Though he was furious with the elders'' methods, Lionel knew what would happen if he was truly cast out of the Rosenberg family. After a moment of internal debate, he finally stood up and walked toward the door.


    Seeing Lionel finally relent, a faint smile touched the lips of Quennel and Mrs. Mary Rosenberg.


    His pride had finally been broken by the elders. Now he would have to obey them, to do whatever theymanded.


    He knew that within the Rosenberg family, his arrogance and his abilities meant nothing. If the elders gave an order, he had to follow it.


    To defy them, no matter how capable or defiant he was, was pointless. In the Rosenberg family, the elders held all the power.


    The three elders watched as Lionel walked to the door and then re-entered. His expression was as arrogant as ever, but it was a slight improvement over before.


    "Elder Finch, Mr. Michael Rosenberg, Elder Shaw."


    Hearing Lionel finally concede and address each of them by name, the three elders nodded in satisfaction.


    "You see? It would have been so much simpler if you''d just spoken properly from the start. You make us practically beg you to say a word."


    "Anyone would think you were some great dignitary, forcing us elders to bow and scrape before you. You need to understand your ce, Lionel. In this family, you are nothing. Do you hear me?"


    Elder Finch gave him a contemptuous smile and continued, "I''m speaking to you. Are you deaf?"


    "If you understand, then respond. Don''t think that just because you''ve greeted us, you can go back to ignoring us."


    Though he had just capitted, Lionel''s face had returned to a mask of insolence after the perfunctory greeting, a sight that greatly displeased the three elders.


    Mrs. Mary Rosenberg saw the situation escting and grew anxious.


    "Lionel, can you wipe that dead look off your face? Can''t you learn some manner From the day you returned, I''ve exined the rules of the Rosenberg family to you."


    "If you can''t follow them, then get out! Stop embarrassing me, do you hear? You may have no shame, but I, your mother, still do!"


    Mrs. Mary Rosenberg couldn''t stop herself from shouting, her face a canvas of irritation and displeasure, her brow furrowed in anger.


    Even Quennel, sitting beside him, was annoyed by Lionel''s dismissive attitude.


    "Lionel, we''re all adults here.


    зан


    Respecting your elders, knowing the rules... these are things you should have learned in school, even if qu Parents didnt drill it into you or do you think you''re so brilliant that you can just ignore the family elders and treat them however you please?"


    Quennel''s brow was tight with warning, hoping Lionel would finally adjust his attitude.


    "That''s not what I meant. I just think that since we''re all gathered here to discuss my future with the family, we should focus on that issue first, rather than getting hung up on whether said hello or how I speak Why don''t we just get to the point instead of wasting time on all this?"


    Lionel ignored their admonishments and simply spoke his mind.


    He despised the family''s tedious rules and formalities, seeing them as empty, meaningless rituals. He couldn''t understand why they insisted on them.