Dorian gulped down. He did not expect the grand duke to put his sword to his neck. He mumbled rapidly, "My son is around your son's age, and I thought it would benefit both of us if they were to become friends. He will be partaking in this year's entrance exam as well."
Shane's eyes glinted sharply at the person's cunningness. Dorian wanted to build a friendship ahead of the academy. Still, Shane did not trust that. To make friends for his son, Dorian would come here so quickly? Or even bend his head to welcome them? It was unthinkable for a noble to bend towards others; their pride came before everything else, even before their children.
Dorian, seeing the silence, raised his head as Shane recalled his sword. He bowed and forced a smile, knowing the Grand Duchess's power and expecting no less from the Grand Duke himself. He politely added, "He is a troublemaking kid and a bold one; he doesn't have many friends due to his personality. So, I just thought it would benefit him to make one friend before joining the academy. When the friend would be none other than the heir to one of the grand ducal houses."
Shane considered Dorian's explanation as he looked around the dimly lit inn. Except for the faint light of an undamaged mana lamp, the room was dark. The floor was wet from recent events, and traveling further didn't seem right. He was about to refuse Dorian's offer, but Alex nudged his hand, eyes bright with curiosity, prompting Shane to sigh internally.
Shane looked at his son and said, "Son, we can't. We have to hurry to reach Silverine by tonight."
Alex became sad, his face turned down, and his eyes drooped. He wanted to make new friends, but so far, he had only one, Princess Eva.
Shane sighed, looking at his son's face. He shook his head and calmly assured him, "How about this, you can ask his name and maybe become friends in the academy."
Alex smiled and jumped to his feet, but after a second, he gave a fake cough. His sister was laughing out loud at his reaction. He felt embarrassed and looked at Dorian, "May I ask what your son's name is?"
Dorian listened patiently to their conversation. He found it very odd that the grand duke was so subservient to his son's whims but did not dare voice this, lest his head go flying. Still, he rejoiced when Alex asked his son's name. He politely bowed his head toward Alex to meet his gaze and answered, "His name is Blake Halden. He has short red hair and black eyes. He has inherited his mother's features."
Alex repeated Blake Halden in his mind. He said, "Sure, I will remember it and tell him my name is Alex Drakethorne."
Dorian smiled at Alex's words. How could he not have known his name? "Young master, I know your name already. You are quite famous among nobles and even among the general public; your name is known."
Alex was shocked at first. Then he remembered he had healed his mother when he was born, though he does not remember one bit of it. He did not pry too much, as he did not feel like recalling the times when he confronted his parents about his healing powers at age five.
Dorian then glanced at Shane, who was standing there and waiting impatiently. He excused himself and left the inn, not wanting to disturb them any longer.
Once upstairs, Shane led his wife and children to their rooms. Everyone changed clothes except Sera, who only changed her shoes, since no stains had reached her dress, and only the shoes were stained with bile.
By the time they finished changing, the carriage had arrived outside the inn. It had been cleaned, the seat covers and floor mats replaced, and a pleasant fragrance filled the interior.
They set out on their journey towards the Silverine state, where Silverine Academy was located.
Alex looked behind at the inn they had used to change clothes. He recalled the people, their eyes full of disgust and hatred. They had never done anything to them or met them, yet they showed so much malice towards them.
Images of his mother, who was filled with rage, came into his mind. She stood against them and punished them for tarnishing them and for being demonic humans. Demonic humans were the ones who had sold their humanity for power.
Alex clenched his fist as the carriage drove away from the inn. He felt angry at himself for being frightened and not being able to meet his mother's gaze evenly when she was only protecting them. He vowed to punish and never show mercy to bad people.
- - -
They had already left Sheron city behind, and the path to the academy was rough, strewn with rocks and debris, unlike the concrete ones Alex had seen so far. "Why isn't there a proper road from Sheron to the Academy?" Alex asked.
Sera was sitting quietly, feeling despised at the people who had mocked them previously. Even though she punished those three people, many others had looked at them with malice and hatred, which went unpunished; Shane was doing better outwardly, though inside, the matter was entirely different.
Ariana was busy looking at the scenery outside, piqued by her brother's question. She turned towards her brother and adjusted her imaginary glasses, raised her hand, index finger pointed, and replied, "Because of monsters and beasts that live in the forest. They would destroy it, so no one bothers to make it."
Alex laughed at his sister's act. But, he went with her little act and, tilting his head, he asked, "Can't they use magic or soul stones that they get from gates?"
Ariana shook her head and tapped her brother's forehead. "Think, brother," she said. "Why waste soul stones to build a path when they serve a better use elsewhere? As for magic, runes need frequent refills and casting, which takes too much time. People would rather level up and research than upgrade a path that can be used with a few hardships here and there." Ariana ended with a smug smile, proud of her answer.
Alex finally understood it and said, "Oh! I got it, my little teacher, you've imparted me great wisdom, this disciple bows to you." He clasped his hand and bowed slightly.
Ariana turned away to look out the window and pouted. "You always try to make fun of me despite all the help I provide," she said.
The light-hearted exchange filled the carriage with laughter as Shane and Sera, watching their children, burst out laughing. Alex quickly joined in, their worries temporarily forgotten.
Their laughter was abruptly cut short when, without warning, the carriage came to a sudden stop.
Alex leaned out of the carriage window, craning his neck to see what was happening. Figures covered in blood ran toward them, their movements frantic and wild.
- - -
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