Chapter 838 War

Chapter 838 War

Khan's statement excited the guests. He had yet to name a price, but money wasn't a problem for those figures, and the item was worth it.

Safety had always been one of the nobles' top priorities. Few in the Global Army would dare to attack them, but that only applied to weaker parties. Infighting was common inside those massive families, so the representatives wouldn't refrain from purchasing additional ways of protection.

The noble guests in the hall could also benefit from an additional advantage. They had attended Khan's birthday to represent their entire families, but their loyalty was to specific factions and groups inside those immense parties. Purchasing Khan's magic item now would give them priority over their fellow family members.

Of course, that priority would be short-lived since Khan had no intention of playing the other noble families' political games. Any attempt to be exploited would also make him richer since he could deny eventual accusations and shift the blame to the representatives, opening himself up to new buyers. It was a win-win situation for him, but that was the nature of a monopoly.

"How many gallons are available?" Prince Duter couldn't help but ask.

"My Uncle and I will handle the sale later," Khan announced. "For now, stick around and enjoy the celebrations."

Many wanted to reach for Khan right away, attempting to trap him in long conversations. Yet, the tall Thilku standing at his side prevented those direct approaches. Only one representative ignored Lord Exr's presence and stole Khan's elbow.

"Prince Khan," Princess Rachel Montares called, slightly pulling Khan's elbow. "Do you have more surprises in store for us?"

"I thought you would have joined Princess Edna and my Fiancée by now," Khan commented.

"The day is long," Princess Montares replied. "There will be time for that. Now, I hope you can indulge me again."

"I planned to give Lord Exr a tour of the city," Khan explained, "To show the Scalqa's growth. You can join if you prefer it to the building's activities."

"I very much prefer it," Princess Montares exclaimed, and the other guests echoed her mood. It seemed the group wouldn't split up just yet.

"As you wish," Khan said, leading the group outside the building. In the meantime, multiple waiters joined him, ready to refill drinks whenever the guests asked for them.

The metal encampment didn't change much during those months. It had only expanded, but the same wasn't true for those who inhabited it. Princess Montares immediately noticed the different behavior, and her fellow nobles couldn't help but feel surprised by it.

Khan's appearance in the open immediately triggered a series of alien shouts that spread throughout the encampment. Scalqa promptly left their tents and abandoned their duties to reach the main streets, forming orderly lines at their sides. Khan's group walked among them, allowing everyone to study that army.

The Scalqa didn't show any trace of their previous primitive respect. They still wore pelts and other ragged clothes, but their stances conveyed a sense of duty and discipline. Their deployment was orderly, and their bows matched Khan's group's passage.

The nobles realized the Scalqa had evolved past their simple reverence for Khan. They had been military trained, and that growth probably didn't stop at the simple order and gestures. Chances were they had also learned to use firearms and other weapons.

Princess Montares also noticed another detail. The Scalqa had looked imposing during her previous trip through the encampment, but she felt they were bigger now. Their muscles and stature had increased, albeit only slightly.

Khan had never met the two men but knew their faces. He had expected that meeting. His Uncle even told him the matter couldn't be delayed. Still, he didn't expect the two to crash his birthday celebrations.

"Prince Nognes," Khan called. "Prince Nognes."

The two men bowed their heads in respect and returned to their couches as Khan approached them. Although they shared Khan's family name, they belonged to different factions. In many ways, they were Khan's enemies.

"Your soldiers made us leave our escorts behind to land on the planet," One of the Princes said. "Your security sounds too tight against your relatives."

"Jack, mind your words," The other Prince scolded, even if his tone carried traces of mockery. "Prince Khan is a faction leader. He is no different from Alexander."

"I can see a few differences," Jack chuckled.

Khan ignored the mockery and reached a couch that would allow him to face both Princes. He also sat down after seizing a bottle from a nearby table. His eyes darted between the two men, but his mouth never opened.

"Forgive my distant Cousin," The second Prince stated. "I'm Ethan Nognes. We have the same Great-great-great-... I forgot how many, but we share an ancestor."

"The Prince doesn't look in a festive mood," Jack pointed out, referring to Khan's unflinching expression. "We come in peace, King of Baoway."

Ethan couldn't help but wear a helpless smile. He didn't like Jack's jokes, but the two had to present a united front.

"We have come to ask some questions," Ethan explained, "And hoping to receive answers. We belong to the same family, so this shouldn't be a problem."

"Ethan, you read Prince Khan's reports," Jack declared. "He is a no-bullshits man. Just get to the point."

"As I was saying," Ethan cleared his throat, "Our factions have some questions. We would like to know how much Baoway is earning you. We also wish to understand the extent of the Thilku Empire's support."

"And why your faction is cutting us out of the deals," Jack added.

Khan took occasional sips from the bottle during the conversation. He knew that problem would have knocked at his door sooner or later. It had simply presented itself now.

"Do you disrespect me because you think the magic item under your uniform will protect you?" Khan wondered, looking at Jack's chest. "Or do you simply think your name is enough to make me behave?"

Jack's smile froze. He had heard about Khan's senses, but his best scientists had assured him about the magic item's cloaking qualities. Yet, Khan seemed to have seen right through them.

"That would mean war," Jack said, his smile disappearing as his tone grew serious.

"Will it?" Khan asked. "You are just one representative. Will your faction really go to war against me over one head?"