Chapter 257.5-2: The Circumstances of the Helmsley Clan
Jabok glanced around the room as he spoke once more. "I would like to hear all of your opinions on this matter. Regardless, I believe I may already have something in mind."
A portion of the people present felt their hearts sink upon hearing his final sentence. What was even the point of discussion if he intended to do whatever he wished in the end, all in the name of "the Helmsley family."
Jumanga, wearing a dark and somber expression, fixed his gaze on his father before snarling, "I believe a change is long overdue. Prince Hunter has sold himself to the Devil. We, the valiant Helmsley Clan, cannot allow this to continue."
"Watch your words, nephew Jumanga," a man snapped with a grim expression as he gnashed his teeth. "Such careless speech is forbidden. Do not forget that Prince Hunter also bears the Helmsley name."
Jumanga narrowed his eyes. "Hmm? Uncle, could it be that you too worship the Black Devil?"
"What utter nonsense!" the man retorted furiously.
Arguments immediately erupted throughout the hall. Voices overlapped as accusations were hurled back and forth, each person fiercely pressing their stance. Jacob shook his head and sighed bitterly. Jerikah gently placed a hand on his arm in reassurance.
Then a woman's voice rang out sharply.
"I believe our beautiful little sister Jerikah should be married into the red faction of the Tai Moo Clan to secure their support," a noble young woman stated coldly as her gaze shifted toward them.
"What?!" Jacob shot to his feet in alarm. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting, Jermona?"
"Exactly what I said, Fourth Brother Jacob," Jermona replied coolly. "For the sake of our family, it makes perfect sense."
"I do not need you dictating what I should do for the sake of our family, Second Sister Jermona," Jerikah responded coldly.
As their dispute escalated, Jabok raised a hand, releasing a trace of his aura to silence the hall. His gaze then settled on his eldest son, Jerome, who had remained quiet the entire time.
"I have yet to hear your thoughts, Jerome. Do you have anything to say?"
The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward him. With a calm expression, Jerome spoke, surprising many.
"My opinion may not matter much for now, as I intend to begin my breakthrough into the Mortal Shedding Realm soon. That said, I believe the elders and uncles advocating caution are not without reason. I am not suggesting we remain idle, but given our current circumstances, a measured approach is necessary."
Before anyone could respond, Jabok and his main wife abruptly rose to their feet, elation clear in their expressions.
"Did you just say you are about to break through?" Jabok exclaimed, laughter booming through the hall. "Excellent! Truly something worth celebrating. Our Helmsley Clan gaining another Mortal Lord is always a blessing. This changes everything. We can openly contend for the crown once more."
"The heavens truly have eyes," the main wife added excitedly. "I have borne five magnificent children, and my eldest is about to become a Mortal Lord."
The concubines behind her wore varied expressions, with one in particular clearly irritated.
"Congratulations, little Jerome," one of them said sweetly. "Soon enough, my dear Jumanga will reach such heights as well."
A sharp, catty tension filled the room as three women exchanged hostile glances, their children instinctively mirroring their attitudes. Jacob's mother ignored them all, focusing instead on the infant resting against her chest.
Jabok calmed himself before turning back to Jerome. "Is there anything else you wish to add?"
Jerome nodded, then spoke words that stunned nearly everyone present.
"I believe little sister Jermona may be onto something, though her proposal is too limited. Instead, I suggest we be a little forceful in extending an olive branch to pair little sister Jerikah with the Dragon Spear Hero of the León Clan and his faction. She would serve as an excellent conduit for maintaining direct contact with that sect. It is already well documented that Sir Ramiro León is particularly susceptible to persistent admirers, especially beautiful women."
The hall filled with stunned expressions. Some appeared uncertain, others thoughtful, and a few alarmed.
Ramiro León of the León Clan stood out among the White Star Radiance leadership as someone unusually approachable despite the surrounding terror and mystique of his collegues. News of his exploits had spread rapidly, including his breakthrough into the Mortal Shedding Realm during the war. Detailed reports from returning armies, especially those led by Carlos León Jr, ensured the information reached even distant lands.
Jerikah's face subtly twitched as she prepared to coldly retort, but Jacob abruptly sprang to his feet before she could speak.
"B-Big brother Jerome! What the hell is the meaning of this?!" he blurted out, seemingly panicked. "Why must you use my beautiful and intelligent sister, a genius cultivator with unwavering loyalty to our beloved Helmsley Clan, as some sort of chess piece without blinking an eye?! To act on such likely credible rumors and send her to that Heav—mm, Hellish sect run by young monsters…!"
He took a sharp breath, glaring fiercely. "Can you even imagine my sister's feelings?! I, as her older brother, should definitely go in her stead…"
The room fell into contemplative silence before erupting into a flood of opinions. Many objected loudly, while an even greater number argued that it was an excellent opportunity. Some questioned whether Jerikah would even be accepted, while others noted that Jacob's chances would be even slimmer.
A small handful cast strange looks toward Jacob. Most failed to notice his true intentions hidden within his impassioned speech. Jacob's mother smiled wryly, shaking her head. Jerikah struggled to maintain her composure, barely suppressing laughter as understanding dawned on her.
Jerome watched the two siblings carefully, his thoughts concealed. He then turned his calm gaze back to his father.
Jabok surveyed the room once more before focusing on Jacob, then Jerikah, and finally Jerome. His eyes lingered as he silently muttered to himself.
"Hoo… my exceptional eldest son. What exactly are you plotting?"