916 Malcontent
The meeting with Berthold was only the first of many since Khan needed to relay his message to all the allied descendants' families. More guests arrived within the following day, leading to more tense conversations and threats.
Bruce, Mark, Lucy, and John's families received the same treatment as Luke's father. Their relationships with Khan weren't equal, but the conversations followed the same pattern, starting with basic pleasantries and ending with a clear threat.
That outcome was satisfactory. Truthfully, Khan couldn't expect the conversations to go any better. Also, those families mostly were on the same page, allowing for a smooth conclusion that was bound to make every faction wary of plotting against Khan.
However, Khan's allies had exceptions on both ends of the spectrum. George was Khan's most trusted friend, so his family received special treatment. The same went for Anita's family due to her connection with George. Khan directly skipped those meetings, silently telling everyone he didn't need to threaten them.
Meanwhile, Lucian's family stood on the opposite end. Its internal conflicts were no different from Luke's, Bruce's, or Mark's families, but Lucian lacked his parents' support. The issue wasn't even about trust. Lucian's father wanted to retain power a bit longer, leading to a different kind of conversation.
On the night of the second day of meetings, Lionel Hencus exited Baoway's teleports and followed an escort to the main city, entering the appointed building and quickly reaching a dining hall. Khan was already waiting for him, and basic salutes unfolded.
"Lionel," Khan called. "I apologize for summoning you back here so soon."
"Nonsense, Prince Khan," Lionel reassured, reaching Khan to shake his hand. "I would never miss opportunities to have private talks with you."
"Then, by all means," Khan announced, inviting Lionel to sit with him. "Let's talk." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Lionel sat down and accepted the drink Khan had poured for him. He even lifted it when Khan occupied a nearby couch. The two exchanged a silent toast before enjoying the booze.
"Allow me to congratulate you on your splendid tournament again, Prince Khan," Lionel exclaimed. "I'm sure it will remain the network's main topic until the next one."
"I'm glad it received such a general appreciation," Khan stated. "I already have people preparing the next one. There will be changes, but I hope to make it as entertaining as the first."
"I'm sure it will be," Lionel declared. "Also, I'm aware of this meeting's purpose. As you surely know, words spread quickly in our environments."
"And what do you think about it?" Khan asked.
"I mean no offense, Prince Khan," Lionel said, "But I find it pointless and a waste of your time. My family wouldn't dare to create problems for you, and I would personally handle any malcontent you might have experienced."
"I don't doubt that," Khan revealed. "I'm sure you'll do your utmost to please me. Still, Lucian is my spokesperson. He's the one I chose to represent your family in business opportunities and more."
Khan's statement had a deeper meaning, which Lionel understood. Khan wanted Lucian to wield all the authority in their relationship, elevating and reinforcing his political position.
"As a father," Lionel exclaimed, "Nothing could make me prouder. My son has proven himself politically sharp and business savvy. He is the best heir I could have hoped for."
Lionel couldn't have explained his thoughts any better. He expressed his stance and desires without insulting Khan. His speech was also understandable, but Khan had his reasons to remain wary.
Khan's decision to focus on his generation was purely trust-based. His allies had fewer connections, businesses, and opportunities, so they had a higher chance of being and remaining loyal to him.
Instead, Lionel and the other parents had a lifetime's worth of friends. Khan's offers would still be appealing, but they could find alternatives, creating loyalty issues. Some even had the chance to plot against Khan, and the current meetings proved that.
However, Lionel was right. Khan had always relied on the help of more experienced people. Initially, his fellow descendants had been enough, but his Uncle, Aunt, and other older members of his inner circle had shown their value lately. The whole tournament idea came from Prince Thomas in the end.
"I understand your concerns, Lionel," Khan declared. "Your malcontent is also reasonable. Yet, what would you have me do?"
"I wouldn't dare to suggest anything, Prince Khan," Lionel said, restoring his political persona. "I merely expressed what you wanted to hear."
"Which I'm thankful for," Khan uttered. "I greatly value honesty. Still, your words highlight an issue I was already aware and wary of."
"I'm sure it can be fixed, Prince Khan," Lionel reassured.
"How?" Khan wondered, the room growing colder due to his mood. "Should I pay you? Should I invite untrustworthy people into my businesses to placate your internal fights and ambitions? Should I expose myself to please your characters?"
"I would never place my ambition above your safety, Prince Khan," Lionel exclaimed.
"You didn't," Khan reassured, "But I see few alternatives. I'd have to buy you or eliminate any potential threat."
"I wouldn't dare to plot against you, Prince Khan," Lionel declared. "I wouldn't even consider it. This slight malcontent is an internal issue my son and I are dealing with."
"I know you are," Khan reassured. "Still, let me tell you this."
Khan emptied his glass, placing it on the couch's armchair. The silence built up tension, adding weight to Khan's following words.
"I'm still inexperienced in many ways," Khan announced, "But I know how this can turn out."
Khan fell silent again, staring deep into Lionel's eyes. He didn't want his words to sound like a threat there. He only wished to explain an unavoidable consequence.
"Let's say a ploy unfolds," Khan said. "The only ones able to set it up are organizations with similar power to mine, and I know myself. I'll start a war in a blink."
Lionel couldn't help but grow more serious. A war among noble factions or families could shake the Global Army to its core. Those parties always avoided it due to the heavy repercussions on both sides, but Khan was an evident exception. He would attack without caring about his losses.
"And you know how these things go," Khan continued. "The nobles and other top dogs have many ways to protect themselves. Instead, the messengers and instruments of the ploy don't, and they'd be the first to suffer."