She lifted the glass and took a slow sip.
"I'll make this short," she said. "Partner with us. It would be beneficial for us both. If you already know my full name, then you know exactly why you should."
I watched her carefully.
From a single glance, I had already seen enough of her life. Royal blood flowed through her veins — old blood, stained by history. She was one of the leaders of the Unity. Not a messenger. Not a pawn.
She had come here to see me.
To measure me.
To decide how she would kill me.
The thought almost amused me.
At the same time, I had been considering what to do with the Unity myself. Whether to erase them completely or leave a few alive as an example. And yet here she was, standing in my presence as if she had any real choice in the matter.
I had already made my decision.
Half of the Unity would die.
As for her… I had not yet decided.
Perhaps I would kill her as well.
Or perhaps I would find another use for her.
For now, I would play along.
I would sign the partnership.
I spoke calmly."Why not? Go ahead and give me the papers. After all, I've heard you've become quite successful."
As I said it, one of the screens in the office lit up on its own.
The news had just come on.
I turned my eyes to it—and there she was.
Venasa Roseheart.
She was sitting exactly as she was now, composed and elegant, speaking confidently to the reporters. The broadcast praised her rise in the corporate world, her influence, and how quickly her company had grown. They spoke of her as a visionary—someone who listened to the people, who built her success by responding to their needs and giving them what they asked for, to the best of her ability.
All the while, the real Venasa sat across from me in silence, watching my reaction.
The contrast was almost amusing.
The world saw a benevolent leader.I saw a descendant of a fallen royal bloodline…a woman who had come here to measure whether I was worth killing.
I allowed myself a faint smile.
How convenient.
I signed the partnership contract as she watched, my pen moving steadily across the page. When I finished, I slid it across the desk to her and offered a faint smile.
"Here you go," I said calmly. "I'm looking forward to our partnership."
She took the document and glanced over it, her expression unreadable. She didn't smile—only gave a slight nod as she finished her drink.
Before she could stand to leave, I spoke again.
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" I asked evenly. "If you want to discuss business, there's no reason to stop now."
I didn't push. I simply waited.
She looked at me for a moment, then turned to her secretary.
"Tell everyone I'll be out for dinner," she said. "Cancel the rest of my appointments."
He nodded immediately.
We entered the elevator together. The ride down was quiet.
I studied her in the reflection of the mirrored walls. She was a haughty woman—confident, controlled, fully aware of the effect she had on others. She knew how to manipulate people, how to use charm, presence, and calculated emotion to get what she wanted. And she knew she was attractive. She used that, too.
When the elevator doors opened, the atmosphere shifted.
Outside, people stared. Some whispered. Others smiled at her openly, praising her accomplishments, thanking her for what she had done for society. She accepted it all with grace, offering warm smiles and polite nods—playing the role perfectly.
But beside me, her expression changed.
The smile faded.
What remained was her real self.
Cold. Calculating. Alert.
She didn't bother pretending anymore. She knew I was watching, and she didn't care.
I was in her vehicle instead of mine. I told Nara it was fine—she had offered, and I accepted without hesitation. I noticed the drinks laid out and picked up the whiskey with an ice ball, filling it to the top once more. She watched as I drank it in one smooth motion.
"You clearly like your drinks," she remarked.
I glanced at her as I poured another, this time sipping slowly and shaking it slightly.
"I suppose I do," I replied casually, also addressing her chauffeur.
"It's there. You can stop now," he said, and the driver listened, falling silent.
We exited the vehicle and entered the restaurant. I had reserved the table beforehand, so it was already waiting for us. We were seated on the balcony of the tall building, overlooking the city.
I ordered starters, mains, desserts, and drinks.
"So, about our partnership," I began, smiling lightly at her, "I'll only take five percent of the earnings."
She raised an eyebrow as she sipped her drink, then placed the glass down.
"Why so little?" she asked.
"As you know," I replied calmly, "I am one of the Eternal Princes of the ten Eternal Royal Families of my empire. We are among the top richest people in the world—and have remained the richest family for over a hundred thousand years."
"Yes, your family conquered all of Earth and claimed everything it had to offer during the Eternal War—which barely lasted six months before your family emerged victorious. I've heard about your ancestor, the man you were named after. They called him a monster, said he was hardly human. Though his appearance was human, his fighting was not. He was the most feared among all in the Eternal Empire—the Black Dragon General… and later, the Black Dragon Emperor."
