Chapter 353 Aiken's Deception

Before leaving the Frost estate to return to the hotel, Lothur was called by the patriarch for a talk.

This silver-haired young man had looked through the books he got today of the three professions before he was called by Aiken, having more or less understood what he could get out of them.

He could not read this in one night and then master everything. But it was vital for him to do his reconnaissance reading to know how to prepare himself from now on.

And with that, he was ready to leave this estate and get on with his business outside of this place when he faced Aiken in this man's office.

"Father-in-law, what do you want with me?" He asked after sitting down next to Viktoria on the other side of the desk where Aiken was.

Aiken looked at his son-in-law and questioned. "What were you talking about with Klossner? What is this business I don't know anything about?"

Viktoria looked at Lothur upon hearing her father's question, knowing that he had to discuss his plans. Still, she also tried to understand how he would justify his 'betrayal.'

Whether he wanted to or not, he was part of this family, and even if they gave him some freedom, doing business behind their back was a problem.

At the very least, he had to include the family!

Lothur was as calm as ever and answered his father-in-law's question. "It's about a business I'm developing. I have yet to develop a prototype, so the business is still only in my plans without getting off the paper."

"I want to bring people together to fund me on this project. So, in addition to other organizations I've already talked to, I've invited coroner Klossner to participate in this because I've heard he's a wealthy man."

"Fund your project? And why didn't you come to talk to me about it?" Aiken asked, understanding more or less what Lothur wanted to do.

It was not common in this cultivation world for people to invest in other individuals' businesses. That was particularly true if such a person was not a renowned noble with many connections or someone who would receive support from their own family.

So for Aiken, it was bizarre for Lothur to look for supporters outside the Frost family. But, at the same time, it was disrespectful to do so without at least considering them, as seemed to be the case...

Lothur promptly answered Aiken's question. "The Frost family would not have helped me if I had asked for your support first. So I went after my contacts to solve my need."

That was only one reason why Lothur had not gone after the Frost family before.

For him, the main thing was that by going to talk to powers other than the Frost family, he could have multiple sponsors, thus diversifying his supporters.

If he had talked to the Frost family first, the chances of that organization limiting him would not be small. But, at the same time, what would happen if he had only one backer in case such an organization fell?

He did not want the Frost family to perish, but if it were impossible to save it, he would not hesitate to abandon it to save himself.

In this situation, it would be terrible for him if all his 'eggs' were in one 'basket!'

Aiken frowned, knowing that, however true it might be, such a thing would only happen due to Lothur hiding his abilities. So it was rather unfair of him to use this excuse to justify his lack of respect for his family!

"Still, you should have warned us..." He said in a low voice, speaking seriously to this young man in front of him, a little disappointed.

Aiken had always defended Lothur from Mabel and even felt bad for this young man. So, seeing this fellow fail him on something so simple was rather bad.

Viktoria saw the expression on her father's face and intervened, "But that doesn't matter. I'm sure Lothur was planning to invite you to join this project, father." She turned to her husband and asked. "Isn't that right?"

Lothur smiled at his wife and nodded. "Hmm, it is true. If the Frost family would like to join the other organizations that will fund this project, I will be waiting for you with open arms."

Aiken looked at Lothur momentarily, knowing this young man was a scoundrel. But he had nothing to do in that situation and asked. "Sigh... And what is this project about?"

"It is a vehicle design independent of animal power as the main power supplier," Lothur replied. "I will present in a few days a miniature model that will be like the original vehicle that I intend to market. I will send you an invitation with the place and date when it is all arranged."

"Vehicle? An autonomous carriage?" Aiken's eyebrows frowned, with him understanding what this was all about. 'No one has ever been able to produce something like this... The chances of success are low.'

But since he had practically forced the young man to invite him to this event, Aiken could not just give up on that and thank Lothur now. It would be shameful for him to act like that after his attitude moments ago.

So he simply threw away his expectations and said. "Very well. I will see your presentation when the time comes."

After that was settled, Lothur departed that place alongside his wife, satisfied that he could place yet another organization as his funder.

Then he and Viktoria disguised themselves and left towards the hotel they were staying at.

On the way there, the two experienced difficulties due to the significant presence of people investigating Lothur and his morning move that had fooled dozens.

But as Lothur had improved his perception and developed a bit more of his visual ability, he and Viktoria eventually found their way to their goal.

So after arriving at their room, the two proceeded to take off their clothes and fall into bed, not long before filling that room with melodies and a distinctive aroma...

...

The following day, Lothur and Viktoria woke up full of energy but soon said goodbye.

She went to settle her affairs concerning the Frost family, in particular the results of the Province Conference. As for Lothur, he went directly to the Morning Star Academy to pursue his affairs there.

However, instead of what used to happen when he went to the academy when he arrived this morning, Lothur was faced with crowds looking at him and murmuring things.

There were groups of girls and boys at others who had opposite feelings about him.

On the other hand, looks of hatred and envy could be seen coming from the direction of people who were part of the most prominent organizations in the province.

In the midst of this, he met Annaliese at the entrance to the academy but did not have much time to talk to her and go to his and Elke's room.

Before he had a chance to do what had become his routine, an academy official emerged among the many young people staring at him at the entrance to that place.

"Lothur Ritter, come with me."

...