The Martial Unity

It was hard to deny that the Martial Prince would certainly be the most useful to Rui's personal interests as a Martial Artist.

In fact, if not for his family, Rui would probably enter into a cooperative relationship with Prince Raijun. While he still would not like the idea of a society run by Martial Artists, he would have no personal stake in being disaffected by such a thing coming to light.

But in consideration of the orphanage, he definitely did not want the Kandrian Empire to take a warmongering inclination. During his travels, he had seen what unstable nations did to their citizens, they always bore the brunt of any conflict that resulted in a lot of chaos and loss of life.

He did not want the Quarrier Orphanage to be disaffected by the otherwise stable nation of Kandria gearing up for war.

"Your offer is alluring, but I can't join your faction," Rui replied, shaking his head. "I apologize for the firmness, but it is my final decision, all the protection in the world doesn't mean much if the very fabric of the lives of the people I care about changes for the worse. There are things that not even Martial power can fix."

Prince Raijun stared at him before closing his eyes and heaving a soft sigh. "I see. This pains me more than you'd think. I was truly excited to have the most prodigious Martial Senior to have ever existed join my faction. However, it appears that I have underestimated the depth of your love for your family."

He couldn't have expected that Rui would be willing to not only go as far as to secure his family's safety at any cost but also ensure that their lives are not disrupted at any cost.

Frankly, Rui too was a little surprised at how firmly he rejected the man's offer. Ever since he returned, he had been much more unwilling to allow anything to disaffect his family.

He identified the source of this determination.

'I suppose I am still guilty for the anguish I caused them in the past eight years ago,' Rui heaved a sigh. 'It's only been a little over a week since I returned.'

Perhaps if the Kandrian War had occurred years later, he would be more receptive to Prince Raijun's offers.

"Shame, but it is what it is," Prince Raijun smiled courteously. "However, I can still offer your family the protection you want for them even if you don't join my faction."

Rui's expression grew quizzical. "But why?"

"I didn't say it would be for free," Prince Raijun's smile gained a hint of mischief. "You're a Martial Artist, aren't you? Then I'll commission you, your payment will be the protection of your family."

Rui stared at him, unimpressed. "This is hardly any different from joining your faction in practice, is it not? Had I joined your faction, you would have me complete missions and operations that would help you gain more favor across the Kandrian government, in exchange for protection for my family, correct?"

"True, but in this case it's not going to be things that will help me gain more political capital," Prince Raijun replied. "What I want is for you to train me as a Martial Artist."

Rui was slightly taken aback. He didn't expect that Prince Raijun would request for something that personal as opposed to the general services that Rui could offer.

"I'm sure you have many qualified Martial Masters allies, they would be better as trainers than I am," Rui replied, not even believing his own words.

"I'd actually disagree," Prince Raijun smiled knowingly. "I have extensively looked into your tutoring record from your Apprentice and Squire days. You have glowing recommendations. All of the Martial Families and other wealthy families that commissioned you have reported genuine and significant improvements after your tutelage. Colonel Geringan informed me that your Martial Art is actively useful for training, which makes you a better choice than Martial Masters in my opinion. Of course, growing stronger as a Martial Apprentice does not bring you closer to the Squire Realm, so you needn't be worried that you're increasing the probability of my victory."

Rui stared at him, processing his offer.

Unfortunately, his arguments were valid. Training him was not going to aid his campaign in any way. He would need to maximize his potential through individuality in his Martial Art if he wanted to be qualified for the Squire evolution breakthrough.

"I was not aware that you were still in pursuit of more Martial power," Rui remarked.

"I always was but not everyone can speedrun the Lower Realms like, Senior Quarrier," The man heaved a sigh. "It hasn't been easy developing my Martial Art amidst all this endless work, but I have resolved to not abandon it to the best of my ability. I will continue to work on it after the Kandrian Throne War ends, one way or another."

Rui considered the matter. It was true that Rui training the Martial Prince was something that couldn't possibly affect the Kandrian Throne War, while Rui could aid with the breakthrough to the Apprentice Realm and the Senior Realm, he could do nothing about the breakthrough to the Squire Realm.

"You may hold a high opinion of my tutelage, but it's a bit excessive to remunerate me with maintaining the security that my family has currently," Rui remarked.

"On the contrary, it's just enough. After all, training and aiding the growth of a royal prince of Kandria is just that valued. Especially if you make significant progress and succeed at training me," The Martial Prince replied. "It would reflect poorly on the family if such teachers and trainers were not extravagantly remunerated. Organizations like the Martial Union are given a pass from being judged in such a manner, but I personally am not."

Rui considered the matter. He still had two years to go on his remaining protection, the Kandrian Throne War was unlikely to end within such a timeframe since Emperor Rael was still alive.

While there were no active threats to his family, he was still worried of being caught into some danger that would put his family at risk, this security would be a good measure until the war finally and truly ended.

Rui nodded after a while. "Alright, I'll train you."