Washington DC offered a distinct view of towering buildings that reached for the sky and a bustling flow of traffic on the streets below. Neon lights and moving vehicles made the nighttime look like a busy, always-on world that never slept.
A black limousine pulled up to a five-star hotel. A valet opened the door, and two gentlemen in elegant suits exited the car. Then, two blonde women who were far apart in age got out. While the older woman wore a red dress and fur coat, the other wore a white dress with gold earrings in her ears.
Klaus and his family were all set to attend LR Enterprise's 43rd Anniversary Celebration.
"Joanna, don't make a mess of this event," warned Steve.
"I know, Dad! You say this every year." Joanna hissed.
"Because every year you spill wine on the female guests," Anna retorted.
Her father sighed before they entered the hotel.
LR Enterprise's anniversary was a sacred day for the Lee Family. Robert Lee loved his company more than himself and his children. All family members had to come if they didn't want to be disinherited. Even Klaus hated bow ties so much had to wear one to attend this event.
The place of celebration is different every year. Last year, they celebrated in Florida.
The hotel staff led them to a hall. As they entered, Klaus felt a luxurious atmosphere envelop the entire room. The floor was covered in patterned carpeting, and beige-topped tables were everywhere. Crystal chandeliers alternated above the ceiling, illuminating the room with golden light. Guests in classy attire chatted as male waiters in white uniforms served them drinks. At the end of the room, there was a stage with a dais on it.
The small family drew attention as they walked past the guests. While Steve walked confidently, Anna attracted the men around her like a magnet. The woman's elegance made anyone who saw her unable to look away. Even the ladies were envious when their partners didn't blink for Anna.
However, this time, the center of their attention was not this woman with two children. It was her eldest son, Klaus Lee. The eighteen-year-old boy had conquered the yellow dungeon and created artificial arcana. To the people, Klaus was a miracle.
"Look, they're no longer interested in me because of my wonderful son," Anna murmured. The woman couldn't hide the smile on her face.
"You should emulate your brother, Joanna," Steve whispered.
Annoyed, Joanna silenced her mouth.
"Oh my God, Steve. How many times have I told you not to compare our children." Anna whispered irritably.
While they argued in low tones, the person they talked about was silent. Klaus was thinking of what he should brag about to his grandfather later. Robert loved to see his grandson acting arrogant. The old man thought arrogance was a sign of confidence.
Then, a curly-haired man in a black suit and bow tie intercepted them. Stretching out his arms, the man immediately hugged Steve.
"Oh, look who it is! Little brother and his family finally came!"
It was William. As usual, the uncle acted close to Steve despite looking uncomfortable. William momentarily joked with Joanna and Anna before he turned to Klaus.
Silently, the mother and daughter twisted their lips behind William's back.
"Klaus! I heard your news. I shited myself when I heard it. You are a genius to be able to create artificial arcana. It's lucky I have a family member like you." William sounded like a sycophant as he said so. "Is it true that you created it?"
"Of course not. My team did the work while I acted like the boss."
Klaus and William laughed simultaneously.
Seeing her brother-in-law's behavior, Anna just shook her head.
"Joanna and I will try to find something to drink," Anna told Steve. Of course, it was just an excuse.
Steve nodded his head.
As the two women left, a man in a black suit with a white handkerchief in his pocket approached them. The man was handsome, his hair black and his eyes as blue as the sky. He was slightly older than Klaus. He smiled friendly as he drew closer.
"Father, you seem to have forgotten me," the young man said.
"Ah, Edward. I'm sorry. I just happened to be meeting with them."
Smiling, the man named Edward greeted Klaus and Steve.
"Klaus, uncle. How are you doing?"
Edward Lee. He was the golden boy in the Lee Family.
That young man was Klaus's last rival for the supreme throne of LR Enterprise. Born with a handsome face and a tall body of over 6 feet, he was a dream for women. Unlike Noah, who had an arrogant attitude, Edward had a gentle heart.
Apart from that, the main attraction of the handsome young man was that he was an S-Class. Over the past few years, Klaus had heard many things about his contribution to conquering the dungeon.
Edward had even raided the red dungeon. Even so, the man had not joined any guild. His name was not on the transfer market either.
Klaus was quite curious about Edward. He hoped to bring Sheilla to this event, but unfortunately, it was closed.
"I've heard a lot about you, Klaus. Especially since you managed to conquer the yellow dungeon."
"Yeah. Thank you. It's also thanks to Noah and the Sons of Thors."
Edward dropped his shoulders as he heard his other cousin. "Ah, Noah. Poor guy. I met him earlier. That incident seems to have damaged his self-esteem."
Bowing his head, Klaus hid his face, refraining from laughing. He was curious to meet Noah and see with his own eyes if that man could still act as arrogant as before.
Ting Ting Ting.
A man tapped his glass with a straw to attract everyone's attention. The atmosphere became deathly quiet.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, ladies and gentlemen. In a moment, we will begin the speech from Robert Lee. Your attention, please."
After the man said so, the lights in the hall went out, leaving only the lights on the stage. The audience applauded as an elderly gentleman was helped onto the stage by several people.
Robert Lee-the number one man in the company, had appeared.
No sooner had Robert stood on the dais than the sound faded away, and the atmosphere fell silent.
"I won't get tired of saying this every year. Today is a big day. LR Enterprise was born into this world. What started as a small workshop became a huge company that supports millions of employees. I don't mean to brag, but I'm telling you that we are the backbone of this country."
Applause echoed throughout the hall.
Robert gave a speech full of pride, telling the greatness of the LR Enterprise company. The guests also looked serious listening to him. Most of them were old and loyal employees who started from scratch. They could resonate with what Robert felt in his chest. Even his offsprings, William and Steve, listened well.
Although this was very important for some people, it was just a long, boring speech for Klaus. Almost every year he heard it, and almost every year he yawned throughout the speech.
Applause erupted for the umpteenth time.
"On this occasion, I would also like to inform you that LR Enterprise will be entering into a business partnership with the largest organization in this country."
The guests looked curious as they heard it.
A man wearing a silver suit took the stage. His hair was black, but the beard covering his chin was white. His presence caused the guests to be wide-eyed. Even Klaus, who had always been indifferent, opened his eyes wide as he saw the man.
The man with the white beard stood next to Robert. Holding his shoulders, Robert let the man to introduce himself.
"My name is Neil O'Brien. As you know, I am the Guild Master of the Falcon Knight Guards."
At that very moment, Klaus realized that the largest guild in the US was targeting his company.
