But before his words could even settle, a feminine voice rang out.
“Impossible. You’re two years past the normal age for evolution, and you just barely made it. I’m willing to bet there’s a drawback to your evolution. Whatever you do there will reflect on the other Veins… and stain everything we stand for.”
The one who had just spoken was another Pulse.
Marisa Von Sanguine.
She was the second born of Othric and a woman who could be summed up in three traits, ruthless, proud, and fiercely protective of the family’s reputation.
And because of that last fact, she bore an irreparable hatred for Malakai.
He was a stain on that reputation, and she had always searched for a chance to erase him.
The other Veins and Highbloods couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
If Malakai, a fourteen-year-old, ended up weaker, even after evolving, than those younger than him, it would be a disgrace. One that would reflect directly on the main family.
Still, Malakai didn’t retract his request.
From the beginning, his words hadn’t been directed at them. They were directed at the one person who made the decisions here.
The Sovereign.
And so, he remained still, as the Sovereign’s gaze bore into him. The silence thickened.
Then suddenly, another voice rang out.
“I have an idea!”
Heads turned, and frowns immediately followed.
It was another Pulse. The last born of Othric, the 6th Pulse.
Vaelira Von Sanguine.
She was known to be playful, eccentric, and unpredictable.
Even in the worst situations, she was known for her carefree nature. And none of them expected this moment to be any different.
She smiled and spoke in a light tone.
“Why don’t we have him prove himself?”
The others’ eyes gleamed with interest.
“Our biggest worry is him underperforming against the younger ones, right? Then let’s settle it here and now. Let him fight and prove that he won’t.”
At Vaelira’s words, the Highbloods took on thoughtful expressions while the Pulses frowned.
For the former, her words made sense. If the greatest concern was his performance during training, then it was best to test it here and now.
Meanwhile, the Pulses were wary, because they knew exactly what was coming next. For him to prove himself, he would have to fight. And right now, there were no better opponents than the other Veins.
This was where their unease stemmed from: Malakai’s current prowess was unknown. They had all just watched him absorb Vita at an alarming rate,one far beyond what should be possible at the Genesis stage.
Although he had been a useless unevolved until now, they’d still kept tabs on him. They knew how good he was in battle. And with all these uncertainties, none of them wanted to risk it.
One of the Veins losing to the trash of the Sanguine family was the worst thing that could ever happen to them.
Then Vaelira continued, suddenly turning to the woman standing behind Varnel.
“Khana, are you okay? You seem tense.”
Varnel’s brow twitched as all eyes turned toward his wife.
Khana flinched slightly before uncorking her ornate fan and fanning herself, trying her best to look composed. “A-ah yes, 6th Pulse. It seems I’m a bit under the weather.”
The brows of several Highbloods raised.
Under the weather?
Although Khana’s talent could be considered the lowest of the lows, she was still at the Node Formation stage, even if barely. An evolved being under the weather? They hadn’t heard anything more absurd in their lives.
“That sounds terrible,” Vaelira said, sounding concerned. “After this, you should take a good rest. Being the wife of a Pulse must be really stressful.”
A few people cleared their throats in the hall. The first excuse was ridiculous, but this one took the cake.
The wife of a Pulse, especially Khana, did nothing besides being a child pumping machine and raising them.
Khana cleared her throat. “Y-yes. Thank you.”
Does she know? Khana thought, her chest tightening, feeling panicked.
She avoided all eye contact with Vaelira. Though the 6th Pulse of the Sanguine family was playful and eccentric, many, especially the other Pulses, had learned the hard way how clever and unpredictable she could be.
She was a schemer.
Suddenly, Vaelira clapped her hands together.
“Ah! That’s right! Your guard, um… what’s his name again?”
Khana blinked. “Mine? Jorge?”
“That’s right! Jorge.” Vaelira beamed. “He came with you, right? I believe I saw him outside. He would be perfect for the job, wouldn’t he?”
“Vaelira.”
Varnel’s voice was calm, but firm.
As they turned to look, he was already facing her with a small smile that wasn’t a smile. But those who knew him… knew. He was angry.
Vaelira tilted her head innocently. “Hm? Big cousin, I’m just trying to help here. We need someone to help test out the Ninth Vein, don’t we?”
“One of the Veins would be a better fit,” Varnel said.
The frowns on the other Pulses deepened.
“Oh?” Vaelira’s smile widened. “Then would you let one of yours handle it?”
Varnel’s smile twitched. His fingers curled tighter around the armrest of his throne. But he said nothing.
A few eyes widened. Vaelira had just checkmated the manipulator himself.
“It’s beneath them, right?” she said, turning to the Veins, who were now staring daggers at Malakai.
Then she spun back toward Khana. “Which is why I suggested we use Khana’s thing.” Her smile sharpened. “What do you say? Finish the job.”
Varnel’s smile froze.
Khana’s eyes widened.
She knows.
The thought echoed in both their minds.
At their silence, Vaelira’s smile turned dazzling. Her gleaming teeth on full display.
“Looks like they’re in agreement!”
Then she turned and bowed slightly. “Dadd—sorry, my Sovereign. What do you think?”
At Vaelira’s question, all eyes turned toward the Sovereign, waiting. For anything to happen here, he had to be in agreement. Without his word, nothing would proceed.
And then, as the Sovereign’s mouth opened to speak, the hall fell into silence once more.
“Malakai.”
Malakai bowed instantly. “Yes, Sovereign.”
“Do you accept?”
Malakai fell silent for a moment, weighing his options. Then he spoke.
“As long as I get to continue the training.”
The Sovereign gave a barely noticeable nod.
“Good!” Vaelira clapped once, beaming. Then she turned toward Khana. “You can bring him in now!”
Khana’s body stiffened. She turned toward her husband. Varnel met her gaze and gave a slow nod.
She clenched her fists, willing her trembling limbs to steady, and then turned and walked out of the hall. Only people of significance had been allowed inside today.