"How is Gathas?" I asked and I could see anger seep into his eyes but to my surprise, he didn't let it show, he was stone faced.
"Your worried about my son?" Maxim asked and arched an eyebrow. "Maybe, before you start worrying about someone else, you should try worrying about yourself first."
"I'm a teacher, it's my duty to worry about my students."
"Is that so... Well then, the deal I'm about to present to you will accommodate your endeavour perfectly." A wicked grin formed on his face.
"And what if I refuse this deal?"
"Oh? Look around, they are your consequence should you refuse me." He stomped his foot once and a loud footstep echoed through the hall way. Many similar footsteps echoed in response a few seconds later.
"Then what do you propose? What deal you want to make with me?"
This was one of the guys who had myself and my class killed. I felt my blood boiled but thankfully my anger never showed on my face, it just tugged on my heart.
"I'm a simple man, Mr Huang. Don't look so nervous, this deal by all accounts is simple though I do expect a simple and favourable answer."
"So what is it? I can't agree to something if I don't know what it is I'm agreeing to."
"Sarcasm has brought down many great deals, Mr Huang. If a master throws it's pet a bone, then the benefits should be forthcoming. I would suggest that you should take this situation seriously, your life depends on the outcome of this deal."
"My life? Are you threatening me, Mr Hallows?" I asked as I looked him in his eyes. I could see hostility in them. With the position that he has and the Hallows family name, me standing up to him is like a stab to his stature and ego.
"Would you like it to be a threat? The deal will benefit you, something that can benefit you can't be a bad thing could it?"
"Depends on who's the offerer."
"Interesting remark, young man. The deal is this, work for as an instructor, for the Hallows family, you will be paid in more than just money. You will work directly with us under the guise for the kingdom. With the Hallows family name behind you, your reputation will grow, power too if that's what you want. I know teachers have their integrity but all commoners wants a better life. Don't you want a better life? Like I said, it's a simple deal with a simple, correct answer."
Commoner?
[Warning, Count Maxim Hallows used the skill, 'Deal Maker', all persuasion are now 100% successful.]
"Join me."
[Attempt failed.]
"Join me!"
[Attempt failed.]
"You should say 'yes'."
I felt my lips quiver under his suggestion. I have no idea how I can last this long with his skill being 100% successful. My mouth felt dryer than a Sahara desert as I tried to hold my mouth shut.
[Attempt failed.]
Maxim narrowed his eyes.
"I suggest you should try to become a better father and retire because your persuasion tactics suck. Join you? You keep saying that but why would I say yes? A better life? Would I still have my free will if I joined you or would I be controlled by you and live as a slave to the Hallows? Mr Hallows, not everyone can be bought."
"You! Fine then how much do you think you're worth? Hm?"
"Why are you asking like I'm something now, to be brought?"
I wondered though how much am I worth... I don't have much in terms of money in my bank account back on earth, would that be my worth? What's the exchange rate in this world, would I be worth more here than how I have back home? Food for though i guess...
"I have enough of this. Consequences for refusing the Hallows family is death. Guards!"
At his words, all of his guards stood at attention and unsheathed their swords.
"Mr Huang, I am disappointed in you. I thought teachers are wise, that can guide the youngsters to an enlightened path but I see now that letting someone else teach my offspring is a waste of time."
I pursed my lips at his remark.
"Kill him."
Ba-dump, ba-dump
All the guards that were lined up against the walls of the hallway surrounded me, blocking both sides.
If I were to jump and see how many there were, all I would see was a sea of metal helmets. How many guards does one person need? It's like he brought a tiny army just to intimidate one person.
{"Master, let us handle this."} Gambert said in a harsh tone.
{"We will crush them."} Posika called out.
{"Want some Melomelon Candy, Master? It will calm the nerves."} Tosh said has a loud crunch rang in my head.
"I'm fine and don't worry too much. Judging from the map that just popped up, it looks like the Knight's Order is coming."
Loud 'clang' of armoured footsteps echoed through the hallway. Not a moment longer, out of the crowded hallway of Maxim's guards, emerged, Marlos.
"Prince Marlos, wha..."
One glance from Marlo's sharp eyes, stopped Maxim from saying another word.
"Count Maxim Hallows, why are there so many guards here loitering around in the palace's hallway?" Marlos stated as he tilted his head.
"I... I... I came to visit this young fellow here." Maxim mumbled.
"With this many guards? Why do you have this many guards here just to visit someone?"
"He... he hurt my son!" Maxim shouted.
"He beat your son in an official duel. I was the referee. And it was only some scratches, he will heal in no time. Our healers are best this country has to offer."
"He's a noble, he was beaten by a commoner!"
"There are no status in the army. Your son is a soldier to be and he will be regarded as such no matter his status. Besides, I've just had a little chat with your little boy and it he seems that he wants Mr Huang to be his mentor."
"But his a commoner!"
"Not anymore. He's now an official member of the army, as the new instructor."
Wait what? I'm in the army now? And an official member too. I couldn't even enlist into the army back home. They said I need to have a BMI of 20 and that's a bit difficult for me to achieve so I didn't join.
"What about instructor Lemmon?" Maxim demanded, cutting me from my thought.
"You don't have to worry about him. He's currently under investigation."
"Who says I'm worried about him? A teacher that's dirty, will not be allowed to teach my child."
"Oh? How do you know he's dirty?"
"I uh... only imagine he is since you said you're investigating him."
"I said he's currently under investigation, I never said he was dirty."
"My apologies, Prince." Maxim bowed his head.
{"Ha! I want to have a beer with this captain of the Knight's Order, Marlos guy. He seems interesting. Isn't he Gambi?"} Lucifer said in an amused tone.
{"Mhmm."}
"Right. Mr Hallows, could you please remove your guards? They are blocking the whole hallway!"
Maxim waved his hand and all of his guards sheathed their blades and removed themselves from the hallway.
Now it's just me, the Knight's Order, Maxim and a few of his guards are left... all standing outside my room...
"Thank you. Now then, Mr Hallows. Would you please refrain from doing anything that you'll regret and move pass this?"
Maxim clicked his tone before wavering into Marlos plight.
"Fine, I'll look pass this just this once but we the Hallows won't be swayed a second time. If Mr Huang crosses us again, my family will take action. Good day to you Prince."
Maxim strutted off with his remaining guards in tow. I could hear his voice at a distance, calling for his other guards to follow him. I think we just pissed him off, if I'm not on my guard, he would definitely take advantage of it...
Marlos and the Knight's Order but to everyone else, just his guards or are they my guards? walked towards me.
"Sorry you have to go through that Ryan. We only just made it in time."
"Don't worry too much about it," I mumbled. "He wasn't much of a threat to be honest."
"How so?" Marlos asked curiously.
"Well..."
I wondered if I should let Marlos and the Knight's Order meet with the shadow legion now or later. I was planning to get all three acquainted soon...
Ah fuck it...
Maybe now is as good time as any...
{Oh goodie! It's finally time get everyone into one mind space!}
What?
{Say 'connect to everyone'}
Hmm...
"Guys why don't we head into my room, I have something to show you guys."
"Sure, let's head in."
Loc went over to my room's door and opened it. We all filed in, once everyone was in, I pointed to Loc to close the door.
It was a tight fit since the room was just a bedroom but somehow everyone was in.
Whilst everyone was getting comfy... well as comfy as twenty four people in one room could get... I connected with Baihu first to give them all a heads up. I told them to find a place that they won't be found out and wait there.
"Okay, everyone let's meet the whole family... 'connect to everyone'."