Chapter Twenty-Five: Home Sweet Home [Part-2]
That night, the Kei family celebrated Art's achievements and his return. Art also mentioned him wanting to join the academy. His family agreed and will pay his academy fees as well. Still, Art didn't tell them about his meeting with Instructor Linnea and the recommendation thing.
Three days passed,
Art went down the stairs to the living room. Eli came running, hugged him, and wishes,
"Happy birthday, brother."
Elena and Levine also wish him.
{Art was born on 5th August and today is also 5th August.}
'Thanks for the wishes, Eli, Mom, and Dad.'
After having their breakfast, they went out shopping.
'Mom, what all things are we buying today?'
Mom looked at me,
"Let's see, since it's your birthday, I will ask you what you all want."
'Then I don't want anythi- '
Art suddenly realizes that he is still a 15 years child for them.
In this 15-year-old body, my mind is a 23-year-old, but I am still a 15-year-old both physically and mentally for my family and others. No matter what or how much maturity I show, I will just make them feel weird.
{when Art said he feels weird, he meant Art doesn't want his parents to feel distant because of it.}
'Actually, I want to buy some clothes and a few more things. So, is that okay?'
Elena gently smiled at Art when he said that and replied,
"Sure, dear, so where to go first?"
Art, Elena, and Eli first entered the clothing store and bought clothes for Art and Eli. Later, they went to a book store, where Art wanted to buy some books regarding magics and weapons. After leaving the book store, they bought meat, drinks, and many food items to celebrate Art's birthday tonight.
After the shopping, they went back home, and it was already noon. After having their lunch, Art decided to go out for a while in the evening. Meanwhile, when Art was out, his family was busy preparing for today's celebration.
Hours later,
Art returned, opened the door
Tak Tak Tak
{voice of small crackers, which are not harmful and they do not cause any pollution.}
That took Art by surprise,
Elena ~ Happy birthday dear.
Levine ~ Happy birthday son.
Eli ~ Happy birthday, brother.
Said at the same time.
Art once again thanked them for wishing and proceeded to cut the cake with his family and had fun.
Hours later, after the party. Elena was making Eli sleep. Meanwhile, Art and his Dad were together.
'Dad, I want to talk to you.'
"Go ahead, Art."
'Umm… can we talk outside? I mean, for now, I just want to ask you this privately.'
Levine smiles and agrees with him and goes outside.
Levine looks at Art, and Art understands the sign that now he can ask him.
'Dad, I actually met with instructor Linnea on the last day of my camp. And not just that, Kane also knows you, and Ms. Enya also told me that she is your sibling.'
Brief moment pauses and Levine replies,
"I see. Enya revealed it, and meeting with instructor Linnea means she now knows that I am your father, and regarding Kane… just leave him be."
My Dad ignored Kane!!!!
Levine sighs
"Art, it's not like I don't want you to know about my past. In fact, if possible, I want you to know my past, but I cannot tell you anything as of now. If I tell you everything now, you might get into trouble, and I don't want my children to face any trouble."
'Trouble?'
"You might not know this since you haven't been in that environment yet, but no kingdom is perfect. Corruption, politics, and many things will make you suffer. Nobles are not noble, and innocents are not innocent. And if you mistakenly fall into that environment, you need to be strong enough to make everyone fall on their knees out of fear. So, Art gets stronger, and you will know everything, including my past."
'I understand, so all I need to do is get stronger, right?'
Art confidently smiles.
"Haha, and yes, Enya is my sibling."
'By the way, Instructor Linnea will be recommending me for the academy, so all I need to do is pass the test.'
"Woah! You even impressed instructor Linnea, my god! But then you are on the right path."
'Thanks, Dad. I got the answers that I always wanted to know. Then I will head back.'
Art turns around and starts walking, but Levine calls his name out.
"Art!"
Art turns around and looks at him.
"Since we are already having a father-son conversation, then I want to talk to you as well."
'Sure, Dad."
"But how shall we talk about this? I don't know."
Levine thinks hard about how to talk or start the conversation Levine wants to have with Art.
"Alright…. See Art, we know that you have changed, and we are happy that you changed. But your mom, including yourself and I, know that you are not the one now who you used to be in the past. The way you talk, the way you currently think and everything changed, more like you upgraded yourself (laughs slightly) and we are grateful for that though we don't what happened to you. And it's fine if you don't want us to know, but we all are happy for how you are now."
A gust of wind flows onto Art
Swoosh
"Art, you are still a child for us, we still worry about you and care for you right from the day you were born, and we held you in our arms. So, when you first asked us if you could become an Adventurer, we were happy, but at the same time, we were worried about it. The day when you got teleported into the dimensional dungeon, your mom had a slight fever, and even Eli was concerned about you. We will still take your side, always have your back, and will always support you till the end no matter what happens. So, Art, don't ever make your loved ones worried about you and always take care of yourself."
After hearing what my dad said, I started having flashbacks of my previous life, the time when I spent with my family, both good and bad. It continuously flowed inside me, and tears started falling from my eyes, and all my vision blurred. Immediately I put my head down facing the ground, and tears fell on the ground rapidly.
Dad walks to me, puts his hand on my head, and rubs,
"Art, you are a strong child, and we are proud of that, so follow the path you want to with your heads up and let us take pride in that."
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Author's Note:
From the next chapter onwards, Magica Academy arc Act-I will start. Hence novel releases are paused for one week (est Thursday)