"Your Highness, I apologize. I was merely curious how young Neuvillette could be at odds with the Heaven Dou royal family."
"Ahem..."
Moffett didn't outright dismiss the concern, but his expression grew increasingly somber.
"Xue Qinghe's" countenance also darkened.
Yet beneath the mask, his lips curled into a slight smile.
"Grandpa Mo, His Royal Highness is here on business."
Neuvillette shook his head, steering the conversation elsewhere.
Fortunately, "Xue Qinghe" was not the genuine Prince, or he might have stormed off in a huff.
Even the most patient of soul master would bristle under such circumstances.
The seven family leaders turned their attention to "Xue Qinghe" at this juncture. They recognized the name of Prince Heaven Dou as Xue Qinghe, though they had never met him in person.
This Crown Prince seemed more "benevolent" than anticipated.
Of course, this could merely be a facade.
"My apologies; it was remiss of me not to inquire first!"
Moffett said with an awkward chuckle, "Your Highness, please come in. I regret any offense I may have caused just now. I'm sorry!"
"The patriarch jests. It was indeed presumptuous of Qinghe to visit unannounced."
"Xue Qinghe" responded with equanimity, embodying the very essence of "benevolence."
"Then I..."
"Neuvillette, please join us. It's beneficial to acquaint yourself with the business. In time, you will succeed your grandfather. Observe and learn..."
"Ah..."
Neuvillette was taken aback. Moffett's reasoning was sound, but the business held little interest for him.
Nevertheless, he was present...
Typically, such matters would be discussed privately between "Xue Qinghe" and Moffett.
However, the patriarchs and Neuvillette were not strangers, so there was no need for secrecy.
As everyone settled into their seats, Moffett began, "I am Moffett; may I inquire as to the purpose of His Royal Highness's visit today?"
The other family leaders remained silent, opting not to introduce themselves.
"Senior, Qinghe has come primarily to negotiate a business arrangement with the Soul Fighting Arena."
"Oh? Your Highness, please elaborate!"
"Senior, in just over two years, the new continent-wide elite soul master academy competition will commence."
"For the empire's qualifiers, we intend to use the Great Soul Fighting Arena."
"Of course, the ticket revenue will be shared equally, and the empire will shoulder the costs of any necessary modifications to the arena."
Upon hearing this, the family leaders exchanged glances. Was it premature to discuss the next continent-wide elite soul master academy competition?
The event is held every five years, and the next one is more than two years away.
It's conceivable that the royal family wishes to settle these matters well in advance.
In past elite competitions of the Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy, the Soul Fighting Arena was occasionally requisitioned.
The terms are akin to those proposed by "Xue Qinghe."
The empire would finance the renovations, and the ticket proceeds would be divided evenly.
This proposal mirrored past agreements, leaving little room for debate or deliberation.
Each qualifier for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition typically lasts about a month.
During this time, even with a fifty-fifty split, the Fighting Spirit Arena stands to profit handsomely.
"I have no objections. We shall proceed as His Highness the Crown Prince has suggested."
After a moment's reflection, Moffett concluded:
"Senior, your contentment is our pleasure!"
"This is a document. I would like the seniors to read it. If there are no objections, let us settle the matter accordingly."
"Xue Qinghe" nodded, retrieved the document from the storage soul guide, handed it to Moffett, and thoughtfully offered a pen.
The document was brief, and Moffett perused it swiftly. It mirrored the documents of previous years, save for the updated dates.
He signed it without hesitation.
"Additionally, Qinghe has another request. If possible, could you ask Brother Neuvillette to officiate the qualifying matches?"
As "Xue Qinghe" voiced this, the expressions of the eight family leaders shifted dramatically, their gazes converging on "Xue Qinghe" as if drawn by a singular force.
Thankfully, they quickly composed themselves, retracting their imposing aura, thus preventing any inadvertent provocation of "Xue Qinghe's" martial spirit.
"Xue Qinghe" appeared perplexed. Wasn't Neuvillette's profession that of a referee?
To invite him to referee the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition Qualifiers would be a distinguished honor, would it not?
Why then did these venerable figures nearly spring into action?
"It seems I have underestimated Neuvillette's standing among the eight major families!"
"No wonder, when I previously visited, these elders' demeanors shifted more rapidly than the turning of a page."
"Xue Qinghe" had an epiphany, realizing that Neuvillette held significant sway among the younger members of the eight Major families. His words could potentially influence the future course of these families!
Otherwise, why would the elder's aura have surged so instinctively?
After all, the request was merely for Neuvillette to act as a referee.
Observing "Xue Qinghe's" baffled expression, Lexius, Lei Li, and the others lapsed into silence.
Were they overly sensitive? Was there any need to fret over Neuvillette's capabilities?
Together, these elders might not match Neuvillette's prowess...
"Ahem..."
"Um, young Neuvillette, would you be willing to serve as the referee for the preliminaries of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition?"
"Of course, if you're otherwise engaged..."
Before Moffett could finish, Neuvillette interjected, "Grandpa Mo, since His Highness the Crown Prince has extended such an invitation, and as I am affiliated with the Soul Fighting Arena, it is only right that I contribute."
"I shall assume the role of referee."
Upon hearing this, the clan leaders' faces lit up with approval. Such a commendable young man!
His cultivation and strength had not spurred defiance; he remained as respectful as ever.
"A fine lad indeed!"
"Well, then, you shall be the referee!"
Moffett then addressed one of the clan leaders, "By the way, Old Mi, when the time comes, we could also make use of Doudou's expertise. She has managed things exceptionally well."
"Doudou has been under Brother Lex's tutelage these past few years. You should consult Brother Lrx about this matter."
Milan Mi, or Mi Mi for short, deflected the conversation, passing the ball to Lexius.
Lexius: "..."
Sometimes trouble finds you without seeking it.
"You may discuss it with Doudou yourself."
Lexius said, his tone tinged with resignation.
Neuvillette observed the exchange but remained silent.
To serve as a referee for the qualifiers?
It aligned perfectly with his desires!
As time progressed, Neuvillette dispatched a message to "Xue Qinghe" and made his way to the dormitory. Shortly thereafter, he arrived.
"Mr. Neuvillette, welcome back..."
Upon seeing Focalors, her cheeks tinged with a rosy blush, Neuvillette...