Chapter 121: Cliff’s Hardships

Gazing at the pathetic form of the man of whom Charm was now hurriedly serving, Lara understood the financial troubles that would result from preparing such high-class meals. If Charm had been constantly ordering this meal, then the expenses would indeed be expensive even for a prominent Royal.

The poor man continued to sob making even Lara feel a sense of pity.

"No wonder she gives him such enjoyable meals… He… really is troubled." Lara thought silently as she understood Charm's troubles.

"I'll pay for it." Lara offered.

Charm was stunned and was about to say something else.

"Don't worry. Think of it as a celebration for having two new friends." Lara smiled.

Cliff finally realized that there was someone else in the room.

Cliff stared at Lara then to Charm.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-!" Cliff stood up and was headed for the door. It was then the Cliff noticed the features of the new girl in the room.

"No! It's alright! Let me treat you. Offer whatever is on this table. Don't worry about the price. I can-"

"A Diamon?! You're the transfer student? I'll do anything! Please let your Dad accept to the meeting!" Cliff rushed forward and approached her.

Lara was surprised at the sudden reaction of Cliff.

"Meeting?"

"Yes! Two companies will be trying to bid for their medical services for a branch of your company here in the South-East Asian region! However, a small company is trying to get a hold of your dad to win that service! Please let that small company allow to meet with you! It's a company named MedServed! It's one of the companies that the sponsor of the Covenant controls! Please! Please! I'll do anything! I beg you!"

Lara was confused at the sudden plea of Cliff.

"What? I don't understand." Lara turned to Charm.

Charm sighed and stood up.

"Allow me to explain. Are you familiar with the political arenas here in Pangea?" Charm asked.

"I can't say I'm that versed." Lara shook his head.

"I've heard that because of the unique status of this country is three countries that are one, the political battle here is very chaotic. But apart from that, I didn't pay attention to it."

Charm sighed.

"It's like this… This school has become one of the most Elite schools in Pangea because of Harker. Harker announced that he wants to transform this school into something which is more militaristic by nature. Because of that, many in the Pangean nation are now insisting on enrolling their sons and daughters here. And because this school is one of the special cases to which the WGP allowed its transfer student program, everyone who is anyone is sending their sons and daughters here."

Lara nodded.

"And this isn't just in Phil-Pangea or any Pangean nations… But this has actually caused all surrounding nations that have a generally positive to a neutral relationship with the Pangea, to take advantage of Harker's new interest and would use this school as a means to establish more relationships with other formidable countries."

"You mean to say, Pangea is now being courted? Is it only because of Harker? Or is it because…?"

"Right. Crazy Casual Carlean." Charm sighed.

"People who are capable or approved by the WGP for international travel have been trying to enroll in this school. A few months ago, before transfer students were welcomed, all of the schools were being oriented to the many changes. But since I'm a Royal, we know more of the happenings behind the scene."

"So you mean to say, our presence has a more of a political reason?"

"Yes. In fact, we now have an array of well-known family names that were previously not associated or enrolled t this school. You, a Diamon, are among the few families which managed to enroll here despite being outside of Pangea. I heard several other names started to enroll here. Larson, Xia and Vonderbrass students were also enrolled."

"Vonderbrass, huh?" Lara couldn't help but smile at hearing that family.

"As for those within Pangea, we've also had more prominent families joining this school. Inklet, Hydron, Dalisay… these are just a few of the powerful families present here."

"I see. So the initial plan of sending students here in order to threaten Australia from attacking Pangea became a center of political conflict."

"Yes. Oh… Give me a sec Lara…"

Charm then immediately began ordering their meals.

Charm then turned to Cliff.

"Cliff, sit down. She'll agree. Don't worry." Charm smiled.

"THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" Cliff started sobbing intensely.

"Anyway…" Charm turned back to Lara while patting Cliff on the back as Cliff rested his face on the table quietly.

"Because of that, the school is always at the brink of chaos. You see, the political and commercial enemies will find that their sons and daughters will become classmates and schoolmates with one another. Everyone is racing to get connected with the top brass of the military and at the same time use the sons and daughter here to establish communication with people like you."

