Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 160: Keldon’s Persistence

“Now, why do you ask that?” Keldon questioned Oli. “I thought you were a nomad without a home, yet you’re asking about my desires for location and more.”

“Hmmm... I’ll need a bit more time to consider discussing more than that,” stated Oli.

“Come on! We haven’t even mentioned anything to get me excited. Stop here and I may not want to discuss more.”

“That’s up to you. I’m not looking to work with someone who’ll give up on our deal so quickly,” Oli joked. He also glanced at Jonon, noticing his peering gaze. “What? Got any questions before we move on?”

But Jonon shook his head. “No. If Father said I’d learn about it eventually, then I’ll trust his judgment for now.”

“Oliver, don’t be like that... At least tempt me with something or I’ll lose interest.”

“I can’t mention anything until I’m confident you’ll willingly agree to my conditions. Until then, I’m afraid mentioning much else won’t happen.” Shrugging, Oli continued, “Thank you, Hurman, Jonon. I look forward to your instruction and I’m grateful for allowing me to have a private courtyard.”

.....

“For you, Oliver, anything. When you figure out more of the details of our agreement, let me know,” added Hurman.

Oli smiled back. “I think I’ll be prepared sooner than you’d expect.”

“Stop flaunting a deal that you won’t include me on,” Keldon stated with a jokingly irritated voice.

“You’re welcome to join when I think you’re fully willing. Until then, there’s too much on the line to even mention what I can offer.”

Blinking, Keldon’s face tensed up. “Hurman, is that true?”

The old man didn’t say a word. A nod was the only reply that Keldon got and it was enough to make him all the more hungry for a profitable deal that no one else could even hear about. Such was a merchant’s dream.

“I can tell you this much before we move on,” Oli added. “If you were to eventually agree to conditions similar to my deal with Hurman, you would find yourself as the centerpiece of a new, growing marketplace. That’s everything that I can–”

“Where would that marketplace be?”

“That’s all I can say,” repeated Oli.

“Then what would–”

“Keldon, that’s all I can say for now. If you’re starving for the deal, then we can revisit the subject later, unless you’re willing to trust Hurman and agree to the conditions before hearing them out,” Oli mentioned with a laugh.

Keldon, however, glanced at Hurman with a serious glint in his eye. “Should I?”

Oli was dumbstruck by the merchant’s response but Hurman seemed to have expected it. The patriarch sighed and nodded. “I’ve practically agreed to everything, though I’m just waiting on a final confirmation from Oliver to finalize the deal.”

“Is this too good to pass up?”

“In my case, yes. In your case... I would also assume it is.”

“Then I’m in.” Keldon leaned forward and showed Oli a toothy grin, extending his hand. “So, what have I signed up for?”

“This... You’re seriously agreeing to this?”

Nodding, Keldon mentioned, “I’ve rarely seen this old man act so seriously before. Normally, he avoids business of all kinds and let’s others handle it; Mertin’s a perfect example of that. To see him so eager for your deal while considering the situation with the Practor Family, I trust his judgment too much to not get in this while I can.

“Opportunity is a fickle woman. She comes and goes when she pleases, so you’d better be ready to bed her while you can.”

Everyone in the room broke out in laughter, especially Oli. The young man wasn’t expecting such a determined response or such a vivid analogy. “Give me a moment to think and gather my thoughts before explaining the offer.”

“Go right ahead, so long as you don’t weasel out after I’ve already committed,” Keldon chuckled, smiling with Hurman.

‘What are you thinking?’ Oli asked Vloz.

The leopard paused. ‘... I’m unsure if I should make an appearance and give away your bestial nature just yet. But I don’t mind joining the discussion if you trust them. From what I’ve seen, I’m just lacking time to get to know them. But you might already know them sufficiently so I’ll trust your judgment, Oli. In the worst case, I drag you away and we rethink your future.’

“Hmm...” Oli sighed, glancing around the room. Catching Hurman off-guard, Oli asked, “Hurman... may I ask you a question? This goes for Jonon and Keldon as well, though I think I already know Keldon’s answer from his answer earlier.”

“Go right ahead.”

“What is your opinion on societies shared between humans and beasts? I’ve mentioned this before but I’d like to hear your exact thoughts on the matter, as well as Jonon’s.”

Keldon reaffirmed his previous answer with a surprised smile, “I don’t mind at all, so long as there’s no blatant human discrimination involved.”

“My answer would be the same,” Jonon replied. “Beasts are cultivators like us, though our techniques, arts, and cultures are so different.”

Hurman added on to his son’s opinion, “Those differences between beasts and humans can be overlooked or even bridged in certain scenarios. I’ve heard of a few rare cities that have accomplished such a feat, so I don’t believe it’s impossible for humans and beasts to live in peace.”

Both Keldon and Jonon wanted to ask about the purpose behind Oli’s question but they knew Oli would only admit it if he wanted to. They felt it was better to let Oli think and state what he wished rather than pressure him into backing out of an explanation. So they waited, along with Hurman, for nearly a minute before the broad, young man finally spoke up again.

“Okay... Then I guess I’ll explain a little bit more... Also, Hurman, I think I’ll prove myself now since Keldon is so insitent and Jonon seems to be along for the ride.”

While Jonon and Keldon curiously turned to the old man, Hurman’s eyes wideden. “You can prove it... now?”