Chapter 17

Chapter 17

“It’s obviously out of the question,” Sirone declared firmly. “I am my father’s son. I would never become someone else’s adopted son.”

“But Sirone...” Vincent muttered.

He was deeply moved by his unwavering conviction. Sirone had spoken without a hint of hesitation, and his voice even carried a tone of annoyance. The members of House Ojent looked on in confusion.

With a cold demeanor, Klump asked, “Are you certain about this, Sirone? This is an opportunity to become a noble. Such fortune doesn’t come to just anyone.”

Sirone’s resolve was unyielding. “If it means becoming someone else’s son, I’d prefer to remain a commoner.”

“Commoners can’t attend magic schools,” Klump stated.

“Then I won’t attend one.”

“If you don’t attend, you can’t become a mage.”

“Then I won’t become one.”

“Sirone!” he bellowed. Klump had erupted in frustration, rising abruptly from his seat, exasperated by the boy’s immutable determination.

Sirone was generally astute, but he was being unusually stubborn about such a clear decision.

“Is it because of guilt? The world isn’t always kind. Sacrifices are sometimes necessary for success. Or could it be that your dreams aren’t that significant?”

Facing Klump’s daunting gaze was intimidating, but Sirone stayed calm. “Maybe they aren’t.”

“What?”

“My dream, grand as it may be, is something I inherited from my parents. They are the roots that nurtured the fruit I’ve become, making my dream possible. My opportunity to join the Ojent family to serve as a butler and even learning how to read... All of it was rooted in the foundation my parents laid for me. The opportunity I have now seems insignificant compared to the countless opportunities they’ve provided for me. To deny those roots and draw from another source is like asking me to wither away.”

The room fell silent. It wasn’t just Sirone’s words that quieted them but the profound depth behind them.

Klump’s eyes wavered. The boy wasn’t talking out of guilt. He had grasped the fundamental concept of cause and effect. While he might miss this opportunity, other chances will arise. However, if the boy rejected all he had achieved, he stood to lose everything.

A revelation dawned on Klump. Perhaps I’ve had it all wrong. Even without anyone’s guidance, might this child naturally become a mage? It seems that Lian might be the fortunate one here. Perhaps, even the honor of House Ojent is just a fleeting opportunity for this child. No one can truly hold him back. Only if he chooses to be restrained will he be held.

As the silence stretched on, Sirone finally smiled. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it. The only parents I recognize are right here with me.”

Vincent’s fist tightened. Ashamed of letting such a trivial document upset him, especially considering the high regard in which his son held him, he wished he could disappear under a chair. Despite doing so little for Sirone, he had allowed such a minor issue to affect him deeply.

“Please adopt Sirone as a son of House Ojent,” Vincent requested.

“Father,” Sirone whispered.

Vincent bowed deeply. “I beg you! Please accept him!”

Nobody considered Sirone’s parents to be unfit. After all, they had their own families to look after. However, Vincent’s pleas wouldn’t change the situation.

“I understand your sentiment,” Klump responded. “But I can’t ignore Sirone’s wishes.”

“Sirone isn’t actually my biological son.”

“Vincent!” Olina gasped, shocked by his abrupt confession.

His revelation stunned everyone, Sirone most of all. His true parentage wasn’t a total secret. Anyone might’ve guessed it based on the clear physical differences between Sirone and his parents. However, this situation went far beyond a mere paperwork issue. Vincent was genuinely prepared to sacrifice everything for his child.

“My wife and I couldn’t have children. We were blessed with Sirone through a fateful encounter when he was just a baby. Surely, from the time you’ve spent with him, you must have noticed that Sirone is obviously of noble descent. He’s more than I could have ever hoped for. For him to become an adopted member of the nobility would simply be returning him to his rightful place, not a denial of his roots.”

The onlookers pondered his words, recognizing the logic in his argument.

But just as they seemed to be warming to the idea, Sirone, his face etched with pain, cried out, “Dad!”