"I get it. Although International Trade has been banned by the WGP, personal shipments are possible. This means the commercial, industrial and even military groups here are getting acquainted so to continue the necessary trades they need but only do it in a form that wouldn't fall into the category of international trade."

"Exactly. This conflict isn't quite good. You're lucky that you're a Diamon and no one would dare threaten or force you. But people like me, who are Novelty-Blastoise are under constant attacks in our reputations and some of the lesser families get bullied."

"It's this bad?"

"We can't blame them. With the bans made by the WGP, international trade is very limited. Connections are now the best way to keep businesses at the float. So this school suddenly became a place of chaos. After the ban, there have been three incidents where attempts to murder some of the Royal's took place. Because of that conflict, the school immediately took action and banned all political and commercial groups to send bodyguards within the school premises. Any student who has been confirmed to have sent bodyguards will automatically be expelled. This is to make the school neutral amidst the secret battles occurring. Obviously, the name of Harker is one of the many things that's keeping this school from becoming a real battleground. Everyone's afraid of Harker now."

"Who isn't? That mad man will do anything to destroy Australia."

"Yes. In fact, I'm not sure why you came here, but I have a feeling that many of these nations are sending prominent members of their families to build relationships with Harker."

"So if I understand correctly, this information is related to Cliff Fangwood?"

"Yes. Not just Cliff Fangwood. Did you saw the private Royal Room not far from here right? It's related to them."

"Seeker Carlean, huh?" Lara smiled.

"You know of Seeker's meeting spots? You must be a fan! Wait… now that I think about it… Cliff Fangwood's name isn't something that anyone outside of Pangea can know!" Charm was surprised.

"I am a fan and I did my research so I know. I actually recognized this person because of the odd rumors that Seeker has been hanging out with him. There were rumors that Cliff here is involved with drug dealing and haters of the Covenant is accusing Seeker of being a part of a drug trade of some sort." Lara explained.

"Wow." Charm was stunned.

"You know that much? Most of this information hasn't been leaked abroad."

"Seeker Carlean is the reason why I transferred here. Teehee… I'm a very big fan you see."

"A Casual?"

"All the way. How close are you with Seeker? Is he in a relationship with LordChokeMeSenpai or Meryl?" Lara immediately asked Cliff.

"Um… I'm just a bodyguard. I really don't know. He is close to Meryl. But I know that they were always that close." Cliff answered.

"Wait. Bodyguard?" Lara repeated.

"Yes. It was illegal for bodyguards to be used. But because of Seeker's sensitive identity, and considering that whoever gets Seeker gets the Miracle Maker, Lynd, and the Snow Goddess Meryl, people will literally kill for Seeker. About two or so months ago, Seeker's team was actually attacked by several other companies. Because of Seeker's presence, Lynd's growing reputation, and the many endorsements Meryl has received, it is already known that Seeker and his trio are amongst the first that will have a Global Wandering Citizenship approved."

"So I take it, that there have been many conflicts and attacks made to Seeker?"

"Yes. I think Cliff said he got shot a couple of times already."

Lara was surprised to hear that. She frowned and kept silent for a while.

"So Cliff's sort of a… human shield for Seeker?"

"Yes. But that's not the worst part. Many of Seeker's possible sponsors are vying for the right to make Seeker and his trio a brand ambassador. You know the recent stunts Seeker has pulled off. With his capability to earn billions the entire Pangean commercial and political sectors are after him. Cliff's job is to be the intermediary to communicate with the other groups apart from being Seeker's bodyguard. I'm guessing that contacting you and asking you to allow your father to meet with this uhh…"

"MedServed," Cliff mumbled lifelessly.

"Right. Contacting you to get this MedServed company is one of the many things he is tasked to do. But beyond that, if the Covenant manages to tie themselves with certain groups, it would bring greater profit to them. The most dangerous and problematic part for Cliff is when the Covenant hasn't yet procured an important deal, and the other companies are also aiming to either block or steal the opportunity that the Covenant has."

"So it is true… The Covenant has finally moved to become more than just an e-sport gaming group."

