7 Letting Them In

Can they handle it?

Dorian looked at the men before him silently.

Moving forward, anyone close to him will get exposed to the hidden, dangerous world he was about to proceed into.

So if they had to be his men, they had to know of these things.

Not only that, but for their own safety, they had to become exorcists as well.

To get to him, an underworld entity might choose to come after them as well.

So they had to know.

All 5 guards stood as still as a rock with no emotions on their faces, but deep down, they were very confused instead.

They were closer to the Master and not the young master.

For as long as they could remember, the young master has been somewhat of a loner who didn't go out looking for trouble and excelled education-wise.

They respected him but had no deep bond with him, as they shared with the Master.

They got more focused on doing work for the master and mistress, hardly doing anything for the young master, because he just never needed it.

.

Apart from the Master and Mistress, the only other person in the estate close to Dorian was Butler Sheng.

That's how quiet the Master was.

To be honest, they didn't think he needed guarding since he hardly went out or did anything that wealthy children typically did.

He was like a shadow, blending in unnoticed.

The first time they saw any real emotions from him was during this incident.

The young master seemed to have lost his ability to speak, as he just stared into space while drinking non-stop.

Even when crying, no sound came out of him.

The young master held his parents' hands for an entire day, not letting go.

It was the first time that they realized that he was still a child.

If not for the doctors to tranquillize him, he would've never left his parents alone.

Sigh... Even though the young master used to be quiet, he wasn't gloomy, as one could always sense a faint radiance of you coming from him.

But after the incident, it was as if the young master's entire demeanour became depressed and sad.

That's why seeing how he was now shocked them so much that they couldn't help staring at him numerous times.

For the mistress and master's sake, they were glad that the young master had adjusted himself.

But why did it feel like there was something more that the young master wished to discuss?

Dorian looked at the bodyguards silently.

Their names were Bewoh, Raulin, Chan-Ki, Haru and Zhulyn.

And Bewoh was always the leader of the pack.

These 5 were the only bodyguards who didn't betray his parents.

.

Bewoh squinted his eyes curiously: "Haru. Shut the door. Zhulyn, Chan-Ki check the windows. Raul in, unplug the cameras."

"Hm!"

Instantly, the youngest amongst them rushed towards the door, while the others ran towards the windows and the cameras instead.

Bewoh parted his legs and placed his hands behind his back sternly: "Young master. I believe no one will come in anymore. Now, the ball is in your court."

Dorian nodded in satisfaction with how quick Bewoh's mind worked.

What he needed were smart and quick thinkers.

And this guy was definitely one.

No wonder he was their leader.

"Butler Sheng. Please, step forward too."

"Yes, young master."

In a flash, Butler Sheng joined the bodyguards and stood in line.

~Bouboum. Bouboum. Bouboum.~

Everyone's heart drummed uncontrollably.

What was this?

Was it revenge?

The young master was finally ready to take revenge?

They stayed as silent as a rock, waiting for their young master's words.

"Bewoh, Raulin, Chan-Ki, Haru, Zhulyn, Butler Sheng!

You six, are the only ones that didn't betray my Tian family. And for this, I say thank you.

Thank you for your faithful service to my family.

You've done more than enough and have earned not just my respect... but the respect of my parents as well.

That's why I see you six as the sole forces and guardians of my... no! Our Tian family.

But now, more than ever... The Tian Family needs your services to fight against our enemies.

That said, if it is too much, please step forward.

Neither my parents nor I can blame you for your decisions. 

You all have already done much more than any of our blood relatives could.

So we will respect your decisions." Dorian said while calmly looking at all 6 deeply.

It was true that they had already gone above and beyond.

So if they wanted to retire, then he didn't see any reasons why they couldn't.

After all, from here on out, they would be putting their lives on the line.

So now was a good time to back away.

.

All 6 stood firm and puffed their chests out with stern expressions on their faces.

In this instant, they remembered their past suffering and how the Master and Mistress had fetched them out from their holes of doom and given them new lives.

Their eyes moistened a bit when they saw the 2 bodies behind the young master, just lying there in a coma.

You say they should leave?

Not a chance!

The only family they had and belonged to was the Tian Family!!

Everyone's heart firmed up in determination and went on one bended knee before Dorian.

Bewoh as their leader was the first one to go down: "Young master. Today, we offer our service to you.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that no matter what happens, we choose to stay!"

Everyone nodded in agreement as they continued listening to Bewoh.

"Young Master, our enemies might be strong now. 

But I believe that with time, we will make them pay!"

Dorian nodded his head in satisfaction at their performance.

But things were far from over.

"All of you get up."

With that, they rose and stood at attention, now taking Dorian as the Master of the Tian Family.

Their eyes became firmer as they stood as straight as they could.

Dorian took a step forward, looking at each of them calmly.

His expression was like an unrippled pond, steady to the world around it.

From a distance, it looked calm.

But underneath the waters, a storm was brewing with deeply hidden thoughts.

"You all have served the Tian household loyally since your acceptance into the family.

And I'm glad that you still chose to stay even now.

But, I cannot accept your full service yet."

"_"

.

Everyone looked at their Young Master unwilling.

Why?

Could it be that their Young Master didn't want to get into deeper waters and planned to take revenge all on his own?

They made a promise to the Master and Mistress to always look after the Tian family.

So how could they accept this?

They weren't like those ungrateful bastards that left the family.

They meant what they promised.

Everyone gritted their teeth unwillingly.

No matter what enemy comes our way, we will stay and solve it!

"Young Master, we wish to stay."

"Yes, Young Master.

You don't need to feel sorry for us or get worried about putting us in danger.

No matter how dangerous it is, we choose to stay!!"

Oh?

Dorian chuckled and looked at them playfully: "You say you'll remain no matter what enemy we face?"

"Yes, Young Master."

"Then what if the enemy isn't human?"

"Young Master, no matter who... Eh?..."

(-_-)