Chapter 207 Dinner (III)
Everyone was shocked when Klaus claimed to have a cure for Dungeon Lethargy. William immediately grew suspicious of Klaus and accused him of lying. He gave Klaus a intense, skeptical look.
"Klaus! Don't treat my father's illness like a game! This is a serious matter!" William exclaimed.
Anna and Joanna were furious to see Klaus being ridiculed right in front of them, but they remained silent because Robert had scolded them a few minutes ago.
However, Steve firmly defended his son. He said, "We all know that Klaus has never lied about serious matters like this. He once created artificial arcana that no one has been able to create for the past 18 years. We should give him a chance to explain."
The argument between William and Steve was inevitable. William insisted that Klaus was lying, while Steve passionately defended his son. Their arguments clashed, creating further tension among the Lee family members present.
In reality, William didn't care whether Klaus actually knew the cure or not; what he was worried about was Robert becoming interested in him. It could put Edward's position in danger.
Seeing the situation escalating, Robert Lee finally spoke in a calm yet firm voice. "That's enough," he said, ordering them to be quiet.
And instantly, the dining room fell silent.
Robert then turned to Klaus and asked, "Klaus, please explain how you can cure Dungeon Lethargy."
William bit his lip in frustration, fearing what he had anticipated would happen. Meanwhile, Steve grinned in triumph.
Klaus calmly replied, "As we know, Dungeon Lethargy is caused by the radiation of 'mana energy' from the dungeon. But that's not the real cause. You're just weak."
Robert squinted his eyes. He wasn't sure what Klaus meant by those words.
However, William rose from his seat and pointed at Klaus. "Watch your mouth! You're talking to—"
"Shut up!" Robert shouted.
The eldest son of the Lee family, fell silent instantly. Not only him, but everyone present was equally stunned.
"Shut your mouth, Edward!" Robert continued angrily. His pale face turned red. "I'm talking to Klaus! Don't interrupt someone when they're speaking! Do I need to tell you this? You're already an adult! Use your fucking brain, William!"
Bowling his head, William was intimidated by his father's anger. "I'm sorry, Dad," he said.
"I don't need your apologies! I need you to be quiet!"
Everyone couldn't help but stay silent as Robert unleashed his anger in front of his eldest son. Joanna and Anna smirked, satisfied to see the person who had slandered Klaus being put in his place. At the same time, Edward discreetly clenched his fists.
After taking a few deep breaths, Robert calmed down. He then looked at Klaus with a gentle gaze.
"Go on, grandson."
Klaus smiled and continued his interrupted explanation. "As we know, Dungeon Lethargy only occurs in non-awakeners. These people, including Grandfather, have weaker resistance compared to an awakener. They are even ten times weaker than an F-Class."
"So?" Robert asked, curious.
"So, to cure this disease, Grandfather has to become an awakener."
Naturally, everyone widened their eyes upon hearing his solution.
It seemed impossible. Awakening only happened to those who were young, under 25 years old. After turning 26 and beyond, they were guaranteed not to become awakeners. A special situation only occurred 18 years ago when the first dungeon break happened.
Robert sighed heavily. "Honestly, it's hard for me to believe this, but I'll listen." He gave Klaus a warning look. "I hope you're not messing around with me. You know I won't show mercy even if you're my grandson."
"Of course not," Klaus replied. "How could I dare to mess with you, Grandpa?" He smirked.
Worry welled up in Klaus's two parents. They both knew that Robert was serious in his words. However, they could only trust their son.
"My company is currently developing Serum K," Klaus said.
Naturally, all the Lee family members narrowed their eyes, unfamiliar with the name. Only Edward seemed unfazed.
"It's a serum to turn ordinary humans into awakeners," Klaus continued. "Although it's not entirely finished yet, we've made significant progress. I believe that within two months, this serum will be ready for use."
Robert pursed his lips. "Serum K? Alexa never mentioned anything about this."
"Serum K is a classified project funded by the government. I had to work on it with my trusted associates only," Klaus replied casually.
Raising an eyebrow, Robert was surprised by Klaus's last statement.
