Return to Winden City

That's not the end of it, Uncle Andrew. He's also aware of the honorary medal we received from the Merchant's Guild. I suspect he might have a close connection with the guild master. What do you think, Al?

Yes, Wil. If not, he wouldn't have known. I have a feeling he might have been a strong contender for the Guild master's position or might become one in the future.

How did you both become so adept at analysis? Andrew inquired. It's all thanks to grandma's tests and our street smarts, Williams bragged a bit.

But it was a reality that Andrew couldn't dismiss.

One more thing, Uncle Andrew. He gave us his token. William displayed a gold circular item larger than the coin, adorned with a wagon on one side and "Marshal" on the other. Alan also showed his token.

Andrew sighed in resignation. You both are beyond the capabilities of an average person. Keep it up, boys. A bright future awaits you.

Lilly, sharp and observant, listened carefully, realizing that the boys before her were more complex than they appeared. She resolved to follow them and absorb as much wisdom from them as from her teachers and parents.

Uncle, there's one more thing we wanted to mention. Did you wonder why we requested to accompany the first consignment? Andrew nodded.

With a smile, it's because we won't need to hire additional guards if we're with the consignment. What do you think? Williams grinned broadly. Both Andrew and Elena burst into hearty laughter.

Their journey back to Winden city was smooth, marked only by a couple of beast attacks swiftly handled by the guards from Marshal's retinue. The boys enjoyed their time in the carriage, with Alan occasionally riding his horse. It took them five days to reach Windon city.

After unloading all the merchandise in their warehouse, everyone headed to Andrew's estate.

Andrew hailed from a wealthy merchant family. While their estate wasn't as extensive as the Morgan family's, it had its grandeur. The mansion boasted a larger structure, adorned with a grand arched gateway guarded both inside and outside. An engraving near the entrance proudly displayed "The Heathrow's." Alan, having visited the estate numerous times and was familiar with the place.

As the group exited the carriage, Andrew's parents, accompanied by a few maids, greeted them with visible smiles of relief. Rose, grinning widely, dashed towards them. "Granny, grandpa!" They happily embraced her, then turned their attention to the others. "Is everything alright? We heard about the bandit attacks on travelers again, but miraculously, a mysterious group slew them all. The survivors reached the city, recounting tales of horror and salvation. Towards the end, their expressions turned worried."

"We lost five of our team, but luckily we survived. Let's talk about it inside, Father," Andrew insisted. They nodded and headed towards the mansion. "Let's get settled down first and take some rest. We will all meet in the study hall an hour before dinner," Andrew informed everyone.

After settling down and cleaning themselves up, everyone arrived at the meeting area, except Lilly and Rose.

Andrew recounted all that had happened during their journey but downplayed Alan's and William's deeds, stating they both took down one bandit, with Alan even taking an arrow for Lilly.

Andrew's parents were grateful to the boys for their heroic deeds. Both of the boys faces reddening with embarrassment.

Then the topic shifted towards the negotiation. George, Andrew's father, was completely stumped by the deal they had made with Mr. Marshal. He knew how hard it was to get even a single extra coin compared to what Mr. Marshal had planned to give them.

They profusely thanked both boys and declared to share 10% of the profit with each of them. Andrew, his mother Mary, and Elena happily agreed to this proposal. Alan and William looked at each other, stunned at first, then shook their heads.

"Great Uncle George, thank you very much for your generous offer, but we refuse. We are still boys and do not need that much of coins. We were involved in the negotiation out of our own interest, so we don't need anything," Alan announced, with William agreeing.

Everyone knew they would not accept the amount no matter how they tried to convince. "Alright, we are going to present something that will be of use to you two. You have to accept it. What do you say?" George announced. Both boys reluctantly agreed not to seem rude.