"An Observer?" "Yes, an Observer. You might have heard about him, Orpheus Bloodheart, my father, and the Head of the Bloodheart House." Melia spoke with a small smile on her face. "…is this an attempt to intimidate me? Because if it is, then let me tell you, it is definitely working." Nux spoke with a wry smile on his face. "You are not supposed to admit that, you know?" "I just thought you were different from other nobles. I never thought you would use your father to intimidate me and would try to make me sign a contract on unfair terms." "The terms of our contract have already been decided, Nux. I am not trying to trick anyone here. Trust me, I am doing this to show my sincerity." Melia spoke with her normal, expressionless look on her face. "He is the man who I respect the most in this world. My father is a fair and upright man who values his pride and virtue over everything. I will never cheat anyone in front of him, because even if I do get what I want by doing that, I would disappoint him and that, is something I cannot accept. It is my bottom line." Melia explained, then, a small, barely visible smile appeared on her face, "Of course, I will admit that I am a little curious to see how you would react when you meet father." Nux just smiled wryly and didn't say anything. Melia took that as a yes, she then summoned a servant, ordered him to form a contract, then stated the conditions in front of Nux, both parties then read the terms, and only when the two of them were satisfied, was the contract sealed. "Take this to Lord Orpheus and him that I wish to see him." Melia ordered. The servant nodded, bowed his head, and then, he walked away. "…" The room turned silent. Melia didn't say anything, and since Nux and his wives seemed to be looking at each other, showing different expressions on their faces, Melia decided not to bother them and started looking outside the window while sipping on the wine with a calm look on her face. A few minutes later, the servant returned and reported, "Lady Melia, Lord Orpheus has agreed to meet you." Melia nodded at the servant and ordered in an emotionless tone. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮 "You can leave." The servant bowed his head and walked away. After that, Melia's stoic expression broke and she turned toward Nux, "Are you prepared?" "To meet a being who can squash me with just a thought, of course I am." Nux nodded with a strange expression on his face. "It seems you are prepared." Melia smiled a little and then, "Follow me." Nux and his wives then followed Melia and after walking for around 10 minutes, they appeared in front of a room. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* "Father, it is me." Melia spoke in a soft tone. "Enter," A cold, emotionless voice was heard. Melia opened the door and walked in. Nux and his wives followed. There, they saw a man with features similar to Melia, Black hair, red eyes, and even the expression on his face, that same, emotionless look that Melia has, the two of them were clearly related. Nux didn't have to think, Melia was like a carbon copy of her father. Anyways, just like Eisheth, Orpheus looked like a normal person as well. Other than his bearing, Nux's wives could not sense any strength from him but of course, all of them knew that he was a monstrous existence and is even stronger than Eisheth. They had to be wary. In Orpheus's hands, there was a contract Melia had sent to him, it was clear that he had read all the details, however, no one could tell what he was thinking right now. The man didn't even look at Nux or his wives, he just glanced at Melia and questioned, "You want me to witness this fight and oversee the contract signing?" "Yes, that is correct. He will be an important clan member in the future, I do not wish to reveal his secrets to anyone. The only person I can trust here is you." Melia replied in a tone similar to his father. Nux who was watching them didn't know how to react. He couldn't understand how these two normally talk with each other, both showed little to no expression on their faces, it is as if being here was just a formality, however, Nux knew that was untrue. Both of them had mutual respect for each other, however, their traits make it extremely difficult for others to notice it. 'Two similar people are not exactly a great match.' Felberta commented with a strange look on her face. 'I agree.' Nux nodded. 'Don't lose focus.' Amaya, however, wasn't in the mood for any jokes right now. Nux understood what she was worried about and patted her back as he nodded at her. 'Don't worry. They will value the letter they have signed.' Amaya nodded back. "You seem assured of your victory." Orpheus spoke. "Of course, I am. Your daughter does not lose, father." Melia replied with an assured look on her face. Orpheus glanced at his daughter for a while, then, he turned towards the man his daughter was about to compete against, and just as his eyes fell on Nux, he narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure you wish to follow through with this contract?" "Hmm? What are you talking about, father?" "You will have to join his clan if you lose, are you ready for that? You can stay here in the Bloodheart House, I am sure you will achieve great things." "Is father insinuating that I will lose?" Melia narrowed his eyes. "No, against an Emperor, I find it hard to believe that you will lose," Orpheus then glanced at Nux again and, "Even if he is different compared to normal Emperors." 'He sensed it.' Nux commented with a small smile on his face. 'It is not like we could have hidden it from him.' Amaya sighed. '…' In response, Nux didn't say anything and just smiled. "However, you still need to consider the consequences of losing, a true leader weighs everything before making a move." "I am ready to sign the contract, father."