"You don't trust Alexa?" Robert asked, curious.
"Not until I'm sure she'll belong to me forever," Klaus answered casually, glancing at Edward with a mocking look.
Edward didn't respond. He knew he was being provoked, and he clenched his fists under the table.
Robert nodded. "Interesting."
Klaus's solution elicited various reactions among the Lee family members. Some remained skeptical, while others began to feel a glimmer of hope in their hearts. But more importantly, Robert had shown interest.
The atmosphere at the dining table became very quiet. Everyone waited with bated breath, anticipating the head of the family's decision.
After a prolonged silence, Robert finally asked wisely, "What do you want in return, Klaus? I know you want something from me."
Klaus grinned. The response he had been waiting for had finally come from his grandfather. Then Klaus said, "I want one of my requests to be granted, Grandpa."
Naturally, Edward and William held their breath in worry. They were concerned that Klaus might ask for inheritance rights as compensation, which could threaten their positions within the Lee family.
William was even ready to speak up, but Robert Lee firmly interrupted, "We all know that inheritance rights must adhere to the established rules, Klaus. Those can't be changed, if that's what you're after."
Upon hearing that, William breathed a sigh of relief. He sat back down and smiled. However, Klaus already knew his grandfather would say that.
Klaus then explained, "No, Grandpa, I will remain competitive fairly. The reward I want is Alexa. She is a valuable asset to my company."
Suddenly, Edward stood up.
"What's wrong?" Robert asked to him.
Edward didn't answer; instead, he stared at Klaus with a deep gaze. When he realized that everyone was watching him, he immediately sat down.
"Uh, it's nothing, Grandpa," he replied.
William realized that something was bothering his son, but chose not to ask. Meanwhile, Klaus smirked.
The atmosphere fell silent once more.
Robert furrowed his brow, processing this unexpected request. For a moment, all eyes were on the grandfather, awaiting his final decision. Edward's unease was the most apparent.
"Very well, I can accept it," Robert said.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Klaus replied.
A happy smile appeared on Klaus and his family's faces, and the dinner atmosphere became livelier. Everyone resumed their meals, and Robert seemed content with the decision he had made.
However, Edward still harbored dissatisfaction in his heart. He felt that he couldn't accept it and decided to confront the situation.
"What if Klaus fails?" Edward suddenly said.
As this question was uttered, the atmosphere at the dining table instantly tensed. Klaus narrowed his eyes as he saw Robert's interest piqued by the question. Robert remained silent for a moment, contemplating the appropriate answer.
Finally, with a firm voice, Robert replied, "Hm, you have a point. My life is at stake here. It wouldn't be fair if Klaus doesn't face consequences."
The old man stroked his chin, thinking about the appropriate punishment if Klaus were to fail.
"If Klaus fails to cure me, then Mors Industries will become a part of LR Enterprise," Robert said.
"What!?" Steve rose from his seat.
Of course, he didn't like hearing this and immediately spoke up to defend his son. To him, it was an unfair and disrespectful decision considering Klaus's efforts for the company.
However, William Lee promptly cut in, supporting Robert's decision. He argued that it was a fair decision since Mors Industries had been successful so far due to Alexa's skillful management.
"As Klaus mentioned, Alexa is a valuable asset. It's a fair game," William said.
"No, it is not," Steve countered. "A big company cannot be compared to a CEO. She can be replaced by anyone."
In the escalating debate between William and Steve, a hoarse voice stopped them both.
"You're wrong, Steve," Robert said. "If I had to choose between ten small companies and Alexa, I would choose her. I hate to admit it, but she is a talent you only find once every 1000 years. She's truly a genius."
That response left Steve bitter and silent. Not only him, but Anna and Joanna also felt it. They had witnessed how hard Klaus had worked for his company.
"So, Klaus, what do you say?" Robert asked.
"Sure. It wouldn't be fair if only your life is at stake."
Klaus finally nodded in agreement to this condition. Edward and William smiled slyly, feeling that they had gained an advantage in this agreement.
The Lee family dinner continued with tension in the air, and the future of Klaus's company now depended on his success in meeting the set conditions.
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