Then, the chortle rose into a chuckle for a few seconds before exploding into hysterical laughter. Vastor laughed so hard that huge tears rolled down his cheeks as he gasped for air.
The old Professor needed Filia's and Frey's help to keep standing and not roll on the floor in hilarity.
The younger Vastors were as worried as the older Vastors were stunned by their father's reaction.
"Gods, I haven't laughed so much in years." Vastor half-snorted and half-talked as he tried to catch his breath. "Thank you, kids. I needed this."
"This is no laughing matter!" Quifar flushed, and his voice quivered.
"It sure is!" Vastor didn't raise his voice, but it had become as sharp as a blade. "You dare come here to argue about your inheritance while I'm still alive. To take what's rightfully mine and do with it as you please.
"Expressing your past grievances was nothing but a ruse to put your beggar foot in my door and hope that guilt forced it open for you. Well, you were wrong."
