"You're going to be engaged."
The words of Prime Minister Taron, Francis's father, held no warmth.
Seated behind a mahogany desk with piles of paperwork in front of him, the handsome raven-haired middle-aged man watched his son's reaction with cold hawk-like eyes.
"Since you have no mana core, you must prove your worth in some other way. I have already given you your basic needs and education so now, you must fulfill your part and perform well."
Had it been any normal child standing in front of the Prime Minister like this, they would have instantly burst out into tears or shriveled up in fear. However, Francis was not just 'any' child.
Wearing a perfect poker face, Francis bowed respectfully toward the man and replied in a calm voice, "I understand father. I shall do as you have ordered."
For a moment, the Prime Minister was taken aback. He was expecting the child to throw a tantrum or start crying but to his surprise, the boy calmly accepted his words and replied in absolute calmness and grace.
Looking into the child's eyes, even the Prime Minister could see that this boy was much more mature than others his age and definitely brighter.
It was really a pity he possessed no mana core.
Such a waste of personality.
Well, it's better this way, the Prime Minister supposed. He had already prepared his eldest son to take over the territory and estate so there wouldn't be an issue of inheritance this way.
Out of his three children, his eldest was definitely the best candidate in taking over his position. The eldest son was both intelligent and talented in magic and aura. His second son, though he possessed a mana core, only had a weak rank and spent most of his time slacking off from his lessons. His youngest son would've made a good candidate had it not been for his lack of mana core. From the reports he received, his son was diligent in his studies and responsible.
Since his eldest was due to take over the estate and territory, his other two sons needed to find their own worth in order to gain access to his resources.
His second son was due to enter the Kingdom's Academy and promised to graduate at the top of his year (though it was unlikely to happen in the Prime Minister's eyes). But at least he had a mana core so there was that.
With his youngest son, the only option, according to the Prime Minister, was to have him marry a suitable partner and increase his connections and possibly form an alliance with another noble.
"Your fiancé will be the youngest daughter of Baron Barnet," Lord Taron said. Clasping his hands together, he continued, "The engagement celebration will be held in five days. Prepare yourself well and don't embarrass the family."
"Understood…father," Francis bowed slightly. "May I be excused now?"
"Mm," Lord Taron turned his attention away and waved his hand dismissively.
Francis took that as confirmation and calmly exited the office.
****
Back home, Francis lay on the sofa in his bedroom and slapped his head.
"Youngest daughter of Baron Barnet…isn't that the protagonist's friend?!"
Call it a coincidence, Francis refused to believe such a thing. The very character he had felt pity for in the game had become his fiancé. That meant that he was the trashy guy who fell for the protagonist and abandoned his own fiancé!
'This is no coincidence. Someone out there, the person who probably sent me here, is directing the course of my life.'
But thinking about it again, Francis felt himself relax.
The thought of a pretty girl with a good personality becoming his partner wasn't such a bad thought. The girl in the game held feelings for her fiancé despite his neglectful personality so maybe she'll fall for him too. If she did fall for him, Francis would make sure to treat her right.
'I've never cared about relationships and love before but at the very least, I know how one should treat a lady.'
Penelope's game character appearance wasn't as dazzling as the other characters but she was far from ugly. The game only showed the appearance of the characters in their teen years so Penelope would definitely look different now.
'To think I'd be engaged at the age of ten…' It was something Francis hadn't dreamed of. Betrothals and arranged marriages weren't common in his former world although they were used a lot in the past. Modern times brought modern values so he'd never considered the possibility of being engaged at such a young age.
As he grew older, he didn't think he'd get a girlfriend at all let alone get married. He was a loner and a shut-in for crying out loud!
But, fate really works in mysterious ways.
"Haaiz, come to think of it, I don't think I checked the system today," he muttered to himself. "Open status window."
With his back lying on the couch, the system window appeared above his eyes.
[Host Statistics are as follows:]
Name: Francis Taron (Tanaka Haru)
Age: 10 Years
HP: 100/100
MP: 100/100
AP: –
SP: 10
Magic: Wind Magic (Lvl 1)
Aura: –
Skills: –
"It seems to have updated," observed Francis. Instead of just 'Skills' being listed, 'Magic' and 'Aura' have been added. "I can use Wind magic but I need to purchase the skills for it."
Francis's expression fell. He still hadn't unlocked his aura usage yet and he didn't know how to.
"Haaiz, I'll just have to be patient it seems," he closed the window and tucked his arms behind his head before closing his eyes. After everything today, he just wanted a small break.
*Knock*
"Young master? Apologies for disturbing you but it's time for your swordsmanship lesson," Emily's voice drifted through the door.
'Damn.'
****
"You're late, young master."
The stern voice of his sword instructor reached Francis's ears before he'd even entered the training compound.
Glancing up at the six-foot giant in front of him, Francis apologized respectfully, "Sorry sir. I just returned after a meeting with my father."
"Tsk, yes, I heard 'bout that," Belfut replied with a snort.
Belfut Trent was a knight that served the House of Taron. He was considered one of the strongest within Lord Taron, the Prime Minister's, troop.
After Francis was born, he, along with the other servants of this mansion, was ordered to watch over him and teach him the basics that every noble child needed to know before he reached the age of sixteen.
None of the servants were prejudiced against the young master - Belfut included.
They indeed thought it was unfortunate that he did not hold a mana core but they still treated him as their master with respect.
In addition, the boy's attitude wasn't filled with arrogance like other noble children. He treated the servants well but still drew a line with them. He was more intelligent than others his age and definitely more mature.
Belfut felt he would be a far greater leader than his two older brothers. Francis was definitely a better pupil as compared to the other two Taron boys. Hearing the stories of their arrogance and mistreatment towards servants from his comrades at the main mansion, Belfut felt he was lucky to have been stationed here.
But that didn't mean he'd go easy on the young master.
Core or no core, he was going to raise the young master to become a great aura less swordsman.
The Prime Minister had mentioned some years back to Belfut and the young master's academic tutor to half-heart the lessons but both had disregarded the order.
The reason is that they both loved what they did. There was no way they could half-heart something when teaching what they loved to others. It would be an insult to them if Francis learned things half-heartedly.
Plus, in their opinion, the kid didn't deserve it. He was a good child and a diligent one. Why waste a good seed out of prejudice?
"Aight, pick up yer sword and get into position," Belfut ordered.
Without another word, Francis did as he said and held the sword with both.
"Remember what we've been practicing? Swing it at the dummy," Belfut pointed at the object in front of him.
Francis nodded and swung the sword as he'd practiced.
Suddenly, a notification appeared in front of Francis's eyes.
[Ding! You have received a task!]
[Task: Swing your sword > Swing your sword 100 times]
[Rewards: Unlock AP]