Chapter 406: Competition: Druid Mode (10)
"What’s next?"
"Quite a few things, Mister Mike," the bald judge chortled. "But could we discuss them inside? I feel a bit weird conversing at the gate."
"Is not my place," Hex said, glancing at the old man beside him. The old man was still processing parts of the conversation he was listening to. The poor man. Hex didn’t find the state the old man was in, surprising.
How long had it been that he discovered his granddaughter to be a genius? Not more than a couple of minutes. Yet, two people in power already knew about it. Plus, there was a talk about the culprits who were captured. The attacks weren’t nature’s doing. There were people attacking his friends and neighbors, heck, even he was nearly attacked, AND the powerful people knew about it, yet didn’t do anything to help? Why?
Neither Hex nor the judges interrupted the old man. They all could understand what was going on inside him. Shocking as everything seemed, it was but the way the world worked. Despite not accepting it as correct, Hex had learned to deal with his opinions and emotions...most of the time. The judges were old and experienced. Hex could tell they knew how people reacted to certain things upon discovering those particular things. They knew to be patient. Neither looked embarrassed or felt guilty.
They waited.
...
"Are you serious, sir?" The old man asked with a mixture of happiness and worry hidden in his voice. It was turning out to be a wild night for him. The wolf attack seemed now to be the least exciting part of his day.
They were sitting behind the farm. Hex just sat at the table, listening to the offer of the judges to the old man. He hadn’t interfered. No matter how much he liked the small girl and her family, it was not his place to decide for them.
"I am serious," the judge with hairs – they learned his name was Donnel – said. "We represent the Elder Council and offer the girl full support in her training to become a Druid. In fact, we can even suggest the Elders set aside some financial support for the family as well. You just have to consent to her being admitted in the special program designed to nurture the talents of Wrixia."
The offer seemed great. Hex believed that considering the financial struggles, this would provide the girl and her family with a good alternative. The judges spent some time ironing out some details. Nothing was confirmed but they agreed to make an official offer later in the day.
...