Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1274: Family Standing, One’s Outlook

”I will not disappoint you. I may be a person of business, when it comes to my partners, I am never stingy.” Vexpela reassured as she snapped the fan in her hands closed.

She then continued, ”Allow me to escort you to the Golden Treasure Hunt venue.”

”Good. If we are to be partners, then you can tell me your circumstances on the way.” Izroth said calmly.

”Why, of course.” Vexpela commented as she made her way toward the room’s exit along with Izroth.

...

Izroth and Vexpela walked through the halls of the Golden Treasure House’s second floor. Since the second floor was a VIP area, it was relatively empty compared to the bustling first floor. After all, not just anyone could become a VIP at the Golden Treasure House.

At the moment, Vexpela was guiding Izroth to the first floor where the Golden Treasure Hunt was getting ready to take place.

”I am the seventh child of the current Head of the Golden Dragon Association. Unlike most families where the eldest inherits everything, my siblings and I must prove our ability to run the Golden Dragon Association. Money, connections, the actions of one’s subordinates—these are just a few of the things taken into consideration to decide the next head. As for those without abilities—they either side with a promising sibling or take charge of a branch store while giving up any inheritance rights.” Vexpela explained.

’Oh? It sounds similar to the way the Zi family does things. Though it does not seem quite as ruthless since those of the Zi family who fail to meet a certain criteria are forced to abandon their family name. That aside, if she’s the seventh child, then she’s at a clear disadvantage compared to her older siblings.’

While the eldest may not inherit the Golden Dragon Association by default, it would be naïve to believe that they held no advantage due to the simple matter of being born earlier.

”At the moment, the person most believe will become the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association is my second brother. Followed by my eldest brother and fourth sister. My third sister has forfeited her rights receive an inheritance, so she can no longer interfere in the succession competition. My fifth brother is siding with my eldest sibling since they have the same mother, while my sixth sister has chosen my fourth sister to side with since their mothers are close friends. My eighth brother and ninth brother come from mothers whose families do not hold much influence; therefore, they both chose to fall under the wing of my second brother. As for my other siblings, they are either too young to participate or have shown no interest in competing for the rights of succession.” Vexpela said before she released a small sigh.

She then proceeded, ”As for me, as you already know, I am the seventh daughter. My mother passed away when I was born, so I have no maternal family backing. Everything I have, I fought three- no, ten times harder to get than my siblings. None of my other siblings have chosen to ally themselves with me because they believe that I am not even worthy of competing with my elder siblings. So, are you starting to get the picture, Sir Sagarus?”

”Your circumstances are far from ideal. I am curious—why have you decided to take the difficult path instead of grasping on to one of your siblings? Or, dropping out of the inheritance race and gaining a branch of your own to manage?” Izroth inquired.

”Sir Sagarus, from the time I was born, the path my life has led me down is one of hardship. I am not ignorant of the way the world works. I am well aware that despite my upbringing, it is fortunate that I was born a child of the Head of the Golden Dragon Association. No matter what I do, at the very least, I will have no issue surviving and living comfortably until the day I die. But... Can a life like that be considered living? Since I was gifted an opportunity most in their lives will never have, from the sole fact that my father is the Head of the Golden Dragon Association, it would be improper and wasteful if I failed to aim higher. That is my resolution.” Vexpela said with a serious expression and an unwavering tone.

A carefree smile appeared on Izroth’s face. Rather than blaming the world around her or looking at things through a narrow view, Vexpela showed that she had a good head on her shoulders. Not only was she hyper aware of her own existence, she did not see it as a weakness or something to be ashamed of. In fact, she seemed to use it as a source of strength to reinforce her strong determination.

’It looks like I made the correct choice.’

”One should have at least that much fighting spirit if they wish to succeed. To come this far without giving up, it is admirable. You have shown my your determination. So, I will show you mine. As long as you never lose that level of determination or betray my expectations, I give you my word—I will make sure you become the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association.” Izroth said confidently.

Vexpela seemed taken aback by Izroth’s sudden declaration. If any of her siblings heard him utter those words, they would have called him crazy and took great offense. However, when Izroth spoke words just now, Vexpela could not help but want to trust his claim—even if she found it somewhat grandiose.

”If this is a glimpse into our partnership, it seems our journey together will be rather interesting, Sir Sagarus.” Vexpela commented with a light-hearted smile.

”I appreciate your tactfulness. I know that you must have many questions that you wish to ask; however, I ask that you be patient for a while longer. There are certain circumstances that does not allow me to disclose my identity at this time.” Izroth stated.

”We all have our own circumstances. Besides, my instincts tell me that you are not an evil person. When you are ready to say what needs to be said, I will be willing to listen.” Vexpela responded.

...

As Izroth and Vexpela discussed a few casual matters, the two arrived at the venue where the Golden Treasure Hunt was to take place.

”There are still some preparations that I have to make before the auction taking place after the Golden Treasure Hunt. I will see you off here, Sir Sagarus. If you need to get in touch with me, just show any employee of the Golden Treasure House the card I gave you earlier and mention my name. I will come running right away.” Vexpela said as she gave a graceful farewell.

Izroth gave a small nod and said, ”Then, I won’t keep you any longer. Until our paths cross again, Miss Vexpela.”

The following moment, Vexpela departed the Golden Treasure Hunt venue.

Izroth looked around the venue. Unlike the luxurious interior of the Golden Treasure Hunt, the venue resembled a wide open field.

On the field were black stones of various sizes with an appearance that mimicked that of obsidian. These black stones were called Serva Stone. And, within them contained possible relics from ancient times thought to be long lost.

As Izroth walked around examining the Serva Stones, a voice echoed throughout the venue. It came from a middle-aged man with short dark brown hair and emerald eyes who wore the uniform of the Golden Treasure House.

”Hello, honored and esteemed guests! I am Warsen! I will be the host this year for the Golden Treasure Hunt! It is my pleasure to be given this wonderful opportunity and I hope to make it a memorable moment for all those involved!” Warsen spoke in a way that allowed his voice to naturally carry throughout the venue.

He then continued, ”I know that this is not the first Golden Treasure Hunt for many of you; however, such a timeless tradition of the Golden Treasure House is bound to bring in new faces from all over the world. Therefore, I will explain the rules.”

Warsen went on to give a brief run down of the rules of the Golden Treasure Hunt.

The rules were rather simple and straightforward. Each Serva Stone had a price tag attached to it based on the range of its age. The older a Serva Stone, the more expensive. After selecting and purchasing a Serva Stone, one could have it opened on the spot by one of the trained experts of the Golden Treasure House.

The Golden Treasure House even went as far as to offer free appraisal services.

If the item held some value, the one who purchased it could decided to keep it or sell it directly to the Golden Treasure House for a fair price. If it was something of even greater value, there was even the possibility of putting it up for the auction being held later.

”Now that I have explained all the rules—let the Golden Treasure Hunt begin!” Warsen announced.