Elaine remained cold as she replied, "Yes, what you said is a fact. Though I'm reluctant, I have to admit that right now, our family isn't qualified to be mentioned in the same breath as the Lloyd royals. However, you are aware of the Umbral Peak Sect behind our family."
She continued, "Andrew, it seems you've gone through quite a lot over the years. The charming young man you once were has turned into someone far more complicated and impossible to read.
"Honestly, I still prefer how you looked back then, riding your horse by the bridge, with the whole city's beauties waving their handkerchiefs at you. Grown men sometimes aren't as likable. Just like women, after growing up, they become calculating, petty, and greedy for fame. It's never a good look."
Andrew said calmly, "Thanks for the reminder. But what I've become wasn't decided by me. Everything is life's inevitability. Ms. Theron, you've spent your years behind the walls of power, commanding the world from your seat, surrounded by loyal guards, living without worry.
"You speak, and lives are changed. But you may not realize that's not what life is really like. Hardship is actually the main tone of life."
This time, Elaine did not get angry. She was unfazed, sighing as she replied lazily, "I just feel that the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince from back then was more charming, more adored by all of Chetvine.
"Thinking back, every household in this city talked about the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince. You were the golden boy that everyone envied. You're right. Boys eventually grow into men, forged into men of iron and resolve. My earlier words were my bias."
She added, "Right now, you, having experienced so much, are truly different. Even if I still love how you looked back then, we can't go back. Now, let's return to the main topic. Patriarch Donovan doesn't need to kneel at our family altar, but if you wish to form a marriage alliance with our family, he must bring substantial gifts and come in person. You know how much the Reyes family values prestige and spectacle."
She said, "In Chetvine, your family is the most hated because none of you bow to anyone, not in name, nor in pride. Over time, people have come to hate you, but they also envy you, and deep down, they want to replace you. So, I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Can you make that happen?"
Andrew smiled faintly. "That's still not possible. Patriarch Donovan is old now, and as the younger generation, it's our duty to take care of things for him. He won't personally attend to a marriage proposal. Also, Ms. Theron, let me clarify something: it's not me who wants to marry into your family. It's my junior."
Elaine's composure finally cracked, her tone sharp with anger. "You've rejected every single one of my conditions! Are you treating this marriage like a joke? Don't forget that it's you who came here seeking this alliance, not me begging you for one.
"And besides, if it's not you marrying into my family, then who is this so-called junior of yours? Do you think the women of the Reyes family are so cheap that anyone can just claim them?"
Andrew's voice remained steady. "Ms. Theron, we're discussing serious business here. Let's leave emotions and pride out of it and be rational. Your conditions are neither fair nor equal.
"The Reyes family's influence doesn't warrant Patriarch Donovan's personal involvement. You want prestige and publicity, but we won't lower our standing for it. Besides, my junior isn't just anyone. He's Amari Goodman from Sovereign's Apothecary, an eighth-grade divine alchemist. I came here simply to propose a match on his behalf."
Elaine's tone shifted, caught between surprise and curiosity. "Mr. Goodman from Sovereign's Apothecary? I know him. The beauty elixirs I use are all from him, and I don't trust anyone else's work but his.
"But Andrew, even if you're his senior, don't you think this is somewhat unnecessary? How old is he this year? I'm afraid he's getting on in years, right? Is there really a need for you to arrange a marriage for him?"