"Fuck your control, Arthur."
Old Roth spoke while holding onto the Riverine emblem hanging from his neck as a necklace ornament. He ran his fingers through his ripe white hair and looked at Arthur seriously before commenting.
"I don't know how you can stay calm after sending your own son into a rigged event like this. But things don't stay under control just because you think they are under your control.
Sometimes, life sends wild cards– the kind that you can't defend against.
I suggest we both talk to Sage Lehan about it. Let us tap into any additional footage from Sansara World if we can. There's no harm in doing that, right?"
Arthur had creases on his face talking to Roth. Technically, the Duke shouldn't have any problem listening to the Earl's request. However, there was a catch.
Arthur Renar had turned his son Jason into a demonic ranker. He knew that Jason wouldn't hesitate to use his powers against anyone if he saw the need to. The Duke already had people from his side working in the background to prevent the leak of information about Jason's demonic powers to the outside world.
By getting Sage Lehan involved in the matter, Arthur did not want to ruin his existing setup. Sage Lehan had slipped into short seclusion until the end of the event. In his place, Arthur took command of managing the event in the background.
Arthur reclined in his chair and looked up, trying to look pensive in front of the old man. He spoke after supposedly taking a lot of things into consideration.
"Uncle Roth… the thing is… Sage Lehan has slipped into seclusion. We really shouldn't disturb someone like him unless there's a catastrophe unleashed on the city of Edin.
So let's forget about Sage Lehan.
In regards to watching footage that has not been made public from Sansara World. Sure. I can have people doing just that. I'll tell my men to be on the lookout for Ken as well.
Is that enough? Or do you want me to do something else for you as well?"
Arthur's reply was simple and logical. He spoke the truth but in a way that wouldn't divulge anything about what he was up to. Nevertheless, Roth just knew the man in front of him too well to not see his machinations.
Old Roth met Arthur's eyes before speaking up in a grim tone.
"Brat, you always think you are in control of the situation until it comes back to bite you in the ass. Don't think I don't know what you were up to in the Osan Woods. Isen has also defected to the kingdom of Layos because of you."
Arthur's eyes shone when he heard Roth's words. His gaze suddenly had a certain sharpness to it. However, Roth Riverine didn't care about the Grandmaster's changed temperament. He took a deep breath before continuing.
"I am worried about Ken. So you should do the same about Jason as well. I will not say anything about your legitimate heirs. But Jason is a diamond in the rough. He has potential… just like Ken.
Don't get me wrong. I am not against us making political decisions. And I know you like to play hide-and-seek games like these the most.
But I hope we can keep our family members out of it. Our policies and our politics have nothing to do with them.
We shouldn't use our own family members as test subjects. Don't you agree?"
Old Roth got up from his seat and bowed in front of Arthur to show respect. He then started walking towards the exit with a stoic expression on his face.
Arthur was not ready for the old man to get so sentimental that he would bow in front of him. This was the first time that Earl Roth Riverine had shown him respect. But for some reason, Arthur could not take joy at the moment.
"Old Roth…"
Arthur got up from his seat and tried to stop Roth in his tracks. However, the quasi Master ranker shook his head before speaking up.
"It's fine, boy. I am fine. Do what you think is right. I just hope that you don't regret the decisions you have made so far.
Rankers' lives are long and arduous. However, we get to see our families grow for much longer. And just like mortals, we try to live through our future generations.
Jason is the finest son you could have asked for. Stop using him as a chess piece and allow him to step out of your shadow. Otherwise…"
Old Roth stopped midway through his speech and sighed. In the next moment, a subtle mana pulse was generated before Roth disappeared from his position, leaving Arthur to his devices.
Arthur remained silent for a while. He had to say that Roth's words had stirred his mind a bit. And when the old man called Jason to be his chess piece, the Duke felt extremely guilty.
Arthur started pacing around in the grand hall as he thought of many things at once. As he listened to the distant cheers and sounds of crackers from the Edinnica Arena, he concluded.
'The old man is probably overthinking things. I am sure the moderators will be able to do their job just fine. After all, they have been told to secure the lives of the participants like Ken and Jason at all costs.
What's more? Rufus is there as the chief moderator. He alone is enough to get rid of any nuisance the participants are not able to handle.'
Arthur nodded to himself as he counted on various countermeasures put in place at the start of the event. His face then suddenly showed a bit of cruelty in his eyes as he continued to speak in his head.
'Besides… I don't know much about Ken. But nobody can touch my son. My name alone is enough protection for him. Even the kingdom of Layos will think twice before targeting him. Plus, he is capable. He can also count on the demonic powers to become his trump card.
I will not shelter Jason like the rest of my useless kids. Adversities like these will turn him into a better ranker. So it's a form of tough love.
I… I am only doing this for Jason.'