"It's only expected. The amount that the miracle trio makes and the gambles Crazy Carlean won has been shaping up that company. And since Seeker wants to use his funding to make this country a better place by providing support for the Military, their march is almost unstoppable. They have been creating businesses that have literally monopolized several organizations. So I'm not surprised that they would try to tap the health providing industry."

"But why a small company like Medserve?"

"Meryl's cosmetic drugs. Once we release those products, we will be in direct competition with several beauty cosmetics here in Pangea. That's why our best option is to get associated with corporations that have international branches otherwise these cosmetic companies will send more to assassinate Seeker and…"

"Which means… there'll be fewer bullets raining on Cliff." Charm continued.

"How can some deal with some healthcare provider end up in assassination?" Lara was stunned.

"Well... You know how amazing Meryl's skin is, right? It's not easy to sell it here in Pangea. Because of all the competitors, they wouldn't want a drug that made Meryl that beautiful to ever surface. That's why many Pangean Groups are condemning Meryl's operations and are insisting that it broke the genetical enhancement limitations and are insisting that its some form of human modification."

Lara laughed.

"Seriously? What stupid politics! A drug that made someone's skin, snow white and sparkling, is considered at the same level as Australia's modified soldiers?"

"It's all political. That's why I understand the aim of the Covenant. They plan to promote their drugs to your company. But since, International trade is banned."

"I get it!" Lara finally understood the ingenious plan of the Covenant.

"They won't sell the drugs but offer it as a healthcare service that the EAA has adopted!"

"Right. Your country places value in beauty so much that it's even covered in medical insurance. If your company introduces that..."

"It advertises their beauty products and somehow bypasses the international trade bans made by the WGP!"

"Yes. You could guess where that would lead to..." Charm smiled.

"Right. Once that product is out, even if the cosmetics industries in this country try to ban it, the international market will be their enemy. They will be mocked and criticized by those abroad."

"And to stop that from happening, they plan to kill Seeker. As Seeker's earning potentials have already reached billions of Sydians, his death would result at an end of these business deals as lesser people will be willing to invest in him."

"I see. So, people believe that Seeker's earnings can fund the experiments which resulted in Meryl's amazing skin!"

"Yes. They can't kill Meryl. Whoever wants to kill that goddess will receive massive backlashes. Since a lot of groups already hate Seeker, then killing him becomes the only viable option. And thus, Cliff has more um..."

"More bullets to cover." Cliff blanky completed Charm's statement.

Lara was silent. She was dumbfounded as to how pitiful this Cliff is.

"Could you please say yes? He's been through a lot recently? His last errand made him deliver a message to another company, and then he got shot and attacked. He barely made it out with his life."

"Please. Please…" Cliff begged.

"This school is quite harsh." Lara frowned.

"Yes. A lot of things made it this way. From the politics of this school to Seeker's miracle three and even the fact that Harker has been acting more aggressively to resume the war against Australia. All of these are turning this school into a political chessboard." Charm sighed.

"Alright. I'll tell him. Don't worry. I'm such a daddy's girl that my father will definitely approve of this. But in return, I just want to meet them. It's ok if you take your time. But give me a chance to meet with Seeker. Is that a deal?" Lara raised her arm forward.

"Deal! I'll tell you of his potential locations! I'll tell you some juicy info right now! Seeker sneaks off at times, unguarded and usually walks and eats at local places! I can give you these locations!" Cliff immediately slapped her hand hard and shook it with great thankfulness.

"Thanks, Lara!" Charm smiled.

"I didn't think you'd be a daddy's girl. I had the impression you hated your father." Charm wondered.

"Oh… that was… when I was younger. When I got older, I felt their love. They do spoil me a lot after all." Lara laughed.

Cliff continued to hold on Lara's hand. Realm Somatotopy took place. Just as how Seeker managed to reveal the hidden identity of Feltrick Ung-glaive, Cliff confirmed Lara's identity.

"Aragarian…" Cliff's thoughts went to overdrive. He had clearly remembered that it was confirmed that the Diamon's weren't Aragarians. Even Seeker's future memories confirmed this.

His unconscious gaze lingered on the beautiful figure of Lara, who took notice of Cliff's strange stare.