Offer 2

Fia leaned back on her chair and spoke in an easy-going tone

"I've done my homework and learned quite a bit about you"

" ... I see"

'That's expected if you think about it, knowing everything about me is crucial, otherwise, what will she base her offer on.'

Fia continued but in a more serious tone

"Don't you want to give a better livelihood to your family?"

That caught Leus' interest, he unconsciously leaned forward just a bit.

Of course, Fia took note of that and returned to her easy-going tone

"Your father works in the Military, which is not a bad job.

It's relatively stable since the Strife Zone has been active for centuries and pays well. And while it's not enough to make you rich, it's more than enough to keep your family in the middle class."

She got closer to Leus and spoke in a more serious tone

"However, that's only possible if he spends at least 4-6 months a year in such a dangerous place ..."

Then she smiled and changed her demeanor

"Luckily, it isn't so bad because he's an Elite, the risk is low, though it's not ZERO"

She shrugged

"There's always a chance of an ambush or anything similar, but let's hope that doesn't happen."

Leus was about to say something but she quickly spoke

"You have a brother who aspires to be a knight"

Hearing that, Leus furrowed his brows, but she didn't care.

Fia put her hand on her chin

"Keeping in mind that your mother is currently pregnant, your father would have to spend even more time in the Military if he wants to keep the status quo as it is while sending your brother to the Knight School"

Leus tried to speak, he wanted to ask something, but a grin suddenly appeared on her face and she spoke first, stopping him again.

"Luckily, for your father's wallet at least, your sister is not interested in going to any school right now. It's not like she could if she actually wanted to, but as long as she's happy, it's all fine."

She stopped talking and looked into Leus' eyes, waiting for his reply.

Leus breathed a sigh of relief

'Finally I can speak!'

Leus got closer and asked her

"My mom is pregnant? Are you sure?"

Fia was taken aback by his question

"Yo- You didn't know?"

"I knew they were planning, but I didn't know it happened"

Fia got flustered, and all the plans and scenarios she created in her mind were shattered.

"I'm - I'm so sorry to break it out like that ... no one told me not to tell you, I thought you knew"

Leus tilted his head

'What's she getting all worked up about? I just want to know if mom is pregnant or not.'

"I'm not upset, I just want to know, Ii she pregnant?"

Fia nodded

"Yes, it's still the very beginning, but she is"

Leus became a bit nervous

'The timer has already started huh? No worries, I'll make it'

He pushed away all the worrying thoughts and asked Fia

"Let's go back to our matter, what are you suggesting?"

Fia sighed in relief

'Thank god he's not upset, it'd have made negotiations very difficult'

She spoke in a very serious tone

"First of all, do you really want your father to kill people and spend months away to make a living? That's not optimal"

She continued with a smile

"We can provide him with a well-paying job in the city.

It won't be something super fancy like working in the Red Mansion, but it will pay more than what he currently earns with much better work conditions, 5 days a week, 6 hours a day.

Maybe in the Guild, The Crimson Guards, or any establishment that's owned by the Red Mansion.

We will provide him with at least three vastly different options to choose from, and these options will include at least one office job and one guarding job.

He will be able to switch jobs two times in the first five years, and as long as he fulfills the very minimum attendance and tasks, we will guarantee him at least 10 years of payment with the option of getting the first year's payment in advance."

She stopped talking for a bit so Leus could process what she said

'Whew'

Leus was impressed by how quickly she could change faces

'From casual to serious to smiley ... she's an expert'

As for the offer

'It's pretty good, I didn't think they could do that, Arno was right when he said to ask for anything ...'

'Let's hear the rest of what she has to say'

Fia contniued talking

"As for your brother, his age is 10, which is perfect!

We can give him the status of an Inferno for five years, however, he won't be a real noble, which means that he won't have the privileges of a Nobel Inferno.

But that won't matter outside the Duchy, he will still be treated as someone from a noble family.

With that status, we will send him to the Capital to join the Crimson Castle Academy, they guarantee a Knight Level Evolution in three years, and an Elite Level Evolution in five to seven years depending on his progress.

Naturally, all the expenses will be paid by the Red Mansion.

Based on how things work between you and us, we might even extend his Inferno status for another five years, we will discuss that when the time comes."

Once again, she stopped talking so Leus could process everything she said.

By now, excitement was clear on Leus' face

'This ... this is pretty amazing, isn't it? I'm so excited, shouldn't I just agree now?'

He did his best to hold himself back and not say anything, but he couldn't hide the elated expression on his face.

'The plan of keeping a straight face has already failed ...'

Fia took note of everything and she realized

'Things are progressing very well, nice'

She continued

"As for your sister, she doesn't want anything now, but that will change in the future, especially after she sees your brother going out.

We will give her an offer with the exact same benefits as your brother, and she can choose either the Magic Class or The Knight Class, we will discuss the specifics once she takes it.

But at minimum, she will be offered the Inferno Status for five years.

However, keep in mind that this offer is only valid for two years from now.

After the two years are over, you'll have to come to renew it if you want to.

We will discuss things again then based on how our relationship with you is going."

Leus' mind was becoming dizzy with all these numbers

'Five years two years three years seven years ...'

'It's all too complicated!'

But regardless

'This offer is the best thing I've received in my whole life'

By now, Leus has already made up his mind

'I'll accept it.'