Bruce turned to Yareth and said, “Understood.” He then took the flacon and gave it back to Jonathan. “I'm sorry.
Please take this back.” Jonathan flashed a faint smile. “| won't take back the gifts I've given out. Old Mr. Harrington, you're our elder. It's only natural for us to bring gifts while visiting our respected elders. Since you said no, | won't force you.” With that, he bade Yareth goodbye. “Sorry for disturbing you. We will be leaving.” Before Jonathan turned to leave, he smiled faintly to the butler as well. “Goodbye.” However, Mabel did not rise to her feet.
Just then, Yareth said, “Young man, don't you think playing hard to get with us is a little too childish?” Jonathan did not turn around to face Yareth as he replied, “Old Mr. Harrington, I'm not the brightest person, but I'm definitely not dumb. You are the head of the Harrington family. Your family has been through so many storms in life for over a hundred years, and yet your family is still having
considerable standing. As the leader of the family, your wisdom and intelligence must be off the charts. Since I'm not dumb, why would | use such cheap tricks on you? All | can say is that you're thinking too much.” “You're an interesting young man.” Yareth chuckled and continued, “But that is all you are. Bruce, please see them out.” Hearing that, Bruce looked at Mabel and said, “Chief Sandler...” Mabel smiled but remained seated. She lifted her head and looked toward Yareth. “Old Mr. Harrington, Jonathan is a prideful man. | hope you don't take it to heart if he had said anything rude to you. Even though he might appear to be arrogant, he is a man of gratitude. He will definitely repay your kindness. | hope you could do this as a favor for me.” Yareth glanced at Mabel. “If I'm able to do you this favor, | wouldn't have missed your call. Mabel, your grandfather is
a great friend of mine. If you need money or people, | wouldn't hesitate to help. But for this, | am sorry. | can't help you with it.” Jonathan finally turned around and faced Mabel. “It is totally understandable that Old Mr. Harrington would refuse to help in this. After all, this is a huge deal. Let's not make it hard for others.” Mabel smiled again and ignored Jonathan. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Yareth once again. She said, “Since you can't do this as a favor, how about we talk about business?” Yareth was a little shocked. “Business?” “Yes, business.” Yareth replied, “I never knew you were into business.” After a pause, he continued, “Chief Sandler, what kind of business are you proposing?” Mabel finally stood up.
Jonathan had no idea what she was planning to do. Hence,
he looked toward Mabel as well.
Mabel spoke eloquently, carrying an air of confidence and charm. “Old Mr. Harrington, we all know the reason you refuse to recommend Jonathan. It is because you know that Jonathan is the Chosen One and that he will be in the eye of the storm of the Great Tribulation. There are too many uncertainties about him.
Thus, you want to stay away from trouble. Am | right?” Yareth did not deny it as he said, “Go on.” Meanwhile, Jonathan was shocked. Does Old Mr. Harrington know that I'm the Chosen One too? It seems like he knows more than | thought. I'm the one in the dark here.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMabel continued, “Old Mr. Harrington, there's no need to ‘say more. You've already recommended your beloved granddaughter, Catherine, for the test. The reason for you to do so and have her join Divine Realm is that you've also realized that the Harrington family will be caught up in the Great Tribulation. You must have heard it from Mr. York, causing you to make this decision.”
Yareth asked, “What're you trying to say?” She explained, “Let's make it clear. Mr. York has chosen Jonathan. The Department of National Security's sixth division and Mr. York from the first division have decided to put our hopes on Jonathan as we face the Great Tribulation. We acknowledge and accept Jonathan's personality and fate. | think it will be difficult for you, trying to depend on Catherine for this. However, if you are to work together with Jonathan, the Harrington family's chances of surviving the tribulation will be greatly increased.” Yareth uttered calmly, “Catherine is also the Chosen One.
Why do you think she is not as good as Jonathan?” Jonathan was shocked. That was the first time he had heard of the existence of another Chosen One.
On the other hand, Mabel was not fazed. It seemed like she already knew that. She said, “I didn't say Catherine isn't a match for Jonathan. It's just that having Jonathan will be another assurance. So, why not?” Yareth's expression turned solemn as he responded, “As
you know, there will only be one Chosen one left in the end.
