Book: 2: 98

Book 2: Chapter 98

When Lukas finally arrived at Leo’s hospital room, he immediately noticed the heavy atmosphere.

“Ah, Master.”

“You’re here.”

Nevertheless, the expressions of the two in the room immediately changed when they saw him, and they greeted him with bright smiles.

Lukas nodded and turned to Leo.

“Leo, how are you feeling?”

“I’m a lot better now. Sorry for making you worry.”

Leo responded in a calm voice.

Lukas looked him in the eyes for a moment before speaking.

“Are you okay?”

“...yeah.”

“All right.”

Lukas didn’t ask him any more questions and instead turned to look at Min Ha-rin.

“Your mana flow seems much more stable than before. It was that guy I saw earlier, Vincent, who taught you, wasn’t it?”

“Ah, yeah. He’s a great teacher.”

As expected of her Master, he could tell that with a single glance.

Min Ha-rin couldn’t help but smile as she had that thought, but her expression was a bit awkward.

“What’s wrong?”

Min Ha-rin blinked in surprise at the unexpected question before smiling bitterly.

“...how did you know?”

“It’s written all over your face.”

When Min Ha-rin gently lifted a hand to her face, Lukas smiled softly.

“I’m joking.”

“...”

It was a little strange for Lukas to say something like that. It was only then when Min Ha-rin noticed that there was something strange about Lukas’ attitude.

‘...did something happen to you, Master?’

This was a question that she wanted to ask, but Min Ha-rin couldn’t open her mouth.

There were many reasons for this, but the most important reason was that she wasn’t brave enough.

Lukas stood on a level way above her. So she could only imagine how great whatever was bothering her Master had to be. Because of this, a thought pervaded Min Ha-rin’s mind.

What could she do even if she heard it?

“Tell me what happened.”

This was said in a much softer tone than usual, discomforting her even more.

Suppressing the strange feeling, Min Ha-rin slowly summarised everything she’d heard from Vincent.

“...”

After hearing what she had to say, Lukas remained silent for a while.

“So what did you say?”

“Personally, I would love to agree to it immediately. I would agree even if you mentioned a more difficult condition than that. However... this is not something that I’m able to decide on my own.”

“I see.”

Min Ha-rin nodded as though she’d expected it.

Authorising the establishment of an organisation was by no means simple. After all, it would mean that the North America Headquarters, which was the most powerful force in the world at the moment, recognised the establishment of Argento Spell. In short, they would be able to carry some of the prestige of North America.

This was a necessary process for Lukas to create a global organisation that went beyond the reach of each region and branch.

Of course, Min Ha-rin didn’t understand the entire process and framework. After all, what she trusted wasn’t the feasibility or validity of the plan but Lukas’ existence. Even if he had decided upon a plan that seemed even less plausible, she would still give him her unconditional trust.

In any case, this was a matter of utmost importance. Vincent didn’t have a low position in the North America headquarters, but he was not powerful enough to make such decisions on his own.

Vincent clenched and unclenched his fists nervously. He seemed concerned that Min Ha-rin would take back what she said if they couldn’t agree.

“There are a few council members in the meeting hall right now, aren’t there?”

“Right.”

“Then wouldn’t you be able to accept my offer if you persuaded them?”

“...that’s right.”

It was easy to say.

Vincent spoke with a heavy expression.

“It’s not that easy. Fortunately, most of the people in the meeting hall had a good relationship with the Association President. It might take some time, but I’m confident I could convince them to accept your conditions. However...”

Vincent’s voice faded at the end, but Min Ha-rin understood what he was trying to say.

“There are some people who are pleased with the fact that the Association President is injured.”

“Hoo.”

Vincent let out a heavy sigh.

Min Ha-rin couldn’t help but feel surprised. It seemed that even in North America, which she thought was perfectly united, some were antagonistic towards each other.

The reason was unexpected, but the outcome was something that Lukas had already anticipated.

“...of course, Argento Spell already has the extraordinary achievement of taking down one of the Five Dukes. It’s not widely known yet, but if they found out about this achievement, they would certainly not oppose you blindly. Even if they have high positions.”

“In other words, it will take time.”

“...I’m sorry.”

Min Ha-rin nodded at Vincent’s apology.

“That means my condition will be put on hold for now.”

“Is that alright with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you for your consideration. Is there anything else you need?”

“Including myself, only four people will be able to go to Korea. So far, the list is myself, Mr. Vincent, and Master. As for the other person...”

Vincent shook his head before Min Ha-rin could finish talking.

“I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to go with you.”

“Huh?”

“I can’t leave the Association President’s side for now. He cannot be left alone. Someone has to watch over him.”

“...”

Vincent’s expression showed that he meant his words and that there would be no changing his mind.

Was he preparing for a possible assassination attempt?

This would make sense, especially if there were people who wanted Neil dead.

Min Ha-rin’s expression became a bit troubled.

“...then that means we’ll have to find two more... Mr. Vincent, would it be possible for you to gather some of the strongest and most reliable hunters in North America right now?”