Chapter 46: [The New Boon]

The next day remained clear, though the air grew increasingly dry and cold.

Ethan still woke up early. Today was the family meeting day, and he needed to rush to the company.

Choosing a black formal suit, Ethan paired it with a deep blue patterned tie, making him look profound and inscrutable.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he realized that in just two short months, his overly delicate features had hardened into sharp angles and weathered lines. Now, no longer would anyone dare to underestimate this still excessively youthful face.

After breakfast, Ethan set out from home.

However, he did not head straight to the company; instead, he went to pick up Vilon.

Once Vilon's injuries had mostly healed, he had returned to the tavern to recuperate.

When Ethan arrived at the tavern, Vilon was already prepared. He, too, had changed into a black formal suit today, sitting in a wheelchair that Ethan had spent a hefty sum to have custom-built. He cut an impressive and imposing figure, though his spirit seemed somewhat low.

Ethan could sense that he was feeling rather depressed, mostly because of that leg.

Guiding Vilon into the car, Ethan chatted idly with him in the back seat.

Vilon mainly reported on the work of recent days, mostly concerning the situation on the Cabrera family's side.

"Young master, there hasn't been any unusual movement from their side yet, but since I'm injured and unable to handle matters over there anymore, someone has already started making private contact with Palen within the last couple of days. You must send someone to take over my work as soon as possible, otherwise the situation we worked so hard to build up..."

Hearing this, Ethan reached out and grasped his hand.

"Vilon, let's not talk about these things right now. Today is a happy day, so let's speak of happy things. We can discuss these matters later."

They had arrived at the Poletta Venture Capital Company.

Compared to the loose atmosphere of the previous meeting, this time the family bosses even parked their cars neatly and in an orderly fashion.

When Ethan pushed Vilon into the conference room, absolute silence greeted them inside. Everyone was waiting quietly, sitting up straight in their chairs.

Ethan wheeled Vilon to the head of the table, but instead of sitting down, he looked around at the crowd and said, "Gentlemen, before the meeting begins, let us give a warm round of applause to show our respect to Vilon. It was he who used iron and blood to guard the family's glory."

Ethan took the lead in applauding, and instantly the room erupted into applause.

Everyone had heard tales of Vilon's heroic bearing—not to mention, he was sitting right there in front of them.

That amputated leg was undeniable proof.

The applause continued for a long time before subsiding. Ethan pushed Vilon to the seat beside his own and then took his seat.

As soon as he sat down, Euginides hurried over and handed him last month's financial ledger.

Ethan reviewed the entries one by one. Under his leadership last month, every boss had performed remarkably well.

Moonshine was making the family soar.

Ethan commended the bosses one by one based on the report and directly rewarded them with cash, instantly driving the atmosphere of the meeting to its climax.

Everyone was filled with high morale, itching to go out and get to work on the spot.

However, Ethan raised a hand to signal for quiet.

There was still one person who had not been commended, and that was Vilon.

After calming the restless crowd, Ethan gave a soft clap, and Anya emerged carrying a tray.

Resting on the tray was the golden cane that Ethan had spent a fortune to commission.

It was brought before Vilon.

Vilon stared at the cane, and try as he might to restrain himself, he still trembled slightly.

"Young master..."

He looked up at Ethan once more.

Ethan had already risen from his seat and walked behind him.

"Vilon, you deserve every praise. Accept it, and let it help you step back onto the land."

Ethan picked up the scepter and solemnly placed it into Vilon's hands.

"Gentlemen, starting today, Vilon becomes the lifelong advisor to the family. His original duties remain unchanged; when I am not present, his words are my words."

This was effectively declaring Vilon as the second-in-command of the family, with the golden cane serving as the bestowal of authority.

Everyone gazed at the cane with fanatical eyes.

A newborn kingdom was slowly rising within their vision.

---

After the meeting concluded, the other bosses departed.

Only Ethan, Vilon, and Anya remained in the conference room.

Vilon had already stood up using the golden cane, though he was still a bit unaccustomed to it at the moment.

"Young master, I am deeply grateful for everything you have done for me, but I am old, and now disabled besides. I am truly no longer fit to handle all of that. For the family's sake, young master, you should find someone to replace me as soon as possible."

Vilon's words bore no trace of pretense; he was entirely sincere, genuinely wishing the best for the family.

Ethan looked at him and suddenly signaled for Anya to close the door properly.

Then, he walked up to Vilon and had him sit back down in the wheelchair.

"Vilon..."

Ethan pressed his hand upon the crown of Vilon's head, his tone suddenly turning infinitely solemn and grave.

"Yes, young master."

If anyone else had dared to place a hand on the top of his head, Vilon would have blown that person's brains out without hesitation. Yet facing Ethan, he felt only reverence, however uncomfortable it might be.

"You have made monumental contributions to the family and possess unwavering loyalty. In light of this, I now, in the name of the head of the Poletta family, bestow upon you the name of family honor. From this day forward, you may also refer to yourself by the name of Poletta. Are you willing to swear eternal allegiance to the family, unwavering to the end?"

While Ethan spoke, Vilon could feel an overwhelmingly solemn, even divine force surging above his head.

Involuntarily, he lowered his head and planted the golden cane firmly on the floor. Reminiscent of the vassals of the old continent bending the knee to their sovereign while resting upon their greatswords, he devoutly replied, "I am willing."

"Very well."

Ethan nodded.

The very next moment, that power flowed from the palm of his hand into Vilon's body.

Vilon's entire body instantly stiffened as he slipped into an indescribable, wondrous state.

That was precisely the power of the True Name surging forth, evolving his physique.

After a long while, he finally recovered. He felt as though he had grown a dozen years younger; his entire body was once again suffused with strength, and his senses had become exceptionally sharp. Even his severed leg could now smoothly control the prosthetic limb for walking, requiring no additional assistance whatsoever.

"Young master, this is..."

He stared at Ethan in utter astonishment.

"This is the power of the True Name."

Earlier today, when the meeting reached its peak, Ethan had noticed that the "Name of the True God" had grown somewhat stronger, and had additionally derived a new True Name.

So he bestowed it upon Vilon.

Vilon's eyes instantly welled up with hot tears.

Not only because of Ethan's generous bestowal, but also because he had finally become a True Name bearer.

Being unable to become a True Name bearer must have been the eternal sorrow buried deep within his heart.

That was precisely why he had stepped back into the second line all those years ago.

Now, in his old age, he had unexpectedly fulfilled a lifelong wish. The sensation truly felt like returning to his youth.

Rising from the wheelchair, he stood firmly this time, dropping directly onto one knee before Ethan. He grasped Ethan's left hand and kissed the insignia ring upon it.

"Young master, I shall forever remain loyal to the Poletta family, and to you. I will spare nothing to give my all for you."