Samed stared at the document in silence before speaking.
"...Do you really believe you can become the head of the family? Do you think it's even possible?"
"That's for me to handle. The elders only need to watch."
"Is it true that you attacked Lady Matisa? How did you manage it?"
"With information and power. It's simple."
"..."
It seemed the rumors about Krang Gutra being his mentor were true after all. Krang, known for his deep hatred of Arahans, had always dismissed such claims as baseless gossip.
Has the tide already turned?
What began as a minor incident had spiraled out of control. The organization was already shaken by Rachel's growing influence, and now they were utterly defeated by the Seventh Seat. It was as if their last lifeline had been ripped away.
The hardliners could no longer sustain themselves. With dissent already brewing, Samed made his decision swiftly.
"Fine. I'll personally secure the signatures. But I have a condition."
"Let's hear it."
"Guarantee the safety of our elders. Convince Lady Rachel on their behalf—"
"That matter is already settled. Lady Rachel has agreed to take them in."
"Is that… true? Even Rachel has sided with you?"
"I understand what the elders value most. Preparing for this was only natural."
"...Hah!"
Samed could only marvel at the boy before him. To sway Rachel to his side, humiliate Matisa, and then come here demanding signatures—what kind of insight and resolve did this young man possess?
Samed's gaze toward Jed began to shift.
"...Impressive. You truly are an Arahan."
"The competition among bloodlines is an ancient Arahan tradition to find the strongest leader. The elders interfering only sows discord, and we can't predict when those sparks will ignite."
"Hmm…"
"Gather every signature without exception. Then continue living as you always have."
Samed nodded quietly. Elders never oppose the prevailing tide, and with Rachel's support, there was no need to hesitate. Their priority had always been their own survival, and if that was guaranteed, what more could they ask for?
"All right, but what about Lady Matisa? How do we handle her?"
Samed frowned as he glanced at the document. At the top of the list was Matisa's name—a woman far too proud to ever sign after being humiliated by Jed.
"What's wrong? Is it difficult?"
"Very much so… She was still our leader, after all."
"Think carefully about why I came to you. Does this seem like a request?"
"..."
"She's outside right now. Go get her signature."
Jed's piercing gaze weighed heavily on Samed, who swallowed hard without realizing it. The crimson eyes of an Arahan were as intimidating as they were beautiful—a reminder of why their family held such power.
A monster worse than Genedin has appeared… I should be grateful this ends here.
Without further hesitation, Samed stood and left the mansion. Even from a distance, Matisa's sharp voice echoed loudly.
"How dare these insolent fools block my way! Move aside immediately!"
"Sigh… How long will this go on? Come back when morning breaks."
"You wretches deserve death! Do you think you'll get away with—oh? Lord Samed!"
Matisa's expression brightened upon spotting Samed approaching from afar. But his face remained stoic as he walked up to her, holding out the document without a word.
"Sign this," he said curtly.
"What is this?" she asked in confusion.
"Read it yourself."
Her expression hardened as she scanned its contents. Before she could fully process what was happening, Samed spoke firmly.
"Lady Matisa, the tide has turned. We do not go against it."
"Hah! Are you betraying me now? You dare?!"
"This ensures your safety as well. Please sign it."
"You underestimate me! Do you think I'd sign something like this?!"
Samed sighed deeply before continuing in a calm yet cutting tone.
"You've lost your soldiers, your mansion has burned down, and even your mana is gone. Admit it—you're no match for the Seventh Seat. We should have backed Jed Arahan instead of clinging to outdated traditions. This is your mistake for acting recklessly without assessing your opponent."
Matisa trembled with rage and humiliation but couldn't refute him. Everything he said was true—their defeat was undeniable.
From behind her, guards restrained her arms while placing a pen in her hand. She didn't resist; her spirit seemed broken as she stared blankly into space.
After forcing her signature onto the document, Samed dismissed the guards and handed her a white cloth before leaving.
"This is for you," he said coldly before turning away.
The white cloth symbolized surrender—a stark reminder of their complete defeat at Jed's hands.
Matisa stared at it for a long time, her figure exuding nothing but desolation.