Hearing Lady Xan's words, Faen nodded and said, "I understand. So, Irelia will be traveling with me from now on?"
Beside him, Irelia blinked; though she didn't speak, a clear look of eager expectation surfaced on her face.
"Yes," Lady Xan replied with a nod. "To master the true Blade Dance, Irelia must understand what she fights for and what war truly brings. Only then can she wield the rhythm without shattering the balance between the two realms. And the seal on Fae'lor... that is the key to bringing the Blade Dance back into this world."
Though she didn't state it explicitly, Faen was certain from the way Lady Xan looked at him that she already knew many of the secrets involved.
With that in mind, Faen nodded. "I will protect her."
Lady Xan harbored no doubts. She simply nodded. "Then I have nothing to worry about..."
She then turned her gaze toward the assembled Xan family members. "In the name of our ancestors, children of Xan, and in the name of the First Lands—join the transformation of this new era! Drive out every single one of those invaders from across the sea!"
The Xan family members shouted their agreement in unison.
Normally, such a call to arms would have met with resistance and debate. Even as the pillar of the family and a world-renowned Master of the Silk Dance, Lady Xan would still be bound by Ionian traditionalism.
But everything was different now. After hearing the ancient legends of Ionia, the Xan family's thoughts were entirely consumed by the legacy of the Blade Dance.
Even in an Ionia that worshipped hermits, seekers, and ascetics, there were still those who craved to become like the Enlightened One, Karma. It wasn't just about power or glory; becoming an Enlightened One represented infinite knowledge and wisdom. That potential now fueled their every thought.
True, only Irelia could practice the Blade Dance. But once she succeeded, the Xan family would inevitably gain more knowledge and respect. For any Xan descendant, that was a massive temptation.
As the others trickled out, Faen remained in the ancestral hall. Once only Faen and Irelia were left, Lady Xan called the girl over.
Looking at the still-immature, budding girl, Lady Xan felt a pang of sentimentality. She didn't say a word, simply holding the girl's slender, porcelain-white hands and staring into her eyes. Under Irelia's confused gaze, Lady Xan asked softly: "Irelia, what are your thoughts on the betrothal with Faen?"
Irelia had suspected her grandmother might bring it up today, but she never expected it to be so sudden—and right in front of Faen. Her face instantly turned a brilliant crimson. After a long pause, she finally muttered in a tiny voice, "I... I have no problem with it, of course."
"It's not a matter of 'having no problem,'" Lady Xan shook her head. "The path of the Blade Dance is a grinding of the heart. If you choose this only to satisfy the family's expectations, you are putting the cart before the horse..."
She shook her head with a look of helpless worry. "It's my fault. When you first returned, I saw the way you looked at your Senior Brother—and since Faen is such a fine young man, I asked impulsively. Looking back, I was perhaps too lightheaded with the return of the Blade Dance and the changing era... So, Irelia, if you are unwilling, you can say so now."
Lady Xan then cast an apologetic gaze toward Faen. "I know breaking one's word like this is a great offense, Mr. Faen, but I ask for your understanding. This is vital for both the Xan family and Ionia. Whatever compensation you require, I will do my best to fulfill it."
Faen shook his head. "There's no need. If anything, the situation back then was quite unique. Now that we've calmed down, we really should leave this decision to Irelia herself."
Both Lady Xan and Faen turned their eyes toward Irelia simultaneously. Meeting their gazes, Irelia's exquisite face filled with embarrassment and unease. It wasn't that she was unwilling; it was just the sudden formality of the question and the demand for a definitive answer.
Still just a young girl, Irelia lowered her head and whispered, "I... I am definitely willing..."
To prove she wasn't just being influenced by her family, she began rambling about how Faen was the first to welcome her when she arrived at the sanctuary. She mentioned how he helped her catch up on lessons when Master Xynia was busy, how he helped "open her bones" before practice, and helped her relax afterward...
Seeing Irelia's face get redder and hotter the more she spoke, Lady Xan nodded. she looked at Faen and said, "It seems my worries in this regard were redundant."
"It was for Irelia's sake, after all."
Faen rubbed his chin, suddenly feeling conflicted about how to integrate Irelia into his current "family atmosphere."
While he lived quite comfortably with his girls—practically like a fish in water—Faen wasn't stupid. He knew his domestic life was completely incompatible with what people generally understood as a "family." His girls might enjoy their play with him, but they maintained their elegance and status in public.
Seraphine, Zeri, Caitlyn—none of them had any intention of telling their parents about the reality of their living situation. And as for Jinx and Vi... while Vander had been resurrected, he clearly didn't want to know too much. Given the atmosphere in Zaun and the trauma the sisters shared, Vander was just happy they were together; he had no desire to interfere.
But Irelia... growing up in traditional Ionia, she was a different story. Forget her accepting it; Faen had to seriously consider how to even explain the stories of his time away and the "bonds" he had formed with those other girls.
Faen's face remained impassive as he looked at Lady Xan. "I will protect Irelia. If there's nothing else, we'll rest for a bit and then continue our journey."
"Safe travels," Lady Xan nodded.