The situation grew worse and worse as time passed. By the afternoon several other families had informed the Brightmoon family that they were cutting ties with them. Soon almost every family that once stood with them turned their backs. Regulus sat silently in the front hall, his expression thoughtful. More and more messages arrived. Cerdic stood nearby as Seraphina sat next to Regulus, seemingly in shock. Godwin was busy receiving messages and dispatching their own messengers, trying to prevent the complete isolation of the Brightmoon family. Gareth, Victor and Eleanor all gathered around them.
"The Aldenvald family has informed us that they're cutting ties as well."
"The Ironvale Merchants Guild has ended all cooperation with us."
"The Rosetide family just informed us they are also severing all ties."
"The Rosetide?" Seraphina was in disbelief. "Even my family?"
Regulus didn't look surprised. He just kept staring at the pile of letters, deep in thought. Then Garon walked in, a concerned look on his face. Regulus turned towards Garon.
"Do we have confirmation about the Evernight family?"
"Yes," Garon said. "It has not been made public yet, but members of the Dawn sect did visit the Evernight family. They've taken Vivienne Evernight with them."
"Meaning a Cultivator has indeed been born into the Evernight family." Regulus' hands clenched the sides of his chair. "This is not a political manoeuvre any longer. They have given us a death sentence."
"A Cultivator..." Cerdic muttered. "But she hasn't even begun to cultivate yet. Does simply possessing a spirit root mean she can uproot our family?"
"She was taken in by the Dawn sect," Regulus said. "The name of a cultivation sect is more than enough to bring a country to its knees—let alone a noble family."
There was a moment of heavy silence between them. The atmosphere brimmed with despair.
"So, there's nothing we can do?" Eleanor asked, her voice trembling.
"Nothing except surrender," Regulus breathed deeply. "I will send a message to the Evernight family. Offering to withdraw from all disputes and giving up half our wealth as reparations may calm them down."
"Father! But that will cripple us for decades!" Cerdic shouted, stunned. "Half of our wealth? Really?"
"Even that may not be enough," Regulus said with a dry chuckle. "I may have to bend the knee. Everard, that old fart, has always held grudges—and I was very overbearing with him."
"Father, are you serious?" Cerdic raised his voice in frustration. "You? The head of the Brightmoon family, kneeling and begging before others?"
"YOU THINK I WANT THIS?" Regulus roared. Cerdic went pale and said nothing. A hush fell over the room. Gareth and Victor exchanged uneasy glances. Godwin, who was talking to a messenger, turned around in surprise.
"Cerdic, I am the head of the Brightmoon family," Regulus said, regaining his calm. "That's why I have to look beyond my pride. The women, the children—I have to think of them all. If me kneeling and begging will save them all, I will kneel and beg."
Cerdic looked at Regulus silently. Finally nodding.
"I understand, Father."
Regulus sighed and turned to Godwin.
"Godwin, send two messages. One to the Evernight family and one to the Royal family. We must seek the crown to mediate between us and the House of Evernight."
"Right away, Regulus," Godwin nodded.
Cerdic silently watched, but a storm was brewing within him. Seraphina noticed and held his hand.
"It will be fine, my son," she said gently, smiling. "Everything will be fine. We are the house of Brightmoon. We will be fine."
Cerdic nodded. His gaze fixed on Regulus. He could see the pain and tension Regulus was going through behind the facade of calm. The Brightmoon family was on the brink of annihilation, and it happened over the course of a few days.
"I need air," Cerdic whispered to Seraphina before quietly walking out.
The messages were sent on the same day. They had been awaiting a response for five days. The entire mansion was gloomy. Regulus was in the front hall, sprawled on a sofa, staring at the ceiling in contemplation. Then a voice woke him up.
"Milord, there's another guard who wants to resign from the post," Garon said with a deep sigh as he walked in.
"A guard?" Regulus chuckled. "Sure, let him go."
A moment later Regulus asked again.
"How many of our guards and servants have resigned so far?"
"Only... only one fifth of them still remain," Garon said hesitantly. "Everyone is afraid. They all think the Brightmoon family is done for."
"No need to stop those who want to leave. Let them all go," Regulus said dismissively. Then he shifted his gaze to Garon.
"What about you, Garon? Do you wish to leave?"
"Milord, please don't doubt my loyalty," Garon said, looking offended. "I will stay with the Brightmoon family till my last breath."
"I understand, Garon, thank you," Regulus said, smiling. "Only if everyone were as loyal as you are."
Regulus shook his head and laughed.
"Of course that's impossible."
Garon didn't know how to respond. He knew the pressure his lord was going through. He had cursed the Evernight family in his mind a million times already. But nobody cared about the curses of a mortal. Especially not a servant's.
At that moment, the door was opened, and Godwin entered with hurried footsteps, holding a parchment.
"Regulus, we have received a reply from the royal family," Godwin said, his voice hopeful. "They've agreed to mediate between us and the Evernight family."
"That's good." Regulus stood up, his face brightening up. "Any reply from the Evernight family?"
"Not yet; hopefully they will give some face to the royal family."
Regulus nodded. "Inform me right away if a response arrives."
"I will Regulus...but—."
"But what, Godwin?"
"Can the royal family still control the Evernight family?" Godwin asked hesitantly. "We haven't seen the Royal Family's cultivator out in the open for decades. There are rumours that he is already dead."
"I understand your doubts. But I have heard that some cultivators are like that. They seclude themselves to focus on their cultivation for long periods of time," Regulus said, feeling confident of his knowledge, "I think the royal family's cultivator is a similar case."
"But what if he is no longer alive?" Godwin asked worriedly.
"I don't know," Regulus shook his head. "But let's not be pessimistic here. This is our only hope. Also, I have a feeling that the Ironvale royal family isn't simple."
Godwin nodded, still worried but determined.
"Very well, brother. Let's hope they will stand with us as we hope."