“I thought I was going in to meet you, but your neighborhood’s security is crazy. That’s why I have to call you,” Kaze said with a smile. It was understandable because the security guards were just doing their jobs. “I picked this place because of the security. At least it ensures a safe place to stay,” X said. He knew Kaze was not mad, but he wanted to explain. Both of them trusted each other and had been through life and death together. They could just speak casually like friends. “Did I disturb you by coming this late? I have something to talk to you about,” Kaze said. He should have informed X that he was coming first. “I live alone. There’s no disturbance or anything. I was going to play games for the whole night if you didn’t come anyway.” X then brought Kaze up through the elevator. The two of them arrived at X’s home that looked minimal and spacious. X was not a fan of overdecorating his house. “What do you want to talk about?” X served Kaze a glass of wat
“You don’t need to worry. Even if all of the branch leaders go there, they won’t be able to meet Autumn,” Kaze confidently said. He knew how to handle the situation. “I see, so you already got information on this. I don’t need to worry at all.” Edmund thought Kaze would miss the chance at first, but now it seemed like he was prepared. There was no need for Edmund to worry at all. “Before everyone arrives, the Viper Queen won’t reveal herself.” It was nothing but an educated guess. Kaze did not have information on this beforehand, but he could tell that all the other branch leaders had their own agendas. They were not there to visit the Viper Queen but to witness her death. When faced with immense temptation, greed often triumphed over reason, causing a person to commit an irrational or even insane act. Kaze did not need to overreact and just had to wait patiently. “I will support you unconditionally, no matter what,” Edmund said with a nod. He had pledged his loyalt
“This is risky. If we make a wrong move, it will be a disaster.” Kaze had concerns so he could not just agree like everyone else. He must be prepared first. “But this is a golden opportunity for you. If you missed it, it may not be here anymore. The Viper Queen is ill, which means her position is available. If other branch leaders get it, then the West State will be their target!” Edmund said eagerly. He did not want to let this chance go to waste, especially since time was of the essence. If Kaze could become the new leader of the entire Viper’s Den, then he, too, would rise in status. It was the reason why Edmund hoped Kaze would fight for the position. Kaze was slightly surprised, but it was indeed correct for him to think that way. “I have to think about it.” He must consider his next move carefully. He must utilize the chance well and not make rash decisions because the situation would not allow any mistakes. “Mr. Lee, you must think of us as well.” Edmund lo
Kaze glanced at Edmund, but he shook his head. He did not call anyone to come in. Kaze said, “Come in.” A person came in with an envelope marked with a sign. “H-How did you get that envelope?!” Edmund looked at the man in shock. The man was a messenger of the branch, but he did not know when he received the letter. “This is from the top brass. Based on what I was told, the other branch leaders received the same letter as well.” The man then handed it to Kaze. Kaze checked the envelope. The wax seal was still fresh, so it must be new. “Thanks. You can leave us,” Kaze said. The man nodded and then left. Edmund looked nervous as he stared at the letter in Kaze’s hands. “Mr. Lee, this is a letter from Midstate.” Even his hands were shaking. He thought the letter was lethal, and opening it would mean the end of both of them. “It is, but the other branch leaders have gotten it, so this is not just for us,” Kaze said. He could tell Edmund was nervous, so he tried
“We can’t be sure about that. We have to think it through first before making a decision.” Bill wanted to wait for an accurate order before making a decision. Making rash decisions now would only snowball into a huge mess. “Sir, chances don't wait. If we give up now, we won’t have it again.” “Yeah, Mr. Bridge. This is our chance!” His men spoke up, urging him to take the chance to launch an attack on the neighboring state. They did not want to miss the opportunity.Bill was moved, but he managed to hold his patience. He tried his best to calm his men down. “You guys don’t know the Viper Queen. She will never let the West State tumble into a mess. If we haven’t seen any action from Midstate, that means they are still waiting for the right time,” he explained. Suddenly, knocks came from the door. The sudden interruption silenced everyone, turning their attention to the door with a hint of annoyance. Bill granted permission for the person to enter. The man who came in
“Mr. Lee, what are you doing here at this hour? You could have just given me a call, and I’ll be there in no time!” Edmund had not forgotten his loyalty and respect for Kaze. He knew everything he owned was from Kaze’s mercy. He was able to enjoy the privilege and convenience that came along with power. No matter where Edmund went, people respected him. No one dared to even look down on him. He was grateful for Kaze, and he also knew that Westeros was not in a good position right now. People from other states tried to contact him, but he took Kaze’s advice and turned them all down. He did not meet with anyone at all, but not even one of them got mad. They even tried to please and flatter him by sending him gifts. Edmund was no longer interested in ordinary gifts, but he accepted them regardless and labeled them so that he could return them one day. He knew it was disrespectful to send the gifts back, so in order not to offend them, he kept the gifts but did not make