The dining hall settled into the quiet rhythm of a noble family's meal. Silverware clinked against porcelain, napkins were dabbed at lips, and conversations were kept low and polite. Garius cut his meat with precise, deliberate strokes, while Francesca sipped her wine with measured elegance.
While Javier focused on his meal, Garius's sharp tone sent a chill down his spine. He froze mid-bite, then looked up with a carefully composed expression.
"Javier."
"Y-yes, esteemed Father?"
"After you have finished your meal, I require your presence in my study. There are matters we need to discuss."
"Yes... esteemed Father."
He continued eating, but inside his mind was racing.
Crap. He's definitely going to ask about the gravity spell I used. What excuse can I make? Can't say I accidentally activated it, or he'll know I've mastered advanced magic. Damn.
He stole a glance at his father, who was calmly cutting into his steak.
I have to think of an excuse. I don't want them to know I've mastered all magic and advanced skills. That would ruin everything.
Behind him, Liana leaned in, wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin. Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper. "Here comes the trouble~"
Javier shot her a glare, whispering back through clenched teeth. "Ugh! Liana!"
"You brought this on yourself~ Next time, think before you act, young master~"
Javier shot her a side glare before continuing his meal, his mind racing to find an excuse.
What excuse should I use? Think, Javier! Think!
Then an idea struck him. A sly smirk threatened to break across his face, before he force himself to calm down.
Well… there is a way to ensure this works…
After the dinner, Garius, who had already finished his meal, stood up with Francesca and began walking toward the door. He paused and glanced back at Javier.
"After you have finished, come to my private study. Do not dally."
"Yes, esteemed father." Javier nodded.
He watched as his father and mother left the dining room, followed by his siblings, half-siblings, and stepmothers. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, accompanied by a hidden smirk.
Liana, standing behind him, noticed the shift.
Hmm? What's with that smile?
She tilted her head, observing Javier's cheeky expression as he pretended to calmly finish his meal.
I'm sure he's definitely planning something…
Sigh… Looks like he's going to cause more trouble.
After a while…
Liana stood at a distance, both hands clasped in front of her maid dress, watching Javier stand calmly in front of Garius's desk.
Garius leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, his usual stern and serious face fixed on Javier.
"Now..." Garius leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Javier's. "Explain this to me. How is it that you were able to wield such advanced magic at the noble gathering? The spells you demonstrated are of a caliber that requires significant preparation. Even royal mages require time and incantations to perform such feats."
Javier forced himself to stay calm.
Gih! Why does Father have to use that noble way of speaking? It's exhausting. Can't he just talk normally? Damn.
Whatever.
He took out a worn book from his coat and showed it to Garius.
"I... I learned from this, esteemed Father."
Garius tilted his head, eyeing the book. "Hmm? A beginner's guide to mana control?"
"Y-yes, esteemed Father."
Garius exhaled before leaning back in his chair. "Javier... This book is for children learning to stabilize their mana. That does not explain the magic you were using before."
Javier let out a sheepish smile, averting his eyes before taking out a small grey crystal from his pocket.
Garius stared at the crystal, letting out a long sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose.
"So, you're telling me that you've been using a gravity crystal?" He let out a long, weary exhale before continuing. "Javier... That gravity crystal is a training tool for commoners, not for noble mages. I believe you know that this item has strict limitations. Three uses at most, and it can be easily countered by a simple dispel spell."
Javier scratched his head, glancing to the side, avoiding Garius's eyes while showing his best sheepish smile.
Garius shook his head. "You have the potential to be a talented mage, yet you resort to gimmicks like this?" He fixed Javier with a sharp glare. "Speaking of which… what is the story with those two Pekkos?"
Javier straightened, clearing his throat. "Err… my pets?"
Lord Garius groaned. "Do you understand the responsibility? They require resources and are hardly practical compared to horses. You have spent money on them instead of focusing on your future."
Javier rubbed the back of his head nervously. "But... Pekkos are more fun. They're faster than horses, and they have personality. You can ride them, play with them, and they're loyal. They're not just pets, they're companions."
Garius exhaled before leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Javier.
"Your actions are reckless. You have talent, Javier. Stop wasting it on trivial things like Pekkos and gravity crystals. Your mother has also informed me that you have been sneaking out without permission, causing trouble for Liana and the household staff."
Garius stood and clasped both hands behind his back. "You are grounded until further notice. And those Pekkos, keep them far from the main manor. Do you understand?"
"Yes, esteemed Father." Javier gave a polite nod.
"Mm. Now you may go."
"I will take my leave, esteemed Father."
Garius nodded with his usual stern and serious face before glancing at Liana.
"Liana?"
"Y-yes, my lord?"
"Ensure your young master does not sneak out again. Inform me or his mother if he attempts to leave without permission."
"As you command, my lord."
Liana followed Javier out of the room, closing the door softly behind them.
After the door closed.
Garius stood with both hands behind his back, his eyes gleaming softly before a faint, knowing smile crossed his lips.
He glanced at Francesca, who sat not too far away, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a silent, knowing look.
While in the hallway.
Javier walked with his chest puffed out, a smug, happy bounce in his step.
Liana followed, letting out a weary exhale with a faint smile. "Your excuses are getting more creative, young master."
Javier grinned. "Well, it worked, didn't it? Now I have permission to keep my Pekkos, our Pekkos. Now I can spend more time with them. I'm the first noble kid with the best big Pekkos as official mounts!"
Liana shook her head and smiled.
This young master of mine… his antics give me more headaches, but they also make life with him far from boring.
( End Of Chapter )