Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 490: Two Identities
In the grand living room of the Krook Family, it was quite similar to that of the Karlqi Family. Although Jas had unprecedented prestige in the Krook Family, other members of the family also held their own positions. If they united, Jas would have to yield. However, because of his high prestige and clever tactics, most of the Krook Family was aligned with Jas. Therefore, when he spoke, his words held great weight, yet he remained courteous to those who supported him.
Once seated in the grand living room, Jas wasted no time and directly said to Zhao Hai, "Little Hai, you know why you're here today. I can tell you clearly that you currently have two identities: you are the family head of the Budah Family and a friend of Jason. The first identity allows you to stand on equal footing with me, while in the second identity, I am your elder. I wonder which identity you plan to discuss with me today?"
Zhao Hai smiled slightly and replied, "Grandfather, I will, of course, speak to you as Jason's friend. Although I am the head of the Budah Family, in public, I am merely a marquess. Privately, I am a friend of Jason, and since you are Jason's grandfather, you are naturally my elder, so I will speak to you as a junior."
Jas looked at Zhao Hai, waiting for this very response. That Zhao Hai could say this indicated that he was a person who valued emotions and loyalty. Such a person would receive the full support of the Krook Family and form an alliance with them. Otherwise, the Krook Family's stance would have shown subtle changes.
After Zhao Hai finished speaking, Jas couldn’t help but laugh heartily, "Good, Little Hai. Since you've put it this way, as your elder, I can't let you suffer any loss. Starting today, I hope the Budah Family and the Krook Family can form an eternal alliance and become eternal allies. I wonder if you agree, Little Hai?"
Zhao Hai chuckled and said, "Of course, I agree. However, this means the Krook Family might be at a disadvantage."
Jas laughed heartily, "The Krook Family may incur some losses now, but that won't be the case in the future. Alright, this matter is settled. In a couple of days, we will make this news public. By the way, Little Hai, what are your plans for that fief of yours? Will you reclaim it, or just leave it be?"
Zhao Hai smiled faintly and said, "It’s my property; of course, I will reclaim it. Leaving it there would be too wasteful."
Jas frowned slightly and said, "Little Hai, the situation on Golden Island is not that simple. If you really intend to reclaim it, it might be quite difficult, and it could even lead to a war between the two nations."
Zhao Hai coldly snorted, "A war between two nations? I don’t see that happening. If the Aksu Empire truly wants to take action against my interests on Golden Island, I’m quite curious to see if they have that capability. Rest assured, the Karlqi Family will support me fully. If the Krook Family also lends their support, I believe the Aksu Empire will have no choice but to acknowledge my dominion over Golden Island, no matter how much they stir up trouble. And don’t forget, I have an identity in the Aksu Empire, which can serve as a step for them to come down from their high horse when necessary."
Jas was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood Zhao Hai's meaning. Although Zhao Hai's relationship with the Aksu Empire was tense, his noble title was not something that could be easily targeted by ordinary people. Moreover, in times of necessity, his identity in the Aksu Empire could indeed serve a purpose for him.
Jas nodded and said, "So, if you reclaim Golden Island, what do you plan to do there? There isn’t any gold mining happening there now."
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "I haven’t decided yet. I plan to reclaim Golden Island first before making any further plans."
Jas, being the old fox he was, could tell from Zhao Hai's demeanor that he wasn't being entirely truthful. He knew Zhao Hai likely had a solid plan but just didn't want to reveal it in front of so many people.