Free Web NovelChapter 69: Ch 69: Progressive Lunch
There was disagreement between Ken and the council.
Usually, the council would have pushed for their advantage, but they chose to retreat this time. Not only was their opponent a Sword Master, but he was also annoyed with them.
"Let’s discuss this later. We have a lot of work to do, so we will take our leave now."
The council retreated quickly.
Ken let out a sigh as he watched them run away before he turned toward Kael and his company.
"Well, since the council is taken care of, care to share a meal with me? I will pay for it. And before you disagree, think of it as me treating my younger brother and his family."
Ken’s declaration brought out a lot of reactions. Mainly from Seraphina and Iris.
"Teacher, you have a brother? You never told us that."
"You both don’t look alike at all. But not all families need to look alike..."
Seraphina looked betrayed while Iris looked confused. Only Leon looked like he could not care less whether Ken was related to his caretaker or not.
Kael, on the other hand, let out a frustrated sigh before rubbing his forehead.
"Senior Ken, we are not related and we are not brothers. We are from the same orphanage. Please stop telling people that we are brothers before they misunderstand our relationship." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
There was no way to know when someone would take these teasing words seriously and cause trouble. So Kael wanted to nip any possibility of things getting out of hand.
But Ken was not in a mood to cooperate with him.
"Eh, why would you say such hurtful things to me? And after I worked so hard to reach the same level as you as well. You are too cruel. Don’t you all agree?"
Ken looked at Kael’s companions with a crying face, but all he got were two awkward and annoyed looks.
"Senior, you became a Sword Master before I became a Grand Magician. Please stop with your nonsense. Think of your dignity as a Sword Master."
Kael reminded Ken, but the older man looked like he could not care less about it.
"Eh, that does not matter at all. The only reason I became a Sword Master and joined the temple is because they told me I would have the freedom to do what I want. Now, should we head out for lunch? I am starving."
There was no talking to Ken once he had made up his mind. Kael felt foolish for even trying.
Even Leon was looking overstimulated by his senior’s overly active personality. But since he had helped Kael out, a meal was the least Kael could do for the elder.
...
"Boss, bring me 5 sets of your regular meal and 2 pints of alcohol."
Ken ordered as soon as he entered the establishment.
The owner did not even bat an eye at the order. He simply nodded before disappearing into the kitchen.
The restaurant (more like a bar) Ken led them to was dark and crowded. But Ken still managed to find a table for them to sit at.
"I brought you here because this place has amazing food. Once you have it, you will crave it every day."
Ken promised, and the ’boss’ immediately headed toward their table and put the two tall glasses of alcohol on it. Then he did a double take once he saw three minors at the table and shot Ken a look.
"You are drinking in front of kids?"
The boss looked annoyed at Ken and worried for the kids he had dragged here. But Ken just laughed at the elder’s concern.
"What’s the problem? These kids will soon be heading out for monster hunting. They’ll see much more disturbing things than a drunk man."
Ken already looked and acted drunk despite not having touched the alcohol for even a second.
The owner looked like he was regretting his life choices but decided to sigh and head back inside to get the order.
Kael had to admit that the food was good, and Ken continued to chatter away, making the situation even better.
But those happy times did not last long.
"Hey, you do realize that the council won’t sit still for long? I bet those old fools have already started planning something to take you out."
Ken pointed out, and Kael nodded.
"Of course. Those people can never stand it when they are not the center of attention. Still, there is not a lot we can do about it at the moment."
"That’s right! I would like to take them down as well, but that would mean breaking the structure and starting everything from scratch. Ugh, that will be an administrative nightmare."
Ken and Kael agreed with each other.
It was a problem only those in high places could sympathize with.
Removing the council was not the problem; it was what came after. The power vacuum would be too much for them to handle.
"If it is too bothersome, then why not let people you trust dismantle it from the inside?"
Leon asked, and it was a good suggestion.
Unfortunately...
"The council is a cursed place. It corrupts anyone who tries to enter it. Ugh, those soul-sucking leeches are the enemies of human society."
Ken continued as he swayed on his feet. The fact that he was acting like this meant that he had drunk past his limit.
Meanwhile, Iris had not even touched her glass, and it had been emptied by Ken at some point as well.
"Well, that’s the price we pay for not bothering to get involved with politics. It’s getting late, so we should get going now. I will be in contact with you, Senior Ken. I do have a few favors to ask of you."
Kael stood up, and Ken instantly sobered.
It was hard to tell if he had snapped out of his dazed state just now or if it had been an act from the start.
"Sure, I’ll be in contact. As for the monster hunting...why don’t you allow Leon to head out with my group? I can look after him and teach him some stuff. Besides, I am interested in his development."
Somehow, it sounded disturbing when Ken said that. A part of Kael told him to reject this offer before it became a problem.
But honestly...this was the best arrangement he could ask for. So he had no choice but to accept Ken’s help.
