From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 504

504 /512

Zara's words hit Maeve like a splash of cold water, leaving her momentarily speechless. She furrowed her brow, unsure how to respond. "Zara… what exactly are you trying to say?"

Zara shrugged casually. "Let me not sugarcoat it—I really can't see a single thing about him that's worth you falling for."

Maeve blinked, processing the remark. She didn't flare up; instead, she whispered, "You mean… you think he's not right for me?"

Zara's gaze was steady as she nodded. "To put it plainly, his arrogance is suffocating. And of everyone I've met, he's easily the most reckless and arrogant—completely unaware of his limits. I just can't convince myself that he deserves someone like you, and frankly… I don't see this going anywhere."

She lifted a delicate finger, her tone measured but pointed. "First, think about the chaos at the hotel entrance—so many reporters crowding around you. It was impossible for him not to notice. Yet he didn't acknowledge you at all. Had his friend not called out, you might still be staring past him without recognition."

"That alone proves one thing: he doesn't think of you. In fact… you might not even register on his radar." She raised another finger, emphasizing her next point. "Second, consider the incident just now. Denzel may be arrogant, yes, but at least he knows how to behave, knows where the line is.

"He came forward first to shake your dream guy's hand. And what does your dream guy do? Flat-out refuses him in front of everyone. That's not confidence—that's blatant disregard. To outsiders, they might interpret it as some unique charm or strong personality. But from where I'm standing? It's childish. Ridiculous. Like a toddler thinking he's running the world."

Maeve stayed silent, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she absorbed every word. Zara lifted a third finger, her expression sharp and unyielding. "Third, he's reckless to the point of foolishness.

"Before even understanding who he was dealing with, he made an enemy of the wrong person. And then—he actually hit Denzel. Acting so brazenly, throwing caution to the wind, with no regard for consequences, it's nothing short of sheer audacity. It's the behavior of someone wild and headstrong, completely lacking foresight."

She paused, then held up a fourth finger, her tone sharper now, almost cutting through the air. "Fourth—he's arrogantly overconfident, blind to his own limits. Everyone around him could see the Benjamin family's dominance, and his friends even warned him of the consequences. But he threw caution aside, acting like the world would bend to him, as if he alone could control every outcome.

"Judging by how he attacked Denzel, he's likely a body strengthening martial artist of some skill—but he seriously overestimates himself. Thinking a few flashy moves render him untouchable? Ridiculous.

"In a country as vast and intimidating as Dechor, even the two of us wouldn't dare challenge the Benjamin family. And yet he, an outsider with minimal experience, moves like he owns the place. Where on earth does he get that audacity?"

As she spoke, she lifted her fifth finger, her expression tinged with exasperation. "And lastly, he's far too self-centered, doing whatever he pleases without a thought for anyone else. Notice the way he spoke to his friends just now before leaving. It wasn't a casual chat—it was more like issuing commands, as if the world revolved around him alone."

She exhaled slowly, shaking her head, a note of resignation in her sigh. "Maeve, I'm not criticizing your dream guy out of malice. The truth is… he's just left me completely underwhelmed."

Liana nodded in agreement beside her. "Maeve, we'll always support whoever you care about. But… maybe you should pause and really think this through."

She waved a hand as if listing possibilities. "While we've been around, dozens of heirs and scions from powerful families have tried to win your favor. Many were decent, upright, well-bred. Yet you turned every one of them away, keeping your distance. And for what? For this reckless, arrogant boy? Honestly, is he worth it?"

Maeve listened, a small, secret smile tugging at her lips. Her friends' critique didn't offend her; if anything, it made her smirk inwardly. She had mentioned Leander to them countless times, yet never revealed his true identity—and spoke little of his feats—so they had no real sense of the man behind the rumors.

She didn't hurry to justify herself. Instead, she let a sly, confident smile play on her lips. "I know you two are looking out for me, but I just… like him. Flaws and all, I like him anyway."

The twins exchanged a glance, silently shaking their heads, patting their foreheads in exasperation at Maeve's stubbornness.

Then her eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh, by the way, Zara, Liana—you two come from the Southern Wyvern Blade, right? I've heard it's Astria's most secretive and elite unit. Only the cream of the crop makes it in. Can you tell me what it's like inside?"