New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

Chapter 946  Family Issue

While she was introducing herself to the new guy, Winston went next to Alex and Killian and talked with them.

"So, what are we really amassing for?" he asked, deciding turning around the pot was too tedious.

Alex and Killian both looked at him, the former with amusement, and the latter with slight annoyance, before Alex replied.

"We are going to hunt monsters. That much you already know. We will explain the rest once everyone is on board and present. Or else, we'll have to re-explain it to everyone when we get the next passenger, and again once in Korea."

Killian eyed Alex with reticence, annoyed he was withholding information, but understanding why. He also wouldn't want to repeat himself three times.

"You seem overly excited for someone who could barely walk out of your home without a vacuum suit not too long ago, kid," Killian commented.

Winston glared at him, mad that he would bring that up.

"Well, I've gotten better. What does it matter, anyway, if I'm excited? If I die, doesn't that suit your needs better?" Winston almost spat.

Alex frowned at their interaction.

"Woah, did we step on a landmine by putting you together?" he asked with a chuckle, trying to defuse the situation.

"I can act my station, Alexander. I don't know about the child, though. He shouldn't be here," Killian said, his face reflecting displeasure.

"Where I go doesn't concern you. I don't remember having to explain myself to the family for my actions," Winston replied, grimacing.

Alex raised his hands, interrupting their argument.

"Stop. Either you tell me what this is about, or the discussion stops now. I don't want any infighting before we go hunting. It's dangerous as it is; I don't want to add a risk factor."

Winston lifted his nose at Killian, who grunted in response.

"Winston is the heir apparent to the Owens family. But his sickness has always set him aside for succession, as he is the only son of the main branch. But now that he is better, he should act his station and ensure he stays alive and safe," Killian said.

Alex frowned, confused.

"What does that have to do with you?"

"He's mad that he lost his position since I got better," Winston quipped, pulling his tongue to Killian.

"On the contrary, you child. I was happy to hear you took your succession back. Politics is the last thing I want to be burdened with. Which is why I think you should go home and get stronger in a safe environment," Killian groaned, obviously annoyed by Winston's childish reactions.

"Yeah?! Well, I don't care! I won't let some old fogeys tell me what to do. This isn't the fifteen hundreds anymore! I should get to pick my path on my own!" Winston snapped.

"The problem isn't that, you little idiot," Killian finally snapped.

"You lied to your parents, saying you were visiting Korea with friends, and that you would be safe. If you get hurt, they'll have my head. And I very much like my head attached to my shoulders!" he growled.

Alex stopped them again as the heat rose.

"Alright, calm down, both of you. Killian, you can't expect him to tell his parents he's going to hunt monsters. They wouldn't have let him come. As for you, Winston, try considering the position you are putting him in…"

Winston looked at Alex with a disappointed look.

"You are taking his side?" he asked, choking on the last word.

"Hell no," Alex said, chuckling and ruffling his hair.

"I agree that you should set your own path. But you should have at least made it clear that anything that happened to you wouldn't be his fault. Have some compassion for the guy. He is your family, after all."

"His uncle, to be exact. His father is my older brother. But I doubt my father would care about the words of a child. I would still take the fall for him getting harmed or, worse, dying."

Alex clicked his tongue, finding this situation a bit complicated.

Should he send one of them home? He could hardly force Killian to go home, given he had a solid reason to want to join them. But he also didn't want to send Winston home.

The kid hadn't been outside his house in over a decade. He would be heartbroken if his trip suddenly stopped at the airport.

"Alright, let's do things this way. If he gets hurt, I'll take full responsibility. You can tell your old man I was the one who hurt him. I couldn't care less what happens if an old codger in England hates my guts.

"This way, you keep your head, and he gets to come without issue. But I doubt anything will happen to him. Winston is going to be the toughest nut to crack in the group, aside from me, the way I see it," Alex said, putting his hands on his hips, proud of his solution.

Killian and Winston looked at him before looking at each other and back at him.

"Yeah… I don't think you want my grandfather to hold a grudge against you…" Winston said, his face paling a bit.

"Hmm? Who cares if I'm halfway across the globe?" Alex said, mockingly.

Killian shook his head.

"I don't think he cares about anything. Let's not bother explaining now, Winston," Killian said, sounding exhausted.

Alex looked at the two of them, wondering what kind of old man they had. But he couldn't care less if they didn't want to share.

"Alright then. It's settled. The others are already on board, so if you want to climb up on the plane, you can go right ahead. I'll introduce myself to the last man, and then we can talk inside together," Alex said, clapping his hands together.

Killian nodded, putting the matter aside for now. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Winston looked at Alex with amusement. He was just as fearless in this world as in New Eden, and it was refreshing.

'If he knew who my grandfather is, he probably wouldn't be this easy-going. But it won't matter as long as I don't get hurt. So let's not say anything for now,' he thought, climbing the stairs to the plane behind his uncle.

'All that matters for now is that I get to leave home and see the world.'