“S-Sirone...”

“How can you say something like this without talking to me first? You’ve never spoken of this before!”

“I’m sorry. I just thought... Now that you’re older...”

“Do you know why I never asked? Because everyone has only one father and one mother. How many parents are you expecting me to have? Because of your choices, I could end up with six!”

Vincent looked stunned. Considering the two prospective adoptive parents, themselves, and the two who had abandoned Sirone, the total indeed amounted to six. Reflecting on it, Vincent was horrified by the emotional burden he might be placing on his son.

“I feared you might abandon your dream because of me...”

“Who said I was giving up?” Sirone questioned. “If I work hard, opportunities will come my way! Can you imagine how it feels to be abandoned not once but twice by my parents?”

The moment Vincent saw tears shimmering in Sirone’s eyes, he realized his mistake. He embraced his son tightly. Sirone was intelligent and sensitive, yet still only sixteen. “I’m sorry, my son! What was I thinking? I promise I’ll never let anyone take you away from me. I’ll support you in achieving all your dreams!”

“Dad...”

Vincent’s hug became Sirone’s sanctuary, and the boy finally let his tears flow freely. He had been holding back so much pain, trying to remain strong and understanding.

Witnessing this emotional scene, the members of the Ojent family were visibly moved. Bishop, in particular, felt a pang in his heart. After all, he had also faced the challenge of raising four children by himself after the loss of his wife.

Bishop spoke quietly to Klump, “You may need to pull some strings, Father.”

“You’re asking a lot of an old man like me. What strings can I pull? Even the shrewdest scholar houses can’t persuade Alpheas.”

Klump let out a groan, but his expression hinted at a semblance of confidence. There was a glint of optimism in his eyes, suggesting he might have a card up his sleeve.

“Given my position as the master of this house, I must ask you to attempt the special admission route. From my understanding, there’s an old score yet to be settled between you two, isn’t there?”

Klump smirked, “He owes me more than I can count. However, he’s a man who won’t easily stray from his convictions.”

“Is it completely impossible?”

“Well...” Klump mused. “Sometimes a direct approach is the best way to handle those who steadfastly hold onto their principles.”

Bishop gave him a subtle smile. He remembered being pushed into the role of the master of the house through a similarly bold tactic by Klump.

***

Until Lian departed for the school of swordsmanship, Sirone remained with the Ojent family. He intended to try for special admission, but even with success, he wouldn’t begin his schooling until the start of the next year. That left him with six more months to be with his family.

A few days later, a lavish carriage awaited at the main gate, serving as House Ojent’s transport to the palace. Lye had already taken his seat inside, and Klump was set to join midway after his rendezvous with Alpheas. Lian, overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of leaving Sirone, teared up and wept openly at the front of the carriage.

In institutions like the School of Magic or the School of Swordsmanship, graduation wasn’t time-bound. If students failed their exams, they could be in school for several more years. This made their parting all the more poignant, as there was no telling when they’d reunite.

With emotion thick in the air, Lian firmly gripped Sirone’s shoulders. “You better become a mage! I promise to write to you!”

“Don’t worry,” Sirone replied. “We’ll see each other again. And you can always visit. So, no more tears.”

“I know you’ll graduate! I believe in you!” Lian exclaimed.

Leina playfully hit her younger brother on the head. “Focus on your own graduation first! You’re the one we’re most concerned about.”

Lian pouted. “I’m going to work hard too! I’ll become the mightiest knight and be Sirone’s protector! His sword!”

Sirone looked at him, full of conviction. He had no doubt that Lian would excel. While Lian might not have the innate talent Lye did, he had many virtues that Lye lacked.

Leina gave Sirone a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about him. Enjoy your time with your family. I’m confident Grandpa will secure your place at the magic school. He’s a man of his word.”

“I appreciate it, and thank you for your help,” Sirone responded genuinely.

