In the grand hall adorned with intricate golden patterns, Zanis stood before Kael, slowly swirling a wine glass in silence.
The pendulum clocks on either side ticked away, their sounds growing heavier and slower with each passing moment.
Kael fidgeted with the hem of his clothes, thinking, "I have every right to suspect you've got an entire army waiting in the wings!"
When the hour struck, the clock's chime echoed and gradually faded into silence.
Zanis's voice, devoid of emotion, cut through the quiet hall, "You know what? You've caused me a lot of trouble."
"Mm."
"Gannu and the others are dead, and you're the only one who came back alive. Don't you owe me an explanation?"
Kael calmly replied, "If you're worried about the Evilus, don't be. I'm the one who killed Gannu and the others."
Zanis toyed with his wine glass, surprise crossing his features, "That doesn't match the information I received."
Last night, the Astraea Familia had told him that Gannu and the others were killed by the Evilus, and that Kael had avenged them by single-handedly killing a minor executive!
"Well, it's up to Lord Zanis whom you choose to believe," Kael said, meeting his gaze without fear.
Such a ridiculous conclusion — even Zanis himself didn't believe it.
"Why did you kill Gannu and the others?"
Though he had intended to test Kael's mettle using those people and had prepared for their eventual demise, he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.
"It's only been one day — aren't you being too aggressive?" Zanis studied his expression, hoping to see panic, but found none.
Now, Kael stood before him, acting as if killing Gannu and the others was perfectly natural.
"I never liked them in the Familia. They mocked me for being a supporter. They stole from their companions — their behavior was absolutely despicable!"
"That's still no reason to kill them." Zanis said abruptly.
"No..." Kael's gaze sharpened, "All property in the Familia belongs to Lord Zanis. They weren't just bullying the weak — they were taking a share of Lord Zanis's wealth! Going against Lord Zanis's will is betraying the Familia! Against traitors, I merely did what needed to be done!"
"..."
Indeed, there were too many people in the Familia who exploited supporters and the weak, starting with Zanis himself, cascading down level by level.
Thanks to this reminder, he realized that the Valis these people squeezed from the bottom-tier members wouldn't all end up in his pocket. They would spend it living extravagantly. Even with their need for Soma, once they had excess money, they would waste it on entertainment.
No... he almost got led astray by this kid.
I just need to raise the price of Soma and reclaim all the Familia's Valis — if they're poor enough, there won't be any funds flowing out! This way, no matter whose hands the Valis are in, they'll eventually end up in mine.
What? Too expensive to buy? Hmph, if you won't buy it, plenty of adventurers will!
The Familia only needs me to enjoy life!
At this thought, Zanis realized something was amiss — given Kael's current money-making speed, he might not be able to control him!
In just one day, he had made other Familias spend V$10,000,000 on him!
What talent!
Despite his amazement, Zanis put on a stern face and rebuked, "You're too extreme! Harming your fellow Familia members is a serious crime."
"They were just worthless trash... not executives. Lord Zanis can surely handle this. Besides, I've pinned the blame on the Evilus. If I don't say anything, no one will suspect!"
Well, aren't you oddly loyal...
Zanis's expression softened slightly as he took a leisurely sip of wine, "With what you've done, the Evilus won't let you off easily. I heard from the Astraea Familia that you even killed one of their executives?"
This kid has quite a talent for causing trouble... If the Evilus seeks revenge, I'll just hand him over.
Kael noticed a hint of fear behind Zanis's bluffing expression.
Of course, if he had the strength to kill a Level 2, with only Zanis and himself here, killing him would be just as easy!
Thinking of this...
Kael smiled brightly and reassured him, "That was just a smokescreen to gain the Astraea Familia's trust."
Right now, Zanis and the Soma Familia were his best protection, and Zanis was the perfect scapegoat.
Everything was done by Soma's Captain — what would it have to do with small supporters like us?
"What?! You... what do you mean?!" Zanis stared at him in disbelief.
The information contained in that brief statement nearly broke his mind.
Kael was quite satisfied with this expression.
Zanis's thoughts raced, 'What smokescreen? Was that Level 2 sent by the Evilus to die? But how would Kael know? What are they trying to cover up? Getting him to gain the Astraea Familia's trust? Then what? What's their goal? What's their plan?'
He wasn't a good person. If given the chance to cooperate with the Evilus, as long as there was money to be made, he wouldn't hesitate.
But this piece suddenly jumping off the board left him panicked. Worse still, the one holding his piece was an opponent he couldn't possibly resist!
This news was even more troublesome than if Kael had killed a Level 2 himself!
"How about it, excited?" Kael spread his arms triumphantly, "Lord Zanis, we're going to get rich!"
"Hmm? We?"
"I have incredible news to report to Lord Zanis!"
"Oh?" Zanis maintained his composure, seeing the burning loyalty in Kael's eyes.
"Lord Rudra said." Kael explained confidently, "Once we complete his small test, he'll let us join an incomparable grand plan. When that time comes, we'll become rulers of the new world!"
"Tch—" Zanis's teeth ached. This promise was obviously empty — he didn't believe it for a moment, but...
He couldn't refuse. Those madmen would destroy anyone who stood in their way. Since they had made the request, there was no room for refusal!
Zanis asked, "What test..."
"It's simple." Kael opened his waist pouch, pulled out a pistol, aimed it at Zanis's forehead, and gently pulled the trigger.
Bang—
A small flame spurted from the muzzle.
"This... ignition device?"
"Right! The ignition device. They want Lord Zanis to purchase enough ignition devices to double the production of all factories in Orario."
"That's it?" Zanis pushed up his glasses.
Magic stone lamps were cheap, only a few hundred Valis each. The ignition devices alone were even cheaper, with bulk discounts available.
Considering this, Zanis nodded, "Then when is the delivery date?"
"One month later. Don't worry, Lord Rudra won't short-change us. There will be a handsome reward for this batch of ignition devices." Kael assured him confidently.
Zanis asked suspiciously, "After doing all this, what do you get?"
Kael opportunely showed a greedy expression, slowly reaching out toward him, "I want... Soma! Give me more Soma! Soma!"
Watching his unfocused gaze as he gradually rolled on the ground, Zanis's lips curved upward. He covered his eyes and threw his head back in laughter.
"Heh, hehehe, hahaha, Kael-kun! Kael-kun! You truly are the Soma Familia's most loyal executive! Hahaha!"