Chapter 10: The Dravenhart Family
Meanwhile, Owen listened carefully to the cruel whispers and murmurs around the table. He shook his small, watery body in frustration and whispered loudly enough only for Hiroshi to hear, "Geez, this family is one big mess of jerks! Don't listen to their bad words, Hiroshi!"
Hiroshi, on the other hand, was too busy shoving mouthfuls of food into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, and between bites, he tried to say something. It came out like a messy jumble: "Waksh jskgqb mjgaadd..."
Owen blinked, confused by the strange sounds but somehow guessed what Hiroshi meant. "What are you trying to say? Speak clearly, idiot!" he hissed.
But Hiroshi just swallowed hard and tried again, muffled and frustrated, "Waksh jskgqb!"
Owen rolled his watery eyes and sighed, "Seriously? How do you even eat and talk at the same time? You're hopeless." Then, in a softer voice, he added, "I was worried about you, you know. Don't let them get to you."
The father cleared his throat, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Axelius, finish your food before speaking," he said firmly.
Hiroshi took a large gulp, but it caught in his throat. He started coughing, then quickly reached for the milk and drank deeply.
The father's gaze swept across the gathered family, and he cleared his throat once more to emphasize his next words. "Your mother and I shall be absent for a week's duration. During our absence, I expect decorum and diligence from all of you. Know that our eyes will be watching closely, even from afar."
Hiroshi barely listened. His eyes were already scanning the food on his plate, quickly piling more onto it. He stuffed a bite into his mouth, chewing eagerly.
As the room rose in unison, offering their formal farewells,
"We wish you safe travels, Mother, Father,"