41: Reasons for the marriage
Abergh could only sigh at this, then, with reminiscence in his eyes, he recounted:
"Back when we were reclaiming Mondo Province, Marquis of Roses and I fought together, even saving each other's lives.
To deepen this friendship and considering the interests of our Family, we established the marriage alliance between our two Families!"
Hearing this, Arthur finally understood why he, the son of an Earl, could be allied in marriage with the legitimate daughter of a Marquis—it turned out that Abergh had once fought alongside the Marquis.
As he understood this, Arthur also realized that by unilaterally confirming his relationship with Karona, he had not only screwed over his second sister, Yanina, but also his father, Abergh.
A trace of awkwardness couldn't help but appear on his face.
Abergh noted Arthur's expression, thinking inwardly, "So you finally realize how much trouble you've caused your old man," and then continued:
"Therefore, the alliance between our two Families is not just a simple marriage arrangement. What you did was wrong. When you meet the Marquis's Envoy later, you must adopt an apologetic attitude, understand?
Whether the marriage alliance proceeds after you apologize to the Marquis's Envoy will depend on my old friend's decision!"
Perhaps feeling that he was pressuring Arthur, he added an explanation:
"Of course, Karona is a child we watched grow up. We trust her and won't demand that you separate."
Arthur knew that this matter concerned Abergh's former Comrade-in-arms, so the indifferent attitude in his heart vanished, and he said solemnly:
"Don't worry, Father, I will apologize for this. If Marquis of Roses is unwilling to forgive and thus withdraws the marriage alliance,
I will compensate him so that he won't vent his anger on you, Father!"
Hearing Arthur promise so solemnly that he could provide a gift capable of earning the Marquis's forgiveness, Abergh suddenly recalled the various mysteries Arthur had displayed in recent months.
Thinking that this kid might indeed be able to prevent the Marquis from getting angry, Abergh immediately felt much more relieved.
The look he gave Arthur was no longer tinged with blame as it had been before!
He waved his hand dismissively and said:
"Then the matter of appeasing Marquis of Roses is up to you. I only care about the results!"
Seeing that his father had let go of the marriage alliance issue, Arthur also breathed a sigh of relief and guaranteed again:
"Don't worry, Father!"
Seeing that Abergh had resolved his internal worries, Charlotte, who had been observing their conversation from the side, couldn't help but speak up:
"Arthur, I know you've suddenly been hiding many things from us lately, but there are no benefits in this world without a reason.
I want you to answer me seriously: Is there really no danger?"
As soon as she spoke, Abergh also looked toward Arthur with a worried gaze.
In their understanding, Arthur had recently gained many benefits, and it was impossible for him not to pay a price. Moreover, that price should be quite severe, otherwise, so many people wouldn't live mediocre lives.
Charlotte's immediate concern for Arthur warmed his heart. Then, with seriousness in his eyes, he looked at Charlotte and said:
"Don't worry, Mother. Although I have gained many good things in recent months, I haven't paid much of a price."
After saying this, Arthur paused, thinking that he still needed to find an excuse, otherwise his parents would worry.
He then continued:
"I simply had an Opportunity. Not long after I was attacked, a Mysterious Powerful Expert took a liking to my Aptitude, accepted me as a Disciple, and then brought me into an organization.
I cannot disclose the specific name of the organization, but I can tell you that it is a Mutual Aid Organization, spread across the entire Continent, and possesses profound Heritage.
My Teacher is a member of the organization, but he seems very busy. After giving me ten million Gold Coins, he disappeared.
I used those ten million to do many things within the organization. For example, those two Mountain Giants were hired by me.
Also, the Magic Repeating Crossbows used by the four thousand Crossbowmen, and the Ninth-level Magic Scroll I used in Northern Bulwark City, were all purchased by me with Gold Coins within the organization."
Speaking up to this point, Arthur paused again, wanting to give his parents some time to process the information.
Abergh and Charlotte were ecstatic upon hearing Arthur's words. They hadn't expected their son to have such an Opportunity, to actually be accepted as a Disciple by a Mysterious Powerful Expert.
Moreover, judging by Arthur's demeanor, his Teacher seemed quite good to him.
Furthermore, the mysterious organization sounded quite extraordinary. Arthur was able to accomplish so many things within the organization with nearly ten million Gold Coins.
If this were in the Kate Kingdom, ten million Gold Coins wouldn't even be enough to buy those four thousand Magic Repeating Crossbows.
From this, they inferred that prices within the mysterious organization were much cheaper. This also indicated that the organization had profound Heritage; the things they valued were not considered precious there, which is why they were inexpensive.
Abergh and Charlotte believed Arthur mainly because the Continent of Gods was too vast and held too many secrets.
The Kate Kingdom, where they lived, was just a small corner.
Furthermore, the reason this continent was called the Continent of Gods was that tens of thousands of years ago, Deities had appeared on this land.
Now, they had simply vanished for unknown reasons!
On such a continent, what was so strange about having a mysterious organization?
After a long time, the expressions on their faces, which had been shifting due to the shocking news, finally calmed down and turned into joy.
Charlotte said excitedly:
"So that's how it is! Sure enough, my son will achieve Great Things!
With your Teacher and the mysterious organization as your backing, your future accomplishments will surely surpass ours. I am proud of you!"
"Thank you, Mother!" Seeing his mother Charlotte happy, Arthur was also happy.
Abergh also wore a smile at this moment, but as a father, his words were slightly more serious:
"This matter is of great importance. If others were to find out, people might try to use you to learn about that organization, so don't tell anyone else about this!
Not even your Elder Brother or Second Sister!"
Afterward, Abergh spoke with a hint of reproach:
"Actually, you shouldn't have even told us. After all, the more people who know, the greater the risk!"
"I just didn't want Father and Mother to overthink things and worry about me!"
"Sigh! You..."
Hearing Arthur say this, the Loving Kindness in Abergh and Charlotte's eyes nearly overflowed.
This loving scene filled Arthur's heart with warmth, but at the same time, there was a trace of Guilt, as he had deceived them.
But Arthur knew he was doing the right thing. The functions of the Portable Shop already far surpassed ordinary items; even a Divine Artifact couldn't compare to it.
Only by keeping such a thing known solely to Arthur could he be at ease!
Besides, although he was hiding the Portable Shop, he could still help his Family in the future using the guise of the nonexistent Teacher and organization. There was no difference in outcome.
Thinking this, Arthur immediately felt much better inside.
Then Arthur thought, since he had fabricated the Teacher and the mysterious organization, he could now tell his parents some other things directly!
🔊 Text To Speech
Listen while reading