On his fifth birthday,
"Happy birthday, Ash!" Eleanor said as she hugged him in her arms.
Ash smiled as he sat down on his part of the table, "Thanks, mother."
"I'm sure you know what this means, right?" Leon asked as he looked at him.
"Yes, the academy!" That was right. At the age of five, all children could enter an academy. Why so young? Again, there were 10 grades, and they all took a year to finish, which was why the entrance age requirement to the academy was 15 years old.
"That's correct. There are a few academies in the Elven Kingdom. The Elwing Academy is the one shared between the Rothton Duchy, Lawkett Viscounty, and us, the Alder Baronny. I also went there when I was young."
Ash tilted his head, "I'm going there then?"
"That's right. The entrance exam is still a month away, just get ready first."
"Alright!" He said before they all continued eating. 'The academy is probably going to be fun.'
A month later,
"Be careful, Ash." Eleanor was worried about her son, who would be away for a long time.
"Make sure to come back when you have time," Leon said as he patted his head.
"Yes!" Ash felt excited. Although the academy was a school, it didn't teach boring subjects like maths, physics, etc, it taught combat skills, and it was obviously going to be fun. He also wasn't one that doesn't like studying; if he had to study, he would, without procrastinating.
"Lucas will protect you on the road," Eleanor added.
'Lucas? Wait… I heard that name before.' When he first came to this world, he was escorted by Lucas. 'Ah! My birth mother's subordinate!' He remembered at last. "Alright."
After saying his goodbyes, he left in the carriage that was prepared for him. Eve also left with him as his attendant, as all the students were allowed to bring one.
In the carriage, Ash and Lucas were alone together, while Eve rode a horse outside with the other guards.
"Uncle Lucas," Ash greeted, his voice calm but deliberate.
Lucas gave a small bow. "Just Lucas is fine, Young Master."
He was a knight who had joined the barony five years ago, only a few months after Ash was born.
Ash's gaze lingered on him. "How is my mother?"
Lucas paused, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "Didn't you just see Lady Eleanor?"
Ash shook his head slightly. "I meant my real mother."
For a brief moment, Lucas's composure cracked.
"…Who told you that?"
Ash tilted his head, a faint smile forming. "What if I said no one?"
"That's impossible," Lucas replied sharply. "You were just a baby back then."
The smile on Ash's lips deepened, but his eyes remained cold. "I expected you to be calmer, Lucas."
A heavy silence fell between them.
Lucas exhaled slowly, forcing himself to regain control. "…Evelyn is safe."
'Calling her by name…' Ash noted inwardly. 'Their relationship isn't like what I thought.'
"And I suppose," Ash continued, his tone turning casual, "she sent you here to protect me?"
Lucas straightened. "That is correct."
"Then-"
"Young master, let's take a rest!" Eve looked through the window, her eyes pleading. It was very hot outside, and riding a horse was very hard for a girl her age.
Ash glanced at her and smiled faintly. "Already tired?" he teased. "It's only been an hour since we left though."
He leaned back slightly. "If we stop now, we might be late for the exam, you know."
"Young master, a rest would be fine. There is still a week." Lucas informed. He had pity on the young girl.
Ash gave him a short, cold stare, but then smiled before anyone could notice, "Is that so? Then I guess we should rest, then we'll continue when the sun is not so hot anymore."
They then stopped at a nearby restaurant,
"Let's eat as well then," He added as they entered.
"Welcome!" A receptionist welcomed them as soon as they entered.
The restaurant wasn't very crowded, but it wasn't empty either. There were a few families eating around. The air was also cold; perhaps wind magic was being cast.
"Two tables, please. One for five and one for two." Lucas asked the receptionist who, led him to the tables.
After their order arrived,
"Why only us two? Eve could join us as well." Ash's tone was childish, but Lucas knew more than to trust it.
"I have something to ask you," Lucas said as he ate.
Ash raised his brow, "Go ahead."
"How did you know? Really." If no one had told him, then how did he actually know?
Ash laughed lightly, "You actually trust my words?" He was slightly amused. When he said no one had told him, he expected Lucas to disregard it.
"…"
"Alright. I'll tell you one thing, though," He put his spoon down for a while, "How I know is none of your business."
"…Yes."
After they took a rest for about an hour, they finally continued on their way.