Williams 12th Birthday

"Who won this time?" John asked with a smile as the boys entered the mansion. Williams pointed his thumb toward Alan, who grinned widely. "Excellent. Which beast did you take down, my boy?" John inquired of Alan.

"It was a pack of black-spotted hyenas. We were—" Before Alan could continue, he heard a shout of surprise from behind them. Elizabeth, Helen, and Jean approached the boys with shocked expressions.

"Did you two get hurt? Helen, please check them once. Those are vicious creatures, those hyenas," Elizabeth began expressing concern. Helen, initially shocked at the news of the boys encountering a pack of hyenas, regained her composure and observed the boys carefully.

"I don't think they are in any danger, Elizabeth. Don't panic," Helen reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Both Alan and Williams nodded in agreement.

Tell me more, boys," John urged.

"Ah, nothing too exciting, grandpa. Initially, we thought we might get some challenge, but these hyenas are cowardly beasts. Once they started seeing us killing a few of their numbers, they started running away," Williams shook his head in disgust.

All the ladies looked at each other. "How many did you both take down?"

"Not much, grandpa. Alan took out 5, I took out 4. The remaining 5 ran away. Cowardly creatures," Williams whispered in a disgusted tone again.

Alan nodded in agreement. "Good, good. Both of my grandsons are getting stronger," John felt ecstatic.

"By the way, did you complete all the procedures before leaving the guild? This was your final task, right?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, grandma," they both took out the honorary badge received from the guild master and showed it to everyone.

Everyone was shocked. "How did you two get this? Even my father never receivedsuch an honor," Elizabeth was dumbfounded. Both of them recalled their discussion and the guild master's offer for them. After a few seconds of silence, Elizabeth let out a sigh. "You two are most lucky to get it. Only someone at the level of a master can have this honorary badge."

A grand celebration had been arranged for Williams' 12th birthday, much to his chagrin. Alan tried to lift his spirits. "Cheer up, Wil, guests will be arriving soon."

"I hate standing in front of everyone like a showpiece, Al. You got lucky with a simple party. For me, they've invited half the inner area. Imagine how much time I'll need to spend on stage smiling and shaking hands," he groaned.

Alan chuckled, "You're the only heir of "the Morgan family so "No way out for you." He grinned mischievously. Williams shot him a glare, you are also a Morgan, my brother. Never say otherwise. Alan held his hands up in a peaceful gesture, I know Wil, I know. You are my brother. He smiled and patted Williams back.

"Come, Williams, the guests are already at the door," Jean's voice called from outside. Williams sighed and headed out, with Alan following behind.

The celebration extended into the late night, attended by the most affluent and influential individuals. Williams grew frustrated from the continuous standing, smiling, and greeting. Noticing Williams' frustration, Alan who stood to the side smiled broadly.

A little girl of four tugged at Alan's coat, and he happily picked her up. "Hello, Rose. Why are you alone here? Where is your big sister, Lilly?"

Lilly and Rose were John's granddaughters, the children of his daughter who resided in Winden city. They had met Alan only a few times, but Rose, in particular, was fond of him. Alan's silent and caring nature had drawn the child to him since their first encounter.

"Big brother, I tricked her and came here," Rose giggled. Alan smiled fondly, "You should not leave your sister and run around alone in a crowd, Rose; you might get lost," he said, ruffling her hair. She smiled cutely. "Come, let's see where your parents and sister are; they will be worried."

Alan navigated through the crowd and spotted Lilly, who was searching for Rose in a bit of a panic. He waved his free hand and called Lilly over, visibly relieving her as she saw Rose in Alan's care.

"Rose, you little trickster," Lilly exclaimed, reaching out for the mischievous girl. The girl in Alan's arms laughed joyfully and stuck her tongue out playfully. Alan joined in the laughter, handing Rose over to Lilly. "Be a good girl, Rose," he said, ruffling her hair once more.

"There you are," Williams' voice sounded from behind Alan, and he approached them with a tired expression. "What a night. I am completely drained out, Al. Hi, Lilly. Hello, my dear Rose," Williams felt a bit happier seeing these two. They exchanged smiles and returned his greetings.

"Al, those merchants started calling us the 'deadly duo,' and news of it has reached Grandpa's ears now. He will make a big show of it." Williams sighed. "Oh no!!!" Alan sighed in defeat. "Let's hope he won't start a sparring session here, Al," Williams said.

"If he does, then I'm running out of here, Wil. Sorry, but I don't want to show off in front of all these people. You, my boy, are the star of the show. Show all your skills tonight," Alan smirked, patting Williams on the shoulders. "You traitor," Williams glared at him, and both Lilly and Rose burst into laughter.

Luckily for the boys that topic didn't popped up that night and the celebration came to an end with everyone looking haggard and tired.