Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO
Chapter 2356; The New Big Four
With the fall of Eric, Emmanuel returned to the Lannister Estate. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Three Elders, half-dead, into the center courtyard.
Thud!
Upon the scene of the Four Elders lying in a neat row, the Lannister retainers who had surrendered were overcome with emotion.
Just yesterday, they still believed in the unshakable might of the Lannister family. They had scoffed at the idea that anyone could threaten its foundations. And yet, here they were.
“Eric is dead and Gwain has run away. Xarri what’s your plan?” Emmanuel wasn’t going to make the decision for Xarri.
“The one who orchestrated everything was Eric. Now that he’s dead, the grudge between our families can end here.” Xarri said steadily. “But if you need to rebuild the Lannister family, I can take charge of it for you, Emmanuel.”
That single line revealed Xarri’s wisdom.
The existence of the Big Four was not without reason. Xarri wasn’t power-hungry, nor did he or his sister care unless is served a greater purpose.
Yet, Emmanuel didn’t hesitate. “I’ll leave it to you then, Xarri.” Two two were of the same mind. There was no need to spell things out.
If the Lannister family could be brought under their banner, it would become a formidable force in the capital. And that, in turn, would be a powerful stabilizer for all of Zovince.
“Very well. I’ll tame them!”
His gaze swept toward the fighters of the Lannister family, now bound and guarded by the Wolf Warriors.
Wyatt was the first to step forward. “Mr. Xarri, I’m willing to follow your lead!”
He had understood that Xarri was far more capable than Gwain. The Lannister family could reach new heights under his comma.
“Me too!”
“Eric seized power through treachery. Now that justice has been served, it’s only natural that you take the mantle.” One by one, the people pledged their allegiance.
To them, loyalty had always been a matter of survival. They were all just seeking a sturdy figure to lean on. In the end, even the Four Elders bowed their heads and pledged loyalty.
“Perfect!” Emmanuel didn’t waste any more words and turned to Xarri. “Take full charge. If there’s any problem, just let me know. I’ve always despised traitors.”
The warning was subtle but deliberate. Even though the Lannisters wouldn’t dare rebel after this crushing defeat, a reminder never hurt. Xari simply nodded.
Emmanuel trusted Xarri’s abilities, so he led the Wolf Warriors away and left the Lannister family’s future in Xarri’s hands.
“Dad!”
Just as Emmanuel walked out with Santiago and Yorick, Yuna and Xylie came running toward them.
They had obeyed the orders and waited outside the whole time. Since Emmanuel and the Saints had come and gone over the rooftops, they girls hadn’t seen them until now.
“Are you okay?” Each daughter showed concern for their father.
Their emotions might’ve been different, but to Emmanuel, it was a comically warm scene. He couldn’t help but laugh.
Before the Saints and their daughters could speak further, Emmanuel interrupted with a grin, “Santiago, Yorick. I have a great idea!”
“What do you now?” Santiago eyed him warily.
Yorick and the Tanner Sisters looked on with mixed expressions.
“You two have been through thick and thin together. You’ve fought side by side. I think it’s time you become sworn brothers!”
“What?” Santiago’s eyes winded in disbelief, with Yorick looking just as stunned.
They clearly weren’t opposed to the bond between them, but it felt embarrassing for their age.
Yuna Jumped in a tugged at Yorick’s sleeve. “Dad, I think it’s a great idea!”
She was always looking to expand her network and influence in a world ruled by connections and alliances.
“I think it’s a good idea too!” Xylie added.
Her reasoning was different from Yuna’s. She merely felt that Santiago had always been a bit lonely. Having a sworn brother would bring him joy.
“Hmph. What’s your true intention, kid?” Santiago narrowed his eyes at Emmanuel.
“If you two unite under one family, you can oversee the Tanner family together. Of course, you can stay here in Zovince and support Mr. Hale!” Emmanuel made it clear to the Saints.
The Lannister family alone wasn’t enough, but a newly fortified Tanner family and the balance of power in Zovince would be solid.
“Perfect! I support the idea!” Yuna didn’t exclaim like a child, but her voice was filled with passion. “Dad, you and Mr. Santiago are heroes who fought for the nation. Now that you’ve been honored as the two Saints of Silver Dragon and Savage Tiger, you should help rebuild our land, for the people, for the country!” It was a powerful speech.
Xylie was less eloquent, but she nodded earnestly. “The Big Four were corrupt and selfish, except the Chapman family. If we could form a new Big Four dedicated to serving the people, everything would change.”
“Haha. I can’t argue with you youngsters!”
Santiago chuckled. “If Yorick, this sour-faced b*stard, doesn’t mind. I’m in. I’ll work like a dog if I have to.”
“Santiago, watch your mouth.” Yorick fired back instantly, “Giving up on Jane was the greatest regret of my life. If I’m able to join the Tanner family and become part of her family, I suppose that’s not a bad outcome. But I have one condition!”
“Go ahead!” Emmanuel responded without hesitation. He truly wanted to see this alliance come together, not only for the sake of these elders but for the peace of Zovince.
“I want to compete with Santiago for the head position. Winner take the title.”
True to his martial nature, Yorick couldn’t let a matter of hirarchy go without a fight. Emmanuel laughed and turned to Santiago.
“Oh, what a hassle!” Santiago chuckled. “But I’m not afraid of you. Bring it on. Every year on New year’s Eve, We’ll duel for it. Whoever wins is the family head for the year. But since I’m older than you, I’ll go first this year. You’ll have to listen to me.”
“You’re trying to take advantage of me again? No way I’m letting that happen!” Yorick rejected the idea at once. “Let’s settle it right now!”
“What? Are you serious?” Santiago grabbed his spear and launched the fist attack. “Hahaha, bring it on!” The two men broke into a fight right then and there.
Emmanuel shook his head. Since it was a friendly spar, there was no real danger to consider. With both the Lannister and Tanner family matters settled, only one major piece reamined, the Zelinsky family.
Just then, Sage came rushing over. “Commander Lowe! We’ve located Ezra and Gautier based on the clues Magnus left behind!”