Chapter 2 Worlds Apart

• Deborah's expression became gloomy as she heard Mitchel's scathing words. During Austin's absence, she had to swallow down her frustration whenever others made hurtful remarks. Now that her husband was back, Deborah felt a flash of irritation as Mitchel was still displaying the same dismissive attitude. Not only was he demeaning Deborah, but also Austin.
• "Stop your nonsense, Mitchel Brigham! I'm a married woman!" Deborah screeched. She caught a glimpse of Austin, who was standing alongside her, and saw he was calm. Furthermore, it did not appear that he was intending to defend her.
• Deborah could not help but feel crestfallen and disappointed at his inaction. She seethed inwardly, Austin is such a useless man. How can he be so indifferent toward the insults and cynical remarks that others are making to his wife? I have given up on this man.
• Seeing that Austin did not respond to Mitchel's insults, the rest of the Brigham family continued with their jeers.
• "What a loser! Hahaha!"
• "Seems like the years spent outside had made him a pathetic good-for-nothing fool!"
• "I would file for a divorce today if I were you, Deborah!"
• The Brigham family despised Austin and did not hold back on their criticism as he did not belong to the Brigham's bloodline. Austin was Richard's illegitimate child. After the old man's death, Austin did not stay with the Brigham family. Hence, they naturally had a distant relationship.
• After many years away from the Brigham family, many were questioning the reason for Austin's return. Some postulated that he could no longer feed himself and was eyeing on the Brigham family's inheritance. The Brigham family members were displeased about the need to share the inheritance with an outsider. After all, there were insufficient riches to go around for everyone.
• Despite the hurtful words, Austin appeared unfazed and composed. As the King of the Southern Continent, he was used to hearing even more disparaging remarks. He had developed a high tolerance and was immune to criticisms over time. Furthermore, these people were insignificant and were not worthy to receive his wrath. A king would never be bothered with mere unassuming commoners.
• "I'll head in and pay my respects to father now," Austin said flatly. Without waiting for a response, he made his way into the Brigham family's ancestral house.
• Many of the Brigham family's seniors had gathered in the ancestral house. Upon Austin's arrival, some started to talk amongst themselves, questioning the intent of his return. Most people were displeased with the man since it had been a long time since Austin had gone home. They assumed Austin's goal was to receive a portion of the inheritance.
• The senior members glared at Austin as they thought to themselves, how dare he fight with us for the inheritance! He's stealing our money! I'm never allowing it.
• "He must have failed his ventures and is now back to get a share of the inheritance. What a loser."
• "Richard has raised an ungrateful brat."
• "I admire his thick skin and unapologetic demeanor. Haha!"
• Austin ignored the chastises and continued walking to his father's tomb. Upon arrival, tears started streaming down his face uncontrollably. If it was not for Richard, Austin would have never become the King of the Southern Continent. However, his father died before he could demonstrate his filial piety.
• "Father!" Austin wailed and knelt before the tomb to give three hard kowtows.
• Everyone in the ancestral hall was taken aback by the three loud kowtows. They wondered, is Austin trying to get himself killed? Perhaps he is trying to put on an act and gain sympathy.
• After the three kowtows, Austin's forehead was bruised and specks of fresh blood started appearing. He went on to pour some wine and lit a cigarette for Richard. These were the old man's favorite activities when he was alive.
• "You said you would wait for me to return from the military, father. We will drink and talk till we get drunk. Who would have known that we would be worlds apart when I'm back?" Austin looked at Richard's tomb and said mournfully. He longed to share about his adventures in the battlefield and how he had managed to infiltrate the enemy's lair and killed their leader. After managing to escape death, he became the King of the Southern Continent.
• Austin wished to share all his tales with his father, but it was too late. He recalled the old man's silhouette and his warm smile. He longed to hear his father call his name once more. Yet, he knew that it was no longer possible. His eyes glistened at the thought of never meeting his father ever again.
• Just then, someone called out, "Move away, move away! Old Mrs. Brigham has arrived!"
• Nancy Portman was the head of the Brigham family. She was credited for establishing the Brigham family's power and influence in Fairville to what it was now.
• Noticing the elderly lady's arrival, Mitchel immediately rushed over to assist her. Mitchel was Nancy's favorite grandson. She had showered him with immense care and love since he was young. Although he was talentless, he was great at making Nancy happy. Given that the Brigham family's second generation was useless, Mitchel thought that he had a good chance of replacing her and gaining control of the Brigham family's assets once she was gone.
• After Austin learned of Nancy's arrival, he got up and went to greet the elderly lady. Although the Brighams did not treat him like family, he was still mindful of his manners.
• "Hello Grandma, I'm Austin." The man stood before her and gave a respectful bow.
• Nancy grimaced as she stared at her purported third grandson. There was no pleasure in seeing the man, only revulsion. She had also thought that Austin had returned to vie for the inheritance. She seethed to herself, if his father was still alive, I may consider giving him a share. Now that Richard is dead for four years, what's he still doing here? I'll never allow Austin to get a share of the Brigham family's inheritance!
• "You don't appear to be returning to see your family, Austin," Nancy said coldly.
• "I have resigned from the army," Austin replied calmly.
• After dealing with people from all walks of life, Mitchel was well-equipped at deciphering one's expressions. He could tell that Nancy was not thrilled at Austin's return. In fact, she sounded curt and unwelcoming. Mitchel decided to tap on her displeasure and put Austin down.
• Mitchel snarled, "Are you sure you resigned on your own accord? Did you get fired? You have been in the military for ten years. If you haven't yet become a Colonel, you must at least be a Lieutenant?"
• The rest of the Brigham family followed suit and hurled insults at Austin.
• "Look at him! He looks nothing like a Colonel. His clothes are so plain-looking. It's the same outfit from three years before. He must be leading a tough life."
• "If he's a Colonel, there will be armies and tanks escorting him back home. I saw that he came here in a cab."
• "I heard that Colonels would be given a private vehicle. He failed to become a Colonel after ten years in the military. Hahaha!"
• "Does that mean that you spend ten years being a foot soldier, Austin? That's so brave of you! Bravo! Bravo!"
• Austin remained unfazed by the derogatory remarks. He thought to himself calmly, seems like these commoners have such little comprehension of military positions such as Colonel and Lieutenant. If I tell them I'm the King of the Southern Continent, I doubt they'll comprehend.
• Nancy's expression darkened as she heard the criticisms. Although she did not acknowledge Austin as her grandson, she was responsible for sending the man to the military. He was also seen to be representing the Brigham family. Austin's mediocre successes were an embarrassment not just to himself, but also to her. Nancy was a proud woman who valued respect and treasured the Brigham family's reputation over her own life. Hence, she was naturally infuriated at seeing Austin's lackluster performance.
• "Austin Brigham, what have you been doing in the military all these years? Were you just a mere military cook?" Nancy bellowed.