Chapter 48: Silvertongue

Chapter 48: Silvertongue

Chapter 48

You want me to take your sister as an apprentice. Moui's voice made clear what he thought of his request and it wasnt a yes.

Kai wasnt deterred. At least it wasnt the blunt no the hunter had given him when he thought Kai was asking for himself. He could work with a maybe.

Would it really be so terrible to take a world-class genius like yours truly as an apprentice?

He was a little hurt. But if he had to be honest, in Mouis shoes, he would also refuse to have someone like himself around all the time.

Am I that annoying? Well

The citizens of Greenside were not the only ones starved for entertainment. At the estate, he had not done anything except train and study. It wasnt unpleasant after he got used to it, but he had not realized how much he needed a break. Out of any better options, Moui had somehow become his only outlet to have a little fun.

Damn, my only friend is a grumpy hunter. I need to meet more people.

Moui cleared his throat. Right now was not the time to reflect on his sad social life. He had a grumpy hunter to convince first.

Why not? My sister is the perfect age to start an apprenticeship and youre free from what I know.

I dont have time to teach someone. Moui crossed his arms in front of his chest, trying to make his words sound final. Little did he know that as soon as he chose to engage in this argument and not outright deny the possibility, he had already lost.

You dont look so busy to me. Kai looked around at the empty room to emphasize his point. You live alone and all you do is hunt. It wouldnt even take much time to bring along an apprentice and teach them what youre doing. My sister could also help you with the tasks you find boring. Isnt that what apprentices are for?

From what Kai understood, in the vast majority of cases, apprentices were akin to unpaid interns. Just with even fewer regulations to safeguard their rights. People had to be very careful with who they chose to apprentice to.

I cant bring a kid to the depth of the Veeryd jungle, Moui argued. You know how dangerous it can get. I cant hunt orange-tier beasts while being responsible for someone else.

You clearly can perceive any threat long before they get close, Kai said, remembering the distance from which Moui had noticed the red-tier boa. And you told me you just hunt on the outskirts most of the time. With you there, the danger will be almost none. And you dont need to bring her along in the deeper parts of the forest before you think she is ready.

The hunter still seemed hesitant, but he was struggling to come up with a reason to say no.

Just a little more.

Come on, uncle. Taking an apprentice might be fun, I also heard teaching someone else can help you level your skills. Why not try?

From his thoughtful expression, Kai could see he had almost won him over.

Time for the finishing blow.

You dont need to commit right now. Just give this a chance. Try teaching my sister for one month. If it doesnt work out at least youll have learned what its like taking an apprentice.

First, he went all out, then he took a step back to make his proposal sound more appealing. There was no need for a long-term commitment. No harm in trying something new. What is one short month in the grand scheme of things?

Moui sighed, defeated. Fine, Ill take your sister.

Hell, yeah! Victory!

Before Kai could celebrate, the hunter continued talking.

But there are two conditions. He counted on his fingers. First, Ill only give her a trial period of two weeks.

Kai nodded, it didnt matter. He just had to get his foot in the door. From there he was sure the hunter would not send Kea away without a good reason. He had faith his sister would not fail if she put her head to it.

Second, I need you to answer a question truthfully before I can agree.

Sure, uncle, ask me anything. Kai didnt hesitate to accept. What was Moui so curious about to put that as a condition?

I need to know if your sister is half as annoying and shameless as you? Moui said with a completely straight face.

Excuse me!? Im not that bad.

Kai continued to smile brightly. Uncle Moui agreed to offer her an apprenticeship. Isnt that great?

Kai She paused, scolding tone already on. Do you remember when we talked about taking important decisions together with the family?

Thats why Im telling you now. Ive yet to tell Kea.

So, I imagine if I say no youll not tell Kea anything and tell Moui she refused the kind offer?

Kai smiled, embarrassed.

Touch. Im trying my best, okay? Baby steps for the both of us.

He knew if he answered yes, Alana might tell him no just to prove her point.

Growth is never easy

Yes, mom. Ill do as you say if you think thats best. He said honestly.

Alana looked him in the eyes. The moments felt interminable as Kai waited for her to pass judgment.

Lets discuss. She finally said.

The following conversation went about as Kai expected. He assured her nothing could happen under Mouis watch. His mother wasnt thrilled by the idea of Kea going to hunt in the Veeryd jungle, but she couldnt deny it could give his sister a good career.

Land hunters were a bit of an odd bunch in the seafaring culture of the archipelago, but they were well paid. With Kea not showing interest in any other profession thus far, Alana had to admit it wasnt the worst idea.

If you can convince your sister I wont oppose it, but I wont encourage her either.

Thank you, mom. Kai smiled and went to give her a hug.

With this, the second mini-boss had fallen. Now he only had to defeat the final boss. Kai rehashed his arguments in preparation for the face-off with his sister, he couldnt falter at the finish line.

Starting to pace back and forth as he waited for Kea to come home, Alana recruited him in her cleaning efforts to take his mind off things.

The first to come home was Eleni, who was then informed of the news. Finally, Kea arrived not much before dinner time.

I dont want to know what she does every day to come back so late, but if this goes according to plan she wont have so much time to get into trouble much longer.

Kai began to throw around hints at the dinner table. Casually leading the conversation to how cool and mysterious were the hunters who went into the Veeryd jungle. Kea started to show some interest, asking him more and more questions.

If youre interested, I can ask Moui if hes interested in taking an apprentice. He offered. It was the most subtle of ways, but he only had till the next morning to make her agree.

To his relief, Kea seemed to consider the offer. Yeah, maybe. Ill think about it.

Thats not good enough.

At this point, Kai knew he had to go big or go home. After dinner was over, he knew exactly what he should say to convince her sister. He would have preferred not to employ this ace, but he was sure Moui would forgive him.

Can you keep a secret? He whispered to his sister.

That immediately got her interest. What secret?

Kai used Acting to seem hesitant. I dont know if I should tell you.

He let this back and forth go on a minute longer till he knew he had all her attention.

Do you swear not to tell anyone?

Kea solemnly nodded.

Suppressing a smile, Kai whispered in her ear. Uncle Moui is the person with the highest race grade in all of Greenside.

He didnt have to see her reaction to know he got her. What better way to ignite her competitive spirit than dangling a dangerous apprenticeship with the mysterious strongest person in town?