Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 155: Gathering the Practor Family

“Has Mertin been told of any of this?”

Leon and Johan didn’t think much of the question until they saw Hurman shake his head. “No, he has not been informed of this decision or any of the true terms that were agreed on prior to sending you out.”

“Can I ask why?”

“That’s because of me,” admitted Keldon, surprising the four young men. “While Mertin has proven quite capable in handling business and managing the property, I have some critiques of his decisions. I’ve taken those critiques directly to either Lyle in the past and Hurman in the present. Most of those critiques came from me being a rival businessman to the business that Mertin prefers to deal with, but I’ve finally gotten Hurman to agree to a few things.”

Hurman continued from there, “The reason I’ve hidden such important information from him is in response to him hiding information from me. I won’t go into details at the moment, but there are some things I’ve only recently learned that I wish Mertin had never agreed to, including hidden debts taken out in the family’s name.

“Now, before our talk ruins the mood, how about we prepare a feast to celebrate! It’s only fitting considering the imminent profit we’re set to make!”

“The profit shared between the both of us!” Keldon added, making sure to remind the old man.

.....

“Boys, let’s head to the dining hall immediately! We’ll drink as the meal is prepared and enjoy ourselves. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited... likely before Lyle’s incident,” Hurman sighed with a soft smile.

The old man leaped to his feet, followed by Keldon. They took the lead as the young men walked behind them in silence. Everyone was all smiles as they walked with pep in their steps toward the family dining hall.

‘So that’s the man...’

‘Mhm. What do you think?’ Oli asked.

Vloz replied, ‘I like how straightforward he is. To able to admit his son’s wrongs openly yet professionally is a great show of his character and maturity. Having such a person and his family in the territory would likely be a great benefit to us.’

‘I’m glad you agree.’

‘But I’m still undecided,’ Vloz continued. ‘I need to see the others and I’d like to see how Hurman handles this son that’s been working behind his back. Seeing how he disciplines will prove his character through actions and not just words.’

Their chat didn’t last long as Hurman quickly led them into the dining hall. Wine was served immediately and small talk ensued as the chefs rushed to prepare a fitting meal.

“Grandpa, I heard they’re back!”

“Calm down, boy!” Hurman shouted, stopping Pauller in his tracks the moment the preteen opened the door. “You know how to act properly with guests, so show it!”

“I-I’m sorry, Patriarch.” Bowing quickly, Pauller took a deep breath and refocused himself on the others sitting around the table. Spotting his brother, Pauller hurried to his side. “Leon, I’m so glad you’re back!”

Accepting his brother’s hug, Leon patted him lightly on the back. “Calm down, Pauller. I was bound to come back soon. There’s no need to get so emotional.”

“Welcome back, Leon,” a calm, soothing voice called out upon entering the dining hall.

“Mom... I’m glad to be back.”

“Oh my... What happened to your arm?” Sisslia walked calmly yet briskly to Leon’s right side. She tenderly felt the bandaged splint around her son’s arm. “Was this your worst injury?”

“Yes, Mom. That’s all that happened.”

“Oh... I’m so glad you were fine in the end.”

“Really? I thought you were bound to freak out–”

“Honey, what’s happened to you?!” Everyone’s attention was stolen, now focused on Cethlin who was running toward her son. “Johan, what’s happened to you?!”

“I’m fine, Mom! There’s no need to freak out so much,” Johan exclaimed, trying to reduce his embarrassment as much as possible.

“But honey–”

“I said I’m fine. Give me a little time and I’ll be stronger than before. Hasn’t Dad been even worse before?”

“But you’re my baby! How could I–”

“Cethlin, there’s no need to be so riled up,” Hurman stated with a warm voice. “From what they’ve told us, they were almost outnumbered five-to-one yet managed to escape with only a couple of broken bones. That’s spectacular!”

“But what about him?” Cethlin questioned out of reflex, pointing at Oli. “He was hired to protect them yet he doesn’t have a scratch on him.”

“Mom, Oli saved our lives!” Johan shouted, making sure to be louder than her and force her to listen. “He’s the reason we made it back alive, let alone successful.”

Three others entered, one of which asked with glee, “Then you’ve found enough lilies?”

“Yes, Aunt Melida,” Leon responded, trying to help take some of the spotlight off of Johan. “We have more than enough now and finances shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the time being.”

“That’s wonderful!” Melida sat down with her two children and was served a glass of wine. Taking a sip, she blushed slightly. “Oh... It’s rare that Father would bring out our best wine. But I suppose it’s fitting for the moment.”

“Congrats on making it back, Leon, Johan. You too, Oliver, I’m glad you made it back safely,” Melinda added, taking a small sip from her glass immediately after building up the courage to say that.

“I was just doing my job. If anything, I’m surprised by how much help Shadur was. His skills made facing bandits much easier and he was the reason the harvest went so smoothly. Without him, there’s no way we could’ve done it,” admitted Oli, doing his best to not attract the wrong kind of attention.

“I told you Shadur was capable!” Keldon laughed, nudging Hurman’s side like a long-time drinking buddy.

Hurman laughed along, “You were right! I’m glad to have him working with us from now on.”

“What do you mean, Father?” Sisslia asked.

“Hm, HMM!” Hurman cleared his throat loudly, making sure everyone heard him.