Chapter 408: Tempting offer
Andreas didn’t answer right away. He paused for a moment, going through all the information he had in his mind about that woman, then explained.
"It’s not easy to explain, since there really isn’t much information about her. Nobody knows where she came from, what her background is, or even her true identity. The Mad Empress always covers her face with a veil."
"Though she’s known as the most ruthless and cold woman in the world. There aren’t any clear details about her strength, but people say she’s either the strongest of the Heavenly Kings or a Demi God. Still, most believe she’s a Demi God."
"She hasn’t appeared many times either, and even I found it strange that she would choose a disciple." Andreas explained everything he knew.
"I think I’ve seen this Mad Empress once before," Daniel muttered. By now he was fairly sure it was the same woman he had seen in the Broken Valley.
Still, how had Eva become the disciple of such a being? That was the question he truly wanted an answer to.
"Do you know where this Mad Empress lives?"
"Her residence is the Eternal Palace. It’s located in the Azure Mountain Range on the border between two continents," Andreas replied.
"However, reaching that place is impossible. To get there you’d have to cross the Frozen Heaven, which is known as one of the coldest places in the entire world. Even Heavenly Climbers might freeze to death there."
Daniel sighed and shook his head. It seemed finding Eva in the end wouldn’t be such an easy task. With this situation, he might have to wait years before seeing her again.
"Thanks for finding me this information. It means a lot to me," he said gratefully as he stood up.
"You’re welcome. Are you going to see Selera?" Andreas asked with a smile.
"Yeah." Daniel nodded and before leaving, ordered Fino to stay where he was.
The aura and presence of this little dragon had become far too powerful, and Daniel didn’t want to take any risks. Better for him to stay put for now and not go outside.
After leaving the palace, he headed toward Selera’s residence. It wasn’t too far from Andreas’s palace, about a ten-minute walk. As soon as he arrived, the guards stopped him.
"I want to speak with Lady Selera."
"Please wait a moment while we inform her." The guards recognized Daniel, so they didn’t dare show any disrespect.
One of them quickly went inside to deliver the message. It didn’t take more than a few seconds before he returned.
"You may enter." He stepped aside.
Daniel gave them a small nod and walked into the palace. It had nearly the same design as Andreas’s, not much different, though the atmosphere here felt a bit more suffocating.
He headed to the hall, where he found Olivia and Selera. The latter was seated and watching him with a smile.
"It’s been a while, Lady Selera." Daniel smiled as he sat down without asking for permission—not that he cared.
"Hello, Mr. Daniel." Selera greeted him with a beautiful smile, while Olivia simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"We should’ve talked earlier, but you know how the situation was."
"Yes, it’s fine. Now that everything’s been settled, we can talk in peace."
"Better not waste time and get straight to the main topic. Sorry, but I have to reject your proposal." Daniel spoke plainly, without any expression on his face.
"May I ask why?" Selera sighed. She had already expected rejection, but not so direct and blunt.
"Because Andreas and I have an understanding, and I don’t intend to break it."
"I see. My brother is really lucky to have a friend and ally like you."
"Of course he’s lucky. But I didn’t come here to talk about his luck. I came because this time I want to make you a proposal." Daniel said with a smile.
"A proposal? I’m listening." Selera asked with a hint of curiosity, though she didn’t have much hope. She had already lost her eligibility for succession and all her support.
She no longer qualified for inheritance and had lost everything backing her.
"I’m sure you already know that you no longer have a chance at succession. Even if I weren’t supporting Andreas, you still wouldn’t stand a chance against Lioran. That’s why I’m offering you cooperation instead," Daniel explained, then continued.
"You want revenge, don’t you?"
At the last part of his words, Selera’s expression darkened instantly, and a chilling aura spread from her body. For a moment, a powerful presence radiated out of her.
"Please calm down." Daniel didn’t care and released his own aura for a moment, suppressing hers.
"How do you know?" Selera asked coldly, ignoring his suppression.
"There are rumors that your mother was killed. Considering I can feel such intense hatred in you, it wasn’t hard to figure out."
Hearing this, she slowly calmed down. For a while, she didn’t say anything, and silence filled the room.
"...You’re right. Sorry, but yes, my goal is revenge."
"It’s fine, I understand. That’s why I want to make you an offer. How about working with me and Andreas?" Daniel asked with a smile.
"What do you mean? Can you explain clearly?" Selera frowned and asked. If there was a chance to take her revenge, she definitely wouldn’t let it go.
"It’s simple. Forget about succession and help Andreas instead. In return, I promise you that once Andreas becomes head of the family, you’ll hold the second-highest position after him. And for your revenge, you’ll have both my help and Andreas’s."
Selera fell into silence and didn’t respond right away. Daniel’s offer was truly tempting. She knew that if she lost succession normally, she’d just end up as an ordinary elder in the future.
But if what Daniel said was true, she would gain the position of Grand Elder, and with that position—and the help of the two of them... maybe her revenge really would be possible.
She sighed, and the hesitation in her eyes faded, replaced by determination.
"How can I trust you?"