Chapter 915: Unwillingness

Chapter 915: Unwillingness



Professor Parver couldn't help but notice a striking difference during the second lesson. He had arrived early to the classroom and showed his usual gentle smile when Roger and Moses joined him, but his eyebrows arched in surprise at the two young men's appearance.

Roger and Moses' faces featured some faint bruises and a few band-aids, but Professor Parver spotted far more. Deep eyebags aside, the two young men looked beyond stern, almost robotic. They moved in unison and sat behind the same interactive desk, wearing the politest stance the Professor had ever seen.

The Professor was about to investigate the two descendants' strange mood, but an answer to his curiosity promptly arrived. The classroom's door opened again, and Roger and Moses straightened their backs when Khan stormed in. Their eyes also widened in terror, and gulps resounded at the same time.

Khan noticed those two pairs of eyes following his every move but ignored them. He was both glad and annoyed about the previous night's results. The descendants had surpassed his expectations, meaning he would have to bring them to Senerth.

Nevertheless, slight annoyance aside, Khan began his lesson, delving deeper into his alien arts' theories, adding details where possible. His speech still sounded fantastical in his students' ears, but his lack of scientific expertise prevented better explanations. Khan could only hope something would eventually get through those human minds.

The lesson lasted long, but its end didn't give Khan free time. Everything moved quickly after the recent meetings and decisions, and teleports activated that very afternoon, bringing guests that required his attention.

Khan waited alone in a dining area until soldiers escorted a familiar figure inside. He had already met the grey-haired man a few times, but that was their first real instance of a private discussion. Khan had always preferred to interact with Luke in the end, but the situation required a different approach.

"Berthold," Khan said, standing up to greet Luke's father. "I'm glad you could return to Baoway with such short notice."

"Nonsense, Prince Khan," Berthold reassured, smiling as he reached Khan to shake his hand. "I'll take any excuse to take a political break, and your planet is my favorite."

"I'm glad to hear that," Khan nodded, gesturing to Berthold to sit before him. "Sadly, we have more politics to discuss."

"I'm aware," Berthold announced. "Luke briefed me. That's why I decided to come here as soon as possible."

"I'm happy to see I'm a priority," Khan exclaimed.

"Of course," Berthold commented. "We have been in friendly relationships even before your rise to nobility, Prince Khan. The Cobsend family values that."

"And I see your family as close allies," Khan added. "Luke had my back since Ylaco's training camp. I won't forget that."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Don't be modest, Prince Khan," Berthold stated. "My son wouldn't be alive today without your heroic deeds on Istrone. You'll always have my gratitude for that."

"I was simply helping a friend," Khan smiled. "Anyone would have done that."

"We both know that isn't true, Prince Khan," Berthold chuckled. "Besides, we both know most soldiers wouldn't have succeeded in saving as many people as you did."

"Not as many as I wish I could have saved," Khan uttered.

"Istrone truly was a tragic event," Berthold sighed. "It's hard to believe the Global Army is already forgetting it. Seven years isn't such a long time."

"More has happened in the meantime," Khan commented, "And you know how the Global Army works. Many prefer to forget or focus on current issues."

"The Cobsend family won't forget," Berthold promised. "Be it your efforts on Istrone or the problems my brother caused."

Khan and Berthold exchanged a silent, meaningful look. Raymond was still a big issue in both men's lives, but solutions struggled to arrive. Even Prince Thomas' involvement couldn't fix it, vouching for Raymond's skills.

"Your family's cooperation is more than enough," Khan eventually reassured. "Having your factions on my side is more than I could ask for."

"You are too kind, Prince Khan," Berthold declared, lowering his head in gratitude and respect.

By then, both men understood that the pleasantries were over. It was time to talk business, but neither party could introduce the topic easily. After all, they were allies, and hinting at possible ploys could create a crack in their friendly relationship.

Still, the lack of a proper way to introduce the topic only made Khan jump directly into it. "I know you have external pressure raining on you," Khan announced. "Your family is under political attack by parties as influential as mine. I'd understand if there were problems." "You are correct, Prince Khan," Berthold sighed. "We have received multiple invitations to private meetings and financial incentives to prioritize other business endeavors." "Business endeavors that don't include me," Khan pointed out. "Maybe that even hinder me."

"Exactly," Berthold confirmed. "I admit the offers were appealing enough to stir some internal conflicts. However, I promise you don't have to worry about them." "Why is that?" Khan wondered. "I think I have more than enough reason to worry."

"And having the support of a noble family is the best guarantee to prevent them," Berthold

explained.

"Well," Khan smiled. "I'm glad our interests align. I spoke the truth when I said I'm grateful

for your family's support."

"And I'm glad it paid off in ways we couldn't imagine," Berthold said, also smiling. "I'm sure

our records will see it as the turning point of the Cobsend family."

"I'm sure it will," Khan confirmed. "Though I hope for the right reasons."

"Prince Khan?" Berthold called.

"I do value Luke," Khan declared. "I value our friendship. Hence, I want to ask for a personal

favor."

"Anything, Prince Khan," Berthold uttered.

"The Cobsend family will always be my ally," Khan stated, "But it's up to the Cobsend family

to decide what kind of ally it will continue to be."

"Pardon?" Berthold asked.

"Please understand that I only care for Luke and his relatives," Khan explained. "Maybe his

entire faction, even. Everything else is outside that shield, and I will remove it if necessary."

"That would maim my family, Prince Khan," Berthold said, understanding the threat. "It

would hurt our value as your allies."

"I value allies through different measurements," Khan revealed. "Still, I'd rather keep things as they are. As for my personal favor, I'm asking you not to force my hand." Berthold held back a gulp and remained silent. Khan's reckless behavior aside, he now

wielded the influence to tear the Cobsend family to shred. He only needed a word, and the

Nognes family would handle the rest.

"Please, Berthold," Khan continued. "Extend these words to the rest of your family. I want

them to be aware of this unwillingness."

****

Personal update: My father recently had surgery (nothing major, and he is good), so I'm visiting my parents more often and such, trying to be a good son, basically.

Also, my PC started crashing for no reason, so I updated everything while writing on my

backup laptop.

In short, I apologize for the recent more inconsistent period.