"I was wondering why, without even asking, you simply refused without a second word. So that was the reason."
Carson Flores suddenly understood, grinning as he said, "That’s really thinking too hard. You’ve all helped me with previous issues. It’s not like you have to stubbornly face defeat and crash into someone else’s door to be of help. Help to the extent of your abilities, and having the intention is enough."
He paused, then added, "If I were to drag you into my personal grudge, and someone got hurt or killed because of it, I would never be able to live with myself."
Leah Frost laughed, "I know your character; I know you speak the truth. But they genuinely don’t want to trouble you either, especially since you still have to deal with Gunner Tate."
Carson Flores laughed, "Aunt, you, being that hidden master, can’t possibly just stand by and do nothing, right?"
Leah Frost smiled, "Of course not. He is my nephew after all, and I would never just watch from the sidelines. I’ve heard that there’s some sort of competition being organized by the family to settle the final outcome. I’m thinking of stepping in after everything is set. Otherwise, being factored in now might just change the nature of the contest."
Carson Flores nodded, "Alright, once it’s arranged, let me know. I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help."
Leah Frost was the one in the Frost Family who knew Carson Flores’s character best. She understood his nature of "I don’t want to drag you into my issues, but if I acknowledge you, I’ll help you even at the cost of danger," and readily agreed.
Leah Frost was also aware of Carson Flores’s current strength. If Carson Flores were to meet Shirley Miller, not counting Rocky Stein, who was afraid of exposing her identity, and counting only himself, Abel Compton, and Abram Flores, there would be five Innate-power individuals. This was enough to potentially change the views of the Frost Family’s two elders.
She was definitely close to Adriel Frost. Carson Flores was considered half a Frost, so naturally those who supported Adriel Frost would have the upper hand.
As for the Hoffman Family, they were still Hoffmans at the end of the day. The two elders weren’t senile – they knew better than to blur the lines between insiders and outsiders.
Given all this, the matter didn’t seem too problematic.
Carson Flores’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at it and saw a mysterious number.
Carson Flores instantly became tense.
He showed Leah Frost the screen before answering the call, "Hello?"
"May I speak with Mr. Carson Flores?"
The gentle, polite tone of the woman’s voice took Carson Flores by surprise, loosening his tensed state as his voice softened, "Speaking."
"Hello, I am a staff member of the Kyushu Association’s office. I would like to ask if you are in possession of a Kyushu Association invitation token?"
Carson Flores frowned and turned on speakerphone, "Yes, it was given to me by the Reid Family of Xijing."
"Mr. Flores, we cordially invite you to attend our annual forum event held in Binya City on the 15th. Are you available?"
In a puzzled tone, Carson Flores asked, "This invitation token was not originally sent to me. Can I still attend, and can I refuse?"
The woman’s voice on the phone was sweet and amiable, like a customer service representative, "The Reid Family of Xijing has gifted you the invitation token, voluntarily forfeiting their chance to attend the forum. Mr. Flores, now that you have reached Innate realm and possess an invitation token, you are certainly entitled to attend. Of course, you also have the right to refuse. However, such a grand event is worth attending. You could meet representatives from various regions of Kyushu, exchange ideas, and perhaps gain something unexpected."
"Even if you’re not interested in becoming a reserve member of the Kyushu Association, the weather in Xijing is now cold, while Binya enjoys sunny skies and pleasant scenery, with comfortable temperatures. Mr. Flores, you could consider this as a holiday trip. You may bring your family; apart from not being able to attend the official event, we’ll provide full hospitality for everything else. Perhaps you could have a pleasant holiday here."
Carson Flores’s expression turned slightly odd. The Kyushu Association, huh? Wasn’t it supposed to be imposing and prestigious?
Wasn’t it supposed to have a distant attitude, suggesting that by inviting you, they’re doing you a favor, that you should quickly show up or else face their wrath?
Why does this feel like a telemarketing call? Are you really from the Kyushu Association, the organization founded by Kaenu Hail, the number one of Kyushu?
It wasn’t just Carson Flores who thought this was odd; even Leah Frost had a peculiar expression. Nevertheless, she nodded at Carson Flores, signaling him to accept the invitation.
Carson Flores thought about the timing. With only a couple of days left, and waiting for Gunner Tate led to nothing, he was currently idle, and attending the event didn’t seem like it would take up much time.
"Alright, I’ll come."
The woman on the phone was enthusiastic, "Wonderful, could you please provide your identity information, so we can book your flight..."
Carson Flores declined, "No need, just tell me the time and place. I’ll come on my own."
"Okay, the forum will be held on the 15th at 9 a.m. on Qingli Island. Mr. Flores can check into the Blue Sky Hotel in Binya City before the 14th. Everyone will head to the island together on the 15th. If you have any questions, you can call this number."
Carson Flores made a mental note, "Alright!"
After hanging up, Carson Flores looked at Leah Frost, "I don’t know anyone there. Aunt, why did you want me to go?"