76 No Longer Welcome (1/2)
Noticing that Eden had yet to notice him, Greyson went the long way around and entered his room through the window. Although avoiding her was not a long-term solution, he just needed some time to come to terms with all the new information. Treating her as his sister so quickly was impossible, for now he would try his best to become friends with her. If anything, being an orphan taught him that blood relation does not define what makes people family. Just because they were maybe biologically related did not mean he would immediately play the part of her younger brother.
...
Greyson did not realize, but Eden noticed him from the beginning only she did not approach him. Watching him dodge her pricked at her heart painfully.
”Granny Anne, will he not accept me? I am almost one hundred percent sure that he is my seventh brother and I am pretty sure he believes me, as well.”
”Milady, it has less to do with you and more to do with the boy I believe. I do not doubt your judgment, I also believe it is probably this boy. However, if someone came into your life who you did not know and suddenly tried to act as your family, wouldn't Milady feel uncomfortable? Just give him time to adjust and get to know him slowly. I think your excitement to make up for lost time is making him feel pressured. No matter if you are family or not, it takes a long time to become sincerely close to people. Milady should understand this logic, no?”
After a long silence, Eden started to nod.
”You are right, Granny. I let the excitement of finding a family member get to my head. We have tons of time to get closer and learn about each other, I should just take it one step at a time.” After leaving these words, she made her way back into the inn and to her room.
...
The next day came about quickly with news from the City Lord. Greyson was on the first floor eating his breakfast when a messenger from the City Lord arrived with a decree. Claire and Mae quickly made their way downstairs to receive the message. However, once the words on the parchment were made clear, both their expressions sank. Mae took this opportunity to glare at Greyson, but Claire quickly grabbed onto her maidservant's arm to stop her. A bad feeling growing in his stomach, Greyson got up from his seat to walk over.
”What is it? Is there some sort of bad news because of me?”
”Hmph! Was winning so important? Couldn't you have let the City Lord's son beat you a little and walk away? Did you not think of the Argentum family's awkward situation? We were kind enough to allow you to travel with us, but you repay us by causing trouble!” Uncharacteristically worked up, Mae stabbed her finger into his face. Brows furrowing, Greyson knew there was some sort of revenge from the City Lord, however, Mae's words were out of line.
”I appreciate the caravan helping me, however, you cannot say that the caravan did not also benefit. Without my power and fighting capabilities, this caravan might not even be able to make it to this city. Plus, just sit there and let him beat me? I'm sorry, but it was not me looking for a fight, but him badgering me. I did not even injure him heavily despite the disrespect he showed me, so I do not see where I was causing trouble.” Frowning, Greyson decided to make his position clear, otherwise, these people would continue to look at him like some sort of freeloader. He never even at their food or slept in their tents due to the harassment! Protection? Ha! What a joke, he was the one protecting them. The only help they gave him is allowing him to enter cities with relative ease.
”Greyson is correct, Mae. Do not make such a big deal about it. Quickly apologize.” Although her face still looked troubled, Claire did not look towards Greyson with blame.
”Milady! The Argentum family can no longer trade in Acernis, and we can no longer take one step into the city anymore. The decree says we are no longer welcome. The family will surely place this blame on you since you are in charge of this venture and your status as heir will be even weaker.” However, Mae still felt anger in place of her master as she was aware of the situation back at the family.
Greyson was already left speechless. The City Lord certainly did not take any physical revenge or even send an assassin in secret like Greyson worried about. Instead, he caused large damage towards the caravan that Greyson was traveling with using his power as City Lord. He had to admit that he did not expect this scenario at all. After thinking about it, though, Greyson realized the City Lord must have misunderstood his relationship with the Argentum Family. Obviously, the City Lord thought that he would be in serious trouble with the family after causing this mess. A real hidden knife; if he was really a guard under the family, they might kill him themselves to appease the City Lord and keep their trading rights. Instead of paying attention to Mae, he looked over at Claire to see her reaction. Surprisingly, she was not looking at him with any blame as of yet.
”It is not to that point yet, let me go to the City Lord's mansion and try to negotiate the issue with him.” Claire quickly got up and started on her way over.
Knowing that his assistance might aggravate the City Lord, Greyson stayed put and waited for her to return. Hours continued ticking by as daytime turned to nighttime. Tension stayed in the air as everyone in the caravan was waiting for Claire to return with any news. Echoing hoof beats sounded out marking her return. Everyone turned towards the entrance only to see that Claire's expression turned from bad to ugly and realized the negotiations fell through. Even Greyson could only feel guilt since he knew that Claire would be largely affected by this turn of events later on when it came to her position in the family. However, before he could offer his help to alleviate the situation, he saw Claire's eyes turn to him with newfound killing intent. He swallowed back any words of apology because he knew that she was now contemplating whether to try to kill him and offer his head for peace. Her intent was there, but she would not move on it because their party was too weak compared to Greyson.