Weapon seller in the world of magic

When she said that, a figure appeared in her head, and she clenched her fist, growling in her head. ”Damn you, Alex. Did you think I was trying to flirt with you or something? How dare you use such a cheap trick to escape?”

Meanwhile, Vera looked between Noa and her uncle, seemingly satisfied with the answer. She quietly picked up another skewer of stinky tofu, her mind momentarily distracted, while Tianzhu, feeling a tinge of discomfort, returned to his food, trying to ignore the lingering tension in the air.

Theo, watching all of this from behind like a silent spectator, muttered under his breath. ”Oh, please. Who are you kidding, Vera? You just wanted to keep Uncle busy so that you could date a boy.”

*

By the time late afternoon arrived, they had finished their informal food tour, and Noa bid her farewell because of an urgent meeting that had come up before the flight.

Meanwhile, Tianzhu made one last stop.

A church.

Vera and Theo followed, glancing around curiously at the high ceilings and stained glass windows.

Though they had traveled plenty, visiting churches wasn’t something they did often.

”Uncle,” she whispered, ”do you come to places like this a lot?”

Tianzhu exhaled, resting his forearms on his knees. ”Sometimes.” Looking at the statue of Christ, he added. ”When I have things to think about, you know, making a big decision, I visit the church. Here, you can think better and might find out what your heart really wants. And right now, I have a big decision to make.”

”About moving on?” Vera blinked. ”You don’t need to ponder it too much and find a woman you like, Uncle. Earlier, I brought up the topic because I found you took out your wedding ring after a long time, and then back in the mall, you looked like you were interested in Miss Noa.”

”Vera,” Tianzhu sighed at her words. He then looked straight into her eyes and said in a serious tone. ”You are no longer a child. So, I think you will understand when I say she is attractive enough to date, but I’m not interested in her. Liking someone based on their looks is different from loving someone. Just because I date doesn’t mean I love her, alright? The same goes for you, if any boy who you don’t know or have less interaction with you tells you that he likes you. And if he is a bad guy whom you were attracted to, trust me, that relationship will never last long, and you will only be left with distrust and pain. In my life, there won’t be another woman who can replace my late wife. So, I don’t plan on dating anyone, and if I really found a woman I like, with whom I can picture my future, you will be the first to know before even her. Alright? Right now, I’m more worried about the career opportunities here.”

Vera didn’t ask for anything more and simply nodded. ”I understand.” She sat beside him, letting the quiet settle between them.

As for Theo, he was a silent spectator all along. Without being involved in their conversation, he just stared at the statue as if he were thinking about something.

Not long after, Tianzhu let out a heavy sigh and called. ”Theo...” His tone stayed softer as he broke the silence between them, at last.

”Yes?”

”Why do you have to do that?” He asked.

Vera glanced to her right, to her twin.

As Theo hesitated a bit, Tianzhu replied. ”We are in the House of the Worship. Don’t lie in front of the Lord.”

Taking a breath, Theo replied. ”I want to help. I want to prove that I have what it takes to become a hunter.”

Tianzhu sighed at that. ”And did you think you proved it?”

Theo answered a bit more confidently this time. ”I stopped the monster. Yes, my music might have immobilized those with weak spiritual pressure. But, there were those who were unaffected, too. If only I could have done it earlier, the monster would have been defeated by Haze Guild, too.”

Tianzhu stayed silent for a few seconds and said. ”How about this? What if that monster turned out to be one with high immunity to mental attacks? What would have happened then? Too few hunters to fight against, and everyone is greatly vulnerable to the Red Ogre, a Class-2 Boss monster. You will see two thousand casualties. Because you are an unregistered hunter, you will be looking at a life sentence. And since you are legally not an adult yet, under the Family Education Promotion Law, as your legal guardian, I will be paying a hefty fine, and no one would ever hire me; your sister, on the other hand, will be haunted by her friends, classmates, and strangers wherever she goes. Your mother will be too ashamed to even be on the camera ever again. Your cousin will be teased at her school, too. Ever thought of that scenario before you put up such a bravado to prove yourself?”

The atmosphere became silent as each of his words hit like a large hammer striking Theo’s heart. Vera couldn’t help but glance at her brother again, this time, worried about what would happen now as he saw that Theo’s eyes looked completely shaken.

Tianzhu continued. ”If you don’t want to pursue music, don’t. But don’t endanger the innocents. You won’t understand that responsibility. You will understand it when you have someone to protect.” Taking a pause, he took a deep breath and added. ”I will say it again, Theo. Forget about being a hunter.”

Theo didn’t say anything after that. Vera stayed silent, and neither did Tianzhu urge him to speak. He just went back to staring at the statue of Christ.

After spending some time in silent prayer at the church, the three of them stopped by another mall to shop around before returning to the hotel.

The sun started to set, casting a warm glow over the city skyline as they stepped into their suite.

Vera immediately flopped onto the couch, stretching her arms with a sigh.

”What now? Dinner at the hotel?”

Tianzhu loosened his wristwatch and placed it on the nightstand. ”We get ready. Go and take a shower and put on the best dress you have. Call me. We’ll be at the pool in the meantime. Theo, come with me.”

Vera sat up. ”Wait... wait... Ready for what?”

He glanced at her. ”We’re meeting your mother and her family for. Did you forget?

She blinked. ”Tonight? I thought you said it was on Sunday.”

Tianzhu unbuttoned a couple of buttons on his shirt as he looked into the mirror, adjusting his hair. ”I said it could be on Sunday, not on Sunday, munchkin. Anyway, get ready.”

Vera pursed her lips. ”But it is just 6:30, though. Isn’t it too early?”

Tianzhu answered. ”We took an executive deluxe room. There’s only one bathroom here, and we are three. After you were done, there were two people in the line. By the time we leave, it will be 8.”

”Ah, okay.” Vera blinked.

”Let’s go,” Tianzhu said, walking away. Theo quietly followed him in silence.

There was nothing but silence between them, whether walking in the hallway or riding the elevator.

Tianzhu led, and his son followed in silence.

Reaching the infinity pool, Tianzhu sat down, his legs in the pool, and then he patted the floor beside him. As Theo sat down, Tianzhu let out a sigh. ”You have been awfully quiet ever since I reprimanded you. Are you angry?”

Theo took a deep breath and said. ”Uncle, can I go back home?”

”Why?” Tianzhu asked. As Theo stayed silent, Tianzhu said. ”No, it’s alright. You will have your reasons. I won’t pester you if you don’t want to say it. Moreover, we will leave in a week anyway. However, tonight, you are going to meet your mother’s family for the first time. I want you to put your brooding self away for this one night. Try to act friendly and polite to your mother and your sisters, even if you feel unhappy, alright? Can you do that?”

Theo looked at him and gave a subtle nod.

A couple of hours later, the three of them stepped out of the hotel, dressed in elegant formals.

Upon entering the flat, Xueli welcomed them in person, smiling warmly.

”Jiejie...” As Tianzhu smiled, giving a hug, Theo and Vera slipped into the indoor slippers.