Chapter 65 - 65: Stance (2/2)
Aela's thoughts on Aron and Evanora were simply neutral. If Belle thought highly of them then she chose to trust her judgement, despite also feeling a tad bit envious.
After the introductions were done, everyone made their way into the tower before heading into a luxurious lounge like area. Despite having only two sofas and a table, this room was overly decorated in art with Belle in them herself along with sculptures and other miscellaneous decorations.
Aron was starting to see a pattern with this woman as she gestured for him and Evanora to sit on the sofa opposite the one she sat on. Aela and Reginald were on either side of Belle's sofa like a pair of guards and remained silent.
Before they began to talk, Belle snapped her fingers and an assortment of snacks appeared on the table along with three hot cups of tea. She showed a smile and stretched out to get one before finally speaking. ”Please, help yourself,” she offered, causing Evanora to tug at Aron's shirt, it was clear what she wanted, so he gave her a nod but he himself did not partake.
”So, what was it you wanted to speak about?” Aron went right to the topic causing Belle to smile, Aela on the side couldn't help but frown as she found him to be rude towards Belle. ”Straight to the matter at hand, I like a man who has his priorities in check.” Belle chuckled as she elegantly drank from her cup while keeping her long, beautiful legs crossed.
”I don't like to mince words; it would be a waste of both our time.” Belle showed a small smile at Aron's reasoning before nodding in agreement. ”True. Then I'll get straight to the point, I want you both to join my faction. You'd have access to the best resources for growth, private lessons and guidance from myself, a high weekly allowance and my protection both within and outside of the academy from not just me but my family.”
Belle wasted no effort as she stated her offer, it brought both Aela to Reginald in shock as they both knew only the very best in her faction received that sort of treatment. The envy and jealousy in both their hearts couldn't help but rise, Aron however remained unimpressed while Evanora only focused on her snacks.
”And what duties come with such benefits?” Aron ignored the benefits and directly went to what she'd expected from them. After all, there was no such thing as a free meal.
”You'd both need to swear an oath of loyalty to me and as for your duties they'd vary, but most are just performing tasks that align with your given skill set. As for those who perform adequately, I'm open to taking requests,” she explained simply and looked at them both with an alluring smile.
”Your offer is quite generous but I enjoy my freedom and independence, so I'll have to decline your offer,” Aron said without hesitation causing Belle's smile to fade as if in disbelief.
No? Someone had told her no? It was as if she needed time to process that answer making it clear that she was the type that usually got her way like other top families. What was no? Especially from a commoner.
”How dare you decline!? Who do you think you are?!” A voice of anger erupted in the room, but it came not from Belle but Aela who looked at Aron with pure hate. Reginald, much like Belle, was just surprised he refused so plainly and was still processing what could make him deny such an offer.
”I declined because I had the option to, it was an offer after all, but it doesn't interest me. Simple as that,” Aron replied and stood up along with Evanora causing Belle to focus on her. ”Do you also decline? This offer is something no one else can give you, the benefits would put you on par with many high-ranking nobles and I can fully bring out your potential as your personal teacher,” Belle added with a serious tone, Aela and Reginald were consumed with shock. Belle? As a personal teacher? A Grand Mage with royal blood in her veins, who wouldn't want this?
Evanora, however, tugged Aron's shirt and looked at him as if seeking an answer to which he shook his head. She then turned to Belle and gave her answer.
”Evanora says no, too.”