Chaos' Heir

916  Malcontent

The meeting with Berthold was only the first of many since Khan needed to relay his message to all the allied descendants' families. More guests arrived within the following day, leading to more tense conversations and threats.

Bruce, Mark, Lucy, and John's families received the same treatment as Luke's father. Their relationships with Khan weren't equal, but the conversations followed the same pattern, starting with basic pleasantries and ending with a clear threat.

That outcome was satisfactory. Truthfully, Khan couldn't expect the conversations to go any better. Also, those families mostly were on the same page, allowing for a smooth conclusion that was bound to make every faction wary of plotting against Khan.

However, Khan's allies had exceptions on both ends of the spectrum. George was Khan's most trusted friend, so his family received special treatment. The same went for Anita's family due to her connection with George. Khan directly skipped those meetings, silently telling everyone he didn't need to threaten them.

Meanwhile, Lucian's family stood on the opposite end. Its internal conflicts were no different from Luke's, Bruce's, or Mark's families, but Lucian lacked his parents' support. The issue wasn't even about trust. Lucian's father wanted to retain power a bit longer, leading to a different kind of conversation.

On the night of the second day of meetings, Lionel Hencus exited Baoway's teleports and followed an escort to the main city, entering the appointed building and quickly reaching a dining hall. Khan was already waiting for him, and basic salutes unfolded.

"Lionel," Khan called. "I apologize for summoning you back here so soon."

"Nonsense, Prince Khan," Lionel reassured, reaching Khan to shake his hand. "I would never miss opportunities to have private talks with you."

"Then, by all means," Khan announced, inviting Lionel to sit with him. "Let's talk."

Lionel sat down and accepted the drink Khan had poured for him. He even lifted it when Khan occupied a nearby couch. The two exchanged a silent toast before enjoying the booze.

"Allow me to congratulate you on your splendid tournament again, Prince Khan," Lionel exclaimed. "I'm sure it will remain the network's main topic until the next one."

"I'm glad it received such a general appreciation," Khan stated. "I already have people preparing the next one. There will be changes, but I hope to make it as entertaining as the first."

"I'm sure it will be," Lionel declared. "Also, I'm aware of this meeting's purpose. As you surely know, words spread quickly in our environments."

"And what do you think about it?" Khan asked.

"I mean no offense, Prince Khan," Lionel said, "But I find it pointless and a waste of your time. My family wouldn't dare to create problems for you, and I would personally handle any malcontent you might have experienced."

"I don't doubt that," Khan revealed. "I'm sure you'll do your utmost to please me. Still, Lucian is my spokesperson. He's the one I chose to represent your family in business opportunities and more."

Khan's statement had a deeper meaning, which Lionel understood. Khan wanted Lucian to wield all the authority in their relationship, elevating and reinforcing his political position.

"As a father," Lionel exclaimed, "Nothing could make me prouder. My son has proven himself politically sharp and business savvy. He is the best heir I could have hoped for."

"But?" Khan questioned.

"There's no but, Prince Khan," Lionel smiled. "I'm as happy and proud as they come."

Truth be told, Khan had a decent impression of Lionel. He had long since become able to see his mana, so he noticed the lack of malignancy in his stance. Yet, Khan also spotted something else.

"Lionel," Khan called. "We have known each other for years. I also didn't forget your veiled support with my Fiancée's mother. I think we are friendly enough to speak openly."

"Prince Khan, you honor me," Lionel announced. "Even back then, I have spoken nothing but the truth, and your achievements proved me right."

"So," Khan pressed on. "What's the issue?"

Lionel kept smiling, but clear restraint appeared in his mana. He didn't want to mention the topic, and Khan's stance didn't make it easier. Still, refusing a Prince's wish wasn't exactly wise.

"I'll ask again," Khan continued. "We are friends. I want us to be friends, so speak openly. Handling this here is easier than fixing it later."

The request cornered Lionel. Khan didn't only openly ask for his genuine opinion. He had also hinted at potential future involvements, which didn't bode well for the Hencus family.

"Very well," Lionel exclaimed, clearing his throat. "So, may I speak openly, Prince Khan?"

