Strongest Family System

After leaving Grey Shadow Hall with the official documents, John Osborn made a decision that would prove quite revealing. Instead of returning directly to the clan estate, he instructed the carriage driver to take them to the west market.

"Clan head, shouldn't we head home first to secure these documents?" Elder Alex asked, glancing at the leather portfolio containing their new ownership papers.

John shook his head, obviously excited. "I want to see the market myself. We need to check out its current state and figure out how our clan can develop it the right way."

Lady Mary nodded in agreement. "It is wise to understand what we are working with before making any major decisions."

Their carriage made its way through the afternoon streets, cutting through various districts toward the west market. John's head was spinning with ideas—expanding certain stalls, figuring out security issues, and finding ways to bring in more merchants who wanted to stay long-term.

After about half an hour of travel, their carriage began to slow as they approached the market district. However, instead of the usual bustling activity John expected to see, there seemed to be an unusual commotion ahead.

"People were standing around in groups, all worked up about something, and gesturing toward the market entrance. You could see some were rattled, while others just looked confused and on edge."

"They pulled up near the market. John got out first, with Lady Mary, Elder Alex, and Elder Devon right behind him."

"The afternoon sun was throwing long shadows across the cobblestone streets, but something did not feel right."

"Elder Devon made his way over to a middle-aged merchant standing a few feet away from the commotion. The guy looked pretty shaken up."

"Pardon me," Elder Devon said, "but could you tell me what happened here today?

"The merchant's eyes went wide as he stared up at Elder Devon, still shaken by what he had seen. 'You have not heard? "Earlier, these four masked guys came in and completely trashed the place!"

John's expression immediately grew serious as he moved closer to listen. The merchant carried on talking, his voice mixing fear with complete amazement.

"They were tearing through the streets, breaking everything in sight.

People were screaming, running everywhere. I thought we were all done."

"An attack?" Elder Alex interjected, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon. "Where are people injured? Are the attackers still here?"

The merchant shook his head quickly. "No, no—that's the strangest part.

Someone stopped them. Some kind of protector, I think. It all happened so fast, maybe twenty seconds at most. One moment, the masked men were destroying everything, and the next moment, they were all down."

Elder Devon exchanged a meaningful glance with John. "Did anyone see who this protector was?"

"That is just it," another bystander joined the conversation, "nobody saw clearly. Whoever it was moved too fast, and most of us were running for cover. By the time we looked back, the attackers were dead, and the protector had vanished."

Lady Mary's face had grown pale with concern. "This happened today? Recently?"

"Just a few hours ago," the first merchant confirmed. "The bodies were cleared away, but you can still see some of the damage to the stalls."

John's head was reeling. It could not be a coincidence that the market got hit today, of all days, right when they were taking ownership. Someone was trying to mess up their purchase before they could even get started.

But who was this mysterious protector? And why would someone risk their lives to defend a market that technically did not even belong to the Osborn clan yet?

As John looked around at the partially damaged stalls and the nervous faces of the merchants, he realized their new investment had already seen its first test—and somehow, miraculously, it had survived.

The two merchants who had been speaking suddenly noticed John's clan robes and the dignified bearing of his group. Recognition dawned on their faces as they realized who they were talking to.

"Clan Leader Osborn!" The two men immediately bowed low. "We did not know it was you! Sorry for not realizing sooner."

"John brushed off their formality with a wave. "Forget the bowing—what did you guys see? We are the new owners here, so I have got to know what happened."

The first merchant straightened, his expression becoming more serious as he addressed the clan leader directly. "It was terrifying, Clan Leader. Without warning, four masked intruders showed up, destroying stalls and scaring everyone they encountered.

But then this protector appeared—moved like lightning, took them all down in moments. Saved the entire market."

"We are just grateful someone was watching over the place," the second merchant added. "Without that intervention, there would not be much left for you to inherit."

John nodded, deep in thought, making sure to remember every little detail.

After thanking the merchants for their information, he gestured to his companions.

"Why don't we take a walk through and see how badly they messed things up? I need to get a better look at what we are dealing with."

For the next twenty minutes, John, Lady Mary, Elder Alex, and Elder Devon moved methodically through the market grounds. They examined the broken stalls, noted which areas had sustained damage, and spoke briefly with other merchants and vendors who had witnessed the attack.

"John looked around and felt better seeing that the market was still solid despite everything. Most of what got wrecked was pretty minor—some broken plans, merchandise scattered everywhere, and torn awnings. All the stuff could get sorted out pretty quickly."

After completing their inspection, John gathered his group near the market's main entrance.

"We have a good foundation to work with," he announced. "The repairs will be manageable, and more importantly, we now know this market has unexpected protection."

Lady Mary looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Whoever saved this market today was not acting randomly," John explained. "Someone wanted to ensure our investment remained viable.

The question is who and why."

"The sun was starting to set, so the group headed back to their carriage.

The ride back to the Osborn estate was full of talk about fixing up the market, beefing up security, and that mysterious guy who was already becoming something of a legend around town.

When they got back to the compound, all four went straight to John's study. The cozy room was a nice change after everything that had happened today."

"John slipped the market ownership papers into the lockbox, making sure they stayed safe."

Once John had the documents safely in hand, he reached for a little bell on his desk and gave it a single ring.

A servant appeared promptly in the doorway.

"Go find Robert and bring him to my study," John said. "Let him know it is about today's market deal."

The servant bowed quickly. "Of course, Clan Leader."

The servant departed quickly, making his way through the estate's corridors toward Robert's private quarters. Upon reaching the familiar door, he knocked twice.

"Enter," came Robert's voice from within.

The servant opened the door to find Robert seated at his desk, apparently reviewing some cultivation notes. Robert looked up with mild curiosity.

"Master Robert, the head of the clan, is calling for you in his study—he wants to discuss today's market deal."

Robert's face immediately brightened with anticipation. He had been waiting to hear about the official proceedings, and his father's summons suggested everything had gone according to plan.

"Excellent," Robert said, rising from his chair. "Thank you for the message."

"The servant nodded and left. Robert smoothed down his robes and felt good about things as he headed for the door."

The market transfer had been successful, his mysterious intervention had protected their investment, and now he would finally hear the full details of their diplomatic victory.

As Robert made his way to his father's study, he could not help but think about how everything had fallen into place so perfectly.

"The James clan had tried to sabotage everything but failed. Grey Shadow Hall came through on their promise. And now the Osborns had a market that was worth every penny—it had already proven itself when things got rough."

By the time he reached his father's study door, Robert's mind was already moving ahead to the next phase of his plans for strengthening the clan.

Robert knocked twice on the heavy wooden door.

"Come in," his father's voice called from within.

"Robert walked into the study and saw everyone sitting around the table—his father, John; his mother, Mary; Elder Devon; and Elder Alex."

Their expressions were a mixture of satisfaction and contemplation.

Robert took his seat at the table, nodding respectfully to each of them.

John's eyes were filled with unmistakable pride as he looked directly at his son.

"Robert, thanks to your arrangements with Grey Shadow Hall, the market transfer proceeded without any complications. The ownership documents are now secure, and the west market officially belongs to our clan."

Robert smiled, though internally he knew far more about the day's events than anyone else at that table. "I am glad everything went according to plan, Father."

By the time evening rolled around, the Osborns had accomplished more than just purchasing a market—they had opened the door to even greater opportunities in the city.