You would rather accept the terms

Olienna then suggests that Jerome sit down and discuss further, as she knows that there is much for you to learn about the Hyureeno family and your place within it. She reassures you that once your father returns, he will be able to provide more insight into your shared history.

As you both sit down, Olienna begins to explain the complexities of elven aristocratic life, the delicate balance of power, and the importance of family ties. She tells you about the various responsibilities and roles within the Hyureeno family, and how your presence could strengthen their position. She also advises you to be cautious about your half-orc and human companions, suggesting that their intentions may not be entirely sincere.

Olienna’s melodious and enchantingly beautiful voice penetrates your consciousness and envelops your mind like pleasant warm water that caresses the body of a tired traveler: “Dear Jerome! You should be more careful about those individuals who are part of your circle of acquaintances. This is simply necessary to ensure your safety. It is likely that the terrible incidents that happened to you during your trip are the result of the malicious activities of someone you “know.” Some of them were probably bribed... Who was the organizer of the **** attempts? This is not yet clear... Perhaps it was our arrogant competitors from the Amlari family... Or envious people from family of the Flaming Roses... Or ambitious representatives family of the Crescent of the Deep Sea... However, we will find out later who tried to harm our family. And the consequences for our ill-wishers will be... painful. But enough for now to talk about sad things! How glad I am that you managed to avoid these terrible dangers! Remember, Jerome, that only relatives can be a reliable support and true friends. Your noble origin and your belonging to the most highly developed people on the continent will generate envy and malice among primitive individuals. This is normal. This shouldn't scare you.

You shouldn't pay attention to the little things that are characteristic of the thinking of primitive societies.

Remember that you are part of a select circle of elite persons. The legacy of centuries of great history of the elven aristocracy is contained in your blood and shapes the essence of your destiny. Your elven relatives will always support you. The main thing is family."

Your charming cousin's phrases about your high destiny and your noble status make you experience feelings that are... unusual for you.

Perhaps for the first time in your entire life, you feel proud. Now you are not a weak guy who can be offended by some drunkards in a tavern. You are no longer a victim of constant bullying. You are no longer a grain of sand in the vast ocean of hostile waters of fate. You are the chosen one of fate, who has a high status in the world due to the very fact of your origin. You are significant and noble. You can look upon representatives of lower social and ethnic groups with a reasonable awareness of your superiority.

Throughout the conversation, Olienna remains charming and persuasive, using her knowledge of elven history and politics to paint a picture of the world from her perspective. She is open about the challenges faced by the Hyureeno family and the lengths they are willing to go to protect themselves.

You, on the other hand, struggle to come to terms with this newfound identity and the revelations about your family. You are torn between your feelings of excitement and apprehension, trying to make sense of the complex web of relationships and motivations that surround you.

You ask your beautiful female cousin about those representatives of the elven aristocracy whom she mentioned as possible customers of your ****. The instinct of self-preservation tells you that you need to find out more information about potential enemies.

Olienna replies with an encouraging smile: “The thirst for knowledge is one of the traits of a noble mind... I will try to satisfy your interest, Jerome. So, among the aristocratic elven families that currently rule the Free City of Tior-Faen, the following families can be distinguished. First: our family, the Hyureeno family, the noble family of the Enchanted White Stag (this majestic symbol is depicted on our heraldic emblem).

Next: the Amlari family (their heraldic emblem is a silvery unicorn), the arrogant owners of a large number of gem and gold mines in the east of the island, they almost monopolize the trade in enchanted jewelry, and they are also trying to get a share in the trade in enchanted weapons (this makes them direct competitors for us).

The Sarelan family, otherwise known as the Flaming Roses (their heraldic emblem contains a sword and two scarlet roses), have long possessed significant resources and controlled several large guilds of armed mercenaries. Representatives of this elven family are supporters of a more... decisive foreign policy. And they are unhappy that for several decades now their aspirations have been blocked by other members of the Collegia of Nobles (which is why this family does not feel goodwill towards us - we usually voted for a more restrained foreign policy).

And the fourth family, whose representatives are part of the Collegia of Nobles: The Vianetel family is also called the Crescent of the Deep Sea (their heraldic emblem is a golden crescent and a blue sea wave on a gray background). Until recently, they were weakened and not very active. But it is important to know that this family owns a significant merchant fleet and several large shipyards. Therefore, for our island nation, the capabilities of the Crescent of the Deep Sea are important.”

The abundance of new information makes you slightly dizzy. You will obviously need time to begin to understand the nuances of local politics.

Olienna notices your confusion and laughs: “I only told the most basic superficial information, Jerome! Don't worry. Over time, you will be able to understand all these complex things better.”

As the conversation continues, you find yourself asking more questions, trying to understand the reasons behind certain actions and decisions. Olienna's answers provide you with a different perspective, but also raise more questions in your mind. You are left with a sense of uncertainty, but also a growing curiosity about your newfound family and the role you might play within it.

Olienna asks you in detail about your journey. She seems to be interested in every little thing. You tell as much detail as possible. You tell her even about the most... unpleasant moments of the trip.

She tells you, “Judging by the events that happened on the ship during the pirate attack, you were able to learn some skills in sword and dagger combat. This is good. The desire to learn is a useful trait that will help you benefit our family. By the way, judging by the description of what you saw in the human merchant’s cabin, this human was trying to assemble and turn on a stationary magical hyperexothermic resonator...”

You ask in bewilderment: “Hyper... Resonator? What it is?"

She replies: “To put it very simply, we can say that this is a magical device that can be activated even by a person who does not have magical powers. This is a very expensive device made of enchanted metal, which uses rare enchanted minerals as “fuel”. The result of using the device: instantaneous enhanced activation of the spell that was cast on the focusing mineral. For example: the fireball spell can be strengthened tenfold this way. It is not difficult to guess that in your case, the consequences of using this device by this human would be fatal - most likely your ship would instantly die in a huge flash of flame. So you can rest easy, Jerome. You did the right thing."

Olienna's words echo in your head as you contemplate the information she has shared with you. You realize that your life is about to change drastically, and you are faced with the decision of whether to embrace this new identity or fight against it. As you sit there, lost in thought, you can't help but wonder what the future holds for you and your place within the Hyureeno family.

Sitting on a bench in the gazebo, you feel slightly dizzy. The stress of recent weeks, fatigue and injuries are likely affecting your well-being.

Olienna notices this and tells you: “The details regarding exactly what role you will play in our family will be clear when uncle Atheral returns. A couple of months ago he went on a diplomatic mission to the continent. He'll probably be back in a couple of weeks.

Now let's go to the castle. Of course, as soon as you arrived, I tried to heal your wounds as much as possible with the help of healing spells. But magic cannot completely eliminate all negative consequences. Your body still needs rest, Jerome.”

You get up from the bench and follow your charming cousin.