Clan Representatives

In the capital's Blue Ivory street was a popular restaurant that catered to those of high standings. Most of the nobility in the capital had at one point patronized this enterprise. Whether it was for a meeting or to have a meal, the restaurant had housed each of the capital's esteemed figures at one point in time. This had to do with the quality of meals made in the restaurant as well as the theme and design of the place which screamed opulence and grandeur. Apart from that, this restaurant had a specific rule; it only accepted people with both status and wealth into its building, and not any average man. This rule had turned the entire establishment into a hangout zone for the rich and noble. Together with their quality service and meals, the establishment was able to make a name for itself in the capital.

Today again, the Blue Bamboo restaurant, the acclaimed number one such business on Blue Ivory street, played host to several influential figures. However, these figures' influences weren't just limited to the capital, but could even cover the kingdom. Some of them represented powers that could beckon the wind and clouds over the kingdom. None of them were dignitaries that could easily be offended. The combined power held by those present and the factions behind them was equivalent to 1/2 of the kingdom's might; the other half being the power held by the royal family and the other powers absent from this gathering. However, all these powerful figures were currently seated at the moment, showing no signs of impatience as they seemed to be waiting for someone. However, there would always be an odd one out in the basket.

"Even if they are a great family, what do the Arnhaunts take us for?" A bald short middle-aged man with a big black beard wrinkled his brows in irritation as his eyes glanced around the room.

"So many esteemed guests present, but they keep us waiting like peasants seeking the king's audience." [1]

In this meeting room that was booked by the Arnhaunts, there were over 30 individuals seated, with six assigned to a table. These thirty or so participants were all invited by duke Darius to discuss the sales and distribution of the True Calming potion that was unveiled four months ago during the birthday party of Emma saunters, the daughter of duke Saunters. Although the meeting was scheduled to be held by 1 pm, the display clock already showed 2.15 pm and there was still no sign of the host leading to the man beginning to lose his patience.

"I never knew you were such an impatient fellow, Old Bronze." A man in luxurious clothing laughed as he took in a breath of air from the pipe in his right hand.

"Hmph. I don't know about you all, especially you, Lan, but I have a lot of things on my hand. Having to spend more time than I have here would be no different from cutting myself in the arm." The short man, Old Bronze, replied.

Lan, the man who had replied to Old Bronze, wasn't affected by his statement and simply shrugged it off. Golden Valley province bordered the Black Ridge province, so Lan had interacted with Old Bronze more than once and already understood his personality. He knew best that when interacting with Old Bronze, one should try as much as possible to avoid an argument; not out of fear but because the results would be pointless and maybe disparaging to one's self. But that wasn't to say that the others felt the same. While Lan could tolerate Old Bronze's comment and attitude, that wasn't to say that others could.

"Then why don't you simply leave now to lessen your losses."

A middle-aged man with black beards said as he calmly sipped from his cup of tea. He wore a loose white robe similar to the clothing of the ancient Chinese dynasties with a remarkable blue flood dragon pattern on it.

Compared to the rest of the kingdom, the families of the North province seemed to have a different culture than the others. This was especially noticeable in their style of naming and dressing which stood out considerably from the rest.

"You pretentious cheapskate, why don't you say that straight to my face." Old Bronze abruptly stood up as he glared at the robed man.

Old Bronze was from the Wyatts family and just as Asher had guessed, they were extremely close to the Suttons. It was to the point that they had even adopted the Suttons' arrogance, thick skin and stubbornness. This was why, despite being in the presence of other figures of similar status as himself, Old Bronze could still lose his temper without care for what the others would think of him.

The atmosphere suddenly chilled as the robed man stared at Old Bronze. Due to their different culture from the rest of the kingdom, the other provinces looked at the North province differently. In some cases, they treated them like aliens and felt that they weren't true denizens of the kingdom, calling them names and such. As a result, the people of the North province were quite sensitive to such things, especially the word 'pretentious' which was mostly used against them as a sort of racial insult.

"Enough." A voice interrupted.

Old Bronze was about to lash out once more but when he saw the speaker, he held back his anger. The Wyatts might have a close connection with a great family which therefore gave them the right to strut around, even in front of other duke families, but in front of a true great family, they could only humble themselves and behave appropriately.

For this event, apart from the host, there were two other great families present. One was the Saunters and the other was a close friend of the host, the Grahams. The man who spoke was the representative of the Graham family as well as the younger brother of duke Graham, Tate Graham. Not only did he wield more authority and status than Old Bronze, but he was also far stronger than he was.

"Tch."

Unwilling but without a choice, Old Bronze sat back down on his chair as he picked up his cup and drank from it abruptly. As for the robed man's suggestion of leaving, what a joke. Everyone present knew the value of this deal which was why they were all willing to wait even though the host was over an hour late. Even the Saunters representative showed no signs of impatience, so why would Old Bronze leave?

"Sorry to keep you all, prestigious guests, waiting." A youthful voice sounded from the entrance of the meeting room.

Before the people inside could question themselves as to why such a young voice was speaking to them, they noticed that the door had opened, and a figure had walked. It was a young boy who had the physique and stature of a 13-year-old, but his eyes contained calmness and a bit of wisdom within them. Without waiting for them, the young boy walked towards the head table and took a seat right in front of the guests.

The clan representatives inside the meeting room raised an eyebrow at the sight as they never expected it.

"You have to be kidding me, right?" Old Bronze spoke up again.

This time, however, no one retorted or spoke back as their thoughts happened to coincide with his words.

"I can assure you I'm not. For this negotiation, I will be handling the deals." Asher smiled.

Once again, everyone was stunned but after only a few seconds, they recovered with some of them even smiling.

'A representative our age would have made negotiating difficult but with a kid who has barely grown his pubic hairs, it would be a shame if I can't take advantage of this opportunity.'

Some of them thought.

While he couldn't read their minds, just the emotions surging in their eyes were enough to tell Asher what they were thinking, but he simply smiled at it.