Chapter 2439
Elaine huffed. “Just speaking about the gift itself, of course, I’m satisfied. This would be enough to marry a few legitimate young ladies from the Reyes family. But Valerie isn’t just any ordinary bloodline member of the Reyes family. She’s Finnegan’s most beloved daughter, and also the Reyes family’s most promising young talent. You’re really putting me in a difficult position by doing this.”
Andrew shrugged. “I don’t think there’s anything difficult about it. Both our sides have sufficient strength and prestigious reputations; we’re respectable people. And the gift I’m offering is sincere enough. So you really don’t need to trouble yourself over this. In my opinion, just agree to it, and we can discuss a date for the two of them to tie the knot.”
Elaine gave a sharp, amused laugh. “You’re really something, aren’t you? Everyone knows Valerie isn’t just another member of the Reyes family, yet you talk like it’s your right to decide her future. Fine then… Let’s do this properly. I’ll speak to Valerie first. If she agrees, I’ll report it to Finnegan and see what he says. How’s that?”
Andrew shook his head. “That’s not going to work for me.”
Elaine’s lips twitched, the color rising in her cheeks. This man really had the nerve. Power or not, how dare he talk to her in that tone?
Andrew continued, “In powerhouses, marriage alliances are common and decided by the parents or the matchmakers. As long as you agree, then Ms. Valerie’s opinion and thoughts don’t really matter. If her elders arrange for her to marry a respectable man, she should be grateful.”
Elaine frowned. “That’s not how this works. If it were any other woman, I’d have already agreed, especially with such a generous gift, but like I said, Valerie’s special to us. What you’ve offered is remarkable, I won’t deny that. But I can’t force Valerie into something she doesn’t want.”
Andrew was frustrated. He knew this approach still would not work. No matter how much he gave, the Reyes family would still need to consider it and could not just finalize everything with one stroke and provide a definite answer. After all, Valerie was a true prodigy. If she had just married Amari like that, the Reyes family’s standards would seem far too low.
“Fine, I won’t rush you, but I hope you won’t keep me waiting too long.” As Andrew spoke, he revealed another plan. “By the way, I’m preparing to leave Sovereign’s Apothecary and go independent, breaking their monopoly on elixirs and alchemists.”
He explained, “Right now, everything is ready, and I just need the right opportunity. I urgently need a few super-powerful forces with influence and military strength to join as partners. Do you think your family might be interested?”
Elaine raised a brow, surprised. “You’re planning to leave Sovereign’s Apothecary and go independent? Don’t you think that’s a bit… unrealistic? Sovereign’s Apothecary is considered sacred ground for alchemists.
“Every alchemist dreams of joining them, not competing with them. And behind them stand the Divine Alchemists, the most dominant order in existence. Challenging their position… Well, forgive me for saying it, but that sounds like a fantasy.”