After the conflict with the Red Faction was over, Viktor’s party returned to camp. Of course, Albert Romanov came with them after learning of Viktor’s involvement.

Since Albert brought an army, he set up his own camp.

Albert and his two bodyguards were looking for the tent where Viktor lived. In the middle of his search, he meets Jessie who happens to be wandering around.

“Hey, you were the one with the metal man before, right? Do you know where my cousin’s tent is?”

Jessie immediately escorted Albert and his two bodyguards to the meeting tent. The reason Jessie didn’t take them straight to Viktor’s tent was that she needed to give Viktor time to prepare.

Because Jessie knew Viktor was hiding the identity of Metal Guardian.

But after warning Viktor, his reaction seemed different.

“I’ll come to him later.”

Viktor had known that his cousin would be looking for him, but he didn’t expect it to be so soon.

Then Viktor told Barry to put on his armor. He wanted to meet his cousin along with the Metal Guardian figure. In addition to dispelling the suspicion that he was a Metal Guardian, he also wanted to show off his subordinates.

As long as Barry was wearing armor, Viktor told him what to do and to say nothing. After that, the two of them quickly left for the meeting tent.

“My cousin, Albert. Long time no see.” Viktor entered the tent in his plush outfit and bear fur coat. Barry followed behind him at a slightly stiff pace.

Albert quickly stood up and hugged Viktor, then the two of them sat down.

When Barry stood directly behind Viktor, the two Saint Realm bodyguards stared at Barry with intimidating looks. His body began to sweat cold.

Then they began to discuss small talk; such as past stories, Viktor’s whereabouts for the past two years, news of his two siblings. Viktor was fed up throughout the conversation, but he hid it. After all, the person in front of him was his own cousin.

Besides that, Viktor also has his own plans for him.

“Anyway, I heard you got an assignment from the Pern city mayor.”

Viktor’s eyebrows rose upon hearing Albert’s words. He knew where this conversation would lead.

Viktor then acted stupid. “How did you know?”

Albert smiled proudly. “Because this project is actually still mine.”

Viktor narrowed his eyes. He could smell a fishy smell from his cousin. “What do you mean?”

“Perhaps you don’t know, your brother Garron. Entrust this project to me. So, I wanted to take on this project. You don’t have to worry about them, leave everything to me. You can go back to Pern..”

There was a little spark of anger in Viktor’s chest. After more than a month of grinding on the two Pillars, suddenly his cousin came and wanted to take over his project. Then takes the entire credit for himself.

It was easy enough for Viktor to guess his cousin’s plans.

Then Viktor acted stupidly. “Is that so? This is the first time i heard about this. Actually I also dont want to do this you know… but I got this assignment from my sister Sheila. You know what she’ll be like if I just let go of my responsibilities, right?”

After hearing Sheila’s name being called, Albert smiled bitterly.

Sheila and Garron were fighting for a place in the Rus Imperial standings. If Albert used his eldest brother’s name, Viktor only had to say his older sister’s name.

Dealing with Sheila would be troublesome for Albert.

But Albert had not given up.

“Cousin, I didn’t mean to bring up what happened yesterday. But yesterday I managed to help your troops repel the Red Faction.” Albert pointed to Barry who was disguised as a Metal Guardian.

For some reason, Viktor was disappointed. He didn’t understand how someone like Albert could be his cousin.

Albert tried to use the Red Faction as a threat. If Viktor refused, he would bring up the events of the other day and make Viktor feel weak and indebted.

“I know you didn’t go with the expedition yesterday, cousin. You need to know that yesterday, the men you were proud of almost died against our enemy. If my army and I hadn’t come, he might have died.”

Albert’s plans matched Viktor’s predictions.

Viktor’s veins were sticking out, he was very upset. Maybe if Albert and his entourage hadn’t come, Viktor could have defeated Nikolai and got the north. That way he can get credit from his brothers.

“Thank you for your help, But, dont worry about my troops in the future, they can take care of themselves”

Albert looked annoyed. He did not accept Viktor’s refusal. However, he still has other ideas..

“Okay then cousin. I hope nothing happens to you.” Then his gaze returned to Barry. “Hey, Metal Guardian. I believe you have great potential. May I know what is your name?”

If you can’t take Viktor’s business, then Albert will take Viktor’s other property, namely Metal Guardian.

Albert started talking to Barry and ignored Viktor who was in front of him. Albert spoke in a relaxed and friendly tone, asking many questions about himself; such as how old he was, single or married, what the woman’s taste was like, and various other personal things.

While Barry himself just kept silent, as if not interested. Yet beneath the armor he was starting to break out in a cold sweat, afraid that his disguise would be exposed.

Meanwhile, Viktor just sat there like a spectator.

Since the questions didn’t work, Abert then began to offer Barry various lure and opportunities. However, he still didn’t get an answer.

Seeing his cousin at his wits end, Viktor decided to leave.

“All right, Albert. I know you are very curious about Metal Guardian. But I still have a lot of work to do. So, I’ll go first.”

Viktor then exited the tent with Barry in tow.

Albert wanted to tell Viktor to sit back down. But it will never come out of his mouth.

Albert bit his thumb nail. “Watch out, Victor! I will definitely snatch it from you.”