George and Andrew did not return that night, and everyone else went to bed late. The next morning, the two came back during breakfast. After washing up, they joined everyone at the table.
"What happened, dear? What is the situation?" Mary asked George the question which was on everyone else's mind.
George sighed deeply, glanced at the six boys sitting to his left, smiled, and said, "Thanks to you lads, we were able to salvage almost a Quarter of our inventory undamaged. Few of the items are slightly damaged but can be mended or repaired."
"And chris, there were other merchant's who came to see us. I could not help but notice many of those among them who had their children saved by your parents, and told them that you will be staying with us for now. They were actually eager to meet you and wanted show their respect to your parents."
"You might have to meet them in a day or two." George said getting an embarrassed nod from Chris.
"And the loses?" Elena asked in anticipation.
"Haaa... Alad, more than 70% of the goods were burnt or destroyed. We had not even paid for more than half of those item."
"Total losses are estimated at...," he choked slightly, "Almost 350,000 gold."
Hushed silence fell inside the room, and Dave even spat out a mouthful on Ben in shock which Ben didn't even notice due to the shocking news.
"It took 20 years to build the business and that godown. Now, I don't think I will ever be able to get it back up to that same level in my lifetime," George said, tears rolling down his eyes. All the ladies started shedding tears silently.
"Don't worry, father. We will work hard and do our best to make things work out," Andrew attempted to lift his father's mood.
"Yes father, we have jewelry and few gems which we had.... We had kept as Dowry for Lilly and Rose. They are still young and we still have ample time. Lets utilize those reserved funds." Elena said.
"It's not that easy, dear. That won't even cover 20% of the required amount. We will definitely get back up, but it will take at least another 20 years to recover the losses." George estimated sadly.
Alan looked at Helen, who smiled and nodded her head encouragingly. He then glanced at Williams. "No need to ask me, do it," Williams said without having to think about it for a second.
"What are you two talking about?" Andrew asked suspiciously.
"There is something I would like to propose, and everyone here agrees with my proposal," Alan pointed his hand towards the Morgans and Helen.
"What is it, my boy?" George asked curiously.
"Great Uncle George, let's finish our breakfast, and we will talk in the study."
After breakfast, the four boys wanted to excuse themselves, not wanting to intrude on the family matter, but George insisted they must stay as they had put their life on the line to save the goods.
Everyone took a seat in the study. Alan stood in front of everyone, scanned the room, and addressed George.
"Great Uncle George, Great Aunt Mary, Uncle Andrew, and Aunt Elena, what do you think of me? Who am I to you and this family?"
The question perplexed everyone. Even though Helen had an inkling of what Alan intended to do, she was also taken aback by the question.
"You are our family, child. No doubting about it." Mary said firmly.
"True, we had never differentiated you from Lilly or Rose, lad." George stated seriously.
Andrew nodded in agreement. "We have always considered you and Williams as our eldest sons. There is no question about that."
"If not for you, we would have lost Lilly and Rose. If not for both you and Wil, we would not even be alive." Elena added.
"If I say I am in a dire situation and need 100,000 gold, is there a possibility that I can have your support now? Considering the present situation we are in?" Alan asked seriously.
Anxiety spread among everyone with the weight of the questions he posed.
"Lad, if you are really serious and need our help, we can sell the remaining items." George said seriously.
"You can even utilise the jewelries if it's not enough," Elena chimed in. "We are here to support you."
Alan looked around, finding similar expressions on every Heathrow's face. Unknowingly, tears welled up in his eyes and started falling down uncontrollably. He tried speaking, but his voice choked.
"I was... I..." He cleared his throat several times, wiped his tears, took a deep breath, and looked straight at George's eyes. "If you all are ready to come to my aid without thinking about your crisis when I am in need, can't I do the same for my family? Will you later say you can't accept my support making me an outsider?""