Both father and son made their way to the study in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. As they entered the room, Ray heard his father's voice instructing him, "Take a seat in the chair," and he nervously complied. His father walked over to the window, gazing outside before turning his attention back to Ray. With a grin on his face, he posed a question, "Now that you've turned ten, Ray, what plans do you have for the future? Surely playing pranks on the maids isn't the extent of your aspirations?"
Ray's throat tightened, and he cast his gaze downward, uncertain of how to respond. What does a ten-year-old say when asked about their future? Astronaut? Pilot? Scratch that.
His father continued, "Do you think I'm angry with you? Or that I'm nagging you about the future?" Ray remained silent, grappling with how to answer this statement-like question.
The sound of his father's footsteps reverberated through the room as he settled in the chair opposite Ray, his voice shifting to a more commanding tone. "Look at me when I speak!" he commanded.
Startled, Ray jerked his head up, meeting his father's gaze. In a warm yet persistent tone, his father continued, "You may not fully comprehend this, Ray, but I worry about you. Do you know why?"
Ray shook his head, at a loss for how to respond.
His father explained, "I have shielded you more than you realize, providing you with all the necessities and privileges you may not fully grasp. But the world is merciless, a cruel place where survival demands inner strength and a smile for the outside world. The strong prey on the weak—it's a dog-eat-dog fight. It's not the idyllic sanctuary you envision, where someone will come to your rescue. I have safeguarded your childlike innocence so you could savor your childhood, but now it's your responsibility to grow stronger and surpass me in every aspect. Strengthen yourself, or the world will feast upon you."
Ray was taken aback by his father's words, but a part of him recognized their truth.
Noticing Ray's shock, his father continued, "In this world, not only humans reside, but also demons, monsters, and countless other species. There are powerful anomalies that can unleash nature's wrath—rains of fire, earthquakes, and tsunamis."
His father's tone grew more somber as he added, "And the worst of all are humans. They believe they are at the top of the food chain and often show no remorse when they commit the worst atrocities against other species. Do you understand?"
Ray nodded silently, his mind absorbing his father's teachings.
His father nodded in return and said, "Now, before you receive your gift, there is one more thing I must tell you." Ray fixed his gaze on his father's face, anticipation building. With a grin, his father continued, "As a noble, it is essential that you acquire proper manners, knowledge of the world, culture, politics, and geography. You must be a role model for commoners. Your study schedule will increase tenfold, leaving no time for pranks or leisure."
Ray's eyes widened in disbelief, and he couldn't help but exclaim loudly, "What? Why? No!" The echoes of his scream reverberated throughout the mansion, reaching the ears of his mother, who simply shook her head and continued knitting, unfazed by the commotion.
(Author's note: Can you guess Ray's gift?
And what was your response when someone asked you about your plans for the future? Be sure to leave a comment.
(1) Let x = y = 0. Oh, math, when will you leave me alone?
Enjoy, XOXO)