Tales of Demons and Gods: Light Devil Fruit

23. Arguing (2)

"To be betrothed to Ye Han?"

Ye Xinghan coughed violently upon hearing the declaration, his face turning red. Everyone had funny faces, the air thick with tension.

"City Lord, you mustn't jest at such a critical moment," interjected a bearded man, his voice laced with disapproval. He was likely one of the city's ministers, though Ye Xinghan didn't recognize him from either the novel or the donghua.

Ye Xiu, Ye Xinghan's second uncle, had remained silent until this point, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady but firm, "City Lord, I believe you're acting too hastily in this matter."

Ye Xiu harbored doubts about Ye Han, sensing an intense desire for control and an ambition that seemed to burn behind his polite facade. Ye Han's courteous exterior was merely a mask; his true nature was a well-guarded secret. 

The prospect of betrothing Ume, a prodigy whose talent hadn't been seen in centuries, to Ye Han felt like sending her into the jaws of a beast. 

'Ye Han is truly indulged by Ye Zong,' Ye Xiu pondered, understanding Ye Zong's desperation for an heir, given he only had a daughter.

Seeing Ume's face etched with despair, Ye Xinghan felt a surge of pity. 

'The weak indeed can only be tools for the strong,' he thought, his heart heavy.

With bravery, Ye Xinghan stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Ye Zong. "Uncle, may I speak?"

"Speak," Ye Zong replied solemnly, his curiosity piqued by Ye Xinghan's boldness.

"Everyone," Ye Xinghan's voice echoed through the room as he scanned the assembly with piercing eyes, drawing their focus. "I acknowledge the immense allure of an azure talent. I understand that associating with her would benefit all of us. And I am well aware that each of you here serves only the interests of the Snow Wind Family and Glory City.

"In these perilous times, with demon beasts vying for any opportunity to strike, and enemies plotting in the shadows, only Grandpa Ye Mo stands as our spiritual anchor. The strategic value of an azure talent has thus become paramount.

"But we, the Snow Wind Family, are known for our reasonableness. We strive to maintain peace and happiness, to cleanse the lands and defend our safe harbour.

"I implore you all to remember our core values. Though we hold great power, we must not misuse it.

"Consider this: what if the azure talent was your most cherished one—your daughter, sister, or wife? How would you feel if their dreams and freedom were stripped away by the one who supposed to protect them?

"How would that feel?

"Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?" Ye Xinghan's voice rose to a shout, his commitment to protect Ume, as promised to Gyutarou, unwavering.

Ume, who had been hiding behind Ye Xinghan, was astonished. 

Despite being shorter than her, Ye Xinghan seemed to tower over everyone, offering her a sense of safety and security. 

She had always felt a bit intimidated by him due to his aloof demeanor, now wondering, 'Maybe he's just shy around girls?' This thought dispelled her nervousness.

Even Ye Xiao was taken aback by Ye Xinghan's outburst. 

Instead of fearing that Ye Xinghan offended everyone, he felt an overwhelming pride for his son.

The high-ranking officials in the room hid their faces, embarrassed at being chastised by someone so young, yet unable to deny the truth in his words. 

Ye Zong regarded Ye Xinghan with newfound respect.

"Alright, then what do you suggest?" Ye Zong asked softly, a tone rarely used with anyone but his daughter.

Ye Xinghan did not immediately respond; instead, he turned to Ume. "Ume, what do you truly desire? Do you wish to join our family, or do you seek something else?"

Ume trembled under the sudden scrutiny, fearful of saying the wrong thing. 

"Close your eyes," Ye Xinghan instructed, "and ask yourself what you truly want. Everyone here will fulfill your wish, no matter what." 

He just conveniently made a promise on behalf of everyone, but they just twitched their eyes and said nothing 

Ume nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to calm herself.

The room waited, knowing her next words would dictate her fate.

After a moment of silence, she spoke, her voice soft but clear:

"I want to eat every day. 

I want to play with my friends every day. 

I want to study alongside everyone. 

I want to enjoy fun times with everyone here. 

I want to stroll in the garden with my brother. 

I want to create memories with those I love."

Her long-suppressed desires burst forth, a testament to years of suppressed indignation and the weariness of concealing her identity and her face.

Everyone listened intently to her heartfelt requests, realizing they were not hard to fulfill.

Initially, she had considered fleeing from Glory City, disappointed by its supposed guardian.

And now, because of the bravery of certain someone. She too, will be brave!

"I would like to join the Snow Wind Family!"

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