Arcane: Begging for Help in a Parallel Universe!

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"So, what's your answer?"

Camille's hands rested gracefully over her abdomen, her posture reminiscent of a noblewoman at a soirée, exuding elegance and poise. Her voice was calm and measured, showing no hint of urgency or impatience.

Link Star let out a bitter laugh. "Do I even have a choice?"

He had thought his plan was foolproof, but it turned out Camille was always one step ahead. Other versions of her from different timelines had lured him in, and now the Camille of this timeline was here to reap the rewards, ensuring he remained firmly tied to the Ferros family.

Still, despite being outmaneuvered, Link couldn't deny the benefits. Not only had he secured the Hextech crystal essential for the Mobius Drive, but he also gained the Ferros family's support in manpower, resources, and influence. Previously, he had been racking his brain over how to reform the Piltover Council and secure the necessary power and status. Now, the Ferros family had solved that problem for him.

With the first Sin created, he would have both the power and status needed to change the fate of the twin cities. Moreover, the Ferros family's backing would make his plans run even smoother. Not to mention, his and Janna's Bluebird Mercantile plan could also benefit from the family's resources.

No matter how he calculated it, he was coming out on top.

The only price he had to pay? Enjoying a motherly affection that most champions in the League could only dream of. Seriously, how many League champions even had mothers? Look at Sett—his mother's love was the reason every punch he threw in the Rift dealt true damage. Link could learn a thing or two from him, even if this "motherly love" came with a side of razor-sharp leg blades.

Link glanced at Camille's bladed legs. Seeing that he had accepted her terms, her smile grew warmer.

"In that case, follow me."

Camille led the way, with Link trailing behind. Janna, utterly confused, watched the two of them. Just moments ago, they had been at each other's throats. Now, it was a mother-son reunion? Had she fallen behind the times, or were the people of Piltover and Zaun just that eccentric?

Link followed Camille to Alicia's grave. She turned to him and said, "Kneel. Repeat after me."

Link knelt on one knee, and Camille faced the tombstone.

"Ancestors bear witness—" Camille crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes closed, her expression solemn.

Link parroted, "Ancestors bear witness!"

Camille's carefully composed demeanor faltered. She turned to him and said, "You don't need to repeat that part."

Link blinked innocently and nodded.

"Family above all. I pledge my loyalty, without deceit or reservation," Camille continued.

"Family above all. I pledge my loyalty, without deceit or reservation," Link echoed.

"For this oath, I give my all—body, mind, and soul."

"For this oath, I give my all—body, mind, and soul."

"That's enough," Camille said.

"That's enough," Link instinctively repeated, earning a frown from Camille. "Why do you insist on mimicking everything I say?"

"Human nature is to imitate… ahem!" Link caught himself before he could finish the thought. "You told me to repeat after you!"

Camille shook her head slightly and extended her hand to Link.

Taking her hand meant he was officially boarding the Ferros family's ship. But for the sake of his plans and fulfilling the Nameless One's request, he had no choice. He had to stick to his three principles of survival.

"Take care of things here, then meet me at the manor," Camille instructed, noticing the family's spies approaching. She left with measured steps, and Link shrugged, pulling out his clockwork shovel.

"Got it."

"Janna, light me up," Link said as he began filling the half-dug grave. Janna summoned a faint glow to hover above him.

"Link, you…" Janna glanced in the direction Camille had left, hesitating.

Link knew what she was thinking. As he worked, he said, "For you, for the twin cities, it's worth it. A little sacrifice on my part is nothing."

"For me? What does this have to do with me?"

"Everything," Link replied. "With the Ferros family's support, I can change the twin cities faster. Once they're stable, it'll be easier to spread your faith. Plus, our Bluebird Mercantile plan needs their help. So, my sacrifice is worth it."

"Link…" Janna's voice softened. "You've become quite endearing, you know that?"

"Really?" Link finished filling the grave and replaced the sod. "Then you'll have to help me out more in the future."

"Of course. Taking care of my chosen is my duty."

"In that case, could you find Vander and Singed for me? Tell them to meet me at the Riverside Workshop."

"Sure."

Once Janna was gone, Link stowed his shovel and let out a sigh of relief.

"Janna's so easy to handle. A little emotional support, and she's all in. I'm really getting the better end of this deal."

As he walked toward the manor, he encountered a butler holding a lantern at the path's entrance.

"Mr. Link Star?"

The butler raised the lantern, and Link nodded.

"The Gray Lady has instructed me to escort you to the manor."

"Lead the way."

"As you wish."

When Link arrived at the manor, he found the three core members of the Ferros family waiting for him.

Family Head: Stevan Ferros

Family Heiress: Dahlia Ferros

Chief Enforcer: Camille Ferros

"Brother," Camille stood behind Stevan, her hands resting on his wheelchair. "This is Link Star, my newly adopted son."

Link looked at Stevan. The family head had the Ferros family's signature silver hair, his face lined with age. His sharp eyes scrutinized Link with clear disapproval.

"Camille, you've changed," Stevan said with a cold snort. "As for this boy… hmph!"

With a dismissive wave, Stevan activated his wheelchair's controls and left the room without another word.

Link clicked his tongue. "Seems my new uncle isn't too fond of me."

"Don't mind him, Link," Camille said gently. "Stevan's just getting old. He's like a child sometimes."

"It's fine, Camille," Link replied, shaking his head.

Camille turned to her grandniece. "This is Dahlia. If you need anything, just ask her."

Dahlia smiled and nodded, and Link returned the gesture. She bore a striking resemblance to Camille, especially in the eyes, though her gaze was sharper, lacking the patience and composure that came with age.

"Dahlia, from today onward, Link will be your chief enforcer. He'll assist you in all matters, but in return—" Camille began, but Dahlia cut her off.

"I understand, Grandaunt. I'll fulfill all his requests as well. For the family, for our kin, I'll agree to anything, reasonable or not."

"Good."

Camille patted Dahlia's head, and the young woman smiled like a praised puppy.

"You two get acquainted. I'll go check on Stevan. He's been eating too many sweets lately. It's not good for his health."

After Camille left, Link leaned closer to Dahlia and whispered, "It's tough being around her, isn't it?"

"Yes—" Dahlia caught herself and quickly corrected, "No, it's an honor to learn from Grandaunt."

"Really?" Link crossed his arms, smirking. "Seems to me like you're both stressed and scared of her."

"Aren't you?" Dahlia shot back.

"Depends on the situation," Link shrugged. "Anyway, show me to my room."

"Why not just take you to the workshop? You'd sleep better there."

"If that's the case, why not just dump me in the materials storage?"

"Well, if you're going to be like that, should I say… 'Uncle loves you'?"

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 105 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 310 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.