CHAPTER 2371: CHAPTER 2269 FAMILY DISCUSSION

It must be said that Stone Brown is also a sensible person. He knows what Peter Brown needs and went straight to the point, revealing the Windsor Family’s decision without unnecessary talk.

Stone’s words were clear. If Peter agreed, it would be beneficial for his family. At least when Peter wasn’t around, Melody Carter and Emily Williams would receive the Windsor Family’s care. Otherwise, the family would still enter Peter into the registration for the Battle of Throne, and he would have no choice but to participate. In such battles, decreed by Your Majesty, all family heirs who are registered must participate, or else face execution. Peter must join the battle, but the outcome of participation differs; one is voluntary, another is involuntary.

Peter Brown smiled slightly at Stone Brown. He had long anticipated this result, so it came as no surprise.

"So, although I’m representing the Windsor Family, does all the benefits I earn belong to me? Can I understand this as my mother having full freedom to live here or with the Windsor, and likewise, I have the right to conduct self-owned business and earn my own profits outside?"

Stone Brown smiled faintly and said, "You can understand it this way. No matter what you do outside, it is part of the Windsor Family too. We share the same blood, sharing both honor and disgrace together!"

When he said this, Stone Brown exuded a bit of the aura of a large family.

This is exactly the commitment Peter wanted, so he nodded and said, "Let’s follow the family’s decision."

Stone laughed heartily and said, "That’s right, get ready. The struggle for the throne begins the day after tomorrow. When the time comes, give it your all!"

Peter also nodded in agreement.

Stone continued, "Since you are part of a separate household, a ceremony for your return is necessary. Let’s do it tomorrow. The family will hold a ceremony, and at that time, you will represent the Windsor Family in battle!"

Having said this, Stone left in good spirits.

As soon as he left, the two women, Melody Carter and Emily Williams, walked in with unease.

After hearing the family’s decision, Melody burst into tears, continuously offering thanks to the family and feeling overwhelmingly excited about being able to return.

Upon seeing their expressions, Peter finally had some realization that he couldn’t fully understand their feelings toward a family.

Thinking it over, his original idea of letting them live here vanished. He sighed inwardly, thinking that his 10,000 taels of silver seemed spent in vain.

Sure enough, after asking their intentions, both women expressed their desire to return to live with the Windsor. It seemed only by living there could they truly belong to the family.

Glancing at this courtyard, Peter thought it could only serve as his next external residence.

Of course, Peter also had his own thoughts. Moving forward, he might prefer living outside more.

The next day, the Windsor Family held a return ceremony that wasn’t too grand but included the participation of the Windsor heirs, marking the official recognition of Peter Brown’s line returning to the family.

The ceremony left some Windsor heirs puzzled. They had just split off Peter’s family, yet now invited them back. Those in the know understood the family needed someone with Peter’s abilities; those who weren’t were full of doubt.

However, seeing Peter’s family move into the residence representing core heirs, everyone regarded Peter with newfound respect.

Peter was indifferent to this. As he looked around, he noticed the Windsor Family had few men. Even those present seemed pitifully incapable. It became clear to him that the family had no one capable to send forth, hence their kindness towards him.

After the ceremony, Peter was called into the Conference Hall.

Outside was heavily guarded, while inside sat the family elders and core heirs.

Seeing over thirty people sitting inside, Peter bowed slightly at the entrance, not using the old kneeling salute.

Some elders, noticing Peter’s demeanor, seemed ready to speak but ultimately said nothing.

Mattie Brown’s gaze swept across Peter’s face, secretly shocked by Peter’s composed demeanor, wondering why he hadn’t noticed this talent earlier.

The elders also observed Peter’s temperament, equally surprised but now holding him in higher regard.

"Peter Brown, no need for other words. From now on, you are one with the Windsor Family, advancing and retreating together. The struggle for the throne is significant, a major event for families. You, Danny Walter, and Hart Walter will participate. We hope you uphold the Windsor Family’s honor."

Peter glanced at the two young men with unpleasant expressions. He recognized them; household members known for betting on cockfights and idleness, relying on servants during actual conflicts. Likely, there was no one else to send.

"Yes!"

Though absorbed in thought, Peter responded.

Mattie continued, "Do not underestimate this struggle. Your Majesty’s intent is evident; it weeds out noble families. Our noble title has been downgraded repeatedly. If it continues, we will lose our title. Thus, we must perform well."

As Mattie spoke, Peter noticed the elders’ expressions subtly changed.

Addressing Peter and the two others, Mattie said, "Regardless of your performance, the family has one minimum requirement for you: secure a position and attain military merit!"

The statement stopped there. Everyone knew it was a command from the family. Failure might strip current privileges.

The two young men’s faces turned even more unpleasant. Danny asked, "What position must we secure to pass?"

Mattie replied, "Centurion. Only by securing a Centurion position can we preserve our title. Annually, the Royal Palace evaluates noble families. Families holding Centurion or higher naturally pass. Without, each generation loses a rank. Families failing to achieve military merit for three consecutive years also drop a rank. Our family teeters on the edge of downgrade; all depends on you!"

Though guessing other criteria existed, Peter understood the Windsor Family was at a crucial moment.