Everyone gathered at the dining hall, eagerly awaiting the boys. Despite the passing hour, no one expressed impatience. They remained composed, patiently awaiting the boys' arrival.
Gradually, the boys entered, wearing somber expressions with slumped postures. "Come lads, take your seats first," John instructed them.
Once everyone settled, John gestured to Elizabeth, who stood up. "Ben, Bob, Chris, and Dave, as we've mentioned, you've become part of our family. Now, let us clarify a few things. Pay attention, lads. I'm making this unequivocal. Don't let any of us repeat ourselves, as this is the collective sentiment."
Elizabeth locked eyes with each boys. After receiving nods of confirmation, she continued, "From this moment on, Ben, Bob, Chris, and Dave, you are our grandchildren. This matter is not open for debate."
This brought a fresh round of tears from the four boys. Alan and Williams were overjoyed and everyone else beamed at the boys.
At the dinner table, everyone let Ben and Bob to have their fill first. The cook and the maids brought few more dishes as instructed by Elizabeth earlier.
After having their dinner, John, Elizabeth, Helen, James and Jean hugged each of the four boys, displaying their affection.
The next day all six boys went to the river outside the inner wall and Ben scattered his father's ashes in it. They all stood there for a long time silently paying their respects and then made their way back home.
A week passed in a flash. Both Ben and Bob's emotions settled down, everyons started to have a good time again. And soon the time to return back to the academy was nearing.
After a heafty meal at night they discussed their departure to the Winden city which they would start the following day.
The Morgan's were happy, proud and sad at the same time to see these boys leaving for advancement in their studies. They had received a letter from their Weapons master Harry the previous day stating that everyone would be embarking on a journey once the academic year begins. This journey might take upto a couple of year and it would be a strenuous on at that. And he even had asked everyone to be prepared for it. The boys literally shivered after reading his letter and could feel the weapon master's crazy grin.
The following day was filled with well-wishes and hugs. Helen handed Chris a few copies of an advanced healing book, which he took exitedly and hugged her. All the Adults, confident in the boys' capabilities, weren't concerned about their safety.
When Helen looked at Alan with concern, Dave reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, Grandma Helen. Alan can negotiate our way out of any wild beast attack." Laughter filled the room as Helen grinned and hugged Dave first and then Alan.
"Take care, everyone. I heard from John that your master is a bit... eccentric!" Helen mentioned.
"You put it very mildly, Grandma Helen. He is actually crazy," Dave exclaimed, earning nods of agreement from everyone.
"You know, once he... ah never mind his theatrics." He is who he is. Dave shook his head and waved his hand in a dismissively and helplessly.
"Anyways, stop by the Heathrow's before you go to the academy. They will be expecting you all," Helen advised. The boys nodded, exchanged goodbyes, and started their journey with their horses.
The journey was peaceful, except for the amusing argument between Alan and the mischievous horses, Trouble Maker and Witless. Alan scolded them, and they seemed to argue back, providing entertainment for the boys. Dave especially had a great time watching them in amusement.
Upon reaching Winden City, they went straight to the Heathrow's, where the girls and others warmly welcomed them. They stayed for a couple of days, learning that the godown was erected, trading was stable, and new goods were flowing in.
The Heathrow's once again tried to thank them, to which all the boys waved their hands dismissively and told it was nothing to mention about.
All the boys once again Visited Steve. Alan explained him about their journey with Harry to which steve looked at all of them with a gaze that looked like pitty. The boys were starting to worry about their upcoming journey with their master.
The Heathrow's treated them like family, and Lilly who was planning to enroll in the Academy the following year, agreed to train under Helen for healing arts as per the instructions and suggestions given by Alan, Chris and Williams.
Meanwhile Dave and othere also suggested her to learn trade and economics form Elizabeth and arts from Jean as these boys had seen the extent of their knowledge in their respective fields.
A feast was held the night before their departure to the academy, celebrating the boys' achievements.
Saying goodbye and receiving hugs from Rose and Lilly, the boys set off towards the academy, where their eccentric master awaited. Excitement and fear mixed as they headed back for the arduous journey that lay ahead of them.
"Here we are, back at the academy!" Ben mused as they stood looking at the entrance. Outside the Academy's gate...