She Is Not a Witch

After Loranhil’s visit that day, the Helis family remained quiet for a few days. Miss Melu ordered the entire merchant association headquarters to be completely sealed off, with no one allowed to enter or leave freely.

A few days later, the main gate of the Helis Merchant Association headquarters opened. To outsiders, it seemed the same as usual, but the internal staff noticed that some faces had disappeared, reportedly reassigned to work at distant branches.

Later, the main managers of various Helis Merchant Association branches, especially Melu’s uncles and relatives, received invitations from the main family. The invitation stated that due to Family Head Hoss’s recent overindulgence in pleasure, priests from the Angel Temple had diagnosed him and feared his life might not last long. Thus, everyone was invited to discuss the matter of the merchant association’s successor.

In the past, these Helis relatives would often skip such meetings, with few attending. But at the mention of the association’s transfer and property distribution, they swarmed like flies to meat, fearing they might be too late to get a share of the spoils.

Thus, within a short week, these distant relatives rushed to gather together.

At the Helis family’s main conference hall.

Hoss sat at the head of the hall, his complexion somewhat pale, his bloated body like a deflated white loaf of bread. Maids occasionally brought him medicinal soups. To his right sat his eldest daughter Melu, and next to her was his young son Bell.

Among the many managers below, various gazes fell upon the family head in the center – envious, jealous, fearful, greedy, yearning. All sorts of eyes appraised these main family members. The meeting hadn’t started yet, and they whispered among themselves, probing each other to discern their intentions.

Melu looked at the group below, their faces so familiar yet so strange. When exactly did everyone become like this? Gone was the warmth of the past, replaced only by greed for money, as if it were life’s sole value and meaning.

Or perhaps this was the norm. Human hearts change easily, only profit endures, moving souls, inescapable. She sighed inwardly, then felt a slight tug on her arm.

“Bell? Mm, don’t be afraid. Just sit there quietly, sister will protect you.”

Melu held her brother’s hand, soothing his unease. Then the meeting finally began officially.

The host first clapped his hands, gradually quieting everyone. He briefly introduced the reason for gathering everyone: due to Family Head Hoss’s poor health, he had decided to abdicate in favor of a worthy successor.

“I apologize for summoning everyone at this time,” Hoss began speaking, his pace slow, his voice somewhat weak.

“The Family Head is too considerate. Your health is the most important.”

“Indeed, there’s no need to worry too much. We’re all here.”

“Yes, please rest assured.”

Some managers responded from below. Though their words were caring, their excited eyes didn’t look like they were concerned about Hoss. They were probably more secretly delighted. After all, Hoss was the son of the previous family head. Though lacking in ability, his seniority could still keep them in check. But once he stepped down, who could replace him?

Bell was only 14 years old, too young for anyone to care about. The eldest daughter Melu had some capability, but she was a woman who would eventually marry. In others’ eyes, what qualifications did she have to manage the family? When the time came, wouldn’t she have to entrust them to handle the association’s affairs? Haha.

“Therefore, I’ve decided to entrust all the association’s affairs to my daughter, Melu. She will handle everything.”

When Hoss said these words, there was an uproar below. Many revealed incredulous expressions, their previously friendly faces suddenly turning ugly. Various voices of doubt arose.

“Family Head, please reconsider! Melu is just a young girl. It’s too much to let her take charge.”

“Indeed, why give the association to a daughter?”

“The association should be led by someone with rich experience.”

“I think Lord Vito is right.”

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The voices below suddenly became chaotic, with many people starting to argue. Everyone expressed their opinions, stating who they thought was most suitable to lead. Some simply recommended themselves. Hoss’s forehead beaded with sweat as he said a few more words, but no one listened. They were only concerned with venting their dissatisfaction and arguing about who was qualified to lead the association.

Melu stood up and patted her father’s back, whispering a few words in his ear. Hoss’s anxious expression slowly relaxed. Afterward, several guards escorted him and Bell out through a nearby side door. Amidst the clamor in the conference hall, the sound of armor clashing outside the door was barely noticeable.

Some people noticed Hoss’s departure and prepared to step forward to question, but were blocked by the well-prepared attendants. Though seemingly sparse, they stood at the front of the stage, strictly guarding against anyone who tried to approach.

Dong——

Dong——

The great clock in the conference hall was struck. The metal vibrations of the bronze bell clearly spread throughout the venue. Only then did the scene gradually quiet down. When everyone saw that only Melu remained on the main podium, they finally sensed something was amiss.

“Miss Melu, where is Lord Hoss?”

Several managers began to inquire. Others also looked at Melu, waiting for her answer.

“Father is feeling unwell and has already returned to rest. I will handle all remaining matters with full authority.”

“Melu, come down from the stage. Hoss doesn’t understand. How can he let a girl like you take on such a heavy responsibility?”

An uncle spoke loudly. Some others began to echo his sentiment, while more people watched coldly from the sidelines.

Melu slowly stood up from her seat. She wore a dark green dress with a bright yellow camellia pinned at her shoulder, particularly eye-catching. In the dimly lit conference hall, her face wasn’t clearly visible, only her chestnut-gold long hair draped across her chest.

“Uncle Vito, do you also think I’m unsuitable?” Her voice was somewhat cold.

“Yes.”

“But I still want to do this. What should we do?”

“Don’t act like this. We’re thinking of your best interests.”

“But what if I insist?”

Looking at this familiar uncle before her, Melu’s voice grew colder and more resolute.

“You…”

Before this uncle could finish speaking, Melu directly picked up the teacup on the table and threw it at him.

“You’re merely a member of the Helis family branch. What right do you have to shout at me?”

“Did calling you ‘uncle’ before make you forget your place?”

Everyone looked at Melu in shock. No one had expected that the once gentle and agreeable Melu would dare to say such words.

“From today on, the Helis family will be unified again. Everyone, all branches must obey the orders of our main family!”

“Look at me. I will become the new master of the Helis Merchant Association. If any of you have any dissatisfaction, you can voice it here.”

Her voice was firm and decisive, each word clearly enunciated. Melu looked directly at all the relatives and elders present. Her black pupils slowly swept across the entire hall. As her words fell, squads of fully armed guards filed in from the side doors. They were silent, with only the sound of metal clashing heard. A full three hundred armored guards completely sealed off the venue. Not a single person could escape this silent hall.