Kairos had to suppress his urge to stand up and check the Duke’s head for any damages.

After all the clashes that the Devilheart family had with the Snowdrifts, how could this man still propose a partnership? Even without mentioning his subordinate, his reputation is questionable enough. Not only is he famous for being ruthless, but there also were countless other rumours of him as murderous, scheming, overly enjoys destruction, and often having contact with unsavoury forces of the undercities.

Yet, amidst everything, Kairos noticed something strange.

An elite of Lord Yue’s level would not have asked him to join their faction without the confidence of it succeeding. Otherwise, when it backfires, he will only be humiliating himself.

“You believe I would join you?” Kairos asked openly, and without skipping a beat, Lord Yue nodded.

The Duke saw the reservation still on the boy’s face and explained in that unearthly voice, “I should remind you that it is time for you to pick a side, Lord Kairos.”

“Time? Is it because of the Unknown Flame Sovereign? I've really underestimated that purple fire… the matter is far trickier than I expected.”

Kairos silently agreed with the Duke.

He indeed has to make a decision soon.

All factions, no matter big or small, had already set their eyes on the Snowdrifts and the lucrative wealth they possess. However, most chose to patiently build a relationship with mutual benefits, because, even if the Snowdrifts is a young group without much political influence, they still possess exclusive ownership of the Star Runes Weapon. The stronger factions do not feel any threat from them, while the weaker ones will profit more from working with them.

Everyone knows that the Star Rune series could only be made by Kairos. The current stock on the market is already too limited and more importantly, do not number enough to disrupt the current economic situation. If they angered him, he could stop the sales of his weapons, and at that time the angry mob consisting his loyal patrons of high-ranking nobilities and military personnel will quickly destroy any small factions to appease Kairos.

Unfortunately, things changed after sealing the purple flame. He had landed the Snowdrifts into a delicate situation where every significant power in the empire is looking to recruit them, but at the same time, wary of them joining rival parties.

The delicate balance between the empire’s most powerful groups had already been shaken, and everyone is quaking in anticipation to see who the Snowdrifts will join.

It’s not as if this group that consists of commoners and young practitioners are of any real worth to be recruited, but the knowledge to tame a top-level Alchemic Flame is too valuable. Using that information as an incentive, they could invite countless alchemists. Even if the secret is never let out, many will jump at the opportunity to work with Kairos who could wield the purple flame, just for the experience. If they were lucky, their alchemy understanding could gain another level.

And, if the young master decided to be generous to teach the method, there are plenty of Unknown Flame Sovereign around, since the divine flames cannot be extinguished.

In reality, most people secretly consider it acceptable if the Snowdrifts kept the knowledge to themselves. But it is simply too dangerous to risk the data falling into a competitor’s hands.

As long as Kairos displays the slightest partiality towards a group, the others will immediately apply pressure. But the opposite is true as well. If he shows no favour to anyone, then every faction that wishes to build a relationship with them will give the Snowdrifts special treatment.

However, if he waits too long, people will develop covetous thoughts and scheme against them.

Even the Fifth Prince is losing patience and sent Principal Gai to make Kairos accept their alliance. But the Principal did not expect that the boy would shun all visitors to treat his friend’s injuries, and immediately afterwards, left the school compound escorted by the Dark Gods family’s guards.

Most people that have the first opportunity to invite Kairos would be listing the benefits they could provide and bring up any past aid they had rendered to persuade him. Lord Yue, on the other hand, seemed comfortable with looking intensely at the young earl with a deathly stare. Granted, this is already the Duke’s most ‘sincere face’.

Lord Yue spent no effort in trying to convince Kairos because he believes that if the boy is half as capable as what Emperor Galahad claims, then he will take the best course of action.

If the situation is not handled properly, the Snowdrifts will be unlikely to avoid the fate of being annihilated overnight. Such a thing had commonly happened in history when a clan or family found a treasure too valuable for their status.

