"So, what is your purpose in coming here today? To stop the Silver Flame Society from entering the French market?" Vittorio did not avoid Lleuad's gaze.

"Quite the contrary. I'm here to ensure things develop in the proper manner." Lleuad smiled and leaned forward. "I have no objection to the Silver Flame Society expanding its business in southern France, but on the condition that all transactions related to Beyonders must go through my network. This is not merely a matter of profit, but of maintaining balance."

"What do you mean by balance?"

"The Beyonder Market across Europe has its own rules and equilibrium. Reckless involvement could cause unnecessary chaos." Lleuad lightly patted his own chest. "And I am the architect of this balance."

Silence fell over the room for a moment. *The architect.* Such an arrogant word.

Vittorio pondered silently, then nodded slowly. "So what you're proposing is a partnership."

"More precisely, a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Silver Flame Society can conduct conventional business through Morrison, but any transactions involving Beyonders, magical items, or Occult materials must go through my channels. In return, I can ensure your business in France proceeds smoothly, without interference."

"That sounds more like tribute than partnership." Vittorio didn't mince words, pointing it out directly. Even with the situation against him, he showed no sign of fear.

"That depends on how you choose to see it. You can view it as respect for community customs, or as a deal that benefits both sides." Lleuad chuckled softly, swirling his wine glass. "After all, I can provide the Silver Flame Society with resources and protection in France that cannot be obtained through any other means."

Vittorio was silent for a moment, weighing the situation before him. He had originally expected to negotiate with a conventional French underworld boss, not a mysterious figure who controlled the entire European Beyonder Market. But from a business perspective, if Lleuad truly wielded the influence the rumors suggested, this arrangement might indeed be the most advantageous.

"I need some time to consider." Vittorio said at last.

"Of course. Business decisions should not be made in haste." Lleuad rose gracefully, drew an exquisitely crafted business card from his pocket, and placed it on the table. "When you've made your decision, you may contact me."

The dark red card featured silver foil detailing, with an ornate moon emblazoned upon it, yet it bore only a phone number, with no name or any other information.

"However, I would advise against attempting to break the rules. The last organization that did so no longer exists. This isn't a threat, merely a friendly reminder." Before turning to leave, Lleuad added, his tone casual but carrying an unmistakable warning.

"Understood." Vittorio's expression returned to its authoritative composure.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cesare. I look forward to our future cooperation." Lleuad smiled.

As Lleuad departed, the atmosphere in the restaurant seemed to ease somewhat. Vittorio slowly exhaled, his gaze falling on the business card bearing only a phone number.

"This Lleuad is no ordinary underworld boss. The Scarlet Sovereign... I thought that was just a legend." Vittorio picked up the card and examined it closely. He could even detect a faint trace of fragrance emanating from the paper.

"Are we going to cooperate on his terms?" the advisor asked.

A glint of calculation flashed in Vittorio's eyes.

"For the time being, yes. We need to establish ourselves in southern France, and he seems to control some key channels. But at the same time, gather all information about him. I must know exactly what kind of person we're dealing with. Be cautious." He slipped the card into his pocket.

"As you command, Don Vittorio."

Vittorio gazed at the fine rain outside the window, his mind churning with thoughts. Most of the world had no idea that Beyonders existed. Ordinary society and the Occult Circle were like two worlds connected yet open in only one direction. This was the Silver Flame Society's first true foray into the Beyonder Market, and he needed to investigate thoroughly all the rumors he had previously heard.

He could sense that the other man had not truly regarded him as an equal. That effortless composure stemmed from absolute confidence in his own strength. Throughout his business career, he had faced all manner of opponents and obstacles, but never had he encountered anyone like Lleuad—someone who exuded pressure so nonchalantly, with danger and power concealed beneath a devil-may-care façade. Instinct told him that this expansion into France would be far more complicated than expected.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Paris, Lleuad stood by the banks of the Seine, gazing at the distant Eiffel Tower. He let the fine rain dampen his hair, his lips curved in that signature nonchalant smile. The Silver Flame Society's involvement had added an interesting twist to this game of chess. And he, as the unspoken king of the Beyonder world, was already looking forward to what came next.

A month later, Vittorio did indeed commence business in France under Lleuad's terms, and the two sides established a delicate understanding. But in private, the godfather never gave up searching for ways to circumvent this red-eyed man, even if it meant venturing into territory more dangerous than he had imagined.

No matter what, the man known as Lleuad remained like a crimson mist shrouding Europe's Beyonder world, making all who dared challenge his authority pay the price. Sometimes in money, sometimes in blood, and sometimes... in lives.

What Vittorio could not foresee at this moment was that in just six years, his son Pharos would form a far deeper connection with this Scarlet Sovereign's child—a young food truck owner named Dorian.