It wasn’t just because of his friendship with Lian. Leina had played a pivotal role in making everything possible. Studying him closely, her thoughts wandered. Sirone was certainly special. Once, she had merely seen him as a kid, almost like a younger sibling four years her junior. But recent events had altered that view. Although he was still growing up, the depth of his character was unmistakably worthy of respect. Above all, she was well aware of his fondness for her, and it held a certain significance.

“Sirone, have you ever thought about...” She trailed off without finishing her sentence when she realized the silliness of her impending words.

Leina let out a soft laugh. He was merely sixteen on the brink of a vast world ahead. Joining the magic school would expose him to endless possibilities, experiences, and even relationships that could shape his preferences and choices.

Brushing the thought aside, she said, “Forget it. Let’s focus on our respective paths. You have the makings of an exceptional mage.”

“Thank you. Please watch over Lian.”

She gave him a playful smirk. “With the Knight’s Oath binding him, I doubt he’ll need me to nag him. But I’ll keep an eye out.” Leina gave one last look to Sirone and then boarded the carriage, waving.

As the carriage’s four horses started moving, Lian opened the window and shouted, “Sirone! You’re the best! Crush everything in your path once you enter the magic school!”

“You too!” he replied, energetically waving back. “You better graduate!”

After serving for a year and a half, Sirone’s days as a butler concluded. He exhaled deeply. As his tenure ended, he was filled with a bittersweet nostalgia, similar to leaving one’s home. The Ojent Path was initially intimidating upon his arrival, but now represented a time of treasured experience.

“Master Sirone, it’s time to depart. I will accompany you home,” a butler said.

Glancing at the waiting carriage, the weight of the moment settled on him. He was finally returning home. Sirone bowed to the House Ojent estate.

“Thank you for everything.”

***

It was noon at the Alpheas School of Magic, which was the busiest time of day for classes.

Two elderly men sat opposite each other in the headmaster’s office, sipping tea. One had a robust frame and vibrant blue hair, while the other looked out the window with a gentle smile. They were Alpheas Mirhy and Klump Ojent. The two had been friends for over fifty years. Their conversation had halted thirty minutes ago. To be precise, Klump was awaiting Alpheas’ response. However long it took, he was willing to wait for his answer and remained silent.

“I can’t grant such a request, even if it’s coming from you,” Alpheas finally stated.

Given that it took just over half an hour for a response, it was a surprisingly brief statement. Still, Klump chuckled. It seemed like he had been deliberating on a difficult decision, but in reality, he hadn’t been thinking at all. After all, the Alpheas he knew had always been quite the prankster.

“Even if it’s me? Do you remember how much I suffered because of you in our youth?”

Alpheas laughed heartily. “You must be desperate if you’re dredging up the past. Special admissions weren’t created to indulge the whims of nobles. There are standards for these admissions, despite the numerous requests we get every year.”

“That’s an interesting way to put it,” Klump laughed as he continued. “Whims of nobles, you say? But this instance might be different.”

A hint of unease appeared in Alpheas’ eyes when a mischievous glint was evident in Klump’s sincere gaze, making it clear this was no ordinary request.

“What could this possibly be about?”

“I’m not asking you to enroll some troublemaker. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. My youngest grandson’s friend is immensely talented. He reminds me of you when we were lads.”

Alpheas’ face took on a distant, nostalgic expression as he reflected on times long past. Time had indeed flown by.

“Your youngest grandson? Do you mean the impulsive Lian? He does resemble you from back in the day.”

Klump chuckled, “He didn’t show much promise, so I sent him off to the swordsmanship school and told him to fend for himself. I’m here to talk about Lian’s friend.”

“If he’s so talented, couldn’t he enroll just like any other student? The fact that you’ve come all this way makes me think there must be a problem.”

“There indeed is a significant problem. He’s not of noble birth.”

Alpheas’ brow furrowed. It wasn’t because the boy Klump mentioned wasn’t a noble. A brief yet vivid memory from four years ago flashed across his mind.

“You’re not referring to a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, are you?”