CHAPTER_10 Act 3

Partnerships and agreements between Families are essential in business and for broad influence. For the most part, it's a win-win scenario for all sides; yet, because of Zei's involvement, different Families severely cast doubt on one another and, of course, Time Family was triggered as well.

Among the Fifteen Families, Time Family is the one that holds the most influence and power compared to the other Families. Being in partnership with them is a significant thing, and wasting this chance may be a loss for anyone. I can say they maintain a high ground, and you can barely catch their mistakes.

However, what Time Family stated is a bit annoying. They're casually displaying their power to us as if this were their territory.

"That's..."

"You certainly bragging—"

"No, we're not, but we mean it," Ms. Lock replied.

"..."

I'm pretty sure that Time Family itself was aware of the fact that they have the upper hand in this situation.

"Why are you doing this? What's the benefit for Time Family?"

My mind is bugging me with this question the entire time, so I asked her.

"Zei Wyte had nothing to do with the Mr. Flavin case..."

"Then?"

"Isn't it therefore terrible to drag her into this mess?" she said.

"Are you sure what you're saying, Ms. Lock?" Mr. Oaes suddenly enters our conversation.

At that point, the deep stillness began to engulf us. Ms. Lock and Mr. Oaes stared at each other down, but Mr. Past intervened, "Looks like you wanted Ms. Zei Wyte to leave the school, Mr. Oaes?"

"Opposing or not, the fact that Ms. Zei Wyte already leaked the information we've had is enough to expel her from this school."

"As we've already stated, Mr. Oaes, if someone is against the Time Family, we will terminate our contract with them."

"Why do you go to such lengths to protect her, Mr. Past?"

"It wasn't me that requested this, but Ms. Lock," he answered.

All eyes were now on Ms. Lock, and we wondered what she had planned for this.

"Shouldn't we be wary of Independent Families right now? They seem active these past couple of days," she abruptly changed the subject.

Come to think of it, we haven't been paying attention to them. They were simply making a little fuss a while back, but why did she bring them up?

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"What about them?" Mr. Ilne asks.

"Didn't you all suspect they were up to something too?"

Some of us were preoccupied with internal matters, so we didn't bother to look at Independent Families for the time being. For the most part, Steve told all of the Light Family members that we should be aware of them; nevertheless, we didn't get any information yet.

"The Nevial Group," Mr. Past said, continuing, "Does anyone ring a bell?"

I've genuinely never heard of this before. This looks kind of troublesome.

"One of Independent Families create a group and named themselves after that," Ms. Lock stated, adding, "They were collecting assets and buying shares to increase their wealth. And that group was led by the Chernet Family; also, this isn't the only Group that has been growing rapidly; the Givion, Dertexs, Plave Family, those three Families from different Groups were also expanding their field. Just so you know, and I'll say it once, all of you should be aware that your position isn't permanent."

That certainly implies that someone from another Family may seize our place in the near future.

The atmosphere stiffens gradually, making us feel more uneasy.

"Aqua Family," she goes on, "I've heard that sixty percent of your employees have been fired from one of your companies. Is that correct?"

"Who told you—?"

"I'll let you figure out where I got this information from; regardless, where do you think they go to?"

"..."

"Of course they'll go where there's an opportunity, don't they? Those gentlemen at the Nevial Group were now beaming and benefiting from it."

So this is one of the Aqua Family's issues. We faced similar struggles before, and I know firing someone is a difficult decision. I suppose they also did it for the benefit of the Family and the business.

"I don't think there's any value in choosing the defective ones," Mr. Oaes remarked.

"Though even the poor quality has some purpose; it's up to them how long they retain it," Ms. Lock replied.

"Oh, so that's what you're up to these days, Ms. Lock? Running errand and be a nosy kid?" Ms. Crimson sneered, but Ms. Lock answered her with a slight smile, "And so basically sitting here was the only job you did, Ms. Crimson?"

"...How ridiculous of you to assume so, Ms. Lock," she added, "But do what you like. The Demise Family will remain impartial. We came here just to see the result of this matter."

"That's good to hear, Ms. Crimson. Nonetheless, all I have to say is that the Fifteen Families must not waver and must not devour each other. This is not what I know from all of you," Ms. Lock gazed around intently and stops at Mr. Oaes, adding, "Besides, there's someone on the far who's watching behind your backs and making fun of all of you because of how you all act foolishly. And yeah, from my perspective, I think it's entertaining to watch a bunch of fools at this certain distance."

"What did you say—?"

"Stop, Mr. Hunsod," before everything gets worst, Ms. Leap instantly restrained Mr. Hunsod. "She was provoking all of us, and now you act like one of them."

Someone then, enters the room without any hesitation that captures our attention.

"Did you hear everything, Ms. Zei Wyte?"

And it is, indeed, she. This is definitely unexpected occurrence.

"...I'm sorry for the sudden interruption," Zei said, completely disregarding Ms. Lock's question.

All of the attention was now focused on Zei, but because almost all of us hadn't expected this to happen, we were too stunned to speak.

"To begin with, I want everyone to know that Ms. Zei Wyte was here the moment we arrived; we brought her, but she chose to stay outside for a bit," Mr. Past explained.

"...Why is she here?"

Ms. Oaes inquired, but Zei answered him.

"Setting me up with my own stuff isn't a terrible idea, but there's a flaw; do you know what it is, Mr. Oaes?" Zei kept a straight expression and looked Mr. Oaes in the eyes as if she were devouring him, "It's because my name was Zei Wyte."

I've heard that the murder weapon came from Zei's belongings, therefore she became a suspect too.

"She's been cleared of all charges in connection with this occurrence, and she wanted to investigate who's behind this incident, so we want to bring her here to hear what everyone has to say," Mr. Past announced.

"Now, everyone, we want your honest cooperation. Please tell us everything you know," Ms. Lock said.