Death... and me

Obviously, Valia didn't like the idea at all.

"I don't want that!"

However, Marau warned her.

"Are you sure about that? The news about this young man will soon spread like wildfire. All your rivals will pounce on him like hungry wolves tomorrow. Are you really okay with that, knowing that one of those girls might come back in the future with a Rank Six or even a Rank Seven Bloodline Soul Mark? Remember, even if you were gifted a Rank Six Bloodline Mark, your status would still be higher than anyone with an earned Rank Five Mark."

Marau then added.

"If you don't take this chance, the other girls in the clan and from the other families in the city will. Especially a certain someone named Xiria Asume."

As soon as Valia heard that name, her face warped. Xiria was someone she simply didn't see eye to eye with and always competed against each other. This situation started far in the past when the two fought in a tournament and ended up in a draw. Since then, the two have always tried to surpass the other in any way possible.

"Fine... I'll try it out. But I can't guarantee it'll work. As father saw a while ago, our start was as terrible as it could be."

Marau nodded as he said.

"It's fine. I also think the chances are low. In fact, they aren't low only for you, but for everyone else. Someone like that is bound to marry someone at the same level of importance. However, there's nothing wrong in trying."

Valia agreed with Marau and then asked something else.

"By the way, father. Have you ever heard anything about a Torio clan or any organization related to it?"

Marau narrowed his eyes as he pondered about this issue.

"To be honest, I've never heard of them. Besides, Gian didn't say that he was part of a clan named Torio or any organization. He simply said that his name was that. As a city with a Rank Five Bloodline Trial Ground, we have quite a few connections within the Empire. Nevertheless, I can't figure out anything through Gian's name."

He then continued.

"That being said, I can only think about two possibilities. First, Gian is using a fake name. However, I find this option unlikely. I used my Spiritual Sense before and couldn't find anyone in the surroundings that seemed to be protecting him. Even if he had changed his name, he was bound to have someone watching him. After all, which clan, organization, sect, etc., would let such a talent roam outside on his own? Of course, that might be because the one protecting him has a level of cultivation much higher than mine. Though, I don't think that would be the case."

"As for the second option, I guess you know the answer already."

Valia felt a chill on her back when she thought about it.

"He... came from one of the Celestial Lands."

Marau nodded as he replied.

"Exactly. That's the most likely answer to Gian's identity. As you know, the Celestial Land Disciples are usually somewhat eccentric, acting as they like. Don't you think that his taste for playing with humans fits that criteria?"

Valia nodded vigorously.

"Yes. No normal Zasfin would treat their humans that way. Only those crazy guys from the Celestial Lands would do things that make no sense."

Marau smiled after hearing that.

"However, that's even better. Celestial Lands have their own Bloodline Soul Trials separated from the Empires. That's why I've never learned about Gian. Otherwise, I should have heard something once he got his Mark at that age."

Valia couldn't help but grow a little excited. Celestial Lands stood on the same degree of importance as the Imperial Family. Gian was most likely one of their members and a very talented one at that. If she could really take him, she wouldn't even care if she had to play friends with all the humans in the world.

"Father, I'll do my best."

Marau nodded, satisfied.

"Good! Who knows? Perhaps this bad start will play to your advantage in the future."

And just like that, the two flew away.

Back in the shop, Frandin was clueless about all of that. Celestial Lands? That was only but a dream to him.

After what happened, no one tried to bother Frandin and his humans anymore. Calina, Malaka, and Qia took that chance to go all out and make up for the long time they had isolated themselves outside. While the three girls made their choices, Roan opened his eyes and looked at a shelf. After that, he looked at the girls and noticed that they wouldn't be over with it anytime soon.

That being said, he moved to the shelf and began to take a few boxes from there after reading the descriptions.

Frandin became curious and went to take a look as well. What could Roan possibly have interest in a female's shop?

Just as he arrived at his side, Roan shouted at the girls.

"Hey, are these the pads you need for your periods? They have several types here, so I don't know which ones you like most."

All the girls in the shop had gone stiff after hearing that, including Calina's group.

Seeing how neither of the three answered his question, he took it as a confirmation.

"Young Master, it seems like the type doesn't matter. Buy these ones."

Roan then stuffed all the boxes he grabbed in Frandin's hands without a care for the world.

At this point, Frandin wanted to cry. Now everyone was looking at him once again. It was as if he did this kind of shopping all the time.

Calina, Malaka, and Qia quickly recovered and immediately ran over.

"Wait, wait, wait! What the hell are you doing? Of course, they're different."

As unwilling to answer as they could be, the girls couldn't simply let Roan choose whatever.

Roan narrowed his eyes, saying.

"Why didn't you answer, then? You're wasting even more of my time."

Everyone felt helpless. Roan's lack of common sense in these situations made it difficult for both Frandin and the girls.