Elias's Relatives

Theron, Elias, and Charlize followed Rian into the mansion, their excitement for dinner slightly lessened when they noticed the urgency in Rian's voice. As they approached the dining room, Theron could feel a sense of unease settling over them.

Entering the dining room, the children were met with an unusual sight.

'I wonder who these people are that everyone's reaction is like this,' Theron silently thought as he looked around.

The atmosphere was heavy, different from the usual comforting one. Even the maids who were serving looked tense and silent.

"You're already here," Allyza and Tyron greeted the kids sweetly when they arrived, but the formality was still there.

"Good evening, Mother, Father."

"Good evening Auntie, Uncle."

The children greeted with enthusiasm in their voices. They slightly bowed their heads before looking at the numerous unknown people seated on the right side of the table.

"Good evening," the three spoke in unison.

"Oh, are these the kids? They look young and handsome!" A man in his forties spoke. He was smiling, but there was no sincerity behind it.

The unfamiliar guests were dressed in fine clothing and expensive jewelry that shone in the light. By the way they dressed, they obviously looked wealthier compared to them.

"Go on, kids, take a seat." Tyron instructed in a gentle voice as he pointed at the available seats beside Allyza.

Theron, Elias, and Charlize silently sat on the chairs, cautious of their surroundings.

The silence was awkward, and Theron noticed the tension in his parents' faces. He glanced at the strangers, trying to figure out their intentions. Just a glance and he already knew that they were up to no good. 

One of the unknown men, a tall and imposing figure with a stern face, stood up. "I am Lord Caspian, the Viscount's youngest brother." he formally introduced himself, his voice carrying authority. "This is my wife and my uncle, and we are Elias's relatives."

Elias's eyes widened in surprise as he exchanged a quick, bewildered look with Theron and Charlize. He couldn't remember anything about these people.

"We have come to discuss a matter of great importance," Lord Caspian continued. "Elias is of our bloodline, and it is our duty to ensure his future. Your family has been a great help, but we believe it is in his best interest to come with us and be raised among his relatives."

"Hmm?"

"My dear…" Allyza's hand gripped her husband's arm for support when she saw how Tyron's expression tightened.

"Elias has been with us for half of his life," Tyron said firmly. "We already treat him as our son, and that's what matters."

"We understand your attachment to him," Lord Caspian's wife, Lady Serese, a woman with a kind yet determined face, spoke up. 

"But our family has the means and the connections to provide him with opportunities that he might not have here. Let's face it, our family has a higher rank and is comparably wealthier than yours," she said, holding her head up high.

"Yes, but Viscount Alden personally instructed our family to take care of Elias." Tyron felt a surge of protectiveness for Elias. He didn't like their confidence and the tone of their voice. 

Tyron knew that these relatives only wanted Elias for their own wicked reasons. With Alden's departure and Elias's absence, the whole family had been in chaos for years since there was no one to lead them.

Allyza sighed deeply, noticing the impatience in Tyron's eyes. She smiled at the kids and nodded, assuring them that everything was still fine.

"I understand what you're saying, and so is our point. Maybe we should ask Elias about it." Allyza chimed in.

Smiling sweetly, Allyza glanced over at Elias.

"How about you decide, my dear. Elias, do you wish to go with them?" Allyza asked gently, even though her voice was trembling slightly.

Elias hesitated, looking from Allyza and Theron to the strangers who claimed to be his relatives. "I... I don't know," he stammered, pressing his lips together. "I-I love it here. This is my home… But…"

Lord Caspian's expression slightly turned sour. He forced a smile on his face before replying. "We are not here to force anything upon you, Elias. We simply want you to know your options and to ensure you have the best future possible. The whole family already misses you."

'Tsk. Those lines are already long overdue,' Theron thought, shaking his head. He found the lines oddly familiar.

Theron could see the confusion and fear in Elias's eyes. He felt an overwhelming urge to speak up, but he wanted to see how the conversation would lead first. In his understanding, this was just a small problem that they were trying to make big.

"Lord Caspian," Tyron began, his voice soft but with an edge of firmness. "While we appreciate your concern, Elias is already happy here. He has a stable life, friends, and education. Taking him might cause more harm than good."

Lady Serese leaned forward slightly, her expression turning vicious. "We understand your concerns, but Elias is part of our family too. He is OUR blood and family."

The dining room became heated with the exchange of replies between the two families. It was slowly affecting Elias. Elias looked down, his young mind confused with what to do in the current situation. 

'Grrr.' Amidst the small chaos, Theron's stomach silently grumbled. He was already hungry, and yet these people in front were still having a small fight.

'Ok. Let's end this. I'm hungry.' Theron deeply sighed as he blew his cheeks. He cleared his throat and slowly raised his hands, respectully catching the attention of his parents and the guests in front of them.

He'd do this because he was already hungry.

"Perhaps Elias could spend some time with his relatives," Theron suggested carefully, his young voice was steady. "We can allow his 'relatives' for a short visit to our estate every now and then so Elias can decide where he truly wants to be."