Gracia gently stroked her son's hair, her expression a mixture of love and concern. "Leon," she began softly, "about the test… about your affinity for dark magic. How are you feeling?"
Leon looked at her, his eyes calm and clear. "I'm fine with it."
His indifference was a stark contrast to the hysterical breakdown he'd had yesterday. Gracia was taken aback for a moment, then a warm smile touched her lips. She squeezed his hand.
"Good," she said, her voice firm with conviction. "Many people fear what they don't understand. They say dark magic is evil, but magic is just a tool. It all depends on the heart of the person who wields it. No matter what, you will always be my son, and I will always be proud of you."
A knock on the door interrupted the tender moment. A young servant boy poked his head in, bowing nervously. "Begging your pardon, Lady Gracia, Master Leon. Lord Valerius has summoned you to the main hall."
When they arrived, the atmosphere in the grand hall was thick with tension. Lord Therion sat at the head of a long, ornate table, his face like a thundercloud. On his right sat his eldest son, Marcus, and his wife, Isolde, both looking smug. Their son, Damian, stood beside them, a smirk playing on his lips.
On the other side, Leon's father, Godric, stood alone, his face flushed with anger.
"Father, you cannot be serious!" Godric pleaded, his voice strained. "Those resources were set aside for Leon since his birth! The Minor Spirit Stones, the Mana-Sensing Vial… they are his! They are supposed to prepare him for the academy."
Lord Therion slammed his hand on the table, making everyone flinch. "And what use are they to him now? Who cares about the dark arts anyways? i will not allow someone to bring shame upon the Valerius name. Damian has proven his talent. He will put the resources to good use at the academy. It is decided!"
Isolde let out a derisive snort. "Honestly, brother-in-law, you should be grateful. We are simply reallocating assets for the good of the family. It's not our fault your son is a dud."
"A dark mage is worse than a dud," Marcus added, looking at Leon with disdain. "He is a liability."
The mocking words, which would have shattered the old Leon, meant nothing to the current one. He felt a strange detachment, as if watching a play unfold.
Lord Therion's gaze fell upon him, his eyes cold and hard. "Leon. Your father fights for a lost cause. You understand, don't you? You will acquiesce and give your resources to your cousin for the betterment of this family." It was a command, not a question.
All eyes turned to Leon, expecting tears, pleading, or a desperate outburst. His father looked at him with panicked eyes, silently begging him to protest.
To everyone's astonishment, Leon simply gave a slight nod.
"I agree," he said, his voice completely level. "Damian can have them."
The hall fell into a stunned silence. Damian looked confused, his victory suddenly feeling hollow. Marcus and Isolde exchanged bewildered glances.
Godric stared at his son, his face a mask of disbelief and betrayal. As the family head dismissed them, Godric rushed to Leon's side, grabbing his arm.
"Leon, what are you doing?" he whispered desperately. "Why would you just give up? We can still fight this!"
Leon gently looked at his father with a respectful expression. "Father, it's alright," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. He then turned back to his grandfather, who was watching with a curious expression.
"Grandfather," Leon said politely. "Since I am giving up my inheritance for the good of the family, it is only fair that I receive some compensation in return, is it not?"
Therion frowned, his brow furrowing. "Compensation? You are not wrong, however, times are tough, Leon. The businesses have not been doing well."
Leon shook his head. "I know, grandfather. I don't ask for much. There are two Minor Spirit Stones and one Mana-Sensing Vial. Let's just say 100 silver coins for each item. 300 silver coins in total. That should be fair."
Another wave of shock rippled through the room. Godric's jaw dropped. The two Minor Spirit Stones alone were worth at least 100 silver coins each, but the Mana-Sensing Vial was a rare medicinal tonic worth 500 silver coins on its own. Leon was essentially giving away 700 coins worth of resources for less than half their value.
A broad smile broke across Lord Therion's stern face. "Done!" he boomed, pulling a small pouch from his belt and tossing it to Leon. "I like straightforward children! The deal is done!"
Isolde and Marcus erupted in soft, mocking laughter. "What a sucker," Isolde whispered, not bothering to hide her contempt.
Emboldened by his parents, Damian stepped forward, snatching the resources from the table. "I suppose that's the most you can hope for," he sneered at Leon. "What else can you expect from a dumb kid born to dumb, talentless parents?"
Godric and Gracia gasped, their faces pale with fury and hurt.
"Damian!" Godric roared.
Before he could continue, Leon held up a hand, stopping him. He looked at Damian, a cold, flat look in his eyes. "Watch your mouth, cousin. You might trip over your own tongue one day."
"Are you threatening me?" Damian laughed. "You, a useless dark mage?"
'System, analyze him,' Leon thought. A translucent screen appeared before him.
Ding!
Name: Damian Valerius
Profession: Mage (Light)
Rank: Novice
A soft laughter passed Leon's mind. So weak yet so disrespectful? Where was his confidence coming from?
Just as he was about to teach his cousin a lesson in respect, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. He glanced down to see his mother, Gracia, looking at him with wide, pleading eyes, silently begging him to let it go.
Leon's posture relaxed. He let out a quiet breath, reigning in his impulse. Causing a scene here was pointless.
He turned away from Damian's smug face and looked at his parents. "Let's go."
Silently, Leon walked out of the hall with his family, the disrespect duly noted and filed away. There would be a time for repayment later.