a wry smile.
Following Zairen's announcement, the festive atmosphere was bolstered as replenishments and succulent dishes were brought out.
After a few moments, Zerim excused himself to engage in customary greetings and much more.
This type of atmosphere wasn't inadequate, but Kieran couldn't help but become restless. The number of strong people in attendance made Kieran understand that he quickly needed more strength if ascending the world hierarchy was his desire.
While in thought, Kieran was approached by Joselia with a pleasant smile.
"Since young, my boy hasn't gotten along with many people. Because of his reserved demeanor, he was seen as shy or aloof, but his aloof mannerisms vanish in your presence."
Kieran turned toward Joselia's velvety and mature voice with a tinge of bewilderment in his eyes. "I guess it has something to do with Commander Ezrath's input. He was aloof during our match, but that changed afterward."
"I've heard about it," Joselia replied, cautiously examining Kieran. "I'd like to thank you for ensuring the safety of my precious son."
Though she had never met Scar, she had heard of his reputation as a compelling rising character.
'I guess the rumors only relate to combat. As father-in-law said, outside of battle, Scar is like a different person. I suppose this also extends to his successor,' Joselia inwardly thought.
"I could tell from our exchange that Zerim was raised well. I'd find myself repugnant if I crushed the future of someone with Zerim's virtues," Kieran answered with respect.
Joselia revealed a lovely smile that conveyed her appreciation and gratitude. After their small exchange, Joselia invited Kieran to enjoy the rest of the banquet.
Many people wanted to approach Kieran, but the aura he exuded turned them off from the idea.
Kieran purposely let some of his Soul Trait residual energy leak to limit how cordial he needed to be. Outside of people that gained his approval, Kieran didn't enjoy small talk.
