Time passed by quickly, it was already Travis' tenth birthday soon. But one couldn't find him in his mansion.
Right now he was accompanied by a 13 year old boy, Who had a very serious expression while riding his horse, Travis was in lead riding his own horse, one could notice his body had subtle changes, Over all except his height and facial features nothing major changed.
He said while looking forward "Why so tense Vlad? We are only sightseeing here and it's not like you are responsible for my safety or anything you know"
Vlad on the other hand frowned little while thinking 'Young master you don't get it do you? If Duke found out about our little adventure in the core region of mountain, then there will be serious repercussions, for me not you and if you were to be hurt anyhow then...'
Travis just shook his head without looking back he could guess what he's afraid of. 'But it can't be helped, time is running out. That ba*tard father of mine has already prepared a position for me in the lost hell hounds, I will have to report there soon'
One might think that it was out of ordinary for the Duke to send his kid at a place where casualties was just a daily thing for them, They were numb to feeling of death. But where were they? It was Edhas. As a whole, this world was just a huge battlefield. So for the kingdom's noble and high ranking military officialls, it was not so out of ordinary to train there descendants in harsh conditions.
But even they didn't dare to send someone so young there. The only people in Travis' age group present there, were only commoners. Who themselves or there parents had knowing or unknowingly committed crimes in the kingdom. They were there for only one purpose, It was meat shield.
Travis in this three years didn't train much to be less suspicious in the eyes of House Sean' higher ups, who had eyes on the main seat of family. After his 'sudden breakthrough' in late stage of energy gathering realm due to a very 'fortuitous encounter' they kept an eye on him day and night for a year nonstop, but gave up soon after gaining nothing.
He then decided to hault his cultivation and turn towards knowledge of Edhas. He was very curious about this world and excited about his future adventures. One peculiar thing about this world was that it had too many species living here. Don't get him wrong, It was same in his previous world. But he just knew that he was missing something very important here.
Anyway Travis' slowed down his horse and said "Okay Vlad, Wait here for me. I'll be back soon" the other party opposed but he already took off with his horse in high speed, obviously his horse breed was higher and faster.
Vlad was really irritated by this kid for the last two weeks. Travis would ask him to come with him in this mountain to explore. Yes, It was the same mountain peak, The Duke has given him.
Anyway deep down the kid admired Travis' free spirit but most importantly Vlad envied the fearlessness in him. He was older then Travis but he was sure that he would piss his pants if he had to stay a night in this mountains.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The sun was already setting and two horse could be seen heading towards the mansion. It was Vlad and Travis.
Vlad had a annoyed expression carrying two sacks of medicines with him. But he still complied to his young master.
Travis stopped at the gates and told Vlad "Send the medicines to guard and take care of the horses" he entered the mansion.
Vlad then lead the horses to the stable where his dad could be seen washing other horses.
he said "Father I am back, Let me do it"
His father smiled and just nodded, He was in his late 40s. His wife had passed away and he was now raising Vlad alone. Vlad was very good kid in his eyes. Aside from his haughty behaviour, he always helped out his father.
Well he didn't knew at that time. Vlad was a ambitions kid from a young age, And his future 'lord' had a influenced the kid to an unprecedented level. Some would even call him one of the pillar of humans in coming future, But that story is for another time.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Travis came out of his room after a bath and headed towards his makeshift lab, He had his usual cold look but one could notice little smile on his face.
As he entered the lab, he saw Aria cleaning some equipments meticulously as he instructed her before. He smiled and grabbed her from behind.
Aria didn't even flinch by his touch, she was used to her master's sudden whims. But it doesn't mean she didn't feel anything by the touch. She smiled a little but said in angry tone "Hmph, Where were you since last two days? You didn't even meet big sis". Yes, she still thought he was recovering from his previous trauma by going out, she was happy but still missed him.
Travis who was in a happy mood but didn't say anything and just felt the warmth and mushy feeling of her body. His hands started heading towards her twin peaks, but she suddenly turned around towards him and asked "Hah, You seem happy today something good happened?"
He just smiled wryly and said "Nothing, it's just that my birthday is coming soon. I am just thinking about the gift father talked about giving me" he internally thought 'Is it that obvious? I just found what I was looking for past two weeks in the mountains, hehe'
A sad expression appeared on Arias' face but she masked it quickly but Travis noticed it and smiled knowing exactly what she's thinking.
He said while hugging her tighter than usual "You know, it was because of your love and care that I am happy now big sis, It is one of the biggest gift I could recieve"
She had a relieved face but she said "Young master, Right now I can't gift you anything worthy, but I would always remember your generosity"
Travis had asked his mother to apply for Aria in kingdoms best academy to teach her in the field she liked. Aria was adamant to refuse it saying she didn't deserved something like that but Travis told her about his plan to join military.
Aria was on verge of crying seeing that they would seperate soon but she decided to join the academy and help him in his future endeavours.
Travis could see the determination in her eyes but he was worried about something else, so he said in almost sulking manner with puppy eyes "I really don't want you to be alone out there, What if you are wooed by some as*hole in the academy? I would really lose it then"
Aria suddenly felt great seeing his cute expression but when she heard what he had to say she wanted to laugh hard. She felt proud seeing him this attached to her. She atleast felt that he would not forget her after seperating?
She had moist eyes and hugged him back tightly while saying "Don't worry young master, In this life only you are my lord, Unless you throw me, I would never leave you"
Travis was not satisfied with this answer he was greedy ba*tard and didn't want just a faithful servant so he said "Big sister I would never throw you, I will always protect you and marry you in the future"
She was visibly shaken by his declaration at first but then chalked it off considering his age. she laughed a little still hugging him she said "Very well young master this big sis shall only marry you, haha"
Travis was little angered by this, he didn't know where some of this emotions came but he needed real assurance, so he grabbed her face and moved it close to his. And said "Remember Aria, In this life you will be only mine, Till death do us part" Aria was stunned by his angry and cold look with little worry in his eyes, she knew he was serious.
Before she could reply he closed the distance and planted a kiss on her face. Her faced instantly turned red, when she registered what happened, She withdrew from the hug and ran from the lab like scared rabbit.
Travis had a triumph look on his face, he thought 'With this atleast she will remember me' Unknown to them they were both insecure about eatch other, but didn't say it.
Anyway he turned towards the equipments and smiled "Hah, It's time that I prepared a parting gift for them as well?"
*****
[A/N: Hello everyone, first and foremost I want to thank you guys for the power stones. It really pushes me to upload more chapters.
I hope you keep supporting the novel like this for upcoming chapters with PS and gifts.
I also started another novel for WPC, so add it to your library ;)
As always, Happy Reading :) ]