The following morning during breakfast, Dave jokingly asked Chris, "Hey Jerk, any plans for spending the remaining 10,000 gold?"
Chris replied, "It's already decided. It will go to the families of the adventurers who lost their lives. Al, Wil, you have to help me on this matter." His words, shocking everyone once again.
"Man, you are setting the bar too high for us," Ben said, shaking his head. Bob agreed, nodding. Alan and Williams received pats from Chris, who put his hand on their shoulders, saying, "These two had already set the bar high, so we just have to keep it going."
John, curious about their perspective, asked, "Do you know how hard it is to earn gold?" You should also think about saving gold for yourself for the future.
"I think everyone here believes that making gold is hard but not difficult. Keeping people around us happy is the challenging part," Dave expressed his thoughts.
"Absolutely right. In a couple of years, we will start our journey. We don't know what awaits us, but we know we can earn gold. With some effort and a bit of luck, we all can make enough to support ourselves, our families, and even people around us in dire need for a long time," Ben concluded.
Everyone agreed. John shook his head, smiling. "You kids truly have a different mindset," Elizabeth mused.
"Again, thanks to these two," Dave pointed at Alan and Williams.
"Besides, the gold we're spending now isn't hard-earned. When we start earning, we'll begin saving a bit for our families," Dave pointed out, shrugging.
The next few days unfolded without incidents. At dinner, Andrew shared that trading had resumed at Heathrow's end, and warehouse construction was steadily progressing, expected to be completed in another month. Most goods from the recent deals would be sold by then, and new shipments would arrive once the godown was ready.
These developments brought relief to Heathrow's, and everyone was happy for them. The Morgans and the boys planned to leave for Green Town the next day, leaving the Heathrow household sentimental about their departure. After an eventful couple of weeks, the boys had become integral members of the family.
"Come back for a couple of days before the start of the second year," Mary insisted. Everyone agreed, but Rose and Lilly were visibly affected, shedding tears as goodbyes were exchanged.
Amidst tears, goodbyes, and promises to meet again, they departed for Green Town. The journey was uneventful, and they reached the town on the third day at nightfall. The boys, especially Ben, Bob, Dave, and Chris, were thrilled as it was their first time in Green Town, captivated by its outer wall, the river flowing through the middle, and a second inner wall.
Alan and Williams were ecstatic as they entered the gates. "Home after more than a year, Wil," Alan remarked. "Yes, Al, I am really excited," Williams grinned broadly.
After dismounting from horses and carriages, maids and servants warmly welcomed them. The captain of the guards, Kevin, was there and extended his welcome. After brief introductions, everyone entered the mansion.
Impressed by the interior decorations and paintings, the boys expressed their admiration. "It's beautiful, the decorations are done artistically without overdoing it. The paintings are even more beautiful. I really love this place," Dave smiled contentedly.
"It was all thanks to Jean here," Elizabeth proudly announced, causing Jean to blush a bit.
"Lady Jean, it's truly amazing. I am majoring in Arts at the academy, and I can clearly say that the paintings and attention to detail show that you are an excellent artist. Could you share a few points if you may spare some time?" Dave asked expectantly.
"Of course, dear, why not. I would be happy to exchange ideas. In fact, many paintings here are done by Alan," Jean said proudly.
"Dave, you seem to know many things regarding interiors and arts. I hope your mother might also have decorated your home in an artistic way," James said.
Dave's face slightly fell at this. Before James could inquire further, Williams spoke, "Father, Dave's mother..."
"My mother passed away when I was 2. My father remarried to provide me motherly love, but it didn't work out as expected. So now, I've decided to let my stepbrother inherit my father's legacy and stay away from my family. My father, in his guilt, forced me to accept 70,000 gold for 3 years to set up my own life," Dave said nonchalantly.
Everyone felt his sadness. All the boys stood by his side, placing their hands on his shoulder.
"I am fine, guys. I thought through it for years before taking the decision, so I'm not bothered by it," Dave smiled in sadness.
"My child, I am sorry for your family to lose such a precious person. Chris, Dave, why don't you be with us here. Consider this your home. Do whatever you want and travel all around the kingdom, but if you want a home to return to, come back here. We will always be here for you boys," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"You took the words straight out of my mouth, dear," John grinned widely. "What do you think, son? Jean? Helen?" John asked everyone in their family.
"The more, the merrier," James beamed. "I had already witnessed the craziness of these kids, so it's nothing new to us. It runs in our blood, except mine who took after my mother. Right, father?" James smiled mischievously.
"You rascal, how dare you call your own father crazy," John swatted at James' head in mock anger, making everyone laugh happily.
"You kids have already become part of our family the moment you jumped into that inferno. Not only Dave and Chris, Ben and Bob, this is your home too. Everyone will always have a place here," Jean smiled with motherly affection.
"Well, I am truly satisfied. I have 6 grandsons now," Helen smiled.
The boys, who didn't even look at their injuries while rescuing the goods from the fire, were now crying, touched by the love shown by this family.