In the end, the matters with Silver Ice Hunter Clan concluded on Ace's terms. Not only Alina's parents agreed to follow his plan to evacuate the blood continent, but they ambitiously requested him to bring Alina back once they were done 'adventuring.'
Ace had no qualms with this demand as he was planning on doing it anyway. At least his opinion of Alina's parents slightly increased after they accepted his demands without causing any trouble.
On the other hand, Alina was the happiest after receiving her parents' blessings. She might not show it, but she was anxious about her parents' reaction to this matter. But it ended up quite well, and now, she can follow Ace without any burden on her heart, and the Silver Ice Clan can thrive with all resources Ace has compromised for her.
However, on this joyous occasion, Herman requested to talk with Ace in privacy, and Ace accepted it despite Winter's misgivings.
Herman, with a determined look, stated, "I know what I have done in the past was not right, and my viewpoint is narrow. Furthermore, what you have done for us is really appreciated and helpful. You have changed the Silver Ice Clan's fate, and for that, you have my utmost eternal gratitude!"
He bent his back and bowed his head in front of Ace, which made Ace startled. He never thought this stubborn old man would yield , not to mention bow in front of him.
But Herman wasn't done as he again stood straight and looked into Ace's eyes with coldness this time as he uttered, "This is a request from Alina's parents and me as well, and we hope you can understand our intentions. You see, it's pretty clear Alina didn't see you as just her brother anymore; she wants you to be far more than just that.
"You are also a young man now, and it won't be a surprise if you also don't have the same feelings for her, especially after seeing her appearance. What I want to say is we are not against this, or simply put, we can't stop you even if we want to.
"But despite our helplessness against you, I want you to know that we are still Alina's family and loved ones. Our background is also noble, but I won't try to implore it since it won't matter anymore.
"Yet, there are still some customs that made us what we are, and they can't be forgotten or ignored just because we want them to. They are also the symbol of our identities and beliefs.
"Such a custom is Marriage which exists in every culture in different ways but with the same intent. So, all we are humbly requiting from you… A-Ace is that we want you to follow this custom as well and also grant us the honor and joy to see our precious girl on the happiest and most important day of her life.
"This also includes…"
"Alright, stop right there!" Ace cut Herman at this moment with a somewhat annoyed look as he stared at the frowning old hunter.
He wasn't a two-year-old to not understand what Herman was trying to imply there in roundabout ways.
"I know what you're trying to say. Marriage is really once in a lifetime event, and despite my misgivings, I respect this custom. I also have the same idea about your ways, so I'll follow them without leaving anything."
Ace's expression went frosty, "But I want to make one thing clear, don't teach me how to treat my woman, nor can you stop Alina from doing anything. I will respect her wishes and not yours and do anything for her. So, don't try to teach me how to suppress my or her emotions just because of some dead beliefs.
"All you guys want is a marriage, and I will give you one and one who had never seen. But before that, I still need to fulfill another promise. Nonetheless, you guys will get what you want, so if we're done, can I leave?"
Herman was utterly baffled by Ace's deviant-like response, and fury surfaced in his eyes as he clenched his fists. He has gotten Ace's message loud and clear that if Alina wants, he won't hesitate to go beyond, which was exactly what they didn't want to see.
They were hunter royalties, and Alina was their princess, and for a princess to lose her purity without marriage was a pretty big deal to any culture. Yet, they were helpless against this guy who was simply too unreasonable.
In the end, Herman showed a hint of defeat as now he could only believe in Alina's character, and she would know what was best for her and not cross a certain line.
A rueful sigh escaped his mouth, "As long as Alina wishes it, I will respect it. The last thing, consider it my personal curiosity or just a worry of a grandfather for his granddaughter." He sternly asked while looking directly into Ace's eyes as if he wanted to see through those dark blue eyes, "Are you going after your family, the White Crown, now? If you are, then I would like you to suggest reconsidering taking Alina with you. I don't need to tell you that the strongest forces of the top five races are involved in that voyage, including the Blood Ancestor."
A faint ripple surfaced in Ace's eyes, but it was merely fleeting. He was expressionless as if he didn't hear what Herman had just questioned.
He impassively stated, "Family, huh? As far as family goes, my parents and grandparents died when I was just a boy, and now I'm an orphan. The only people closest to a family I have now been all fine and doing great.
"So, why would I involve myself with some powerful hungry buffoons? They can all kill each other for all I care. Of course, if an opportunity appeared, I mean my kind of opportunity, I don't mind taking their 'gifts."
Ace smiled demonically, which sent chills down Herman's spine, "But it's a pity that I have another matter I need to attend to before I can get back on the playing field. But don't worry, you guys will see me soon."
Herman really wasn't expecting this sort of response from Ace, as no one can be indifferent towards their own flesh and blood. Yet, Ace appeared to be too dismissive about it from start to finish. He even wondered if White Crown was even his real family or just a false rumor.
After Ace made his intentions clear, he stated, "Now that you got the answers, I should get going. As for the things I've promised, my associate will deliver them in a few days. I've already handed over everything before coming here, so you don't have to worry about carrying any burden and can go back in peace. If you need anything else, you can ask me now."
Herman went widened with disbelief when he heard this and blurted, "Wait! You said you handed over everything before coming here? Does this mean you were sure we would accept your terms?!"
Ace grinned deviously and subtly uttered, "What do you think?"