Chapter 46: Lance

In an ancient castle, a young and beautiful maid was helping an elderly man put on a modest yet luxurious formal robe.

"Do we really need to be this formal?"

Laike Lance asked in confusion as he looked at his uncle in the heavy ceremonial robe. This attire was usually reserved for noble meetings or major family events, such as the ceremony for the head of the family's succession.

Wade Lance, his uncle, who had white-gray hair but a firm expression and a strong physique, shot him a displeased glare.

"Who do you think you're meeting today?"

His tone carried a hint of coldness along with his dissatisfaction. The moment he spoke, Laike instantly fell silent. He could only let Catherine Lance help him into a similarly formal outfit.

Catherine didn't say a word, not even daring to lift her head.

When she had discussed breaking the contract with Luke, she had been so excited that she had only discussed it with her husband. In their excitement about finally ending the blood contract with the Gaunt family, they completely forgot to inform Wade Lance, the head of the family, even though he had not managed family affairs in years.

Wade Lance had no children and no interest in having any.

Thus, he had long ago brought Laike, the posthumous child of his younger brother, into the family and raised him as the next head.

Over the years, as Laike matured, Wade had gradually delegated authority and enjoyed his peaceful retirement.

However, he never expected that Laike would make such a huge decision without consulting him.

When the old butler informed Wade about the situation, Wade immediately dropped his fishing rod, used apparition to rush back, and the first thing he did upon arrival was deliver a solid slap to Laike.

Then, with a stern expression, he turned to his niece-in-law, Catherine, who had been married into the family for years but still had no understanding of noble etiquette.

"From now on, close your pet shop. Use that time to learn the proper manners and etiquette you should have known."

"You've embarrassed Laike plenty of times at relevant gatherings."

Catherine's face turned pale, and she could only nod silently. Laike, though feeling sympathetic, remained silent under the authority and pressure of his uncle, both as elder and head of the family.

He loved Catherine and was willing to bear the ridicule to give her the freedom she desired. In many ways, it worked out well; Catherine's actions had changed the Lance family's image among many half-blood or non-noble wizards.

Even well-established figures like Professor McGonagall had become close friends with Catherine, their bond stronger than one might expect.

Laike had long anticipated being scolded, knowing there were consequences to his decisions.

However, when the moment finally arrived, he found that he couldn't argue his case as confidently as he had imagined.

Seeing Laike's expression, a trace of disappointment flashed through Wade's eyes.

But he quickly regained his composure and told the butler standing by, "Prepare the carriage. We must not be tardy."

The old butler bowed and left the room.

The maid finished arranging the last detail on Wade's handkerchief, embroidered with a subtle lance pattern, then bowed and exited as well.

Since Laike's outfit was simpler, once the maid left, Catherine also turned to leave the room.

Watching her downcast expression, Laike felt a pang of guilt but remained silent.

With a soft "click," the door closed, leaving only Wade and Laike in the room.

"This time, you acted impulsively and have broken some of the rules."

Wade's expression remained indifferent, and his tone lacked much emotion.

"I know," Laike took a deep breath and spoke, "but I truly want to rid us of this humiliating contract. I don't want my children to keep suffering from having a bunch of scoundrels show up to claim property that doesn't belong to them."

"Hah, that's the same thing the Gaunt family thought, three or four generations after they signed the contract"

(T/N: As in the Lance family was the one asking for resources and money for setting up their venues)

Wade sneered before saying, "Enough. When the time comes, don't say anything."

Laike pressed his lips together but didn't speak.

"Do you feel like you've lost your dignity now? Do you think I'm suppressing your opinions with the authority of the family head?"

"But I'll tell you this, Laike: the fact that I'm still taking you to fulfill your promise today is already showing you plenty of respect. All these years, you haven't grown at all."

"You didn't even meet the other party before agreeing. How do you know the Gaunt family won't rise again? Are you really that desperate for a little money?"

Wade shook his head coldly. "You're still too young and reckless. That's my failure. After today, you should take a break for a while. Both you and Catherine have a lot to learn."

---

"Is that what the head of the Lance family is like?"

Luke frowned and asked.

Professor McGonagall rolled her eyes at him. "I thought you would've done some research on the Lance family beforehand."

"No need. Once the contract is broken, the relationship between us will essentially be over. Plus, I'll be rid of a burden. To be honest, the Lance family isn't even worth my concern."

Luke's face remained calm as he spoke, but that very calmness revealed his disdain for the Lance family.

Making such a rash decision to break the contract had already earned them a reputation for ingratitude within the noble circles. While it wouldn't ruin them entirely, it would certainly cut their credibility in half. 

And as for the other half, once Luke rose as a new force among the nobility, the Lance family would become a long-standing joke, a story to be told for centuries.

Of course, Professor McGonagall didn't fully understand all the intricacies involved. With things already set in motion, there was no point in explaining and causing her more embarrassed.

"But it seems that Wade Lance is indeed willing to pay the price to preserve his heir's reputation. It's also clear that 'they' were incredibly troublesome, weren't they?" 

Professor McGonagall knew that Luke's "they" referred to the other branch of the Gaunt family. Just as she was about to say more, she suddenly lifted her head and looked into the distance.

There, a small black dot was rapidly growing larger in her vision.

"Are you ready? They're here"

Professor McGonagall said casually.

Luke glanced in the same direction as the black dot approached, a bright and polite smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"I've been looking forward to this."

*****

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