The grand hall of the Drakewind family estate was adorned with ancient tapestries and dragon insignias, a testament to the family's long-standing legacy of dragon slayers. The council of elders, a group of seasoned and wise family members, gathered with an air of solemnity, their presence commanding respect from all who entered the hall.
Below them were seated the individuals who held considerable power in the family, like senior members of the family and Generals of the Drakewind soldiers.
"We will do as we discussed", Kale gestured to his supporters, looking at the Throne with gleaming eyes.
Aldrich stood tall and resolute at the entrance of the grand hall, ready to begin the execution of his plans. Beside him stood Erik, a figure of authority and The current head of the Drakewind Family, his presence exuding a sense of strength that commanded respect from all who crossed his path.
As they stepped into the hall, the hushed whispers of the family members gradually subsided, and all eyes turned towards the duo.
The family elders, seated in a semicircle at the far end of the hall, rose to their feet in a show of respect. Their faces were mixed with admiration and curiosity, eager to hear what Aldrich and Erik had to say.
Erik's voice echoed through the hall, solid and authoritative. "My fellow Drakewind family members, today marks a momentous occasion. Our family stands united, bound not only by blood but by a shared legacy that stretches back generations."
Erik stood before the Throne, with Aldrich standing next to him, as he spoke, "The Guardian of our family has chosen a new successor, and I am proud to say that he is none other than my son, Aldrich".
The Grand Hall echoed with cheers and clapping, with members of the family looking forward to the changes Aldrich would bring to the family. Some members did not support this decision, but their faith in the Guardian had reinstated their trust in Aldrich's abilities.
Kale looked at the commotion, knowing it would be hard to sway the family members if this went on. He looked towards the Elders that supported him, nodding his head before speaking out, "I congratulate you, brother, for your son's success, but Erik, you've led this family for years now, and what do we have to show for it? Our ancestors were renowned dragon slayers, feared and respected, but the Drakewind family has become weak and complacent under your rule."
Martin followed Kale as if it was well rehearsed, " I agree with senior brother Kale, plus Aldrich doesn't care about his cousins. Everyone knows how he had injured the future seedlings of the family just to win the trial."
Everyone was silent, looking at what Kale was trying to convey. It was well-known that Kale was always against Erik's succession and slowly created a faction inside the family that would support his ideology. Still, no one expected Kale to showcase his true intentions in front of the Family Head.
Aldrich looked at Kale curiously, "I know what he is trying to do. These bastards are the hardest to deal with. The ones that use their brain. He is trying to shadow father's authority and decisions so that either Erik is removed from the position of the family head before I succeed, or the family members will start to believe that Erik's decision of naming me as the successor would further destroy the family."
"Clever guy", Aldrich then looked towards his father, noticing the determined gaze, "sadly, he won't succeed today".
"Kale, I understand your concerns, but with the peace treaty between the races, and Dragons sealed by our Ancestors, we don't need to unnecessarily shed our blood to prove to other families that we are stronger than them. Those families sacrifice hundreds of their own just to prove a point, but we, the Drakewind family, have always stood together against those that defy us. You may be right. The family needs a new leader," Erik smiled at Aldrich. "But what it doesn't need is a leader that will lead the family to its demise to quench his own thirst for power and attention", Erik imbued Aura into his final words, making his stance clear.
Aldrich noticed the effect of his fathers speech. His father's supporters cheered while other members looked at him respectfully.
As for the others, Kale's faction was not in a good mood. Erik had persuaded the members that even if Erik needed to be a better leader, he believed Aldrich was a fitting successor. He reduces Kale's reputation by accusing him of being a power-hungry warrior who will lead the family to its demise.
"He isn't wrong, though", Aldrich thought. The Drakewind family crumbled after the Family Heads death, and the family members joined hands with different organizations. Kale thirsted for power but could never become a leader good enough to lead the family.
"You are not wrong, Kale" Erik started to speak again, all the attention diverted to him. "Ravensong Family has broken ties with us" Erik looked towards his son. "It was the first time I was ashamed of myself, and hence I have decided that we will take measures so that no one will look down on us anymore. From now on, The members of the Drakewind family will create a Dungeon Agency, where we will support mercenaries and adventurers to beat the Dungeons." Erik looked towards his son and said, "This idea was given to me by my son, and the logistics of this organization will be decided shortly".
The Grand Hall erupted with cheers. It was the first time the Drakewind family came out and created an organization, and the family members knew what change it could bring to the Drakewind family.
The family members began to cheer for Aldrich and Erik, further solidifying Aldrich's position as the successor.
"With this, The family members will gain experience to fight against monsters while bringing in revenue and increasing the family's fame" Aldrich began his first step to bring together the Drakewind Family.
"There will be competition, but no one can beat us when it comes to defeating monsters."
with this, the meeting had ended in favour of Aldrich and Erik."Tch", Kale did not expect his attack to backfire, as he left the grand hall in a bad mood,
"Just wait, Erik and Aldrich. You two will pay".