Zephyr Mansion, Dinner Table.
"Princess Andrea's birthday is coming up," Father said while sitting on the head seat.
"Yes, she is going to become ten years old this week," I said.
"Indeed. So, me and your mom have decided that you will attend her birthday banquet. Don't worry, and we have made all the preparations, including the gifts."
*Cough Cough*
I almost choked hearing that.
"Why didn't you tell me until now? Are you or Mom not coming with me? What about Sophia?"
"One question at a time. We decided that you are staying too long at home and need to experience some aristocratic life and better understand the etiquette. Secondly, me and your mom are busy with some work. Finally, we decided that as the heir to the duchy, you should go instead of Sophia."
I was baffled. I had a feeling that this was the trip that ended my story in the novel.
"Also, take this ring. It can help reduce your mana fluctuations so that you don't expose your exact magic level." said my father while he gave me a ring.
I could see intricate carvings on the bronze ring. I put it on and could instantly feel some stray mana fluctuations being absorbed by it.
After thinking for a while, I returned the ring and said, "I don't want to go there."
I could see the shock on their faces. It was probably the first time in a very long time that I said something against them.
"Son, could you tell me the reason for not wanting to go to the banquet?"
I took a deep breath and tried to gather my thoughts.
"Dad, there will be a lot of aristocrats coming at the banquet, and it won't be appropriate for me to interact with them, considering my age."
My father looked at me with approval before saying, "Hmm, you are correct. That's why we have asked your grandpa to come with you. You will interact with your peers, and your grandpa will handle the rest."
Hearing that Grandpa was coming with me to the banquet calmed me down a lot. With him being on my side, I was the safest.
Three days later.
I was sitting in my room. I decided to cast the
***
Right now, I was sitting in Carriage. It was not the kind of carriage pulled by horses. It was the name of the flying car manufacturing company. It had soft seats with a seating capacity of four people.
I saw Dad and Grandpa coming towards me while they were discussing something.
Grandpa then sat beside me and nodded to Dad while saying, "Ok, then. Let's depart."
"Goodbye, Ethan. Have fun!"
"I will, Dad. Bye!"
The car then started to lift up, and we departed. I could now see our mansion and family property in full view. It almost looked like a small city. I could see people going about on their business, children playing, soldiers training, etc.
***
We were currently flying over the great forest between our duchy and the capital. It spanned a vast area and was considered a significant threat as it contained powerful monsters and beasts. We were following a safe route that was already cleared.
"Elder, young master, we will reach the capital in 6 hours." the driver said.
This was a long journey. It will take us nearly 15 hours while we fly close to the speed of sound. You can imagine the distance between the places. It was almost 18000 km. For scale, the circumference of Earth was 40000 km. And this was just inside one kingdom.
While we were flying, I suddenly noticed fluctuations of mana in the distance. I also noticed some people wearing black clothes coming towards us at a fast pace.
"Uncle Smith, Can you land the car somewhere? I need to go for peeing urgently." I said to our driver.
This was a lame excuse, but it worked.
We then landed, and I silently went away while Grandpa and Uncle Smith looked around vigilantly for any threat. My purpose was achieved with this as they got their guards up.
Even if I didn't do anything, Grandpa would have solved this threat easily.
A while later, I could see Grandpa tense up and get ready for a fight. The enemy probably entered Grandpa's sensing range.
Soon, a trap spell was activated and all of us were trapped inside. The enemies soon arrived, and I saw the shock on their faces seeing Grandpa here. They probably didn't expect him here.