Knave had seen such people a lot in his past life, these people only cared about their own benefits and it didn't matter to them how they got it.
If it was possible for them to get benefits by selling away their friends or family they wouldn't even blink before making a decision if the gain was enough.
This people we're known as business-minded people to most people but they were just like bloodthirsty sharks who would fight for their prey without giving up and using any means necessary.
Knave knew that once he entered Manuel's circle there would be many benefits for him and if he had any problems in the future he could also use this guy to solve such problems without dirtying his own hands.
And if in the future this guy tries to double-cross him then he had his sister to rely on if necessary and if not he would at least be strong enough to start his own path.
But as he had to keep his cover of a 10-year-old naive kid he had to change his looks. As soon as Manuel made his preposition Knave put on a facade of being delighted like a kid who had been given his favourite treat.
But soon he controlled his emotions and showed a deep look of contemplation while sneaking glances at Manuel once in a while. Manuel seeing his antics couldn't help but be happy inside as he knew that he had won his bet and only a small push was necessary to reel in this big fish.
Without waiting for another moment he gave the push, " Don't think too much about it brother, this is what I should give you this as a gesture of apology if you do not accept it you are putting me in a bad spot" Manuel said showing a sorry look and bowing his head.
"No!no! what are you doing elder brother what are you doing. This young brother has seen your sincerity and I am willing to accept your gesture of apology." Knave said while hurrying to Manuel side to lift his head.
"Hahahah!! that is good. Then come brother today I will take you out for some good food. Even though the academy provides us with food for free it is not that beneficial to us, on the second floor of the dining hall you can pay a paltry some to gain food that is not only delicious but also beneficial to our cultivation. So how about it younger brother, want to come with elder brother for some good food?!" Manuel asked while giving a pleasant smile.
"Of course, but I have a condition," Knave said.
Manuel was shocked due to this turn of events, but he promptly went back to normal and said, "What is it, brother? Whatever condition you place I your bug brother Manuel will put his heart and soul to complete it" Manuel said showing the perfect image of a caring and loving brother.
Looking at his performance Knave almost wanted to give him a standing ovation for his acting skills, he then with his own performance of a superb actor with light shining in his eyes said, "Brother Manuel this names seems to be too distant in their address, it seems like we are very formal towards each other. So, how about we just call each other by our names, like I would like to call you Manuel and you can just call me Knave?"
Hearing this Manuel was shocked and for the first time looked towards Knave's direction. He looked at the kid's 'innocent' smile and he couldn't help but for the first time feel guilty in his heart.
Guilty, because right when Knave said that he had a condition he thought the kid would try to rip him off some more but it turned out that he just wanted them to be good brothers.
Since young Manuel has been thought to never trust anybody fully and to always look at people as commodities that could be used and thrown away when necessary.
This was all because he was the son of the patriarch of his clan, but looking at the Knave he couldn't help but want to trust him.