Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 156: Mertin’s Objection

“As most everyone is here, I’ll make the announcement now since the last two are busy.” Hurman declared, “Upon proving himself capable as a medical professional and an asset to the family, Shadur will be opening a medical practice within the property and begin caring for any ill person within the grounds.”

“Then... Lyle will...”

“Yes, Sisslia, Lyle will have a professional dedicated to his care from now on.”

Water began to build up her eyes Sisslia asked, “But... I thought we weren’t–”

“Affordability is not an issue at the moment. Our finances are looking better than before, even with Shadur being hired,” answered Hurman.

“Congratulations, Shadur! You deserve it!” Oli stated, lifting his glass.

“To a prosperous relationship!” Hurman followed along, leading the toast. “We look forward to your care and promise to guard you and your practice to the utmost.”

.....

As everyone old enough to drink followed suit, Shadur had the honor of standing and bowing his head in acceptance. “Thank you, everyone. I’m more than proud to have this opportunity and I’m anxious to help you resolve the problems currently ailing your family, as well as any medical issues that arise in the future.”

“Well said!” Hurman chuckled before downing his glass in one go, allowing everyone else to do the same.

The atmosphere in the room was joyful and heart-warming. Attention was well divided in the room. Hurman chatted openly with Keldon, Sisslia and Cethlin asked Shadur all about their sons’ and Lyle’s conditions, Pauller and Milo conversing loudly, and Melida trying to talk Oli into a date with her daughter. This made the wait for food fly by as the house staff soon brought in platter after platter of the finest meals possible with the best ingredients left within the family storage.

Everyone was excited about the food, which only added to the joy they felt already. But the food hadn’t fully disappeared by the time the final two people arrived to join the party.

“Why didn’t you send someone for us?!” Jonon shouted with a laugh. “Feasting is way better than those boring business meetings! Oh, Johan! Glad to see you back in one piece!”

“Sweety, look at what happened to our boy! This–”

“Good, it’ll toughen him up. I hope he learned plenty from his little trip.”

“Sweety, they were attacked by bandits and outnumbered! How could you be excited about this?” argued Cethlin, still wanting to baby her only child.

“Ceth, you know it’s about time he grew up and lived his own life. By his age, weren’t we already dating?”

“But... But...”

“You have to let him live, Ceth. Some injuries here and there will do him good, so why worry when he’ll grow stronger from it. That’s why we’re celebrating!” chuckled Jonon, fitting right in with the other happy people at the large table.

“Either way, I’m glad you’re all back,” Mertin sighed, sitting next to his wife and kissing her cheek before putting food on his plate.

‘That’s him.’

Startled to the point of almost coughing on his bite of pork, Oli telepathically asked, ‘Huh? What’s–‘

‘That’s the masked merchant that tried to kill you,’ Vloz repeated in his solemn tone. ‘It’s the one sitting beside the woman trying to set you up with the girl.’

‘Oh boy... This complicates things...’

“What’s wrong, Oliver?” Jonon asked, spotting the sudden change in Oli’s expression. “Don’t tell me you don’t like the meal.”

“No, the food is delicious,” replied Oli. “I just remembered something I’d forgotten is all. It’s nothing worth noting during such a celebration.”

“So, Shadur, I’ve only heard of your medical skills from rumors your uncle has spread. Would you mind sharing some of your past experiences? I think that should help us all better trust you,” Melida asked with a smile, never against learning about another potential suitor for her daughter as Oli seemed to be against it.

Nodding, Shadur politely swallowed his food. “I’m twenty-four years old and have spent the last six years as an apprentice for either doctors or herbalists, four years with various doctors and two years with the Herbal Guild. Oh, and I’m a mid-adept though I’m better in a party’s support role than as an attacker. But Leon has agreed to teach me the basics of swordsmanship.”

“Oh, good on you, Leon!” Jonon gave his nephew a thumbs up. “Once Leon gives you a pass, Johan will test you out. After that, if you’re willing, I may offer a lesson or two.”

“Thank you, Master Jonon.”

“No need for formalities with me. Given your new future working with us, it’s easier for us both to be on a first-name basis.”

“What future work?” Mertin asked.

Hurman immediately spoke up, “Since he’s proven capable and comes highly recommended by Keldon and others, I’ve agreed to allow Shadur to take up residency in the Practor property.”

“What?! And you haven’t informed me of this?!” Mertin shouted. “Sending them on a mission is one thing, but allowing him to take up residency is another. Such an expense is bound to–”

“We’ll discuss this immediately after the meal, Mertin. Right now, there’s no need to raise your voice while we should be celebrating their return.”

“Father, I respect Keldon’s opinion and I’m sure Shadur is capable given the supposed success they’ve had on their trip. However, I’m opposed to such a thing as him taking up residency here. We have little funds as is and we have no ability to afford another person in the long-term,” stated Mertin, speaking less loudly but not giving up the conversation. “Our reputation is already struggling and our funds are depleting, yet you agree to such a thing without even consulting the family manager? Are you against me and all the work I’ve done for the family?!”

Silence spread like a flash fire. There was no sound of forks or spoons clanging against the bowls or plates, no signs of chit-chat, and no breaths taken. Everyone was quiet as Hurman sighed, blinked, and showed his third-born son a stern, immovable stare.