Chapter 146 Family Meeting

At the same time that Raydon was trying to figure out what to do with his remaining hours in the inheritance—for which he had already won incredible rewards—a group of seemingly powerful and wealthy people were gathering in a room.

The walls of the grand room are adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf, glistening in the light cast by the chandeliers that hang from the high ceiling. The floor is made of polished marble, reflecting light like a mirror. In the middle of the room, a large table is situated, capable of accommodating 7 people, with 4 chairs already occupied.

The chairs are crafted from the finest wood and embellished with velvet of varying shades. The occupants, dressed in regal attire, are bedecked with finely crafted jewelry on their fingers and necks. The head chair, which is noticeably larger and more ornate than the others, remains unoccupied. Its intricate carvings depict scenes of great battles and triumphs, a testament to the owner's power and wealth.

Despite the grandeur of the setting and its occupants, there is an air of solemnity and anticipation. It is evident that this is not an ordinary meeting, and that the absent occupant of the head chair is a figure of immense importance and respect.

''Cael, have you informed the family head that this meeting is critical? '' The middle-aged woman, whose blond hair glistened like gold in the dim light of the room, inquired, her emerald eyes fixed on the man seated in the chair to the right of the head chair.

''Of course, Thalia, my dear. However, you are aware that our father is preparing for his next match. You understand that for our Demugen family, his match is just as crucial as our current problem, so I won't bother him any longer. ''A sigh escaped the lips of the charismatic middle-aged man with neatly combed black hair and dark brown eyes.

A disapproving expression appeared on Thalia's face as she listened to her husband's words, suggesting her displeasure.

Despite his advanced age, the family head they are referring to has been working hard for advancement to the next rank for a very long time. Obviously, being a high rank was not something that could be achieved solely through effort, and the fact that this individual failed despite all his efforts cast a shadow over the Demugen family's future.

''Where are Zephyr and Seren, if I may ask? Since the family head has been absent for some time, they have begun doing as they please. '' Carl didn't notice her wife's dissatisfaction and scowled at the vacant seats at the table.

''Brother, remember that after their son has been promoted to E-Rank and they have found a sponsor for their son at the upcoming rift event, they will now have more authority in this family than we do. Watch out, he may even take your seat next time. '' The man, whose eyes glowed green in the light and whose hair was jet black, sneered at Carl. It was evident that he was playing a word game to aggravate his mood further.

''When did you start bragging about the accomplishments of others, Arden? Your son has been an E-Rank for quite some time, but because of his cursed body, he hasn't even been able to leave his room, much less find a key to participate in the rift event. '' Thalia said with a loud laugh.

''Better than your crippled son, at least. '' Arden's wife, the second woman at the table, said calmly as she sipped her red wine from the crystal glass in her hand.

''You! '' Thalia looked at this woman with her eyes bulging out in anger because she had brought up the thing that made her the most angry. At that moment, the room's doors opened, and a couple came in, holding hands.

"Hahaha, better watch what you say next, Elara, because you know the boy you're talking about isn't a cripple anymore."  The man with ocean blue hair and eyes said sarcastically as he walked through the door, his stunningly beautiful wife on his arm.

''Also, keep in mind that the high-ranking item holder behind Raydon, the boy you described as crippled, is our main focus right now. If you continue to behave so impolitely outside and offend this potential ally of our family in any way, you will suffer severe consequences. ''

"Zephyr, you're late for the meeting, and you're trying to lecture my wife on ethics. I believe you are the only impolite person in the room. '' Arden said through gritted teeth. This individual, whom he had just praised in an attempt to provoke his brother, had succeeded in making him lose his temper.

''I have no intention of lecturing anyone, little brother. I just hope that everyone sitting at this table where we make important decisions about the future of our family will gain a little more insight. '' Zephyr shrugged, then sat down in the chair to the left of the head chair.

Carl spoke up as Arden and Zephyr exchanged furious glances, clearly on the verge of starting another verbal fight. ''That's enough. Let's begin now that everyone is present.''

''Actually, brother, there was no need for this meeting. Is Raydon not your son? Why not simply summon him back to the mansion? So we ask him who his high-ranking backer is and ask for a meeting. '' Zephyr said while cracking up.

"Mr. Zephyr, we are trying to solve problems, not make them worse." Thalia understood what he was attempting to do and responded with a disapproving expression.

''There would be no difficulty in resolving this issue if you had not created it in the first place. '' Zephyr said in an annoyed voice. Then he took the glass of wine in front of him and drank it in one gulp.

Before leaning back in his chair, Zephyr continued speaking quietly but audibly enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly.

''Once ashamed of their own child, the parents are now attempting to take advantage of him. It's disgusting.''