The Rise - Chapter 17

Leon goes downstairs whilst the rest stay in the room. In the living room, he stood facing the crowd of people with his father and Justin’s father in the middle. They were all staring at Leon like he were an antique in a museum – carefully.

“Leon! I just wanted to cheer you up. You seemed so tense when you came in, you didn’t even say hello” said Justin’s father. He had short black hair and a rich man’s smile that showed no worry or care. He had a larger nose than Justin and thinner eyebrows but the same green eyes.

“I’m sure Justin and Veronica are doing everything they can to help you out, but don’t take the election too seriously. You’re still young, just have fun” he continued

Leon turned his attention to his father and then looked back at Justin’s father, Kevin.

Kevin puts his arm around Leon’s father and pats his chest. The two were extremely close friends with undying loyalty to each other for years.

“You see those secret service guys around George? Well, soon they’re gonna be all around you! So cheer up, your dad is about to become the most important person in the country.” said Kevin

“Thanks Mr. Tundra, but I don’t think this election is just an ordinary high school election.” said Leon

“The election only matters because the crown prince made it matter. He wants to send a message to the royalist that he can take down the biggest names in politics.” said Alexander, Leon’s father.

Leon looks around at the men in the room thinking twice before what he was about to say. He then turns to his father.

“So you knew what was going on. A head’s up would’ve been helpful.” said Leon

“You’re running against people who will do whatever it takes to win. You already knew that and whether you knew about what was happening behind the scenes or not, that fact doesn’t change.” said Alexander

“Everyone is getting help from a big name, yet I’m here with a Lapuzi and a Cottowood for parents, and left alone like an orphan. At least tell me about the shadow council.” said Leon

“It was too soon to meet your grandmother.” said Alexander

“No, it was too late. Way too late.” replied Leon

Alexander stood up.

“The reason you didn’t need to know, is because I didn’t want you to know.” he said

“It’s true your father is on the shadow council, but they’re terrified of him because he doesn’t rely on them in the slightest. Sure, you can rise through the shadow council, but you become dependent on it – to the point that they control you.” said Kevin

“I didn’t need them. Everyone in this room, including myself, I built from the dirt up. We’re only loyal to each other. Which is why if you ever wanted to join politics, I wanted it to be through me, not your grandmother and the shadow council.” said Alexander

Leon starts smiling uncontrollably.

“I finally understand why you’re so calm about these allegations.” said Leon changing the subject

Kevin looks at Alexander but Alexander was still fixated on Leon, as was everyone else in the room.

“You know she’s onto to you right? Just a heads up – Hilda knows how calm you are about the allegations.” continued Leon “I understand now, since the shadow council doesn’t have you under control, they would want to stop you from reaching office. So the best way to distract them, is to manufacture your own fall. That way you don’t have to worry about them coming after you.”

“Leon, I don’t think you know what you’re talking about.” said Kevin in a serious tone.

“Father, don’t tell me they don’t know.” said Leon

“They all know, continue.” said Alexander

“Why?” said Leon

“I was worried everything I taught you was for nothing. But if you figured this out Leon and at your age… Then you will surely surpass me, your mother and your grandmother. So continue. Continue and make me proud.” he said locking eyes with Leon intensely

Leon pauses returning the stare at his father for a few seconds.

“I don’t know how you did it, but I’m sure, that you’re behind your own corruption allegations.”