Chapter 176: End of the Meeting
When they finished discussing Stanley, it didn't take long before the others started to get bored with just waiting there. Elmo wasn't as bored as the others looked, but he didn't object to letting the king back in. Largely because he didn't really care. He knew that he didn't exactly have a vote in the matter. After all, he trusted Jonas and Kim to make decisions like that anyway. So if they were fine with it, Elmo didn't see a reason to say anything contrary to the matter.
The king seemed like he was surprised at them having made a decision already. Which Elmo wondered if there was a reason he'd been surprised. Although, as he glanced at Owen, he wondered if he should ask Owen about it later. As he was sure that Owen was able to read the king's thoughts on what reasons he had.
Although, as he thought of Owen's ability to read minds, he couldn't help but wonder why Owen wasn't able to tell if the king was sincere about his offer to help them earlier. If the king was trying something underhanded, then wouldn't he at least be somewhat aware of it in his conscious thoughts?
However, Elmo shrugged that off. He could always ask about that later on. It may not be that important overall, but it is something to consider later on. Especially if Owen became an opponent for whatever reason.
Which, as Elmo thought about it, realized that Owen would probably also be aware of that, and so might not be willing to explain how his ability to read thoughts worked.
The king walked back in after Elwin had let him know they were ready to give him their decision. The look the king gave seemed to be rather resigned to Elmo. Like he expected bad news.
"So, what's your decision?" the king asked as he walked back towards the center of the room.
"We all decided to accept your offer," Owen replied simply.'
Elmo couldn't help but chuckle as the king's eyes widened in surprise. It was clear that the king hadn't expected them to agree, or that he'd determined them coming to a decision so quickly meant that they weren't going to accept.