Family Meeting

"Is this the Son of the Antonio?"

"The Rumors are true, It seems like this is Gabriel"

"He really looks like Antonio"

"He is late, I bet he doesn't even know manners"

"He is a son of that woman after all"

Those we're the lines that Gabriel heard from the people as soon as he attended the meeting. He didn't bother to pay any attention to them. With his poker face, he took the seat beside his father who was also quietly observing.

As soon as Gabriel sat at the chair beside his father. The atmosphere of the room became heavy. It's as if a big shot was currently sitting with them, a familiar feeling of a beast looking down on his prey.

Which turns out to be the truth...

Gabriel is a beast who was raised by another beast.

"It's been a while since I gathered everyone like this," The head of the family said in his introduction. "First of all, I would like to introduce my son, Gabriel Izekielli Liz Velasquez" The Marquis glanced at his only son as he mentions his whole name.

The only purpose of this meeting is to introduce Gabriel to the Velasquez Family...

And to give them the impression that there is only one 'Heir' of Marquis Antonio.

However, Gabriel didn't like how his Father recited his real name in front of them. This is the first time he has heard his real name since Gabriella didn't mention it to him. He was always the 'Gabriel' with no surname.

The truth is...

He'd rather have his name short since it's a hassle to have a long name. Having a short name is beneficial.

For example.

Maria or Eleonor.

Gabriel stopped for a moment when he suddenly remembered her wife's name. He wonders if she's doing well with his sister today. He's still upset that can't come with his sister because of this damn meeting.

"For many years of our departure, My only 'Heir' has finally returned" Antonio continued as he emphasizes the word 'Heir'. The family members of Velasquez household became tensed when Antonio announced this. "He'll be handling some of our family business in the future, I hope that you will give him the respect that is fitting for him"

Some of them had a dark expression on their faces, some were completely wearing a silent face, but there were having the same reactions on their heads.

This man is the 'Heir' of Antonio.

"Brother! What are you talking about?" Henzel, Antonio's 3rd Brother suddenly interfered. "You're turning this man as your Heir? Are you even sure that he is your son? Remember what happened years ago, what if this man is only deceiving you?"

"Henzel! Don't talk like that!" Amelina, the 1st sister of Antonio shouted. "We know that Antonio won't act recklessly anymore, I am sure that our brother has a reason for this thing" She glanced at Gabriel who was the spitting image of her brother.

"I agree with Henzel, but Sister Amelina is also Correct. Let's not talk rashly Henzel," Grego, the 2nd brother of the Marquis replied. His eyes went to the head of the family.

Grego asked Antonio. "Antonio, how are you sure that this young man is your son? Enlighten us. Although he looks like you, we still have to be careful"

The other family members were secretly glancing at Gabriel.

However, Gabriel who was only listening didn't even falter with their words.

He just calmly drank his tea while memorizing the faces of the family members of Velasquez.

Although he looks like clueless and bored, he was actually watching and evaluating their reactions to know who's worth to become his ally inside their family. He also has to make some reports to her sister.

Gabriella may look stupid or Idiot sometimes, but his sister doesn't want to be left out especially if the matter is connected to him.

When Henzel saw the drowsy look on Gabriel's face, he immediately took this chance to slander him. "Brother Grego is right! and even if he's your son, how can you be sure that he is capable of handling our family's affairs? Think of this brother, I am just concern"

Antonio who was listening to his brother's monologue took a deep breath. "He is my son," He said. "The Medallion of Lucian proved it to me. The deity might come back for a few days to give his guidance to my son"

"T-the ancient artifact?! It went back?"

Gabriel who was chilling at the side glanced at the Marquis.

Medallion of Lucian?

Gabriel thought as he remembers the Medallion that his sister gave to him. The Medallion seems to be important for the family, and he bets that his sister didn't take care of it. Poor thing, it must've suffered in her hand.

"Are you telling the truth?" Amelina asked her brother. Everyone gasped when the Marquis nodded his head. "How? I thought that someone stole it 17 years ago? Don't tell me someone brought it home?"

Antonio and Gabriel suddenly had a complicated look on their faces.

The Medallion was actually stolen by the Idiot Gabriella. How can they explain it?

Although it was kinda complicated to explain, The Marquis took this matter very well. "The Medallion of Lucian..." He paused. "Came with my children to protect them, when they both came back to me, the Medallion suddenly appeared and I can testify to you that it was the real one"

Gabriel smirked when he heard the Lie of his father.

Gabriella stole it.

He wanted to say it while laughing at their dumbfounded faces.

"What did the Medallion said about his mana?" Grego asked.

"Crimson" He replied.

They became quiet when the Marquis said it.

A Velasquez's Mana ability can be measured by the Medallion. Having a Crimson as a reply from the Medallion means a Velasquez has powerful ability inside of his body. If the Marquis is telling the truth then they won't be able to deny Gabriel as the chosen 'Heir'.

He was indeed the son of Marquis Antonio.

"He may have a powerful mana, but how can we be sure if he can take the lead of the Velasquez Household?" Henzel asked, but this time his tone is calmer. "How did Gabriel grew up?"

Antonio remained silent for a moment. For the past few days that he's been observing his Son, he knew that he has the ability to be the next head of the Velasquez household. He only needed to be polished.

However, if he gave a good testimony about his 'Heir' without any evidences, this will only affect Gabriel's authority over the household. If he will make him as his heir, Gabriel still needs to build his own image and Antonio doesn't have an intention to help him.

He has to do it with himself.

He doesn't know how Gabriella taught her brother but he trusts his only daughter.

"I will hold a Banquet for their return for the next two days" Antonio only replied. "I am certain that all of you have received an invitation"

"Brother, I am asking you-"

"Uncle"

Henzel stopped talking.

For the first time, Gabriel finally let out a word. There was an authority on his tone which resembled the late Marquis's tone, to precise his grandfather's tone. Even Antonio was surprised when his son started to talk.

He knew that Gabriel is a silent man like him, he was indeed soft for his big sister and he seems an intelligent man. However, he never knew that his son could pull a single domineering word for today's meeting.

Everyone was silent until they suddenly heard a knock from the outside.

It was from the red-haired butler we call Nico. He was holding a tray in his hand with a letter on it. "My Lord," Nico said confidently. "Forgive me for my sudden intrusion but a letter just came for Lord Gabriel"

"Tsk, what an insolent butler"

"You disturb our meeting just for that?" Henzel shouted.

Nico only smiled at them. "The first letter was from Lady Gabriella, Her Lady-in-waiting Selena came back with her letter" Antonio who was silent perked up when he heard his daughter's name. "I think it is something important"

"Gabriella? Gabriel's older sister?" Amelina asked. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen my niece yet. Why is she not here? Did she go somewhere?"

"The Lady has some personal business to do, Lady Amelina" Nico replied elegantly. "And this letter seems important"

"It is indeed important" Gabriel replied while rubbing his chin.

"There was also a telegram from the man named Leonard---"

"Give me my sister's letter" Gabriel cuts Nico.

He doesn't care about Leonardo, the important thing is he is sure that the letter from Gabriella is about Maria Eleonor.