"Young master, this humble servant doesn't deserve your civil endeavors…"
The butler, Mr. Gladwyne lowered his head as he entered the bedchamber. He did not glance to the stunning male in front of him. It was not sexual urges that he halts himself, but because he did not want to make the adolescent uncomfortable, also undertaking the etiquette.
"Nonsense. But, nevertheless, I will consent this attitude since you did not want to be relaxed around me, Gladwyne."
The old man with a typical butler outfit simply nodded.
"Perhaps, is there anything you need, young master?"
This man was the individual that Osbert trusts among all of the people in the Edmund Household. Richard Gladwyne knew the capabilities of this young master in front of him. In decades of serving the household, he concluded that the white-haired youth was most fascinating one. The teen appears to be oblivious, is actually extremely keen around him. He did not know why the young master would hide his true capabilities. Of course, he did not know how far the proficiencies of the child had as it been only deduction from this observation for 7 years.
"Maybe, above the average…"
"No…a genius!"
It was a mere speculation.
Osbert Edmund, who was naked, went up from his bed. After the movements of the youth master, the butler, Mr. Gladwyne clapped two times. Maids who were outside marched dutifully as the rules of the customs is imbedded in their brains. They then dressed the bare youth to his expensive wardrobe which worth more than their lives. They were professional maids that did not even react to the gorgeous, toned body of the teen. No one flushed in front the tall young master.
"I'd love a warm bath for the winter season, everyone…"
The youth politely said stirred the hearts of the staffs. Their young master was never like other arrogant youngster who was anti-poor and greedy. In fact, he was the opposite. He cared for the poor and selfless.
"As you wish, young master Osbert…"
The headmaster, Karen, of the maids serving the only son of the Noble Household Edmund said rather, overly reverent. They then prepared the warm bathtub with whole-hearted actions. They did not want to disappoint the young master.
"Is there an assembly for today, Butler Gladwyne?"
Osbert asked as he was waiting for the bathtub to be prepared. He was occupied from his thoughts for the past month since he was finally going to be admitted to the northern continent, Iceland's greatest school, The Wales University of Iceland. Wales was derived to the first known kingdom of the human history during the Dark ages. Where they developed the concept of magic, namely, the four elements: Hydro, Pyro, Anemone, and Geo. However, the said kingdom vanished from the depths of history ever since the story, "The Extreme Despair of the First King". Where the first king, King Duncan Wales committed suicide. On the other hand, it is said to be a fairytale of the old. A dark one it is.
Osbert's head throbbed again, suddenly recalling some memories of the past. But acted like nothing happened as it would worry his servant. He saw the butler Gladwyne bent his body again.
Etiquette was something he didn't like the most. Ever since he lived in this cold mansion, he taught what an actual noble would move, interact, and even how they express. It was difficult at first, but as 7 years passed by, he had gotten used to his every day rich life. Additionally, his instructor was brutal back then when it comes to teaching. Osbert thought he was an ageist. And the teacher? It was his father.
"Yes, young master. You've been asked to feast along with the duke, later at 6:30 AM."
Osbert was shocked. He actually forgot about this! It was an important meeting comparable for tomorrow, as he will leave the lands of Banholms to Iceland.
"Speed up my bath, please."
After he felt the warm steam coming from the tub, soaking his light-skinned body, he then wore the luxurious clothing handpicked by his stylist. It wasn't because he didn't have a sense of fashion, he was forced by the duke, his father.
Walked to the hallway, our teen Osbert saw the realistic paintings of Duke. He was killing a A-Rank beast that looked like a devilish wolf with a big eagle wing. The realism could be seen in these arts that holds the emotion of the person. Years after years, the young master was still impressed by the paintings no matter he had seen these masterpieces. He saw mutated plants, animals, and even bizarre humanoid creatures. Sighting these paintings, he felt that we were witnessing a war between organisms.
He stopped for a while, looking at the golden door in front of him. Designed with various amazing patterns of carat swirls. It was a custom of the Kingdom of Iceland. The difference between the hierarchy of royals, nobles, workers, and the bottoms.
Although famine cannot be possible because of the birth of mana, the northern continent was a hard place to live. Most of the parts are full of snowy mountains, cold wind, and monsters.
The butler opened the door for him. Went back, along with the other maids, who bent their necks low.
"There's a walker's attack, in the east of Iceland. Almost all of the soldiers dispatched there was massacred. The Kingdom had to send the B-Rank soldiers. Nevertheless, our kingdom defended the lands of Berkins. The former Duke Griffin was stripped from his title as he didn't support on saving his people. Instead, protected his own mansion. But still, his only son was killed! Leaving the inheritance to his daughter, who is in range of the young master, my lord."
