Chapter 107
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Chapter 107: The Girl and the Old Man
Artificial awakening—forcing a breakthrough of level limits—inevitably caused damage to the physical form.
Yet the Iron-Blood Duke had foreseen this. During his awakening, he prepared a countermeasure: a potion using mandrake essence as its main raw material to minimize the aftereffects.
Mandrake essence couldn’t be stored, losing potency within twenty-four hours after harvest. This meant the process from gathering to making to taking had to be finished in a single day, or the potion became worthless.
It also required specific soil conditions, forcing secret cultivation in remote flower fields rather than Rose Mountain City itself.
For decades, the Hamilton family’s mandrake planting and transport had gone smoothly.
Until now.
The fields remained intact, but shipments were intercepted by experts. Backup Plans faced similar sabotage—every move anticipated.
Such precision hinted at years of preparation, even a decade. The plotters were undoubtedly Hamilton insiders.
“The Belmar Duchy teeters on collapse, yet we still have internal strife,” Fina muttered, staring at the motionless old man. Her fists tightened.
Her bond with Haidrich defied simple labels.
No deep familial love, no blood connection. Not mere political calculation or a family head’s control. Instead, Fina Hamilton and Haidrich Hamilton shared mutual respect as equals.
Their equality stemmed not from age or power, but shared arrogance and solitude.
Both were geniuses wielding unmatched power, indifferent to envy, walking self-chosen paths.
Politically, however, they clashed.
By naming Fina first heir, Haidrich had declared her his ultimate challenger.
One day, the Queen of Magic would face the Iron-Blood Duke on the battlefield.
Fina awaited—no, craved—that day. Her greatest test. Her ultimate reward.
She loved her grandfather yet opposed his path.
Their thorny bond defied ordinary understanding, a rose vine strangling itself.
But now?
This towering figure from her childhood memories lay broken by petty schemes, unable to speak or open his eyes!
Weren’t you the man who achieved second awakening?
The Belmar Duchy’s strongest, felled like this?
Damn! Damn! DAMN!
Her nails bit into her palms. Blood welled, pain sharp yet ignored.
A warm hand closed over her fist.
Midi.
Think I’m some weepy girl needing coddling?
Fina jerked her head away, yanking her hand. Midi absorbed the motion, grip unyielding.
“If anger drives you, hunt the plotters. If pride stings, surpass what even the Iron-Blood Duke couldn’t achieve.” Midi held Fina’s gaze, her gem-blue eyes reflecting his calm. “That’s how you’ll transcend.”
He now roughly understood why the Iron-Blood Duke, such a strong-willed and suspicious man, had allowed him into the Hamilton family’s most guarded secret realm. The grandfather must’ve foreseen his granddaughter’s emotional turmoil, wanting Midi nearby to calm her.
Undoubtedly, the Duke believed the awakening-capable Lake Light Hall would irresistibly bind Midi to Fina, strengthening their alliance. After all, only by Fina becoming family head could Midi gain access to the Hall. This single vague instruction had calculated political maneuvers, human nature, and profit exchanges – truly befitting the Iron-Blood Duke’s reputation.
Though impressed, Midi knew he’d stand by Fina regardless – just like during their past life’s noble wars.
Perhaps sensing his resolve through their clasped hands, the flame-eyed Queen of Magic gradually steadied. As Midi suggested – if angry, change everything! Her fist unclenched to grip his hand instead, fingers intertwining as mutual resolve solidified.
"Uncle Pipin."
"Your command, young mistress?" The old steward bowed deeply before the first heir.
"As acting family head, I summon an immediate family meeting."
Through five centuries, the Hamilton family had grown into a behemoth with inevitable internal strife. Current structure featured a main "Golden Branch" led by the Duke and Fina, commanding the Golden Branch Legion, plus seven branches managing alchemy, magic, agriculture, architecture, training, research, and shipping – essentially a miniature kingdom.
Any single branch surpassed the original Asreks family’s might. Combined, they formed an indomitable force.
Family meetings meant clashing interests. When the second-awakener Duke presided with his overwhelming level advantage and Lake Light Hall control, none dared oppose. But Fina, despite her unmatched level 36 among peers, remained far below the seven branch leaders’ minimum level 47 (three at level 50). Each leader also had level 40+ deputies – fourteen formidable opponents when united against her.
Even Midi, the reincarnator, found this daunting. Facing double-digit enemies ten levels higher in his past life meant fleeing. Now, retreat wasn’t an option. They must confront, subdue fourteen opponents, expose the Duke’s poisoner, consolidate Hamilton’s power, prepare for civil war, and counter the Delos Empire.
As urgent summonses flew, golden-lion-flagged caravans converged on Rose Mountain City – weights tipping the scales against Fina’s lone red chess piece. Or perhaps two pieces, counting Midi. Yet his presence became the meeting’s prime target.
"When did base-blooded trash like that brat earn rights at our noble gathering? Out! Now!"
The thunderous roar echoed through Rose Mountain Castle’s crystal hall as attendees settled. No noble grace colored this challenge – just crude mockery.
From Fina’s right side, Midi turned toward the red-bearded, fiftyish speaker.
Golien Hamilton. Swordsmanship branch leader.
