Blood Feud Trial

Silence fell. Then more silence. And still more.

Fernan didn't know what to do with that.

After so many years in the Seven Cities, he had sat through countless meetings and negotiations full of honeyed words and hidden knives, schemes and counter-schemes. He had heard more false concern, vicious curses, and accusations than he could count. But he had never encountered anyone so blunt and sincere.

If it had only been a greeting, that would have been one thing. But he could actually feel that Ji Jue cared whether he had eaten.

If you haven't, should I make you a bowl of noodles?

"No need, I've already—"

Fernan had just opened his mouth to decline politely when, with a pop, Ji Jue opened the bottle of wine in his hand and slipped a glass into Fernan's. The whole thing was seamless.

"Then have a drink."

Fernan looked down at the glass. By the time he raised his head, Ji Jue had set a fruit platter on the table.

And he was watching him.

Fernan was afraid that if he opened his mouth again, Ji Jue would say, If you don't want red, have white. If you don't want white, have beer... Keep arguing, and a plate of pork head meat would probably appear. "Then thank you."

He took a sip of red wine and set the glass back on the table, his expression turning solemn. "I'm here on behalf of the Seven Cities Council to offer congratulations to Elephant Isle. By convention, Patriarch Minkler will inherit the Chopra Family's presiding seat on the council. From this day forward, he will be an influential member of the Seven Cities." He paused and gave a weary sigh. "I hope the Chopra Family will act prudently from now on and put the greater