CHAPTER 4: HONORED
The sunset loomed over the small Gorging village in Gourmand. Farmers and shepherds ended their day's toil, shadows stretching long across the fields. A weathered old man, small in stature but sturdy with years of labor etched deep in his hunched back and creased skin, trudged uphill. His narrowed eyes caught sight of a distant figure loitering outside a small house, banging impatiently on the door and peeking through the gaps.
Blood-red hair flared in the fading light. The old man let slip an involuntary sigh as their eyes met.
"Hehe the old man is finally back," Siah waved his arms cheerfully."Haha, did they think they could just ignore me?"
The old man's back remained bent, his arms heavy from farming tools as he approached.
"Old man, your old hag refused to let me in, and Hazel refuses to come to my place to cook for me. Now i'm starving."
Before the old man could respond, the door flew open.
"Jacob, deal with this little demon — he keeps bothering Hazel, who's focused on her studies."
Jacob's conflicted expression deepened. He inhaled a long breath, casting a glance at the setting sun.
"Brat, take these tools to the shed."
Without hesitation, Siah snatched up the tools and darted toward the shed as Jacob stepped inside the house.
"Jacob, did you send that pest away?"
Jacob sat at the table, rolling up his sleeves in preparation for his meal, offering no reply.
"You should tell that little demon to stop snooping around here. I'm ostracized at the market because he acts too familiar with me. People think I'm taking care of the spawn of the witch who fed our sons to the Crittens."
Jacob grabbed his meal in silence.
Grace's voice softened from the doorway. "I know you're being kind to him because our Jake was close to his father, but our Jake was also a victim of that witch's sacrifice and that little demon's father is tge one who brought her into our village. Why are you making things difficult for me?"
"If it was Theal, I wouldn't be so harsh. He doesn't bully Hazel or cause trouble, and he has a bright future."
The door slammed open again. Siah burst in, breathing heavily.
"Old man, that shed of yours collapsed on my head! Are you trying to kill me? Old hag, bring the food — I can't take this hunger anymore. And call Hazel. Why is she hiding? I won't bite her."
Grace rolled her eyes.
"Jacob, you will share your meal with him. He is your guest."
Siah slung his arm around Jacob's shoulder, pulling him close.
"Old man, it's been a while. As a form of gratitude, how about I fix your shed for a few Grellies?"
Jacob snorted coldly.
"How many times are you going to use that trick to rob me of my Equi the shed is still not fixed."
Siah chuckled, kicking up his muddy boots and resting them on the dining table, the stains darkening the wood.
Hazel appeared in the doorway of her bedroom, her demeanor elegant, her silky straight platinum blonde hair neatly parted and falling behind her shoulder in smooth strands.
Her face was long and narrow, chin pointed, cheekbones sharp. Almond-shaped eyes, narrow with pale irises, brows thin and arched. Her small nose boasted a high bridge, lips full and defined.
"Tsk. Do you take joy in invading people's homes?"
Siah smiled at her dark expression, ignoring her.
"Old man, I think the city has had a negative influence on Hazel's attitude. I'm not pleased."
He leisurely picked his teeth with a kitchen knife.
"Leave. Grandfather doesn't want you around."
Siah tightened his grip on Jacob's shoulder. "Haha, have you fed your eyes to the dogs? The old man is my closest friend."
Hazel furrowed her brows and retreated, slamming her door shut. Siah's smile widened.
"Annoying wench. If it was Theal, you'd be licking his boots by now." Siah sighed inwardly.
"Old man, your old hag doesn't respect a hard-working man's time. What's taking her so long?"
A gentle knock came at the door. Jacob stood, turning the knob.
"Theal, you're also here to visit us?"
Theal smiled at Jacob.
"It's been a while, Mr. Jacob. I apologize for the intrusion. I knew my brother would run to trouble you when I'm away, so I brought something to ease your family's unease."
Siah snorted coldly. "Shouldn't you be gone for the week?"
Theal paid no mind to Siah's remark. He turned and greeted Grace with a gentle smile.
"Ma'am, I hope you can find it in your heart to pardon our intrusion."
Grace's face softened into a bright smile.
"Ohh, Theal. It's not an issue. My door is always open for you, and you even came bearing gifts — you shouldn't have."
Theal shook his head.
"Ma'am, I insist. I'm unable to enjoy delicacies away from warm company."
He pulled out a chair opposite Siah, shooting a cold gaze at his muddy boots resting on the dining table.
"Hazel! Theal is here — come help me prepare the delicacies."
The bedroom door flew open, and Hazel appeared, her face glowing with excitement.
"Theal! I didn't know you were coming."
Siah sneered and muttered under his breath, "Do you have no shame?"
---
The dining table was adorned with an array of roasted meats, rich aromas filling the room.
Everyone closed their eyes for prayer, except Siah, whose hand was already halfway across the table, reaching for the roasted beef.
"To the reigning God Almighty of the Eidolon Pantheon, Acme Santis Grelon, he who watches over our Empire — may his strength continue to shield all that we hold dear."
Everyone joined in to end the prayer:
"Long may he reign!"
Eyes opening, Siah's mouth was already full, fingers sucked clean in satisfaction, drawing cold glares from Grace and Hazel.
"Haha, Theal, I hope you left some for us back home."
Theal reached for the cutlery, ignoring Siah's words.
"I thought you wouldn't be back for a week. What happened? Did you get left behind?"
Theal let out a dejected sigh. Grace and Hazel's expressions darkened. Hazel shot Siah a cold glare, met with a crude grin in response.
Theal put down his cutlery, gathering his thoughts.
"I failed the test to join the mission. It's too soon for me to take on dangerous missions."
Grace rubbed his back gently.
"Oh Theal, such setbacks are expected. You're still new to the knight order, but with your hardworking nature, I know it's only a matter of time until you make a name for yourself."
Siah scoffed, reaching for the fruit juice, but Hazel was quicker, pouring it into Theal's cup, leaving Siah's expression twisted.
"Theal, you don't look too good. You should visit a surgeon. Was the test too hard on your body."
Concerned gazes settled on Theal's pale face. Hazel's tone was gentle. "What happened? Is it serious?"
Theal reached unhurried for the cup, taking a sip. "It's nothing serious. I just need a few days to recover."
Jacob chuckled from across the table. "You must have faced a formidable opponent to push you so hard."
Theal slightly nodded, while Siah gritted his teeth.
"This annoying bastard always finds a way to win sympathy. I guess I'm making it too easy for him."
Theal stood after eating only a portion of the roasted beef.
"We won't bother you any longer. Siah and I have a long day tomorrow; I hope you can excuse us."
Siah's brows furrowed as he mumbled, "What do you mean 'we'? This bastard doesn't want me to eat my fill."
Grace and Hazel rose to walk them out.
"We won't hold you any longer. I hope you pay us a visit more often."
Grace spoke as she grabbed Hazel's hand tightly eyeing her to say something.
"I will be in the city tomorrow attending classes. You haven't walked by in a while."
Hazel spoke hesitantly.
Theal smiled. "I will greet you when I pass by."
Siah and Theal walked away.
"Oh, what a kind and gentle young man," Grace said brightly, waving them off as she closed the door.