Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1279: Confrontation, Loyalty Money Can’t Buy

Braxul halted his hands and narrowed his gaze as he shifted his attention over to Vexpela.

”I was just teaching your subordinates a thing or two since they lack proper discipline. But, I’d expect no less given that their owner has never had a proper upbringing and doesn’t know her place.” Braxul said with a grin.

Vexpela arrived and positioned herself in between Pearl and Braxul.

”Regardless of your personal feelings, your actions right now are in blatant disregard to the rules. Pavilion Lords are not to interrupt the business of other Pavilion Lords. The Golden Treasure House is under the Fourth Pavilion’s jurisdiction and supervision. Are you trying to go against father?” Vexpela stated firmly.

”Watch your mouth, half-breed! How dare you bring up father here to pressure me! Besides, this will all be mine in the future anyway. Fourth Pavilion Lord? What a joke. All you’re doing is fooling around. You can’t even hold on to any useful subordinates. It must be because their master is so incompetent.” Braxul said as he smirked.

Vexpela clenched her fist tightly. Braxul had been the main culprit behind poaching the individuals she had her eye on. No doubt, he was trying to do the same thing now. However, considering his outburst and how disruptive he was behaving, it seemed that things did not go according to his plans.

Vexpela glanced over at Izroth before he gaze returned to Braxul. Knowing that he rejected Braxul meant that their potential partnership was still alive. If that was the case, how could she show a pathetic sight to someone she would be working with soon?

”F-Floor manager Vex... Wait, no... Did you just say Fourth Pavilion Lord..?” Pearl’s fumbled with her words as her eyes widened in shock.

”Floor manager Vex is that elusive Fourth Pavilion Lord? Doesn’t that mean she’s the Head of the Golden Dragon Association’s seventh child?” One of the nearby attendants commented.

The attendants and helpers of the Golden Treasure House were left astonished. Those who were a part of the Golden Treasure House took immense pride in working there. Not only were the working conditions and payment arrangement great, but the floor manager did everything in her power to ensure that things ran smoothly. She also treated them more like family than employees.

While their floor manager was strict and demanded nothing short of excellence from them, she was also patient and understanding. If one did not know how to do something, she would teach them until they understood. If someone’s family member was sick, she would put them in contact with a suitable alchemist, healer, or apothecary who always charged modestly. And, if they somehow did not have enough for the medicine or treatment, she would pay for it out of her own pockets and find a way for them to pay off their debt through additional work at the Golden Treasure House. Though even calling it a debt was much since she never once set an exact date for the repayment to be made or asked for interest.

These reasons were why Pearl stepped forward to protect the reputation of the Golden Treasure House. She knew Braxul’s identity and temper well as he was someone infamous in Danaharpe. However, the place that Vexpela worked so hard to maintain—she could not sit back and watch as someone else destroyed it. Even if that person was the infamous Third Pavilion Lord.

Still, Pearl never expected that the floor manager they all admired and respected was actually the mysterious Fourth Pavilion Lord.

”Third Pavilion Lord, do not be mistaken. The only reason we are talking like this is because I am showing father some face, not you. It is why I am referring to you as the Third Pavilion Lord. However, if you continue to cause a disruption, I will take that as your stance on matters. So, will you walk out on your own two feet as the Third Pavilion Lord, or do you wish to be dragged out by the guards as my foolish elder brother, Braxul? Just to let you know, I am quite looking forward to the latter.” Vexpela said with a lovely smile.

Braxul’s face turned red with anger as a wave of humiliation washed over him. He wanted nothing more than to deal with Vexpela and smash everything in the Golden Treasure House to satiate a part of his rage. But, he knew that if he caused too much of a mess during the Golden Treasure Hunt, it would undoubtedly get back to his father’s ears. If that happened, it would only push his second brother and fourth sister one step closer to the head’s position in the succession race.

”Mother has warned me that I must show a little more restraint. At least for now, I must hold it in. But, soon... Hmph, none of my siblings will be able to stand against me..! And, this half-breed—I will ensure that she has a fate deserving of her inferior existence for daring to oppose me!” Braxul thought to himself.

”Hmph, it’s just a little Golden Treasure House! I was getting ready to leave anyway! This place is so dull and boring, I’m afraid that if I stay here any longer, I’ll dirty myself!” Braxul scoffed as he began to walk away.

As he walked by Vexpela, he stopped and said, ”The only reason we left you alone is because we don’t see you as a threat. Not even in the slightest. But, since a dog wants to bare its fangs at a tiger, it should be fully prepared to deal with the consequences. It’s too late to turn back now, my dear little sister.”

”Guards, make sure that the Third Pavilion Lord finds his way to the exit. We wouldn’t want him getting lost and causing any more trouble.” Vexpela said coldly with batting an eye.

”Hmph!” Braxul walked away as two of the guards who accompanied Vexpela followed after him.

After Braxul left the venue, Vexpela released a small sigh of relief.

”Now I’ve gone and done it.” Vexpela said to herself with a troubled expression as she brushed her fingers through her hair.

”Floor manager... Is it true? Are you really the Fourth Pavilion Lord?” Pearl asked cautiously.

The reason Vexpela hid her identity was simple. She knew that if she were to approach others and walk around as the daughter of the Head of the Golden Dragon Association, she could never know a person’s true nature. That is why whenever she interfered in the activities of one of the establishments under the Fourth Pavilion, she would do so as a floor manager or a supervisor. Not only did this help her gain a better overall understanding of how the business functioned, it also provided her insight that one simply could never understand until they were a direct participant.

However, now that Vexpela had publicly confronted Braxul in front of so many people, she could no longer afford to keep a low profile.

”Yes, it is true. I am the seventh child of the Golden Dragon Association’s Head and the Fourth Pavilion Lord, Vexpela. But, I am also the same floor manager you have known over the past few years.” Vexpela said genuinely.

Pearl and the other attendants looked at one another. However, it did not take long for the tense atmosphere to shift as Pearl and the other attendants could not help but smile.

”Truthfully, we always thought it was a waste of talent that our floor manager was trapped here. The Fourth Pavilion Lord? Doesn’t that mean our floor manager can become the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association? I will be rooting for you. And, if you ever need my assistance, I offer it wholeheartedly, Fourth Pavilion Lord.” Pearl said politely as she placed her hands at her front and bowed respectfully.

”We will follow the Fourth Pavilion Lord.” The other attendants of the Golden Treasure House followed Pearl’s actions.

Though they were not the only ones. The helpers, the guards, the Serva Stone Masters—all of them showed their respect to Vexpela not just as the floor manager of the Golden Treasure House, but as the Fourth Pavilion Lord of the Golden Dragon Association.

Vexpela could feel a surge of tears swelling up in her eyes. But, she held them back and stood proudly. These were people who were willing to place their trust and future into her hands. It was no longer just for her sake. Now, for their sake as well, she could not falter on the path she had chosen.

A carefree smile found its way onto Izroth’s face as he watched the scene unfold.

’It looks like my concerns were for nothing. This is the kind of loyalty that no amount of money can buy. And, it is also the strongest weapon in her arsenal.’

Vexpela’s cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. She was not used to being treated properly as the Fourth Pavilion Lord by others.

”Alright, everyone. We still have to finish the Golden Treasure Hunt. Let’s get back to work so that we do not disappoint our guests. And... Thank you... All of you.” Vexpela said gratefully.

Everyone wasted no time getting back to work after Vexpela’s words.

Vexpela then announced, ”Dear guests, I apologize for the commotion just now. As compensation, the Golden Treasure House will have a sale on all purchases of Serva Stones at 10% off!”