Catherine will never betray the Harrington family. If | am to bring him to the test of Divine Realm, won't he become our enemy one day?” “No one knows what will happen in the future. There are so many Chosen Ones. They are all destined to fight each other. But before that, Catherine and Jonathan can work together to defeat the other Chosen Ones. What do you say? For now, Jonathan is your ally, not your enemy. | can guarantee that he will not turn against the Harrington family in the future.” YYareth was deep in thought. After a while, he said slowly, “Chief Sandler, of course, | trust you. But I'll have to take ‘some time to consider it.” After a pause, he continued, “How about this? You can head back now. Let Jonathan stay here for a day. Come back tomorrow, and I'll give you my answer.” Mabel nodded. “Okay. Then | shall head back first.” With that, she wheeled around and left.
Jonathan was rendered speechless. He didn't want to stay
there. However, he was already an adult. Hence, he couldn't be weak and run away with Mabel.
She left really quickly.
Jonathan didn't know what to say when he faced Yareth and Bruce alone.
However, Yareth didn't make it hard for Jonathan. He turned to Bruce and said, “It's almost time for lunch. Can you please ask them to get the meal prepared?” Bruce answered immediately, “Sure.” YYareth then said to Jonathan, “Jon, come with me.” Jonathan replied respectfully, “Yes, Old Mr. Harrington.” Nodding, Yareth stood up and walked inside as Jonathan followed behind.
Soon, he brought Jonathan to a coffee room. There was ‘some specialized coffee equipment on the table.
All of them looked fancy and vintage.
Currently, there was a servant brewing coffee carefully at
the table.
YYareth sat down and pointed to the side. “Take a seat.” Jonathan nodded before taking a seat as well.
The servant then made both of them a cup of coffee.
“Give it a try,” Yareth said calmly.
Jonathan took the vintage-looking cup and tasted the coffee.
“How is it?” Yareth asked.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJonathan made a weird face. “I don't like it. It's too bitter.” Yareth glared at him immediately. “You brat, this is top- grade coffee. You can't find this in normal markets. Even if you're rich, you can't get to have it as well. How dare you say you don't like it.” Jonathan smiled bitterly. “Old Mr. Harrington, | only know how to enjoy a cold beer. | can taste nice beer, but | don't know a thing about coffee.” YYareth was rendered speechless for a moment. He then
said to the servant, “Pour this kid a glass of water.” Nodding in reply, the servant did as instructed.
YYareth took a sip of coffee, looking as if he was enjoying himself.
Soon, Jonathan was served a glass of water. Jonathan drank the water, and it felt satisfying.
Just then, Yareth said, “Jon, what kind of person would you describe yourself as? Can you give yourself an assessment?” Jonathan knew Yareth was testing him. He pondered for a while before replying, “I would say I'm a good guy.” YYareth smiled. “Good guy, huh?” Jonathan looked into Yareth's eyes. “That's right.” While Yareth looked at Jonathan calmly, Jonathan looked back at him without blinking.
“Good. Good!” Yareth said and stopped staring at Jonathan. He added, “Can you tell me about the troubles have you been facing lately? Why do you want to join
Divine Realm?” Jonathan knew Yareth was a very astute person, so lying would be useless against Yareth. Saying the truth would be the best. He thought he should impress Yareth with his genuineness.
Hence, Jonathan started talking about his past in Smealand, explained why he came back, and how he got into trouble with the people from Strikezone Martial Arts.
Besides, he also told him about Bianca. He sat there and talked about himself for about half an hour.
Halfway through their conversation, Bruce came to tell them that the food was ready, but Yareth dismissed Bruce.
After Jonathan finished, Yareth said, “So, in conclusion, the reason you want to join Divine Realm is mainly to protect the people around you?” Jonathan replied, “I'm not as virtuous as you said. | brought them the troubles. I'm unworthy to be called a man if | just leave them be.” Yareth replied, “All right then. | can tell that you are a man
of pride. You'd rather die than yield. If you are willing to kneel and bow to me three times, then | will agree to help you.” Jonathan remained silent as he was not surprised. “Old Mr.
Harrington, you are an elder. Bowing to you is not shameful to me. However, | should be bowing to you on my own accord. If it is requested by you, it wouldn't be right. | know you are testing me. If | do as you say, you will be disappointed. But to be honest, | won't bow regardless of your disappointment.” Yareth asked, “Are you willing to see your friends die because of your pride?” “Humans should always love themselves before they can love others. Even though | care about my friends, | can't throw away my values. I'm not a hero. I'm just a good person and a nobody.” “If that's so, I'll ask you again. If | am to help you, you will be in my debt. However, you and Catherine are both the Chosen Ones. In the future...”