Chapter 243 - Shift in Rhyner's Attitude

"For now, use the time to study making a cultivation technique. I don't understand why you would want to do that with such a drastic timer running against you, but that's what he insists, so good luck," Rhyner added with a teasing thumbs-up.

"Thanks…" 

"Got any more questions for me?"

Vloz shook his head. "No. I think that covers everything I want to ask you. Do you have anything you'd like to ask us?"

"I don't think so. He made things pretty clear about you guys and your territory…" sighed Rhyner. "And I'm sure we'll get to know each other better after our cities are linked."

"That's fair."

"Would you mind letting the others back in, Oliver?"

"Sure." Oli walked slowly and steadily across the room as he processed the new batch of information. Once at the doors, Oli pushed one open and poked out his head. "You can come back in now. He wants to talk with all of us."

Everyone followed the orders of their territory leader and the odd couple ended their private conversation. They filed back in and ignored the looks of the two Libarn managers still waiting outside. Seeing the leopard on the couch was surprising, but so was the casual atmosphere that no one was expecting.

"You're confused. I know…" Nodding, Rhyner explained, "Regardless of circ.u.mstances, we'll be working together with Oliver's and Vloz's territory from now on."

"Vloz? Is that your name?" Jarrit asked the giant, friendly feline. "I'll remember that. I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Good, because you and he will be in charge of linking out capitals via teleportation formations."

"What?" 

Not stopping, Rhyner then looked at Hurman. "To my great displeasure, you'll be leaving for their Iron Territory after the formations are operational."

"So… my family can travel in peace and security?"

"Yes."

Showing a soft but profound grin, Hurman dropped to one knee and bowed his head. "Thank you, Master Rhyner. I've always respected your authority and dominion, and I'm grateful that you're allowing my family to seek what's best for us."

"If you respect me, then take good care of my daughter."

"That--"

"Lizbeth Whizek, as the leader of Trighton Territory and the patriarch of the Trighton Family, I hereby strip you of your status and inheritance."

While Rhyner didn't skip a beat, everyone else in the study felt their hearts rock upon hearing Rhyner's declaration, including Vloz and Oli. No one knew what to believe. Such actions only threw them further into confusion.

"Rhyner!"

"Lizza, not right now!" Rhyner spoke loudly and firmly but didn't bear any ire at his wife. 

"But, Dad! How could you--"

Without blinking and changing his expression, Rhyner interrupted and continued, "Despite the excellent work that you've done for the family and territory, this has to be done. You may still carry the name Whizek but you aren't allowed to stay in the Trighton residence henceforth, nor will you be seen as a relative of the family."

"FATHER!"

"RHYNER!"

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

Again, everyone was thrown for a loop when Rhyner effortlessly stared down his wife and daughter, refuting them with a question that made no sense to them. But Rhyner did so anyway, stunning them as he looked to Hurman again and added, "And isn't this what you wanted, also? To not have any connection to me?"

"M-Master Rhyner, I--"

"I'm not asking you to love Lizbeth or even marry her," stated Rhyner. "I'm entrusting you with her care. If you truly respect me as much as you've claimed all these years, do that much for me as a final favor."

"But I--"

"Please…"

Speechless, Hurman blinked and noticed the tears in Lizza's eyes.

"Please care for my daughter… Even if she's not his daughter anymore, she's mine!" shouted Lizza, getting a sliver of a smile out of her husband. "I trust you with her. But I will ask that you marry her--"

"MOM!" Lizbeth shouted, stepping between her parents and Hurman. She then looked up to her father and took a deep breath. "I can take care of myself, okay! There's no need to keep pushing him like this…"

"Lizbeth Whizek," Rhyner began speaking again, assuming his "leader voice" and scaring Lizza once more, "You will also be exiled."

"RHYNER!!!"

"Two moons. That's all you have left in the Trighton Territory," continued, Rhyner, unfazed by the raging emotions and confusion of the room. "However, I'm not heartless. I'll make sure to recommend you and your many exploits to an allied territory, securing you a safe and prosperous future."

"... Dad…" Liz didn't know what to say or how to say it. Everything was too sudden for such overwhelming news to land on her out of nowhere.

"Oliver."

"Yes." Stepping forward, Oliver instantly understood Rhyner's earlier promise. "Lizbeth, the Iron Territory is different than the Trighton Territory, but that's why we would be more than elated to have your aide."

Offering her a bow left her stunned. But Liz also felt a little betrayed and bit her tongue.

"It's your choice to believe me, but this is not something we forced or even asked of your father directly," stated Oli, snuffing out her preconceived doubts as best he could. "Iron Territory is a place where both beasts and humans can live in peace. Our academy will be open to both humans and beasts, soon to offer various courses for both, accepting even novice students.

"Also, we have a growing marketplace and have become a pivotal trade city in the area, gaining more traffic by the day. Having your magnificent services help guide our growing territory would be more than we can ask for."

"..." 

Liz was tossed a high, easy lob from Oli, something she could easily catch so long as she liked. But she was hesitant after the bombshell of news her father had dropped, not to mention her confusion of the situation's sudden turn of events.

"If she wishes to accept the position, the Practor Family will leave its doors open for her," declared Hurman, stealing everyone's gazes.