I didn't think this table could get more hostile

Norma went stiff after a second to understand what I said. Millana dropped her silverware, and Kyle choked on the food that he was scarfing down. Nathaniel said nothing, a dark expression covering his face.

Oliver gave a large sigh as he took off his helmet. He paused for a moment after taking it off, staring at it contemplatively. He placed it down on the table, resting his left arm upon it. He looked to Norman, who gave nod, permitting this.

Nathaniel slowly turned his head to look at Oliver's arm. He was shaking in what seemed to be a complicated mixture of fear, rage, and disbelief. He slowly looked from his arm to his face, finding Oliver looking down upon him.

I cleared my throat, "I understand there are some tensions between you. However, I do believe for the moment we should simply enjoy our meals."

Norma was quick to agree, "Y-yes, of course." Oliver nodded himself as well.

Dinner continued in silence. Nathaniel didn't eat, muttering to himself. Norma was visibly nervous, sweating as she did her best to draw out her eating. Millana kept glancing to me, her expression shifting every time. Kyle seemed to have his confidence shattered, becoming silent and moving as quietly as possible.

Oliver quietly got himself some food and we continued eating. Norman seemed to have something he was going over on his mind, but I did not wish to pry, especially with the atmosphere I had created.

After we had been eating for awhile, Norman did end up speaking, "So, you said you had business you wanted to discuss, Mathew?" He placed down his silverware, having been quick to finish his meal. He looked at me with an expecting expression.

I gave a kind smile, "Yes! As you know, I am a follower of Moged-Ruun, the god of Growth." He gave a nod. "I wish to be allowed to construct a church for my faith, in exchange, I shall offer my services to the lands."

Nathaniel took his opportunity to interject again, "Oh so what, now we all have to bow down and worship this crazed man's god?"

Norman gave him a glare, but I spoke up while shaking my head, "No, not at all. I simply wish to be able to build my own church, I will not make any demands for attendance." This did not seem to solve his problems, as he still had a hostile demeanor. "May I remind you that worship of the light gods is made mandatory for many, so simply asking for permission to have a place of worship for my own is not a great request."

Norma interrupted, "That may be the problem though. If we provide you with a church, the church of light may believe we are denouncing them, and become hostile." She did put up a good point, but I could feel her motivation was more to prevent my establishment than to prevent hostility.

I was going to speak up when Millana mumbled something. Norman addressed her, "If you have something to say, make yourself heard. This family does not have time to take turns hearing everyone individually."

Millana looked towards me with a determined expression as she spoke up, "Has he not proved his faith to be more reliable than the light?" Everyone but me, Oliver, and Norman recoiled.

Nathaniel shouted at her with a fuming expression, "How dare you! How could you say such a thing just because he defeated Lana in some petty duel!"

Millana turned to him, her determination still evident. "That was not what I spoke of. He saved me from those bandits, I hear he helped a farmer with a miracle harvest, and clearly he has surpassed the curse of a Black Wraith's blade." She gestured to Oliver without breaking her eye contact with Nathaniel. "I have not heard of the light doing any of those things for our people." Her voice had a venom to it, and I couldn't help but smirk after hearing her speech. 'So, she decided huh? She's going all in and throwing her lot with me.'

Nathaniel recoiled in response, seemingly scrambling for any example he could come up with, yet finding none. Norma was stunned, staring at her sister in slack jawed horror. Kyle seemed somewhat satisfied for a reason I couldn't place. And of course, the guests had their own variety of subtle reactions.

Norman considered his daughter's words. "I must say, you do make a valid point. The light has done little to assist us, and the benefit of this church could outweigh the price of their hostilities." He raised a finger, "However, I must be certain of this before I can make the decision."

I put on my most positive-leaning neutral expression before responding, "You have a test in mind?"

He nodded, "Indeed. The light has been unable to perform a vital task. If you prove your worth and accomplish it, I shall approve, and even supply, your church."

I had a wicked grin underneath my face. "And what, pray tell, would that task be?"