CHAPTER 285: NEGOTIATION.

Leo sat across Harley inside the private room. He smiled as he said, "I wonder what prompted Master Harley to send his subordinate to talk to me in the middle of night?"

His words and tone was polite but the implication wasn’t, he was asking, ’The fuck do you think you were doing sending this clown over to my place?’

Harley obviously understood what was going on, and he replied with a smile as well, "It was my eagerness that got the best of me. I apologize for hindering your rest."

Leo smiled and replied, "No, please don’t apologize, such things happen. Since Master Harley took a trip from the Prestige City, I am sure you have something important to discuss."

Harley chuckled and replied, "Master Leo, you surely are a man who doesn’t like to waste any time."

Leo smiled and replied, "I am sure that you are aware how I was laying on a bed for the past three years. I think that is enough rest for a lifetime."

Harley nodded, he looked at Leo and then said, "Well, Master Leo, the reason I came here is to discuss a few things with you."

Leo nodded and silently waited for Harley to continue, and the latter said, "I wonder if you know about the Sigil Council?"

Leo shook his head, he knew but the details about the organization were very vague. So he wanted to see if this insider could tell him something more. Harley replied, "Well, the Sigil Council is not an organization that is recognized by the government of the country, but we work primarily for the welfare of the country."

Leo raised his brows and asked, "I see, and what about the secondary intention of the organization Master Harley?"

Harley chuckled and replied, "Obviously, for ourselves. None of the people in the world would like to work selflessly. Some work for validation, some work for wealth, and some seek fame.

However, the Sigil Council seeks all these but in balance. We all understand that the reason we have such a high status in the nation is because of the efforts that our forefathers made. We have the same duty towards our descendants. Don’t you think so?"

Leo nodded and replied, "Couldn’t agree more. But this is obvious, Master Harley, what do you need from me? I am just the head of a family that has been granted a Sigil only recently."

Harley smiled and replied, "It’s not that simple is it? You have gained the Sigil a few months ago, and since then you have gained enough merit that has given you two promotions. The Sigil Council has sent me here for this. Usually we all contribute to the concept of mutual growth. We share the merit with each other ensure that we all grow together. We sincerely hope that you can join us, and by doing that you will gain a lot of contacts in the rest of the country. What do you think?"

His proposal sounded like something that would help Leo extend his grasp on the country, and while many families would enter the alliance eagerly, Leo shook his head and replied, "Master Harley, before I go ahead and convey my answer to you, allow me the time to explain somethings to you."

Harley was surprised and raised his brow as he replied, "Please go ahead."

Leo replied, "The initial reason why I made the effort to seek a Sigil was because my Daughter wanted to have an emblem special to our family. I made a lot of effort and I am sure that you are aware of all that. You must know the conflict that I have with the Primal family, right?"

Harley nodded and Leo continued, "Last month, they sold out their business in the Angkor City to the Luger Family’s third lady, Matilda Luger. That woman dared to attack my daughter inside her school. The guard responsible for the safety of my daughter was nearly killed. After that, I made a decision that I will make this city into a fortress where no harm would befall my family.

To have that much authority, I would need to be at least fourth grade Sigil. Currently, I am just at second level. To achieve my goal, I would need to work a lot and if I share my merit, it would not help me rise the level. Right?"

Harley frowned and nodded, he wanted to say something when Leo said, "I have no intention of rising into a national tycoon like the twelve families. I just wish to stay in this small city and safeguard my family. This is why I don’t wish to join the council at the moment. I hope you understand."

Harley had expected this answer, and he asked, "Master Leo, do you know that rising to the fourth level within a short period of time is very tough. To accomplish something like that, you would need not only effort but also the luck. While I am not against your decision, and also advocate for individuality in the council, the people are not all of same mind."

Leo nodded calmly and asked, "Can you tell who are the people that I should be wary of? In return, I promise to give you a stake in the tech that I am about to produce."

Harley was surprised by this bluntness displayed by Leo. After a few moments of thinking, he asked, "How about you give me a stake in the electric vehicle business?"

Leo nodded without hesitation and said, "I was planning to look for a partner in the Prestige City, how about you come onboard, and I will let your company handle the entire dealership network in that region. I will only take fifty percent of the profits and the principle amount. The rest is yours. As a gesture of sincerity, I will let you have a complete hold of the workshops, but only after the employees have gone through specific training under the Cardinal Group."

Harley was shocked, he said, "Your company just claimed a lot of things regarding that vehicle, are you sure that you want to give up the fifty percent of the profits from the Prestige City?"

Leo nodded and replied, "Yes, it is just one city, that doesn’t make a difference. You would be coming on as a marketing partner so the merit for production will still remain mine. Money is not my goal. I am after power. The power to protect my family. You can discuss this with your family and then give me an answer."

Harley thought about it and nodded as he replied, "Yes, I will give you an answer about this proposal."

Leo nodded and said, "Shall we partake a meal?"

Harley chuckled and replied, "Yes, sure."

The both had a meal and after they were done, the two people shook hands and walked out of the room, at this moment Steven was following them, he glared at Leo’s back. He could not forget the way Leo had insulted him, calling him a servant.

Just when they were reaching the exit of the restaurant, Leo turned around and grabbed Steven by his neck. Harley was so clueless or unprepared of the situation that he took a good second to even turn around. Leo had raised Steven off the ground, and his expression was so indifferent.

Leo turned to look at Harley and said, "Master Harley, does this guy hold any significance to you?"

Harley was baffled by the strength Leo had displayed. He gulped and asked, "What happened?"

Leo replied, "Ever since I stepped in, your butler has been projecting killing intent on me. I held back from making a move because I respect the Aries family. However, I too have a limit, Master Harley. So, please tell me, would you handle this guy on your own, or shall I do it?"

Harley furrowed his brow, and said, "This man has been acting out lately. I was thinking of dealing with him when I get back, but it seems to me that he won’t last that long. The fact that he worked for my father has made him slightly arrogant, he thinks that he is the young master of the family."

Leo took a deep breath and looked at Harley as he replied, "Give him to me, I will handle this for you, what say?"

Harley nodded and replied, "Sure. Saves me the trouble."

Leo nodded and the next moment he used his strength to toss Steven to the side, causing him to slam in the wall and fall unconscious. Then he wiped his hand clean with a handkerchief and said, "Kyle!"

Kyle rushed in and replied, "Sir!"

Leo said, "Take this man and give him a disciplinary course. Then return him to Master Harley as an obedient servant who becomes the Epitome of loyalty."

Kyle nodded and then walked over to the poor guy. Harley asked, "I was wondering if you’d kill him."

Leo chuckled and replied, "I am not that ruthless, Master Harley. I will just reprogram his mind the best way known to humans."

Harley commented, "You surely are an interesting friend, Master Leo."

The both of them chuckled as they walked out of the restaurant, with both having an agenda of their own.