There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330: Chapter 322. Negotiation

It was clear to the other that the elder was flustered by Zein calling him ’gramps’ intimately, and had to press their lips to hold back their laugh--including Senan.

The old man did not take a long time this time, however, as if he didn’t want to make Zein wait long for his answer. [Honestly...I’m feeling a little bit icky] the elder said. [It’s not about the money, since it’s yours in the first place. But to invest in a guild that harmed you--]

"To be fair, I believe it’s not Celestia itself," Radia cut the old man. "Whoever supports Varion is separated from Celestia."

"How do you know?"

"Because they’re doing nothing to all the scandals we released to the masses, also..." the crimson eyes narrowed slightly, but in the end, Radia decided to not divulge his conjecture just yet. "Hmm...well, that’s what I feel anyway."

Zein looked at the summoner inquisitively, but Radia only smiled and talked further to the elder. "But even if they did, let’s see it like this; we’re going to take control of Celestia from within. You can see it as you’re using that money to get back at them without them even knowing it."

The elder fell silent for a bit, probably to mull over Radia’s proposition. Zein sipped on his warm chocolate, thinking about it on his own. That money was supposed to be put into the foundation he would make with Ishtera’s name on it. Was it right to divert its usage like this? Not that there was a written promise about it or anything, but...

[...Senan?] the elder’s voice still contained a trace of hesitation.

"I agree, Uncle," Senan, however, sounded confident. And there was only one reason for him to be that firm. "If doing this can lead us to the real person behind Young Master’s abduction..."

His fingers curled and clenched tightly on top of his knees, and they could feel his fury clearly. Fury and helplessness. So, if there was anything he could do to help, he would not hesitate for it. "But of course, it’s still up to Young Master himself."

[Yes, you’re right. I’ll follow your decision, Young Master] the elder said solemnly.

Zein crossed his arms and leaned back, closing his eyes to contemplate further. Honestly, it felt rather selfish, because it seemed like he used the money for revenge. And it was like a gamble; even after giving their sponsorship, there was no guarantee that this new faction would be able to do what they wanted; to clean Celestia.

But if they could...

A guardian tree that protected the people; it didn’t sound so bad.

"If we reach a deal, we can put on a clause stating that we would retract our sponsorship if they couldn’t do such and such within a certain period," Radia said, as if he could hear Zein’s thought and concern.

Well...it was Radia after all. Zein chuckled wryly and nodded. "Let’s do it. Let’s put our claw inside Celestia."

He already planted his personal spy there, might as well buy the guild a little bit while at it.

"Well, eventually, it still depends on what Darleon decides," Radia chuckled. "Let’s just hope he wouldn’t make things complicated."

"When do you expect him to call?"

"Before three," Radia glanced at the clock on the wall; it was 2:47. "Should be in a bit."

"You seem confident he’ll call," Bassena crossed his arms, still feeling skeptical about anyone from Celestia.

Radia chuckled while crushing the golden needle on the ashtray. "Because he should know how debilitating it is to be tried in front of the House Council."

Bassena raised his brow, and was about to say something when Radia’s commlink rang. The smile spreading on the summoner’s face was enough to tell them that the call they had been waiting for had arrived.

Radia pressed his commlink and did not waste time with meaningless glib--he did it enough in the yacht. "Let’s hear your answer, Belthera."

The other side was silent, but they could hear the breathing sound; slow, dragged, heavy. They could feel his distress all the way here, in another area.

[I would like to negotiate] the man said after almost a minute.

The other three raised their brows, but Radia didn’t seem to be surprised and replied calmly. "I don’t think you’re in any position to negotiate."

[The answer] Darleon spoke hurriedly. [If I can provide you with the answer you’re looking for, can you spare him?]