"Of course," Khan confirmed, leaning deeper into the couch while refilling his glass.

"You are …," Lionel muttered, still hesitating, "Young. All of you. Your whole alliance among descendants from the same generation simply is too young."

Khan arched his eyebrows. The whole point of his alliance was to elevate the new generation, facilitating a leader's replacement. He didn't see it as a problem. He had chosen to use it as one of its strong points.

"Allow me to explain," Lionel continued. "You obviously are an exception, Prince Khan, and all your allies have proven themselves more than capable of following your directives. Your whole organization is the Global Army's gem." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"However?" Khan asked.

"However," Lionel repeated, sighing, "You know you had help, Prince Khan. You still rely on it, even. The same goes for your allies. Each family has invested much in their descendants, and being replaced so suddenly isn't exactly ideal."

"I'd say it could leave a bad taste in your mouth," Khan commented. "I understand, but prioritizing my generation is within my interest."

"I understand that," Lionel stated. "I even agree and am thankful for the opportunities you are providing to my son. Yet, being excluded from the whole process doesn't feel right."

Khan remained silent, focusing on his drink. He knew Lionel had more to add, and his guest didn't make him wait.

"Please understand, Prince Khan," Lionel continued. "My generation worked hard to get where it is, and most of us still are in their prime. We have much to offer and ambitions to chase. Stepping out of politics isn't something many of us are ready to do."

Lionel couldn't have explained his thoughts any better. He expressed his stance and desires without insulting Khan. His speech was also understandable, but Khan had his reasons to remain wary.

Khan's decision to focus on his generation was purely trust-based. His allies had fewer connections, businesses, and opportunities, so they had a higher chance of being and remaining loyal to him.

Instead, Lionel and the other parents had a lifetime's worth of friends. Khan's offers would still be appealing, but they could find alternatives, creating loyalty issues. Some even had the chance to plot against Khan, and the current meetings proved that.

However, Lionel was right. Khan had always relied on the help of more experienced people. Initially, his fellow descendants had been enough, but his Uncle, Aunt, and other older members of his inner circle had shown their value lately. The whole tournament idea came from Prince Thomas in the end.

"I understand your concerns, Lionel," Khan declared. "Your malcontent is also reasonable. Yet, what would you have me do?"

"I wouldn't dare to suggest anything, Prince Khan," Lionel said, restoring his political persona. "I merely expressed what you wanted to hear."

"Which I'm thankful for," Khan uttered. "I greatly value honesty. Still, your words highlight an issue I was already aware and wary of."

"I'm sure it can be fixed, Prince Khan," Lionel reassured.

"How?" Khan wondered, the room growing colder due to his mood. "Should I pay you? Should I invite untrustworthy people into my businesses to placate your internal fights and ambitions? Should I expose myself to please your characters?"

"I would never place my ambition above your safety, Prince Khan," Lionel exclaimed.

"You didn't," Khan reassured, "But I see few alternatives. I'd have to buy you or eliminate any potential threat."

"I wouldn't dare to plot against you, Prince Khan," Lionel declared. "I wouldn't even consider it. This slight malcontent is an internal issue my son and I are dealing with."

"I know you are," Khan reassured. "Still, let me tell you this."

Khan emptied his glass, placing it on the couch's armchair. The silence built up tension, adding weight to Khan's following words.

"I'm still inexperienced in many ways," Khan announced, "But I know how this can turn out."

Khan fell silent again, staring deep into Lionel's eyes. He didn't want his words to sound like a threat there. He only wished to explain an unavoidable consequence.

"Let's say a ploy unfolds," Khan said. "The only ones able to set it up are organizations with similar power to mine, and I know myself. I'll start a war in a blink."

Lionel couldn't help but grow more serious. A war among noble factions or families could shake the Global Army to its core. Those parties always avoided it due to the heavy repercussions on both sides, but Khan was an evident exception. He would attack without caring about his losses.

"And you know how these things go," Khan continued. "The nobles and other top dogs have many ways to protect themselves. Instead, the messengers and instruments of the ploy don't, and they'd be the first to suffer."