CHAPTER 472: CHAPTER 04: NINE-PETAL SNAKE FLOWER FLAG (4)_2

The two politely nodded toward Jones and Adelle, then continued to maintain their haughty demeanor.

"Welcome." Adelle sighed faintly.

The butler glanced to the side and continued introducing, "This is our Young Master Adelle, and this is Young Master Jones."

"I’ve met your masters before." Tiris smiled at the butler.

"Indeed, how many years ago was that? Six or seven years ago? Yes, six or seven years back." Adelle spread his hands.

"But as for this Young Master Jones, we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting." Tiris smiled as she looked at Jones, then extended a hand.

"It’s an honor to meet you, madam." Jones stepped forward and kissed the back of Tiris’s hand.

"You may call me Miss Tiris, as I’m still unmarried." Tiris smiled as she replied.

"Oh, is that so? I thought you were divorced." Adelle suddenly interjected with his cutting remark.

Instantly, Tiris’s expression darkened: "Well, are you not planning to invite us to sit?"

"Please." Adelle responded casually.

Jones glanced sideways at Adelle.

...

Jones and Tiris sat at opposite ends of a sofa. Adelle settled on another sofa next to Jones, while Isido chose a seat beside Tiris.

The butler had served tea to all four, but the atmosphere was awkward.

Adelle wore a smiling, self-satisfied look, seeming incredibly pleased with himself, while Isido’s face was grim. Tiris kept her expression neutral, and Jones appeared utterly at a loss, unsure of how to react or what to say.

After a long silence, Tiris finally spoke softly, "Young Master Adelle, we’re primarily here to meet Young Master Jones and discuss some private matters. If you have other engagements, feel free to attend to them; you don’t need to stay to entertain us."

"But I don’t have other engagements; I’m quite idle. If necessary, I can stay here and accompany you until the hearing begins." Adelle shifted his posture, lazily leaning against the sofa’s armrest, maintaining his carefree air.

Tiris’s expression faltered, now showing signs of restrained anger. Isido’s face grew even gloomier.

Feeling cornered, Jones quietly proposed, "Adelle, perhaps you can let me have a private conversation with them?"

At this, both Tiris and Isido’s faces softened, albeit slightly.

Adelle hesitated as he looked at Jones, then replied, "Fine, I can let you. But... make it quick. I’ve arranged other matters for you later. Don’t waste too much time."

"Alright, it shouldn’t take long." Turning to Tiris, Jones asked, "Right, Miss Tiris?"

Tiris reluctantly answered, "Right."

Without so much as another glance at Jones and Adelle.

"Very well, I’ll see to other things for now." Adelle stood up and sauntered off, whistling as if to challenge, sneaking a glance at Tiris before exiting.

Tiris’s cheeks flushed, though she had little choice but to endure.

Once Adelle was gone, Jones quietly asked, "You... and Adelle, is there some conflict between you two?"

"Conflict? No, how could there be any? I wouldn’t possibly have a conflict with that little scoundrel." Tiris smiled as she answered.

Well, that means there is, and it isn’t minor.

Jones immediately understood.

"So, what’s the matter that brought you here?"

"Well... it’s about a marriage proposal." With Adelle gone and her mood finally settling, Tiris’s gaze began to shimmer like a nimble bird. "We know that Young Master Jones, you once had an engagement with your cousin, but it’s been shelved. Since then, you haven’t had any new arrangements. Coincidentally, I have a cousin about your age. She’s the most beautiful and noble member of the Blood Clan I’ve ever met. Perhaps you could..."

"Marriage alliance?" Jones tested tentatively.

"Exactly, that’s what I mean." Tiris elaborated passionately, "We’re aware you’re a member of Young Master Adelle’s fraternity, but pardon my bluntness... His father, Prince Louis, holds only a minor role within the Sambo family. Adelle himself is even less consequential. His apparent rise this past year is largely thanks to your contribution, but even then, his status hasn’t improved much. And, ha-ha-ha-ha, brotherhoods pale in comparison to marriage alliances, don’t they? Our Ganggro Family would be honored to have a son-in-law like you. The cousin I mentioned is the eldest granddaughter of our patriarch—she is the Ganggro Family’s most direct and noble bloodline."

Jones remained silent and attentive, watching Tiris.

Meanwhile, Isido’s face softened too, adopting a subtle smile as he gazed at Jones.

"You’re currently facing a grave crisis—the Elder Council hearing. Many people stand against you. Let me be forthright: our Ganggro Family is among them, and we’re quite knowledgeable about the matter at hand. If you agree to the marriage alliance, we’ll do everything in our power to assist you—not merely in business matters but also in your standing within the Elder Council. We might even help you become the youngest candidate elder in history. As for this incident... ha-ha-ha-ha, that would be trivial. We have ways to make your opponents suffer colossal setbacks, ensuring you leave the Elder Council unscathed. Though troubles may arise in the future, if the alliance is secured, we’ll help you turn every storm into calm waters."

Jones remained quiet, watching Tiris without a word.

Tiris continued, "In truth, we were initially supposed to negotiate with you in Giant Snake City, but... I’m unsure what Adelle said to you. You refused to negotiate with us and allocated all investment shares to the Sambo family. Prince Louis even had to mobilize investment from other Sambo family princes to meet your demands. Is such a partnership worthwhile?"

With that, Tiris spread her hands, smiling as she waited for Jones’s response.

The opulent parlor was silent.

Jones quietly stared at her for a moment before speaking softly: "Apologies, there’s something you might have misunderstood."

"Misunderstood? What did I misunderstand?"

"Adelle didn’t say anything to me about this; he doesn’t even know Ganggro Family wanted to invest in Giant Snake City. Declining your family’s offer was entirely my own decision."

Immediately, Tiris’s smile froze, her eyes widening in slow realization.

Beside her, Isido looked equally stunned.

Smiling gently, Jones continued, "You’ve likely done ample research on me, meticulously gathering information. For this, I feel honored to be deemed worthy of such focus. However, if that’s the case, you must be aware that my biological father is Count Hayman Dracula. My relationship with him is strained. Although there are many reasons for this, one of them was his attempt to decide my marriage without my consent—forcing me to marry a girl I vehemently disliked. While this may not have been the primary cause, it was undoubtedly a contributing factor. Personally, I have a strong aversion to anyone attempting to dictate my marriage, particularly under coercion. If the Elder Council had summoned me not for a hearing but to marry your cousin, I wouldn’t have come at all. I would’ve declared war outright, making them understand the power of the Undead Army. Giant Snake City isn’t just for business—it’s also equipped for warfare. I’ve participated in countless battles myself. And as for the fraternity concept, its purpose is mutual growth, not for one person to rise and discard the rest. My earlier decision to decline another investment in Giant Snake City was also partly due to differing philosophies. Maximizing profit doesn’t align with everyone’s ultimate goal, as you may believe."

Upon hearing Jones’s remarks, both Tiris and Isido were utterly dumbfounded.

...

Approximately ten minutes later, Jones personally opened the door to the parlor and said to them, "Apologies, I have other matters to attend to and can’t accompany you further. Let’s meet again some other time."