The news that my father was planning to seek help from the family baron echoed throughout the house that night. My parents exchanged words in hushed whispers, discussing the best approach to the situation. I remained silent, but expectation and anxiety boiled within me.
The new day dawned with a promise of change. My father and I headed towards the mansion of the baron's family, our steps resolute. It was time to make it clear that we would no longer be underestimated or treated as insignificant.
As we approached, the grandeur of the mansion was impressive. However, our determination did not waver. The guards at the gate stopped us, looking us up and down with disdain.
"You have no business here. This is not the area for plebeians like you," they declared coldly.
My fist clenched in anger, but my father's hand gently rested on my head, a gesture that calmed me.
"We want to speak with the family's butler," my father stated firmly.
The guards exchanged glances before stating that the butler was unavailable.
"If there is no one we can speak to, then perhaps the baron can help us," my father argued.
The guards turned hostile, their voices rising as they ordered us to leave. I was consumed by inner fury, but I kept control, maintaining my calm appearance.
However, one of the guards sneered, "You know what? Maybe we can let you pass if you kneel and beg."
My father was about to kneel, but my blood boiled. In an instant, I released my mana, causing the guards to step back in surprise.
I advanced, my gaze burning with intensity as my fist connected with one of the guards. The impact made him fall, unconscious.
The remaining guard stuttered, trying to maintain composure. "W-Who do you think you are?"
I approached him, my voice low and filled with controlled anger. "Who do I think I am? Someone who will not allow others to humiliate my father or my family."
He trembled, looking at me with fear in his eyes.
"Dare you try to humiliate my father?" my voice rose, echoing through the air. "Tell me, who do you think you are to treat people this way?"
My aura of power intensified, my energy seeming to pulsate in the air around me.
He swallowed hard, clearly terrified. "I... I didn't know. I'm sorry, please."
A tense silence settled, and then my father spoke, his voice carrying dignity. "It's not just my request that I demand respect for, but respect for people in general. It's not about position or wealth, but about the humanity we all share."
The guards dared not challenge our presence again, and we quickly left the premises.
As we headed back home, I felt the adrenaline subside. My father looked at me with pride in his eyes, a sad smile on his lips. "You're amazing, Valdorin."
I took a deep breath, realizing that the power I held within me was both a blessing and a responsibility. But one thing was clear: I would no longer allow anyone to belittle my family. No matter where my journey took me, I would be the voice for those who couldn't defend themselves.