As we returned back from the hunting trip, I couldn't help but feel a growling sensation in my stomach. We hadn't eaten breakfast yet, and it was already almost noon. I was really beginning to starve, and I couldn't wait to get some food in my system. The thought of sinking my teeth into a juicy steak or a warm, fluffy pancake was almost too much to bear.
Brock, who had been quiet for most of the trip, suddenly spoke up, directing me to go clean up and prepare myself for breakfast. "Hey Gabriel, go wash up and meet us in the dining room," he said, his voice firm but friendly. "We'll be eating soon."
I nodded, eager to get cleaned up and get some food in my stomach. As I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn't help but wonder if we were even going to get lunch if we were eating breakfast so late. Would we have to skip lunch altogether? The thought of going without food for the rest of the day was unbearable.
After washing up and changing into some clean clothes, I made my way to the dining room. As I entered, I noticed that the Boss was already seated at the head of the table, with Brock standing by his side. The table was set with fine china and sparkling silverware, and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, making my stomach growl even louder.
But what caught my attention was that the other boys, Liam and Phillips, were also seated at the table, looking just as hungry as I was. They both scowled at me as I took my seat, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with them. We were all in this together, it seemed.
"Ah, Gabriel, glad you could join us," the Boss said, his voice warm and welcoming. "I trust you're hungry?"
I nodded, taking a seat next to Liam. "Yes, sir. I'm starving."
Liam smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I know the feeling," he said. "I'm pretty sure I've lost a few pounds since returning from the hunt."
What is Liam playing at, I never saw him as one who cares for anyone if not himself.
Phillips chuckled, his voice soft and rumbling. "Tell me about it. I'm starting to think we're going to waste away to nothing."
Even though we're competing for something, we possibly can never hide the fact that we're still kids, and would always act as one.
I laughed, feeling a sense of relief that I wasn't the only one who was struggling with hunger. But then I noticed that Michael and Myers were nowhere to be seen.
"Hey, where's Michael and Myers?" I asked, looking around the table.
The Boss frowned, his expression serious. "They're no longer competing" he said. "They've been eliminated from the competition."
I nodded, feeling a pang of curiosity. I hoped they were okay. How come they've been eliminated so early to the competition?, Were they sick? Injured? I wanted to ask more questions, but the Boss seemed reluctant to discuss it further.
Brock, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I'll be leaving now Sir, I organized the remaining of the documents, it's now ready for you when needed."
The Boss nodded, smiling. "Indeed. You can be on your way now."
And with that, the servants brought out a feast of food, enough to feed an army. There were steaks, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage, all perfectly cooked and presented. We dug in, savoring the delicious flavors and textures of the food. It was a welcome respite from the hunger and fatigue of the morning's hunt.
After we finished with the food, the Boss brought out a file, its contents unknown to us. He cleared his throat, and began to read from it, his voice firm and authoritative, his words echoing through the room like a pronouncement of judgment.
"Michael, unfortunately, failed the hunting test," he said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge, a verdict that could not be appealed. "He was unable to demonstrate the necessary skills and instincts required to succeed in this competition, as well as the key morals. He struggled to track his prey, and when he finally had it in his sights, he hesitated, allowing it to escape, Without been advised not to strike. This lack of confidence and decisiveness is unacceptable for an heir of the family, and as a result, he is hereby eliminated from the competition."
I felt a pang of disappointment, but also a sense of relief. I had been worried that I would be the one to be first eliminated, because I've no experience regarding all this, that my own struggles during the hunt would be my downfall. But now, it seemed that Michael had been the one to falter.
The Boss continued, his eyes scanning the room, his gaze lingering on each of us before moving on to the next. "And as for Myers, he failed the test during dinner last night. He was the last one to start eating, demonstrating a lack of awareness and adaptability, as well as lacking bravery and unable to make decisions. He seemed oblivious to the fact that the others had already begun, and even when he finally began, he seemed hesitant. This lack of situational awareness is a critical flaw, and as a result, he too is eliminated from the competition. Not an heir candidate"
I couldn't believe it. Myers, the quiet and reserved one, had been eliminated. I had thought he was doing well, that his introverted nature was actually an asset in this competition. But now, it seemed that his reserve had been a liability.
The Boss looked at us, his eyes piercing, his gaze intense. "Which leaves us with you three boys: Liam, Gabriel, and Phillips. You three are the remaining contestants in this competition. I expect great things from you. Don't fail to make us proud."
With that, he finished reading, and left the table, leaving each one of us confused and unsure of what to expect next. The room seemed to vibrate with tension, the air thick with anticipation.
"What just happened?" Phillips asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"I don't know, maybe Gabriel here would" Liam replied, shaking his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. "But anyways, since we're the only ones left, I guess I still have you two to deal with."
I nodded, my mind racing, my thoughts tumbling over each other in a mad scramble to make sense of it all. What did this mean for us? What challenges lay ahead? Would we be able to rise to the occasion, or would we too fall by the wayside?, I won't fail on my promise to the princess, neither will I fall to Liam.