As Leo was about to share his plan, Rina walked in carrying a tray. She placed a cup of tea in front of Leo and a black coffee for Skye, then quietly approached the unconscious woman on the sofa.
With surprising strength, the kind built from years of training with 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 replied in unison.
They took sips from their cups, finding a little warmth in the chilly, heavy atmosphere.
"My suggestion is simple," Leo started, his tone serious. "We should give up our status as the ruling clan."
Skye narrowed her blue eyes, but kept her voice calm. "Explain."
Taking a slow breath, Leo continued, "We lost Father and Leonis. We no longer have the strength to stay in power. If we cling to it, the other clans will attack us, and we'll be crushed. You know it's true."
Even though his words stung, Skye couldn't deny his logic. She gave a small, reluctant nod.
"That's why," Leo went on, "in five days, you need to call a meeting of the Western Council. At that meeting, announce that we are willingly stepping down and handing over our position to the second-strongest clan—the Ashfalls. This will shock everyone. They expect us to fight to the bitter end. They would never think we'd surrender so quickly. That's the core of the plan: 'Act Before They Do.'"
Skye remained silent, deep in thought. She had considered forming alliances to retain their power, but that was risky. Allies could easily become enemies.
Seeing the turmoil on her face, Leo understood her struggle. Surrendering felt like admitting defeat. But it seemed like the only path to survival. The Ashfalls probably expected the proud Roschilds to resist until they were completely defeated. Leo's plan could prevent that outcome, preserving their dignity and giving them time to regroup. Survival was best than downfall.
An alliance wouldn't work. In a partnership, both sides needed equal strength, and the Roschilds no longer had that.
To prove his plan wasn't reckless, Leo added an important detail.
"I said we will hand over our position, but with one condition. All the dungeons and businesses that Father personally established must remain under our control."
Though they'd have to give up the larger dungeons and the lucrative mana mines owned by the city of Babylonia, they could keep their family's personal assets.
Looking at Leo, Skye finally saw him as a leader. This was the same boy who used to play silly pranks on her, the one who laughed without a care. Now, due to their loss, he was speaking with the wisdom of someone much older.
Her heart felt heavy with pride and sorrow. She was proud of him, but he shouldn't have to bear this burden at just barely fifteen. He should be focused on school and his future, not the survival of their clan. But with their father and brother gone, he had no choice but to mature quickly.
He had grown up too fast.
"You need to send a message to our allies in the Central District," Leo insisted. "But only to the one we trust the most. No one else can know about this plan before the council meeting. If the Ashfalls or any other clan discover our intentions too soon, they won't just take our power; they'll try to destroy us completely."
Taking several deep breaths to gather her thoughts, Skye finally 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 ensure the plan is flawless." Her voice softened, trembling with a mix of sadness and pride.
"You've grown so much, Leo… it makes me incredibly happy. We will rise again, stronger than before. And next month, at 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 loving gesture from their childhood.
"Thank you, big sister. I love you," Leo whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He hugged her tightly, fearing she might disappear. He believed it was important to express love while there was still time.
Tears welled in Skye's eyes as she hugged him back, her voice shaking but strong. "And I love you, my little brother. Never leave me. Together, we will face whatever comes our way, through good times and bad. We will survive. Together."
They held each other with unwavering resolve, bound by love, loss, and an unshakeable promise to tackle any challenges that lay ahead, side by side. Together, they would restore the Rostchild to its former glory, and with certainty, the phoenix would rise from the ashes once more, stronger than ever.