CHAPTER 46: CHAPTER 46: [A NEW GIFT]

The next day was still sunny, but it was increasingly dry and cold.

Ethan got up early again; today was the day of the family meeting, and he had to go to the company.

He picked out a black suit and matched it with a dark blue patterned tie, making him appear deep and inscrutable.

Looking at himself in the mirror, in just two months, his excessively handsome face had developed some sharp edges and a hint of weariness. Now, no one would dare to underestimate this overly young-looking face.

After having breakfast, Ethan set out from home.

But he wasn’t going straight to the company; he was going to pick up Virel.

After Virel’s injuries healed pretty much, he returned to the tavern to recuperate.

When he arrived at the tavern, Virel was ready. He too had changed into a black suit today, sitting in a lavishly crafted wheelchair that Ethan had spent a considerable amount on, looking impressive, although his spirits weren’t particularly high.

Ethan could feel that he was somewhat down, still because of that leg.

After helping Virel into the car, Ethan chatted with him in the back seat.

Virel mainly reported on the work of the past few days, with most of it concerning the Cabreya family.

"Young master, there’s been no movement on their side, but I’m injured and can’t manage things there anymore. Just these past two days, someone has secretly contacted Palon. You must quickly send someone to take over my tasks, or all the effort we’ve put into this situation..."

At this point, Ethan held his hand.

"Virel, don’t talk about these things now. Today’s a happy day; let’s talk about happy things and discuss these matters later."

Bolita Venture Capital Company had arrived.

Compared to the last meeting’s slackness, this time the family heads even parked their cars neatly and orderly.

When Ethan pushed Virel into the conference room, it was also silent inside. Everyone was waiting quietly, sitting upright.

Ethan pushed Virel to the main seat but did not sit down. Instead, he looked at everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, before the meeting begins, let’s give a warm round of applause to Virel, who protected the family’s honor with iron and blood."

Ethan started clapping first, and applause instantly filled the room.

Everyone had heard of Virel’s heroic image, let alone now seeing him sitting right in front of them.

The broken leg was as real as it gets.

The applause lasted for quite some time before stopping. Ethan pushed Virel to the seat beside him before sitting down himself.

As soon as he sat down, Eugene quickly came over and handed him last month’s financial statements.

Ethan reviewed them item by item. Under his leadership, the performance of each family head last month was commendable.

Illicit liquor had propelled the family’s take-off.

Ethan commended each item according to the report and directly rewarded money, instantly bringing the meeting to an exhilarating climax.

Everyone was full of enthusiasm, eager to get to work immediately.

However, Ethan still raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.

There was still one person who hadn’t been commended, and that was Virel.

After calming the crowd, Ethan gently clapped his hands, and Anya brought out a tray.

On the tray lay the golden cane that Ethan had crafted at great expense.

It was presented before Virel.

Virel looked at the cane; even though he tried to restrain himself, he couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

"Young master..."

He looked at Ethan again.

Ethan had already stood up and come behind him.

"Virel, you deserve all the praise. Accept it, let it help you walk the land again."

Ethan took the cane and solemnly handed it to Virel.

"Everyone, from today onward, Virel will be the family’s lifelong advisor, without changing his current position. In my absence, his words carry the same weight as mine."

This was essentially announcing Virel as the family’s second-in-command, and the golden cane was the granting of authority.

Everyone looked at the cane with fiery eyes.

The newly born Kingdom rose slowly in those gazes.

————

After the meeting ended, the other family heads left.

Only Ethan, Virel, and Anya remained in the conference room.

Virel had already stood up with the support of the golden cane, though he was still a bit unaccustomed.

"Young master, I am very grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but I’ve grown old, and now I’m disabled. I truly can’t fulfill all those responsibilities. For the sake of the family, young master, it would be best to quickly find someone to replace me."

Virel’s words carried not a hint of dissembling. He was sincere, genuinely thinking for the family’s well-being.

Ethan looked at him and suddenly gestured for Anya to close the door.

Then he walked to Virel, letting him sit back in the wheelchair.

"Virel..."

Ethan placed his hand on Virel’s head, his tone suddenly becoming infinitely solemn and respectful.

"Yes, young master."

If anyone else dared to place a hand on his head, Virel would have surely broken that person’s skull. But facing Ethan, he had only respect, no matter how uncomfortable.

"You’ve made immense contributions to the family and have been unfailingly loyal. In light of this, I now, in my capacity as the head of the Bolita Clan, bestow upon you the family’s honorary name. From today, you may also identify yourself with the name of Bolita. Will you promise to always pledge your loyalty to the family, unwavering in intent?"

As Ethan spoke, Virel could feel an immensely solemn and even sacred power surging at the top of his head.

His head involuntarily bowed, resting on the golden cane as though he were pledging allegiance to a king with a sword laid bare, devoutly saying, "I am willing."

"Very good."

Ethan nodded.

In the next moment, that power surged from his palm into Virel’s body.

Virel’s entire body tensed up, entering an indescribable and profound state.

It was indeed the power of the true name flowing, evolving his body.

After a long time, he finally recovered. He felt as though he were ten years younger, his entire body revitalized, his senses incredibly acute, and even the prosthetic leg could be well controlled without additional support.

"Young master, is this..."

He looked at Ethan in amazement.

"This is the power of the true name."

At the peak of the meeting today, Ethan discovered that the ’True God’s Name’ had grown slightly stronger, even resulting in an additional true name.

He then bestowed it upon Virel.

In that instant, Virel’s eyes were brimming with tears.

It wasn’t only because of Ethan’s generous gift but because he finally became a bearer of the true name.

Not being able to become one was an everlasting scar in his heart.

Many years ago, he retreated behind the scenes for this very reason.

Now, with age upon him, he had at last fulfilled his long-standing wish. That feeling was truly like returning to his youth.

Standing up from the wheelchair, this time he stood steady, directly kneeling on one knee before Ethan, grasping Ethan’s left hand and kissing the emblem on it.

"Young master, I will forever be loyal to the Bolita family, loyal to you, sparing no expense for you."