Ice and Fire novel Chapter 455

Eric's arrogance faded away and Jackson softened his expression.

"This is the first time we've met since my Grandpa's passing, and we will have more chances in the future." He steeled his eyes on both men before him. "Do not ever try to challenge me again. I wasn't born to be challenged." His tone grew stern. "You had better know how to respect yourselves and others!" He was obviously speaking to Eric. Andrew had mentioned that Eric was stubborn and straight-forward, while Jonson was much smoother and would think twice before attempting anything.

Jonson bobbed his head in agreement.

Eric chose to answer the question that spurred this conflict. "That year, we promised to work for Andrew as long as he needed us, to repay his kindness. The token is the product and symbol of that agreement. It has two functions. It can be used to mobilise employees of mine or Jonson's to work for the Chu Family, and we must obey the token-holder's order unconditionally. That's how it was decided we would repay Andrew and the Chu Family's kindness." Eric paused to ensure that Jackson had time to process. He hesitated before continuing, "If the token is not held by a member of the Chu Family, and if the holder's capacity is incomparable to mine or Jonson's, we reserve the right to take the token back into our ownership."

This function was unsurprising and Jackson was indeed aware of the arrangement Andrew had held with the pair.

"What of the second function of the token?" Jackson coaxed.

Eric remained silent, allowing Jonson to explain.

"The other use of the token has nothing to do with us, " Jonson replied firmly. "The token is the key to obtaining a huge amount of money. Only the members of the Chu Family and their descendants have a chance to use it this way. It is definitely not easy to get."

He was quite confident the treasure was not easily obtained. Even if it would be easier for Jackson, it would still require great effort.

"What do you mean?" Jackson queried.

Sighing, Jonson continued to explain. "To get that money, you would need to exchange the token from the appointed person. Doing so would terminate the agreement between the Chu Family and the two of us. If you were to ever obtain that money, the token would be null and void. Eric and I would leave this city and be banned from entering again."

The power of this token, now explained, was surprising. Jackson had known the token was the key to the treasure, but he was completely unaware it could drive Eric and Jonson from the city.

"It's not as simple as you might have imagined, Mr. Jackson. Very few people have ever seen it. To guess, I'd suppose only Andrew, Eric, myself and you have seen this token, " Jonson said, sombrely.

The room fell silent. Jackson knew he was the only one of that list that had not seen the token.

"Mr. Jackson, if you do indeed have the token, we won't challenge you. After all, you're a descendant of the Chu Family, and we must keep our word to your Grandfather, " Eric reassured, "But, if someone else holds the token, I would be the first to resist that person. I'm not afraid of anyone, save you, and I refuse to listen to anyone else's orders." Eric's tone grew hard and threatening.

Jackson remembered how he had intended to be honest about the token, but he couldn't do that now. Eric had shown him the future would be chaos if he told the truth.