Just as Leo was about to explain his plan, Rina returned. She carried a tray with his tea and Skye's black coffee. She served them both quietly, then turned to the unconscious woman on the sofa.
With surprising strength—honed from years of training alongside Leo and Artur—she gently lifted her mother-in-law.
"I'll take Mother to her room," she said softly before leaving.
"Thank you," the siblings said together.
They sipped from their cups, the warm drinks a small comfort in the cold, heavy air.
"So, my suggestion is simple," Leo began, his voice serious. "We should give up our position as the ruling clan."
Skye's blue eyes narrowed, but her voice was calm. "Explain."
Leo took a slow breath. "We've lost Father and Leonis. We don't have the strength to stay on top anymore. If we try to hold onto our power, the other clans will attack us. We'll be crushed. You know that's true."
Though the words hurt, Skye couldn't deny them. She gave a small, reluctant nod.
"That's why," Leo continued, "in three days, you must call a meeting of the Western Council. At that meeting, you will announce that we are willingly giving our position to the second-strongest clan—the Ashfalls. This will shock them. They expect us to fight, to hold on until the end. They would never think we'd surrender so quickly and cleanly. That's the core of the plan—'Act Before They Do.'"
Skye was silent, thinking. She had considered trying to form alliances to keep their power, but that was risky. Allies could turn into enemies.
Leo saw the conflict on her face and understood. Giving up their status felt like admitting weakness. But it was the only way to survive. The Ashfalls probably expected the proud Roschilds to resist until they were completely broken and had to bow down as servants. Leo's plan avoided that humiliation. It was painful, but it gave them time and kept their freedom.
An alliance wouldn't work. To be real partners, both sides need equal power, and the Roschilds no longer had it.
To show his plan wasn't reckless, Leo added a key detail.
"I said we hand over our position—but with one condition. The dungeons and all the businesses that Father personally founded and registered under our family name must remain under our control."
The larger dungeons and the very profitable mana mines belonged to the city of Babylonia itself. Those, they would have to give up. But their family's personal assets could be saved.
Skye looked at her brother, truly seeing him. This was the same boy who used to play childish pranks on her. The one who laughed without a care in the world. Now, in the shadow of their loss, he was speaking with the wisdom of a seasoned leader.
Her heart ached with a mix of pride and sorrow. She was proud of him, but he shouldn't have to carry this burden at fifteen. He should be thinking about school and his future, not the survival of their clan. But with their father and brother gone, he had no choice but to grow up.
He had matured. Too fast. Too soon.
"You must send a message to our allies in the Central District," Leo said firmly. "But only to the one we trust the most. No one else can know about this before the council meeting. If the Ashfalls or any other clan find out our plan too early, they won't just take our power. They'll try to destroy us completely."
Skye took several deep breaths, thinking it over. Finally, she looked up and gave a slow, determined nod.
"I understand. We'll do it your way. Tomorrow, I'll meet with the elders and tell them. Together, we'll make sure the plan is perfect." Her voice softened, trembling with both sadness and pride. "You've grown up so much, Leo… it makes me incredibly happy. We will rise again, stronger than before. And next month, for your Blessing Ceremony, I'll be there for you. No matter what, I will always support you."
She reached out and ruffled his hair, a familiar, loving gesture from their childhood.
"Thank you, big sister. I love you," Leo whispered, his voice rough with emotion. He hugged her tightly, as if afraid she might disappear. He believed you should always tell the people you love how you feel, because you might not get another chance.
Tears filled Skye's eyes as she hugged him back. Her voice shook but was strong. "And I love you, my little brother. Never leave me. Through good times and bad, we will get through this. We will survive. Together."
The brother and sister held each other close, bound by love, loss, and an unbreakable promise to face whatever came next, side-by-side.