Chapter 330

Vivian's unexpected outburst left the entire room in shock, particularly Julian. This reaction was the last thing he'd anticipated from her.

"You're seriously suggesting we declare war between our families?" His eyebrows arched in amusement as he posed the question.

"Absolutely!" Vivian's eyes sparkled with fervor. "My grandfather always dreamed I'd command troops like he did. If the Blackwoods and Lockharts are destined to clash - whether in boardrooms or battlefields - I demand to lead the charge! Besides..." Her voice turned icy. "I've got unfinished business with the Blackwoods. That bastard Nathaniel... I'd relish facing him in mortal combat."

"Magnificent!" Frederick clapped his hands, his laughter booming through the study. "Now this is the Lockhart spirit! Arthur's granddaughter through and through - bold, decisive, everything my cowardly grandson isn't." He shot Julian a disapproving glare. "When will you grow a spine, boy? At this rate, she'll be protecting you instead!"

Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line as she stared daggers at her son.

Julian tugged Vivian aside, hissing through clenched teeth, "Have you lost your mind? I just smoothed things over! This was supposed to be a joke between my grandfather and father. Are you actually considering -"

Vivian cut him off with a laugh. "You're the one who blackmailed me into this, remember? Threatening to expose Scarlet Phoenix to Nathaniel unless I joined your little crusade. Now you're getting cold feet?"

"This was just a test to see where your loyalties lie with the Blackwoods." Julian pulled her close in a mock embrace, whispering urgently against her temple. "But this act of yours... it reeks of deception. Are you trying to sabotage us from within? Because if my grandfather discovers your schemes, not even I can save you."

Vivian responded with a dazzling smile, playing the doting fiancée to perfection.

Frederick beamed at William and Eleanor. "I retract my earlier statement - the boy's done well for himself. This woman will bring glory to our family name! With her at our side, the Blackwood legacy will reach new heights."

"Grandfather Blackwood," Vivian interjected suddenly, "as my grandfather's closest comrade, you must remember his pre-battle ritual?"

Frederick frowned. "What ritual?"

"Before every major campaign, he'd make offerings to heaven, earth... and the War Deity."

"The War Deity?" Frederick's confusion deepened. "I witnessed the celestial rites, but never any war god worship."

"Because it was his secret weapon." Vivian lowered her voice dramatically. "At the southernmost tip of the Coral Sea stands an ancient statue of the War Deity. Grandfather's childhood patron. Before every decisive battle, he'd journey there to receive divine blessing - ensuring his victory."

Frederick stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I don't recall Arthur ever mentioning this..."

"It was a Lockhart family secret." Vivian's expression turned solemn. "Now that I'm leading the Blackwood forces against Nathaniel's family, we must honor this tradition. I propose we depart immediately for the Coral Sea to seek the War Deity's favor!"