The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 95

Valka's voice softened. Deep down, he had no desire to antagonize Elliott. A peaceful resolution was always preferable.

"I can't wait! I need those herbs now!" Elliott cut him off, his tone dripping with arrogance, more a command than a request. He jabbed a finger toward Stefan, spoke to Valka, "You're the owner, aren't you? You have the right to refuse the sale to him. So what if he paid? Refund his money and take the herbs back. Those three herbs are mine today. That's final."

His words were brazen, born from absolute certainty that Valka wouldn't dare defy him.

After all, he was backed by the Lessing family, and these herbs were for Arthur himself.

Refusing Elliott meant crossing Arthur—a consequence Valka would surely think twice about.

To his utter astonishment, Valka's expression hardened. "This establishment operates on clear principles: fair prices and honest dealings. Every customer here is treated equally. Dr. Bryant was the first to select and pay for these items. For me to reclaim them now would be to shatter my own shop's reputation. I cannot, and will not, comply with your demand, Mr. Miller."

Elliott stared, dumbfounded.

Was he hearing things? This old fool was actually standing up to him? Daring to oppose the Lessing family?

His face twisted with fury. "Old man, think very carefully. Do you understand the consequences of making an enemy of the Lessing family? You're choosing this... this nobody over us? At your age, you should know better than to throw your lot in with garbage!" he hissed, the words cold and sharp.

"Enough!" Valka roared, his patience finally snapping, "You impudent brat! How dare you speak to me like that? What gives you the right? Can you even claim to represent the Lessing family?"

He took a step forward, his presence suddenly imposing. "You're nothing but a spoiled child hiding behind a famous name! Even the head of the Lessing family, Sebastian Lessing, shows me respect when we meet. And you have the gall to raise your voice in my presence?"

Valka was a titan in Marevia's medical community, a respected figure whose expertise had been sought by the most powerful families, including the Lessings.

No wise patriarch would willingly offend a physician of his stature—after all, everyone would fall ill.

If anything, the Lessing family needed him more than he needed them.

In trying to intimidate others, Elliott had bitten off more than he could chew.

A flicker of doubt crossed Elliott's face.

This old man knew Sebastian personally?

Trembling, Elliott bowed his head, all defiance gone. "M-Mr. Hale... please, forgive me! I was blind, I spoke out of turn! Please, don't hold it against a fool like me!"

Valka snorted. "Your offense to me is minor. It is your disrespect toward Dr. Bryant that is truly grave. Do you have any idea who you are addressing? You are fortunate he chooses to ignore your insolence, or you would not be standing here in one piece at all."

He then turned to Stefan, his demeanor shifting to one of deference. "Dr. Bryant, how would you prefer to deal with this individual?"

Stefan cast a dismissive glance at the cowering Elliott. "I can't be bothered with his kind. Just have him removed."

Nodding, Valka turned back, every inch the loyal attendant. "You heard him. Dr. Bryant is magnanimous and will not pursue this further. Now get out. Leave."

Elliott's jaw clenched so tight his teeth ached.

A wave of scorching humiliation washed over him, his cheeks burning. But with the reality of Valka's identity now clear, any thought of resistance evaporated.