However, they did not intend to punish him, as such activities were considered somewhat common within the noble circles. Some even believed that the underworld existed solely because the nobility wanted to maintain their "noble" image in the eyes of the common populace, preventing them from harboring even more negative impressions of nobles. But, they had access to various underworld organizations through which they could indirectly purchase black market goods and even slaves. Their primary concern was that Elysar's actions might lead to his untimely death.
And they didn't want to risk that. Even if Elysar displayed limited potential, they understood that it was incredibly challenging for powerful beings like Aerlic to have children. The stronger someone became in their world, the more difficult it was to conceive due to peculiar mana mutations. For instance, Aerlic could only conceive once every 50 years on average. He had his first son, Astrion, around 100 years ago, Zephyron around 50 years ago, and then Elysar fifteen years ago.
Even if Elysar wasn't the most exceptional among Aerlic's children, he could serve as a possible backup and an alternative option if something were to happen to his two elder brothers. That was how all large noble families like House Valthoren operated. They valued every potential heir and sought to preserve them, understanding the rarity of their bloodlines and the challenges faced in continuing their legacies.
This was another reason why the succession competition began so late in most large noble houses. Aerlic wanted to ensure he had as many heirs as possible before initiating the process. He felt that at this point, he had enough potential successors. If he were to pass away around 200, the average life expectancy for someone of his standing, it would give Elysar another 50 years to compete with his brothers. This was not exactly fair, so Aerlic had no plans to have more children in the future. If he were to have another child at 180 years of age, for example, it would leave virtually no time for a fair competition.
The average lifespan for commoners was around 50 years, while Aerlic was still conceiving children at 135 years of age. This disparity further highlighted the social division between the nobles and the common folk. However, commoners could at least take solace in their higher fertility rates, even if their lifespans were significantly shorter in comparison to the nobility.
"I understand, Faelan, there's no need to remind me further. Please also convey to my father that I've changed. I will improve myself, both in personality and strength, moving forward," Elysar said, suddenly clenching his fists to feign seriousness. Faelan scrutinized him, taken aback by his unexpected response.
"That's wonderful to hear, Young Master. Your father, Lord Valthoren, will also be very pleased when he hears of your determination. Additionally, I must mention that he was truly disappointed that he couldn't visit you personally today. As you know, he works tirelessly each day to impartially settle disputes between various noble houses. Navigating the internal conflicts of interest and battles for resources that plague most nobles in this world is no small task...", Faelan concluded with a smile.
'He may indeed be busy, but that doesn't mean he would have absolutely no time to visit his son who miraculously woke up from a near-death experience. I don't personally care for that "father" of mine, nor do I have any fondness for this Faelan before me for some reason. This so-called father reminds me of my parents in my past life—always ignoring and disregarding one child in favor of others who are more successful. It seems the story is the same, no matter the world, huh? My mother in this life, Lady Ravenna, at least never abandoned me, no matter what happened. She is a great mother, both emotionally and in terms of the resources she provides. She doesn't need to intentionally distance me from the Valthoren family—I already dislike them. The only thing I want from this house is to take control and gain more power...', Elysar suddenly realized many things in this brief exchange.
Nevertheless, Elysar also understood that it wouldn't be enough for him to simply take over this ceremonial "royal family." 'It may sound exciting, but it also brings a heavy burden with it,' he thought. 'To remain in that position for so long, one must be "impartial." If the majority of noble houses discovered any partiality, it could spell the end of my family. They could eliminate us and replace us with someone else. This position is essentially that of a "manager," without absolute power to crush all potential opposition.',
'Individually, we might be the strongest, but are we stronger than several other noble houses banding together against us? No, the current Valthoren family would be no match for two or three ordinary Duke King-level families joining forces. It seems only I can elevate them to new heights and make them the true rulers of this realm...', He thought that inwardly, in an instant, but he never let it be seen on his appearance outside, so he just replied, "I'm very happy about those words, Faelan, tell my father that I will definitely make him proud in soon and stop causing trouble..."
