I finally arrived.
The front gate was wide open, and the garden was as immaculate as ever... perhaps even more so than usual.
The servants were lined up at the entrance, bowing respectfully as they always did.
But something felt off.
The air lacked the warmth of homecoming.
There was a silence that felt heavier than necessary, one that I didn't quite notice but felt nonetheless.
I stepped out of the carriage slowly and walked into the courtyard.
Each step brought back short memories... of training, of painful and happy moments.
Although I hadn't been away for long, I had truly missed the atmosphere.
But the echo this time seemed hollow.
"Welcome back, Master Daniel."
I nodded in response.
Sylvia jumped off my shoulders and disappeared, while I continued towards the interior.
The large wooden doors swung open before I touched them. I entered.
The long hallway was lit by the afternoon sun, with rays of sunlight filtering through the high windows, casting slanted shadows on the floor.
Then I saw them, my family.
"Brother!"
Sophia, my little sister, rushed towards me as soon as she saw me, jumping into my arms and hugging me tightly.
"How are you, little one? Did you miss your big brother?"
"Yes, I did! I was always waiting for you to come back."
"Really? That makes me happy. You know that?"
I smiled as she clung to me, and I saw my mother standing there, smiling.
I put Sophia aside and said, "Hi, Mom. It's been a long time."
She approached me calmly and suddenly enveloped me in a long hug, saying, "Welcome back, my son."
I couldn't help but hug her back, feeling like a carefree child again.
She looked at me and said, "This outfit suits you really well, Daniel."
After a warm reunion, my mother asked me to go see my father in his office, saying he needed me. I climbed the long staircase, and although the distance wasn't long, it felt like an eternity. I reached the door to his office and knocked.
"Who's there?"
"It's me. I'm back."
"Come in."
Simply like that, the servant opened the door for me before excusing himself to leave. I entered his spacious office, filled with books, manuscripts, and swords. I reached him and bowed:
"It's been a long time."
"Yes, sit down."
Our conversations were always like this. Despite his cold demeanor, he loved his family more than anything. I sat down calmly and said:
"So, what did you call me here for?"
"How was your training?"
"As expected. It was really beneficial."
He looked at me for a long time and said, "Yes, it's apparent on you."
"Let's get to the point. You'll be going to the academy the day after tomorrow."
"What? Why the rush? Isn't the entrance exam next week?"
"It would be beneficial for you to go early, get familiar with the atmosphere and people there. That's better for you."
I knew the atmosphere already, but I couldn't refuse. I sighed slightly and ended up agreeing. As I turned to leave, my father called out to me:
"It's time for dinner. Let's go down together."
As we descended, there was a long silence between us. We reached the dining hall, and the doors swung open. My mother and Sophia were already seated at their places. We sat down too. I looked at the clock and said:
"Aren't we past dinner time already?"
"We were waiting for you. It was Sophia's request."
"Oh, really?"
"By the way, Maria isn't here. Did she go somewhere?"
"She went back to the academy a week ago. Since she's in her third year, she needs to go early and prepare."
I had forgotten. Since she's two years older than me, she had to go before me.
"By the way, Maria is in the S class, right? Is she the top of her class?"
"Actually, Maria is second in her class... And also, it's best not to mention the top spot to her. She's a bit sensitive about it."
"Huh? Maria? My sister is sensitive about that? There's something strange going on."
"Brother, brother! Take me to the town for a walk!"
"Do you want to go out with me, Sophia?"
"Yes, I do!"
"Sophia, your brother is tired. His trip was long. He needs rest."
Sophia pouted slightly but listened to her mother. I smiled slightly and said:
"Why don't we go in the evening? The atmosphere will be nice too."
She smiled brightly and nodded enthusiastically. My mother looked at me, as if asking if I was sure. I nodded in agreement.
"Don't be late, and come back early. I want to teach you something."
Huh? My father teaching me? Is this a reward or what? Learning from the emperor right now would be a great gain. I nodded in agreement and excused myself.
I went out for a stroll and then climbed up to the roof, my favorite spot. I sat down calmly, and time passed.
The evening arrived quickly.
"Brother, let's go! I'm ready!"
She called out to me from below. I smiled slightly and jumped off the palace roof. The distance was about 50 meters at least. My mother, who was standing next to Sophia, gasped and widened her eyes.
"Daniel?!"
I was descending rapidly, but just as I was about to hit the ground, I reduced my speed using gravity magic. I landed smoothly, and my mother's expression quickly returned to normal.
"Shall we go now?"
Sophia nodded happily, and we left. My mother asked me to take some guards, but I refused. I didn't want to draw unnecessary attention, and besides, we were wearing casual clothes... sort of. Sophia was in a pink dress and a pink decorated hat, and I was in a nice black shirt. Yeah, we didn't exactly blend in.
We reached the town and strolled around. I bought Sophia some candy and everything she wanted.
"Brother, look! There's a festival! Can we go?"
"Of course, we can."
We headed towards the festival. There was a juggler doing some tricks, and kids were gathered around him. I let Sophia play with them and watched her from afar.
I sensed them, but I didn't pay much attention... but they didn't want to settle for just that.
I slipped away quietly and headed towards a small alley. And suddenly, I heard:
"Hey kid, your clothes look fancy! Your family must be rich, huh?"
There were people following us.
"..."
There were three of them, with shabby appearances. They looked like thieves.
"If you don't want something to happen to that little girl, give me all you've got."
As soon as he finished speaking, I unleashed my killing intent and pressed out with my strength. One of them vomited, and another passed out.
I approached the one who spoke and said:
"Listen, you scum. If you come near my sister again or speak to her like that one more time, I'll rip your guts out, you pervert."
Immediately after that, I called for the guards. As soon as they saw my face, they recognized me and were about to bow, but I said:
"There are three annoying rats over there. Make sure they don't see the light of day again."
I paused slightly and added:
"And make sure to check if they have family or children and help them."
The guards nodded and carried out my orders. I took Sophia with me since she seemed a bit tired, and we headed back home.
Now, let's see how things will go with my father.
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clarification:
Elena and Sophia is the same girl, daniel's lil sister