The greatest fear that any major party dare not to risk is if the knowledge to seal the divine flame falls into the hands of a rival party for it would no doubt spell their doom. Every day that he tarries, it becomes more unnerving for everyone, and likely drive people into an unreasonable panic.

There are only two viable ways to get out of this dilemma. The first method is to make their group so powerful that no one in Saint Empire, or outside, dare to risk offending them.

They are a tiny group with a little over a hundred members and a thousand employees, rich in resources but poor as a fighting force. Moreover, many of those hired by the Snowdrifts’ businesses are family of the members, making them more vulnerable than Kairos wished for.

In a way, the Snowdrifts has slowly grown to become more of a trading guild than a sect, and far too difficult to become powerful enough within short notice. Most clans in their situation could easily hire mercenaries and resolve the situation, unfortunately, even with enough money, there aren't enough swords-for-hire that could deter those eying on the Snowdrifts.

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The second way is to join a faction so powerful that none would dare to offend.

Unfortunately, in the empire, only Emperor Galahad could claim such a role.

Even the Third Prince that Lord Yue and his Dark God family works for have the Fifth Prince and the Free Fractions with equal status and could not honestly claim to be a perfect shield for them.

Kairos responded without mincing his words, “If the Third Prince wishes to invite the Snowdrifts, tell him to show some sincerity and come meet me himself.”

His words borderline rudeness, but Kairos knows that without taking the initiative, he would only be led around by the other party.

Most possibly, since the formation of the Snowdrifts during the first years' final exam, Lord Yue had been testing their worth. This time, Kairos boldly turned the tables on the Duke.

He carefully observed the Duke’s expression when regarding his words, but there were no reactions that he could detect with his Soul Perception. Even his Static Reading ocular technique that could observe changes within one’s meridians displayed there were no reactions.

If Lord Yue was offended by Kairos, a mere Earl, asking a Prince to visit him, he could not tell.

After an unnervingly long pause, the Duke finally said in his raspy bone-chilling voice, “You do know your value, boy. However, you still do not warrant the Prince to meet with you personally.”

“Is that what his highness thinks? You are correct to say that it is time the Snowdrifts pick a choice. But in that case, I will seek an audience with the Emperor. After all, His Majesty is a far better backer than the Prince.”

Lord Yue gave Kairos a smile for the first time since they talked, although it turned out to look like a grimace. He had high expectations for the latter and expected the boy to be bold.

As a self-made noble himself, the Duke looks highly upon Kairos who is another self-made noble.

“Lord Kairos, you and I both know that you will not choose such a path. To become the Emperor’s man would cost the freedom of your men.

Join me. I will grant you that freedom.”

Kairos’ eyes flashed, instantly understanding the underlying meaning, and he looked sharply at the Duke.

He said, “You are not inviting the Snowdrifts under the Third Prince’s banner… But why should I trust you?”

Lord Yue, indeed did not burn with loyalty to the Third Prince and had not faked his calmness when he heard Kairos’ impudent request for the Prince to propose his invitation personally.

When the Duke said he would grant the Snowdrifts ‘freedom’, it meant that by joining under the Dark Gods family, Kairos and his little group would not be restricted in any conditions.

Also, the Duke, the head of one of the Three Great Noble houses, could prevent most other factions from eyeing on them. But such terms could not be provided for free.

Lord Yue took out a pair of Jade Slips and placed them on the table, then, he nonchalantly made his offer, “There is no reason to trust me, and I did not suggest you do so. But if you agree to my protection, we will exchange Soul Slips to partner the Dark Gods family and the Snowdrifts in a mutually beneficial agreement.

You will have your freedom, and I will get the priority on all future transactions from you, at a 20% discount.

Additionally, I want exclusive rights to your Star Rune Weapons, the knowledge to tame the Unknown Flame Sovereign, and a Training Stratagem.”

Kairos' reply was instant, “Lord Yue, if the discount is at 10%, I'm agreeable. I can even sell you a Training Stratagem.