'I can't help but notice that Elysar has suddenly become more ambitious and optimistic about his future. What could have happened to him? I may need to help Lord Aerlic investigate that recent experiment or the ritual of some sorhs or any other possible unknown factors that might have caused this change. That person who visited him a couple of times seems to have vanished without a trace... But I'm certain this is still Elysar, just somehow different. Perhaps his near-death experience and the "ritual" are responsible for this transformation...',
Faelan mused inwardly as he listened to Elysar's response and noting the previous subtle microexpressions on his young face, which the young boy likely believed were hidden from him.
'Edgar Caldwell, the traveling scholar and writer who specializes in philosophy, had been granted entry into the Valthoren household by me when he met with Elysar a few times. With his extensive knowledge and eloquent writing, he had earned a prestigious reputation in intellectual circles. But then Elysar fell into a coma, his soul badly damaged but now miraculously recovered, and Edgar disappeared without a trace. Despite our thorough investigations, we've confirmed that this is indeed the same Elysar, and no one has taken over his body as we initially suspected. That experiment seems to have caused the sudden shift in his attitude, even driving him to train outside for the first time in three years...',
Faelan was determined to find that mysterious individual, whatever it took, to ensure the safety of his family.
'Anyway, this certainly adds new dynamics to the heir competition. I feel that the young master's words aren't just childish boasting. I believe he is truly onto something, and my gut tells me so. However, I don't know if this is good or bad for him. If he had just stayed low for a few more decades and allowed the winner of the succession battle between his two older brothers to become the new clan head, he could have probably lived on without trouble, as they wouldn't want to risk conflict with the "Astral Imperium" over someone they deemed useless.',
'But if he shows potential now and becomes their enemy, neither of them would spare him afterward. I know their personalities well, and so should he. This all-or-nothing game for him only confirms that he stumbled upon something that could change his innate misfortune. However, neither Lord Aerlic nor I have any idea what that could be, making everything unpredictable and chaotic. This isn't a favorable development for us, but what can we do?',
'Lord Aerlic would probably even prefer Elysar as the next heir if he shows results and improves his strength, though Elysar might not realize that. Aerlic always ignored him in the past as a means of motivation. Firstly, Elysar's mother is a commoner, just like Lord Aerlic's mother, albeit from two different worlds. Elysar's mother became the Valthoren patriarch's wife due to her extraordinary intellect and business acumen, while Aerlic's mother earned her position through her exceptional combat ability and mana. Moreover, Elysar probably has the best background among all of Aerlic's children, considering the Astral Emporium's ever-increasing strength...', Faelan pondered.
This world was a dangerous place, and often the winners of noble successions would eliminate their siblings to avenge the losses they experienced during the competition. Female heirs would typically be married off. However, there were also peaceful resolutions for male heirs; some less fortunate and talented heirs would opt out of the competition, having their dream essence drained through secret methods possessed by various noble houses.
They would then, still officially as part of their families, be sent off to become professors at Knight or Mage Academies, extending the family's influence, or live as wealthy merchants, businessmen, scholars, members of the Royal Guard, or secret organizations tasked with protecting the entire Empire, or life make take them somewhere else completely. However, Elysar has now closed that door for himself after making this decision today and asking Faelan to relay it to his father. His brothers would soon learn of it as well.
Faelan nodded solemnly and said, "Well then, Young Master, that is all I wanted to inform you. I shall take my leave and convey your message to Lord Aerlic. I wish you the best in your endeavors, and I hope you continue to grow and achieve your goals. And call for me if there is anything you ever need!"
Elysar replied, "Thank you, Faelan. I will do my best to make everyone proud. Farewell."
With a final nod, Faelan turned and left the room, his footsteps echoing softly as he disappeared down the hallway. His mind, however, was still racing with myriads of different thoughts and concerns at this unexpected development.
Elysar himself watched his back as he left, his own mind already formulating plans for his upcoming journey around the world. He would arm himself with his unique mana blast weapons and be accompanied by skilled bodyguards as he sought out sons of fortune, determined to steal their fate and become the strongest.
But for that, he would first need to wait and train patiently for a few months, break through the second level of mana enchantment, just to add an extra layer of protection, and see if he could develop the invisibility "illusion" trick that he envisioned.
Elysar's first quest into this world was clear: to take over his family as the next head. This journey would be the beginning of a new chapter in his life. No matter the challenges he would face, Elysar was ready to overcome them and rise to his greatness; everything was his for the taking in this world.