Inside the room, on seeing the luxurious and comfy couch and decors, his wealth mesmerized all the five.
Tim Bradworth sat over the most eye-catching single-seat couch and said, "Nephew Loki, within these five years you have really changed."
"What did you mean by saying I'm changed?" asked Bobby with a smile.
"Hey, I'm simply complimenting you… But I'm absolutely right. You're a completely changed man. So, unlike those boring you of yesteryears, you now know how to have fun in life… But, oh man, I like this better version of you." As Tim Bradworth was enjoying his seat, he said this.
"I hope you feel at home here and that you are welcome to stay as long as you want," Bobby said elegantly.
"See that everyone? What did I say? My nephew is already a changed man, and he's the coolest guy in the entire Blue Lagoon. From today onward, he's one of us, you hear me?" Tim Bradworth said.
"Loud and clear, boss!" The four responded in tandem all at a time.
"Wow, that's so exciting… Thank you, Uncle Tim. Ever since I was eight, I have always been envious of your team… Now, this, I can't believe it's happening." Bobby cheered, acting as if he was the luckiest person on the planet, sucking up to him.
He then continued, "Since Uncle Tim is very considerate of this little me, I'm going to share a piece of my secret which I have never shared with another soul, yet… It's about my recent serendipity encounter which led me to my steadfast success and my rapidly growing strength in these few months. If I release this secret, then everyone can become the genius of the geniuses within a few months." He turned his head at the other four lackeys one at a time and continued, "Can I trust them?"
The four craned their heads at Tim Bradworth. And a witty guy among them voiced out, "Boss, we have been following you since we were kids. Please let's hear from him too. And we promise we will be your subordinate forever. And most importantly, if you wish to become the next patriarch, then I suggest you will need us with strength. Please, consider."
"Next patriarch! Boson, have you lost your mind to even mention that? You clearly know what you're talking about is treason. Lucky us. We're all alone here. If this gets the wind in someone else's ear, then you know the consequence, right?" Tim Bradworth scolded him.
"Sorry boss! But, I really mean it." Boson insisted. He then looked at the other three lackeys and asked, "Hey, you assholes, what did you think?"
"Boss, there is no need to fret about it. In the name of the Archangel Michael, I pledge my allegiance to you forever." One stood up and shouted, thrusting his chest with his fist.
The other two also repeated the same.
On seeing that, Tim Bradworth exhaled out a long breath and said, "Fine, since you follow me all this time. I trust you guys." He turned his attention to Bobby and said, "Nephew Loki, you can trust them. And you guys, listen, from today onward my dearest nephew Loki will be a member of our gang."
Tim further added, announcing loudly. "And if anyone dared to even lay a finger at him, then he would beat the hell out of him or her. Or maybe even kill them, as we always do, to help one another. Even if he's someone of outrageous personality in our family–even if that person is our family patriarch, we should help Loki out at all costs. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, boss! We understand. From today onward, no one should touch him or ever hurt him ?like in the past." Boson, the witty, supported.
"Hahaha, you hear that, nephew?... Now, what're you waiting for? Tell us your secret. You can totally trust us." Tim Bradworth said, laughing into a pearl of cheering laughter.
Now Bobby was all tears and snorts as if their sense of camaraderie and brotherhood overwhelmed him emotionally.
He wiped his tears and then cleaned his running nose with his sleeve and said, clearing his throat to gain his normal tone. "Uncle Tim, Boson, and everyone–I still didn't know your name yet… But, ahem-ahem, (sniffling)... To date, this is the kindest thing I've ever heard from anyone. Alright, I'll show you my secret."
Bobby then reached out his hand and pulled out the Beast's eye necklace hanging over his chest in front of everyone.
"Hah, a Spatial beast's eye! A purple–one." Tim Bradworth blurted out as he exclaimed in surprise. For a moment, a glint of greed appeared in his eyes, and a sharp killing intent instinctively flashed from his body, which he quickly hid.
It was the same for the other four lackeys.
The looks of greed on the faces of his lackeys, except for Boson, caused Tim Bradworth to chuckle as he snickered in his head, 'Totally loyal, my ass! The second they found an opportunity, they would stab my back. And this Boson is the most frightening one. In front of such a legendary rare artifact, he stayed calm like this… Hmm, I should think of a plan sooner to kill this guy.'
Bobby glanced at them and said, chuckling, "Hahaha. What's with all your looks?... haha, it must surprise you all to see this, a Spatial beast's eye, right?" He then added,, "Hey, don't worry, I have a lot more surprises waiting for all of you. And let's see, how many times you could keep this expression?"
Tim Bradworth sneered in his head, saying: 'Surprise, my arse! The second your surprises end, we're going to kill you and get the reward from the family, too. That's why we came here, to begin with. Hee-hee-hee, today's my lucky day. I'm going to hit two birds with a stone… No, ten birds!'
Boson and the other three also had the same thought as they were the birds of the same feathers.
Bobby smiled, making a na?ve look.