But I’ll decline to share the secret to seal the Unknown Flame Sovereign with anyone outside of the Snowdrifts. However, if you need it for your alchemists, we are most willing to help, at a reasonable cost.

Not only that, I want your forces, including the nobles under your command to withdraw from Snowdrifts' boundaries, no matter in business, cultivation, or any other aspect. Especially, the Devilheart house.

Ah, and, the exclusive rights to the Star Rune Weapons shall be left out of our agreements.”

Kairos had accepted Lord Yue’s invitation, albeit with a bold counteroffer. He clarified his stand while attempting to secure an advantageous position where he knows the Duke has to accept, or otherwise forfeit a great potential gain.

The ten percent discount he is willing to give will only be the general goods that the Snowdrifts puts on the market. For the things on the market that he monopolises, such discount is nearly meaningless since he can raise the prices anytime.

He did not give away the knowledge to the alchemic fire, is unwilling to share his right to the Star Rune Weapons and even asked the Duke to restrain Calculus and his family.

It was a partnership created through haggling, but the Duke nodded, “Lord Kairos, your counteroffers sound reasonable, but unfortunately, there is one part I am unable to fulfil.

Though the Devilheart house reports to me and they do fear me, they do not fall under my control.”

Lord Yue explained honestly if he hopes that Kairos would be their saviour one day, then he needs to prepare the boy ahead of time.

“You mean… You cannot give them orders, even at your position?”

Kairos knows that the Devilheart family is currently biding their time. With the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon in their hands, they are dedicating their resources to nurture the divine beast. Once they are ready, they will revenge everything Kairos did to Calculus without reserve.

But the next words that Lord Yue said gave him a shock.

“I can give them orders. And that old cunning fox, Calculate Devilheart, will surely try to obey. However, it is because he fears what I can do.

It does not mean, he is in any way weaker than any of the Three Great Nobles. To restrain his house as you asked is impossible for me. Because, surely, it would backfire and prompt them to take action earlier than we can be ready.”

Those that understand the actual situation that Saint Empire is facing is truly are few and far between.

Lord Yue knows that both internally and externally, the Empire is already in a delicate equilibrium and they could face obliteration at any time.

…..

A little later, Kairos and Relestia left the Duke’s house. The young Princess appeared confused and filled with questions, “Why did you accept? Didn’t you dislike the Devilheart house? I thought you would’ve declined immediately?”

“Nah. The Duke did not send the Devilheart family against the Snowdrifts.

In fact, he is your father’s man all along, isn’t it?”

“Wha… wait… how did you know?” the Princess gave up the secret without a fight.

“Because... you did not warn me about the Duke. You know him far better than me, and having sworn as a member of Snowdrifts, I trusted you. If you had even the slightest sign of being uncomfortable, I would have called off the deal immediately.

Lord Yue allowing you to be present, had confirmed my suspicions. In fact, he had wanted me to come to this conclusion.”

Relestia is flabbergasted.

“You… you two had been using me as your gauge?!”

Kairos flashed her an apologetic smile. They had indeed made well use of the princess’ presence to come to this decision of a partnership, and as the cornerstone of their mental duel, she did not even realise. This level of analytical ability both shocked and impressed her beyond words.

When the Duke said he would grant the Snowdrifts freedom, it had already confirmed he is not truly the Third Prince’s man.

And Kairos immediately deduced that the actual person behind the Dark Gods family is Emperor Galahad.

“Ah, the last part surprised me!” Kairos said.

“Oh? When you asked Lord Yue if he came from Rutea Village like you?”

"Yep, I thought he was from my hometown, since his home looked the same as the pirate castle drawn in the book, and I've heard that he was a villager in the past. After all, the picture book came out of Rutea."

“Who would've thought that Uncle Yue's house inspired the author... this place is actually a pirate castle?” Relestia sighed.

They had to suppress an urge to roll their eyes.

“Just what kind of person is our Duke…?”