Chapter 546 Inappropriate Actions
Ethan's attitude left Remington and Bennit totally floored, and even Angela was giving him that "what the heck" look, thinking, 'Norman wants to hand Ethan a badass artifact like the Grail, and he's actually thinking of turning it down? Is he nuts?'
Phoenix, though, shot a knowing glance at Norman. He clearly got what Norman was up to.
"Ethan, chill. Taking this doesn't mean you owe us anything. You found the Grail first, and handing it over to the country was a solid move. We should be thanking you. But right now, it's just gathering dust with us, so better it goes to someone who can actually use it, right?" Norman looked at Angela, leaving the rest unsaid, not wanting to bruise her ego.
Honestly, if Ethan hadn't stepped in, sending Angela would've been just for show. They didn't expect her to bring the artifact back, just to gather some intel. The current outcome, though a bit of a letdown, wasn't worth stressing over.
Ethan went quiet, mulling it over. Grabbing the Grail had its perks. At the very least, it could be a lifesaver, keeping the Requiem Tower under wraps a bit longer, giving him an extra ace up his sleeve. But the flip side? It could draw a ton of heat and enemies.
Then again, even without the Grail, his beef with Cross Christianity wasn't going anywhere. They were already at each other's throats. Refusing the Grail wouldn't make them back off.
"Alright, since you put it that way, I'll take it. But let's get one thing straight, this ain't a favor," Ethan decided, but made sure to remind Norman seriously.
"Of course not," Norman nodded, grinning.
"Congrats on snagging another treasure. This thing could save your butt in a pinch. Even Raymond and I might not be able to bust through the Grail's barrier," Phoenix said, handing the Grail to Ethan with a smile.
"If it comes to that, would I even be able to bail?" Ethan took it and shook his head, smiling wryly.
"We've been busting our butts and got zilch, but you hit the jackpot," Bennit grumbled, shooting Ethan a dirty look.
Ethan's earlier back-and-forth with Norman had clearly ticked him off. In his eyes, helping the country was Ethan's duty, and talking about favors with Norman was just dumb.
"If you think it's such a bummer, I can give it back," Ethan shot back, holding the Grail out to Bennit.
Bennit turned beet red, not expecting Ethan to flip the script on him, leaving him speechless.
"Cut the crap. This thing was Ethan's find, and we didn't do squat. You're just loafing around, go do your job and stop being a pain," Remington snapped at Bennit.
Bennit got all riled up, not expecting Remington to chew him out in front of Ethan and Angela.
"I'm outta here," Bennit muttered, shooting daggers at Ethan, then told Norman and stormed off.
"I'll bounce too," Angela said, seeing Bennit leave, and gave Ethan a quick glance before heading out.
"Angela, hang on a sec," Norman called out.
Angela sighed and stopped in her tracks.
Norman turned to Ethan with a grin, "Ethan, since you're in Everglow, why not crash here for a few days?"
"Norman, cut to the chase. That question's making me twitchy," Ethan said, instantly on guard.
Norman chuckled, "Since you're here, stay in Everglow for a couple of days and play some chess with me."
"You want me to stick around just to play chess?" Ethan rolled his eyes.
"Not just that. Angela and Bennit filled me in on the mission. The Nightfall Brigade's combat skills have leveled up big time. Thanks to you, our country’s got a solid team now," Norman shifted gears to the Nightfall Brigade.
"You're making me blush. The Nightfall Brigade is my way of paying you back for all the help when I first hit Everglow," Ethan said, rubbing his nose, feeling a bit awkward.
"But I still owe you my life," Norman reminded him seriously.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, "You planning to thank me properly? Got another treasure up your sleeve?"
"No more treasures, and you wouldn't care for the usual stuff. But how about I let Angela hang with you in Everglow for a couple of days to strengthen your bond?" Norman's suggestion made Ethan's eyes pop, and Angela nearly tripped.
Remington jumped in, "I think it's a solid idea. Let Angela tag along with you for a few days. Not a bad reward."
Ethan was already regretting coming to Everglow.
"What are you all talking about?" Angela blushed, scolding Norman and Remington.
Remington started, "Angela, we were war buddies with your grandpa. If it weren't for him on the battlefield..."
Angela cut him off, "Stop, just get to the point, okay?"
"Alright, straight to the point," Remington chuckled, glancing at Norman.
Norman continued, "Angela, we've watched you grow up. Your grandpa passed early, and we haven't taken good care of you, causing you some grief."
"Please, don't say that. I don't feel any grief. Serving the country is my biggest goal and wish, and it's what I should do," Angela quickly shook her head.
"Yeah, I know you've always been a good person," Norman nodded, satisfied.
Angela had a sinking feeling hearing this.
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