"Yes, my ancestor, the Black Dragon Emperor… I have everything because of his decision to conquer Earth. Of course, groups like the Unity are trying to reverse what he did, attempting to reclaim what my empire has taken. It's fair in their eyes—they want what was lost. I've even faced countless assassination attempts, yet they all failed. I respect their tenacity and determination."
I studied her carefully. She showed no anger, no overt killing intent, yet I could sense it beneath the surface. Most others—humans, for example—would never notice. They wouldn't be able to tell how skilled she truly was. With her talent, she could easily have become a top actress.
She spoke, her tone calm but deliberate.
"So, you respect the people trying to kill you? Interesting… Either way, I'll give you ten percent of the earnings from what our companies gain through this partnership."
I glanced at her as I picked up my fork and began eating my starter. I didn't decline—I didn't care either way.
A man appeared suddenly. He looked at me and smiled, then gestured for someone to bring him a seat at our table. I met his gaze with an unreadable, indifferent expression, sipping my drink slowly.
I looked back at her. She clearly recognised the man. She didn't show it openly, but I could sense her annoyance at his presence interrupting our discussion.
"My name is Nelson Ironside," he said smoothly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Eternal Imperial Highness."
"Just call me Ren. It's easier that way," I replied evenly.
He smiled, but despite my remark, he continued addressing me by the formal title, as if deliberately ignoring my request.
"This is my fiancé, Nelson. My apologies for the interruption, Ren, and thank you for the dinner," Venasa said politely, though with a sharp edge.
Nelson immediately interjected. "No, carry on. I also wish to propose a partnership with the Eternal Imperial Highness himself. I plan to offer an additional twenty-five percent of the earnings if you agree to partner with me as well. I hope you'll consider it."
I studied him carefully. He, too, was part of the Unity. The tension between them was clear—they were not close, but competitive, each asserting their position. Yet beneath it, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible affection between them. How amusing, I thought to myself, observing this delicate balance of rivalry and care.
Nelson was also a leader of the Unity, his veins carrying the blood of royalty. I studied both of their lives carefully, observing their histories, ambitions, and connections. I stopped once I had gathered enough. It was clear—many members of the Unity were of royal lineage, their birthrights long ago seized by the Eternal Empire.
"I'm sorry, but I must decline," I said calmly. "My intention is only to secure her partnership for now. Your offer is generous, Nelson Ironside, but it gives me even more reason to speak plainly—aren't you two fiancés? Shouldn't the two of you work together? Perhaps it would be better if you signed a partnership with her instead."
"I'm sorry," Nelson said, inclining his head respectfully. "I agree with your point, Eternal Imperial Highness. But my intention is only to sign a partnership with you for my own benefit. Even though Venasa and I are engaged, what she earns will eventually be mine, and what I earn will eventually be hers—but for now, I still prefer to make my own money."
He paused, then knelt slightly and gave her a courteous kiss goodbye. She didn't move, maintaining her composure as he stood.
"I'll leave this here for you," he added, sliding the document toward Ren. "In case you change your mind. Good day to you both."
Once he left, Venasa turned her attention to me, her tone calm and professional.
"My apologies for the interruption," she said. "As you know, my company is focused on saving lives. Humanity continues to face new threats, diseases, and challenges, and our goal is to develop cures for these. What we do is not just business—it's to protect human lives, to ensure we can continue to thrive."
I nodded, observing her carefully. She was disciplined, composed, and confident—someone who understood both power and responsibility. Even in the midst of her business explanation, I could sense the determination and intelligence that had brought her this far.
I glanced at the document Nelson had left behind.
Venasa noticed and spoke calmly, almost dismissively.
"I wouldn't bother signing that," she said. "Trust me."
"Really?" I replied evenly. "If you say so."
I set the paper aside and finished my starter before moving on to the main course. She did the same, her posture composed, her expression unreadable.
As I ate, I let my senses drift—just enough to brush against her thoughts.
Damn it, Nelson… why did he have to come here now?That irritating man always interferes at the worst moments.
Her thoughts sharpened, darker beneath the surface.
I intend to use Ren. Draw him in, learn how he thinks… then kill him for the Unity and reclaim what was stolen from my bloodline. What was taken from my family by the Eternal Empire belongs to me by right.
Then her focus shifted.
Still… this man is interesting.
I felt her attention linger on me.
Decisive. Calm. He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't hide behind words or fear. He says exactly what he means.
A pause.
That makes him dangerous.
Her gaze flicked up briefly before returning to her plate.
I'll figure out how to kill you, Ren Blackdragon. One way or another.
I continued eating as though unaware, my expression unchanged.
Inside, however, I was amused.