Osbert saw the similar white-haired man frowned as listens to an old man that resembles a mage.
"That's a pity. I knew he was selfish but didn't know that he was that greedy! He could have defended his territory with his destructive ability."
"I agree, my lord. But I heard that the former duke was weakened after the land expansion to the southern region. According to my source, they were defeated by the Red Crescent M-."
The old mage was interrupted by the sudden glare of the duke.
"Enough. That's all I need to know."
"Yes, my lord. As you wish."
The old man bowed respectfully.
"Red Crescent, hmm…"
Osbert subconsciously said what he had heard.
It seemed that both of the men inside heard the noise coming from the door made of shiny gold.
"Why are you there, my son? And Old Jeffrey, you are dismissed."
The duke looked angry while looking at the poor old mage.
"Have you heard something? You shouldn't have listened when adults talk about… politics."
The duke sips his green tea, in a noble way, of course. He looked at his son, almost wanting to sermon. But he did not, as his son will be departing first thing – tomorrow. He didn't want to cause tension and immoral impression before the farewells!
"I apologize, father. But I didn't hear anything from the door. I was just mesmerizing to your new door."
Osbert bluntly lied.
"Sure, I'll trust you. But let me remind you, my son. Control your curiosity sometimes, it might be the cause of your pitiful death."
The duke was not convinced, and knew that his son was lying, however he let it slip because it is a useful weapon in order to survive the world.
They then started to eat. The table was full of steak, sweets, meat, and vegetables. A man or woman with a salary of 7 pounds a week would treat this as festival! Edmund Duchy was that rich. However, Osbert would think they were the typical noble family. Rich but not among the Richest.
"Are you ready for the real test phase, my son?"
Actually, Osbert Edmund's appointment to the Iceland's Wales Academy wasn't an official student, but a preparatory student or pre-student. Though you have to pass the first written exam, there still this called "Practical Analysis". This where they test "undeveloped" students to their potential to be an awakened.
Undeveloped means they have not yet to receive a gift from a God. The maximum gifts that will be given is 3. It is theorized that there are many Gods. So therefore, an awakened will be given an attribute that is similar to their faith.
When you are gifted with powers, the Gods will be asking for a price. After-all, nothing is for free. Anything can be a price. It may be a part of your physical, mental, and spiritual body. Adding or removing ethics and morals can also be a price.
"Are you nervous? You did not answer my question."
Wystan Edmund had interrupted his son's racing thoughts.
"Sorry, I was distracted for a moment. But I'm not nervous. I am sure that I will overcome this test father."
"How funny. I heard that your written scores were average. But you're speaking confidently. I see…"
The duke of this region has always been brutal. With his smiling face, people often forget it. But as soon as they know the capabilities of the man in front of Osbert, they would not anger him. The young master thought that he has this brutality but be gentle the next second.
Bipolar disorder or just mood swings? A good reason for a price.
"Yes, I'll make sure to pass the next examinations, father."
He didn't feel the bitterness coming from his mouth. Osbert didn't care whether it is average or low. It just that, he didn't want to attract attention. His only goal was to travel, and a normal adventurer who defends from monsters, that's all.
"Kid, you promise me."
The duke looked at his son.
"Your gift. You must tell me first before anyone else. Am I understood?"
"Yes, father. I promise."
The suspected bipolar man, smiled. As if he didn't look so serious over such things earlier. But Osbert did not mind. He didn't care as long as that man would not show his frowns and glares.
"I heard that the young prince is observing the test."
The reason that they were rich was not because of the powers of every individual in the family, but the how the duke values money and social imagine. Of course, a royal blood comes bathes with gold pounds in there. Osbert was predicting that his father should show the outmost respect to the walking pounds, like a puppy.
The young Arthur Frost, the 2nd prince of the Iceland Kingdom. One of the youngest awakened in the history. The age of 11, he awakened his Gift. It is the ability to conjure non-melting weapons that resemble ice crystals. The cold weapons amplify his physical body.
"That royal punk is finding strong potential teammates for the squads."
After the Duke's words came out from his mouth, he ate the steak with satisfaction. Of course, according to the customs, following table manners was, rather, elegant. So, the Duke's mouth munch food inside, but in a quiet way, of course.
"I see…"
Osbert replied, not interested to the topic. He did not want to pry with the royals. They were pitiful beings, as they attract problems. Responsibility and pressure were born with them, in birth.
"I don't have hopes that you'll be chosen by the prince. But rather, get acknowledged by the dean. So that you'll represent our lonely family."
"Alright, I'll try my best.
"You must give your all! Get it right."
The breakfast ended. The father and son went back to their respective chambers.