“Is defying the family’s and School Board’s authority amusing?” Frost Gattuso silently appeared beside Caesar.
“I’m just a student at Cassell College. The School Board members are lofty figures we can’t afford to offend. But I said ‘I refuse,’ and that made them conclude the meeting with no result. It made all of you bigwigs waste a trip—some even had to wiggle their hips. I find that quite amusing,” Caesar said coldly.
“Your childishness is a disgrace to the family.”
Caesar chuckled softly, “Uncle, did you know? I guessed why you were calling me even before I went in. Although ‘Hybrid King’ took me by surprise, I knew you were planning to promote me. In fact, I was holding it in the whole time—playing a game with you. I wanted to see what expression you’d have when I said ‘I refuse.’”
Frost didn’t get angry; instead, he sighed softly. “What makes your heart harbor such a harsh side? You’re a rare genius in the family, with first-rate bloodline talent. You’ve always strived to be a leader. The family loves you and wants to help you. We don’t want Chu Zihang or Lu Mingfei to stand in your way. You are the best—no one else should be rated above you. The family initiated the ‘Nibelungen Plan’ to ensure your future status.”
“My bloodline? Uncle, you’ve forgotten something. The noble bloodline of the Gattuso family—I only inherited half of it. The other half comes from a lowly surname, a lowly…” Caesar’s smile faded. “Gullveig.”
“Are you still dwelling on your mother’s death?” Frost shook his head. “It seems we have deep misunderstandings. To the family, Gullveig’s bloodline was indeed not noble. Her marriage to your father was not blessed by the family. But you are different—you are recognized by the entire family as the most talented descendant. Your gifts have already proven that.”
“A woman of low birth marries into a noble family, bears a child, and then dies. Her husband’s family despises her bloodline but acknowledges the child who carries her mixed blood,” Caesar lowered his head and laughed, “It’s like how no one likes pigs because they’re dirty, but when one dies, people choose the tenderest cut, and a chef carefully grills it, pairing it with truffles and morels, serving it on a spotless porcelain plate on a silver tray.”
“Caesar, trust the family. Your mother’s death had nothing to do with the family. Her funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, presided over by the Pope, attended by the entire family. Her soul is now at peace.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We are a dragon-blood family. We don’t believe in religion. A funeral officiated by the Pope counts as compensation?”
“It was a tribute. The family gave her honor in return for her contribution,” Frost said tenderly. “Caesar, you are her contribution to the family. Think about it—she left only you behind. If she really has a spirit, wouldn’t she want to see you achieve great things? The Nibelungen Plan is the family’s love for you, a unique gift. If you refuse it, you will break your mother’s heart. She is watching over you from above.”
“No, she can’t see me,” Caesar slowly raised his head. His expression changed—a face few had seen, with a cold smile and eyes that seemed to be frozen.
“She couldn’t see or hear when she died. That was the price she paid to bring me into this world,” Caesar looked at his hand. “All I could do then was hold her hand,” he slowly clenched his fist, the knuckles making a faint popping sound. “I didn’t dare let go, because I thought it must be terrifying… she couldn’t see or hear, and if no one held her hand, she’d feel like no one in the world wanted her anymore… She didn’t know about the honors the family gave her. The only connection between her and the world at that time was the warmth that passed from my palm to hers,” Caesar laughed hoarsely. “Uncle, I’ll repeat what I’ve told you before: I’m a descendant of Gullveig, and I’m not as close to your Gattuso family as you think.”
Frost looked at Caesar, as if he could see the sorrowful and intense aura emanating from him. After a long pause, he sighed deeply again.
“Caesar, look at the sea; the wind is picking up, and it’s going to rain,” Frost suddenly said.
Caesar followed his gaze, looking toward the distant, churning Genoa Bay, where dark clouds were gathering, heavy as lead.
“There was a conflict between the family and Anjou before you came in,” Frost said softly. “We have just killed the Bronze and Fire King. In the face of this epoch-making miracle, why did we argue? Because the waves are raging—a new era is coming.”
“A new era?”
“Hybrids can now kill Dragon Kings. We finally see the hope of ending the history of dragons. After that, hybrids will be the most superior species in the world, far beyond pure humans. Without dragons, no one can rival us. The world will be reshaped, just like during the Age of Exploration, just like the Industrial Revolution. It will be the age of hybrids, and you will be their leader,” Frost spoke like a poet extolling a glorious future. “The family is giving you full support at this moment. Isn’t that enough to prove our love for you? You will become the… Emperor of this new era!”
His voice carried a hint of temptation, like the serpent in the Garden of Eden telling Adam and Eve: “Eat the fruit from that tree, and you shall be like God.”
Caesar swirled the wine glass in his hand, remaining silent.
“Caesar, think it over again. If you are willing, the family will bring up the Nibelungen Plan again at the next School Board meeting, and you will be the only candidate. This is an opportunity many dream of, and now the family is offering it to you. Please accept it,” Frost said persuasively. “Don’t miss the best opportunity. You must understand that the family does not have absolute control over the School Board. To combat the collective awakening of the Dragon Kings, launching the Nibelungen Plan is inevitable. If you give it up, it will go to Chu Zihang or Lu Mingfei. Opportunities do not wait forever.”
“Yes, I desire to prove myself. I desire glory and power,” Caesar lifted his head.
“Very well, we were hoping to hear you say that.”
“But I am not like you,” Caesar turned, staring coldly at Frost. “I will seize my future with my own hands. Chu Zihang or Lu Mingfei, or anyone else who threatens me—I will face them head-on! One day, I will attain everything I want, but not as the head of the Gattuso family, only as Caesar! Just Caesar, like the name Dictator. Take back your gift; it’s tainted.”
The cold sea breeze blew between the two of them. Uncle and nephew stared at each other, neither willing to show weakness.
Finally, Frost averted his gaze. He sighed deeply. “To create hatred takes only a moment; to build love takes many years. Caesar, you are still young. One day, you will understand the family’s love for you.” He took an envelope out of his coat, sealed with the Gattuso family crest in red wax. “I brought a letter from your father. I originally planned to give it to you at the celebration for launching the Nibelungen Plan… The family knows about the girl you love. Unfortunately, like your mother, Gullveig, her bloodline is not noble enough. According to our rules, bloodline is the absolute standard in selecting brides, but the family does not want your mother’s tragedy to repeat. We are willing to change the rules for you.”
“If you are willing to accept the gift of the Nibelungen Plan,” Frost stared into Caesar’s eyes, “the family will make an exception and approve your engagement to Chen Motong. Your union will be blessed by the family.”