Kings On The Horizon (Vol. 1-3) ✓

29 | What's Your Price?

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THE FOLLOWING DAY, MAX went to school as if nothing happened. He walked up the steps towards the Keep with an expressionless face. Everyone stared at him with shock since no one expected him to show up.

     "He really went to school today."

     "He's got guts, I'll give him that."

     If people think Max will be embarrassed just because his body was defiled and publicly shown for everyone to laugh at, then they're fools. Max is the highest-ranking heir for a reason. Something as petty as that wouldn't faze him.

     "Hey, Sinclaire! I'm feeling kinda horny. Wanna help me out here?" A student shamelessly asks Max while he grabs his crotch. The students around him laugh, but Max ignores them and continues to walk down the hallway.

     Some tried to touch him, while others would even smack his ass, angering him even more. But Max kept his composure to the best of his abilities. The last thing he wants now is to give in and let people break him.

     "Sinclaire!" Someone suddenly calls out, making Max unconsciously flinch. For a second, Max thought that it was Ari, but before he could even turn around to check, the caller appears beside him and pats his back. "It's been a while Sinclaire. How are you holding up?"

     "President Ian," Max greets, bowing his head a little to show his respect.

     The students around them stare at the highest-ranking white uniform with awe. His presence alone is enough for the others to stop picking on Max. And unlike Viktor, the white uniforms looked at Ian respectfully and not fearfully. Being the number one Elite is really an outstanding feat.

     "It seems like I haven't seen you in a while," Max tells him, making Ian chuckle.

     "It seems like I can't say the same to you," he says back. "But don't worry, the Elites are doing everything they can to remove any trace of that horrendous picture."

     "Like that would make any difference. But thanks anyway," Max honestly tells him.

     "You know I could do more if I wanted to, but I don't have enough evidence to suspend the Jokers thanks to the Omega Society. And if I did, their Jacks probably did the act, and unfortunately, I can't do anything to white uniforms." Ian explains to Max even though it's obvious that he can do more but he's restraining himself because these things are part of the school's system, and Max isn't going to be given an exception.

     But honestly, Max didn't expect Ian Rothman to do anything in the first place.

     "You suspending them is the last thing I want you to do. I can't conquer a brotherhood if they're under probation." Max says, and Ian looks at him with a grin.

     "So it's true. You're planning to join the Elites and you're going to use the brotherhoods as quick access." Ian says before crossing his arms as if to show Max he's not so concerned about it, but he's at least a little interested to know his reason.

     "You think I can't do it?" Max asks with his right eyebrow raised.

     "Oh don't get me wrong Sinclaire, anyone can join the Elites, not just you. I welcome competition because that is what this school is about. Everyone, even serfs like you, is a candidate for Elite president. This is why I work thrice as hard to keep my position," Ian explains, and Max didn't see any sarcasm in his words.

     "And even though I believe in everyone, I know that you'll catch up faster than anyone I know, so I'll wait for you Sinclaire. Let's see each other at the top, and then we'll decide who will be number one," Ian adds, not in a threatening way, but in an encouraging way. He said it as if he's accepting the challenge. And the fact that he's acting like Max can really do it made Max realize why he's so respected.