Chapter 246 - Recovering

Nearly the entire city was in an uproar. After such a thrilling tournament, the streets were vibrantly painted by street vendors, festive lights, and chattering foot traffic. 

Amidst all that, Hurman led Liz and Oli through the back streets to avoid the commercial district. The last thing they wanted to deal with was being spotted during the festivities. Finding three well-known figures, and one being the champion of the day, would cause a flood of fans to pile up and keep them from just getting home to relax and take in what just happened.

"Thank you, Hurman…"

"Don't mention it. I'm sure you would've done the same for me."

Reading the mood, Oli understood that he was the potential third wheel, whether Hurman would admit it or not. That being the case, Oli paid close attention to the streets. The moment they entered the residential district, Oli darted ahead.

"I've got to cultivate!"

He left the other two behind to chat. Oli didn't know what would come of their conversation but he didn't want to get involved in their potential romance. All he could understand was that Hurman had never fully considered getting closer to Liz thanks to the pressure of her father. And Liz never pushed for a relationship because she didn't want Hurman to feel obligated by external pressure, especially after Hurman's childhood sweetheart passed away years ago. But that was enough understanding for Oli to leave them alone and let nature run its course, no matter the outcome.

What mattered to Oli was his own troubles and family. And though he was joking when he said it to the Hurman and Liz, Oli knew cultivation would be his entire life for the next three years.

However, Oli genuinely needed to hurry home. He streaked through the streets without caring too much about hiding, not while the majority of people were partying in the commercial district. The moment he reached the Practor property and the guard greeted Oli with congratulations, all he did was nod and wave before rushing toward his courtyard. That same greeting was offered to Pauller, who tried to track down Oli the moment he heard Oli had returned.

Locked into his courtyard, Oli took one last deep breath before collapsing onto his bead. 

Vloz hopped out of Oli's shadow, monitoring Oli's long, drawn-out breaths. "You overworked yourself, as expected… What's worse, the physical or spiritual pain?"

"Both…" groaned Oli.

"Well, you used your soul arts twice, despite having a short rest between each use. That much should be expected," chuckled Vloz, lying down nearby. "You took a lot of damage from your fight with Freele, so it makes sense that your body aches. And you've already been treated… Likely, the best thing now is to just cultivate and let your body heal. Just make sure to thank your father and mutated bloodline for a recovery."

"I will… But while I'm out… only let Hurman in… before you leave…"

"I'll let him know."

"Thank… you…" 

Oli let go of his consciousness. It was easier to deal with the pain that way, especially when Oli was unsure how long the aching would linger.

Smiling, Vloz pondered over their recent meeting. Seeing that man again was one thing but witnessing some of the things that Rhyner did was jarring as well. The leopard was determined to try and figure out what Rhyner was up to and why that man was forcing them to break prefectural law.

*****

Dinner that night was a feast, far more extravagant than what Oli was offered on his first night with the Practor Family. Pork, beef, and chicken were the stars of the menu, but they couldn't fully outshine the many sides prepared with them.

Sitting around the table, Pauller eagerly looked over the food with caution. He had to keep himself from drooling on the shared platters before the last people could arrive.

But the wait was over when the door slid open.

"Finally!" Pauller cried. "Oliver, congrats… Where's Oliver?"

Hurman smiled and sat down at the table's head, guiding Liz to the sit between him and Sisslia. "Oliver won't be joining us tonight."

"WHAT?!"

"He's currently cultivating to speed up his recovery. Right, Shadur?"

"That's right," agreed the medic, sitting between Leon and his Uncle Keldon. "Cultivating will help Oli recover naturally since he's already been treated with the appropriate salves."

"Now, I would have us wait for an announcement we'd like to make," Hurman added, forcing Pauller to keep his hands off the nearest chicken leg. "However, the food is getting cold. So we'll discuss that afterward--"

"Thank you, Patriarch!" Pauller shouted first, getting chuckles from all over the table. 

"Then let's dig in," laughed Jonon, being the first to serve himself.

The Practor Family and its guests all enjoyed their first servings. With such a spread, everyone was able to gather whatever they liked most without fear of running out. There was still far more than enough leftover after everyone's plates were filled.

"PATRIARCH!" A familiar voice shouted from the other side of the door. "City guards have arrived at the front gates with Mertin and his family! They've also demanded that Hrald--"

"Let them enter without fuss," Hurman stated calmly, despite the shock on most everyone's faces. "And should they need Hrald, I won't be stopping them."

"Patriarch, Mertin has asked--"

"Have Mertin ask me himself. He and his family may enter as well."

The air in the room began to gain weight, weighing down everyone inside with each passing breath. They continued to slowly eat until another knock came from behind the door.

"Come in."

The door began to slide but paused after opening only a crack.

"No need to hesitate. Come in."

Opening the door completely, Mertin was already bowing his head. He then dropped to his knees without waiting. His voice quivered and made his breathing audible. "F-Father… I'm sorry… Please, accept my wife and children… They aren't to be linked to--"

"Of course I'll accept them! And you as well!" Hurman shouted, getting up to his feet.

"Father, I can't--"

"I believe it's time I gave the announcements and explain a few things. But first, everyone needs to get back in their seats… Mertin? Why are you taking so long?"

Sniffling, Mertin looked up with an open mouth but failed to utter another word. The tender touch of his wife's hand pulled him up, forcing Mertin to see the delighted smile on Hurman's face and the cheerfulness in Hurman's eyes.