Poetica returned to class with a sigh of relief after fulfilling her mother's task to take Rozer to the library. She walked to her seat, and along the way, her classmates stared at her threateningly—more out of curiosity for abruptly taking Rozer out of the class.
She sat down and took a deep breath.
"How was it? Has he met your mom?" asked Waify.
"I don't know. I returned immediately after taking him there," Poetica replied.
"Hey, where did you take Rozer?" a girl in front asked.
"Are you jealous?" another girl chimed in.
"Do you like Rozer too?" a boy added.
The continuous probing questions annoyed Poetica, "Ah... You guys are so noisy!"
"He's shy."
"Just admit it, Rozer is cool. He's older than us, too."
"Hey... Don't pressure him."
"Noisy! Noisy! Noisy!" Poetica retorted.
Understanding Poetica's easily angered character, Waify tried to calm them, "Don't jump to conclusions. Poetica just escorted Rozer to a senior who called him yesterday," she said, winking at Poetica, a sign of assistance even if it involved a little lie.
Poetica nodded in acknowledgment, "Thanks, Waify," she whispered.
"Ehh... Is that so?"
"Not surprising if he's indeed called by a senior. He's been in our class for just a day, and many seniors came to meet him."
"Sorry for thinking otherwise, Poetica."
"I also apologize for scolding you all," Poetica said.
Quickly, the rumor was resolved and spread across the class.
"I appreciate your help, Waify," Poetica said to Waify.
"No problem, but you always get angry quickly when facing something," Waify replied.
"Sorry, next time I'll treat you in bakery," Poetica offered.
"Really? I'll be looking forward to it," Waify replied.
"Poetica, if he's your brother, why hide it?" Cyka questioned.
"That's right, why?" Waify added.
"Well... Actually, this is a family secret," Poetica whispered, lowering her head close to the table and covering her mouth with her hand to prevent other students from hearing. Cyka and Waify followed suit.
"What do you mean by a secret?" Waify whispered.
"In fact, Rozer has become a part of the Zerenia family and won't be the heir to my family. That's why I can't say it, and my mom forbids me to reveal this truth," Poetica whispered.
"Zerenia, the hero?" Cyka whispered in surprise.
"Shhh... Your voice is too loud," Poetica whispered.
"Who is Zerenia?" Waify whispered.
"Ehh... You don't know? He's famous," Cyka whispered.
Led by Poetica, they sat up straight again.
"That's why I can't disclose or say that he's my brother in public. Promise me that you won't leak this secret," Poetica said.
"I promise."
"I also promise."
They then intertwined their pinky fingers, a gesture to hold and keep the promise forever.
"So, can I have Rozer then?" Waify asked.
"Why are you asking me? Ask him directly," Poetica replied.
Waify smiled, "I just want to seek your blessing," she said.
"Sure, you really like him, huh?" Poetica asked.
"That's right..." Waify replied with a genuine smile that dazzled Poetica.
Edele entered the classroom, walked to the teacher's desk, and instructed all students, "Everyone, please be quiet. The lesson will begin."
All students responded lethargically, thinking that the empty class period would be longer than expected. Some even complained.
Edele observed the empty seat in front of her desk and thought, "On the second day, he's already skipping classes, but I won't complain since he's a special student exempted from attending regular lessons."
Poetica wondered why Rozer took so long to return to class; she even thought he might have gotten lost.
***
In the library, Rozer sat on Sierra's lap. They chatted, rebuilding the long-lost mother-son relationship.
Sierra asked many questions about Rozer's life with Zerenia and Tania in the Boszeven forest—what he ate, their relationships, encounters with demons, daily routines, and more.
Rozer cheerfully answered all of Sierra's questions.
"When I pulled out the sword, it felt like a falling star hit me, and I fainted. When I woke up, the sword was already out. It was very strange," Rozer said.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Sierra asked with concern.
"I'm fine, Mom," Rozer replied, stuttering a bit when saying the word "Mom."
"Thank goodness."
"Why are you always worried when I tell something?"
"Of course, I worry because I'm your mother."
Rozer fell silent for a moment, realizing the depth of his mother's love.
Sierra asked again, "How have your days been here?"
"Almost the same as in the forest, just that I rarely practice magic and often visit the bakery. In the forest, I rarely had sweet foods like that."
"Really? But don't eat sweet things too often; they can ruin your teeth."
"Is that so? I didn't know."
"Sometimes having sweet treats is okay, but not too often."
"I understand, Mom."
"Do you have money?"
Rozer shook his pants pocket, making the sound of metal rubbing against each other, "I have some."
"Is it enough? I'll give you more if needed."
"That's not necessary."
Ignoring Rozer's words, Sierra clapped her hands loudly several times to summon her personal servant.
The door slowly opened, and a male servant brought a small box filled with gold coins, placing it in front of them.
Rozer was astonished by the pile of gold in front of him. He calculated all this money, thinking he could probably buy the entire bakery with it.
"Take all of this; it's yours now," Sierra said.
Rozer was tempted, then tried to lift the box with both hands. After realizing its weight, he abandoned the idea. He might manage to carry it for a while, but his strength and grip wouldn't last until he reached home, considering his home was in the western district of the kingdom, while the academy was in the eastern district.
"I can't, it's heavy."
"Of course, it's heavy. I'll have this sent to your home later. Take some for snacks."
"Okay," Rozer said, then took a handful of gold coins and pocketed them.
Sierra placed her hand on Rozer's head and tousled his hair, "Don't waste the money, Rozer. Use it for something important."
This advice was similar to what Tania had told him before, "I know, Mom," Rozer said.
Sierra smiled, "Alright, I'll go home now," she said.
Rozer moved to another chair, "Okay, visit me often, Mom," he said.
Sierra stood up, but before leaving, she requested a letter from the attendant with an outstretched hand, "If you want to
meet me, bring this letter and show it to the palace gatekeeper; they will allow you to enter," she said while handing the letter to Rozer.
"Okay, next time I'll go there," Rozer said, taking the letter.
Sierra hugged Rozer before parting and whispered in his ear, "Study hard at the academy, remember my morning speech so you'll be more diligent,
Don't quarrel with your friends; help those who need your assistance
Don't eat something you're unfamiliar with; stick to what's certain
Don't be naughty; do good deeds
Don't be arrogant with your strength; believe that beyond the sky, there's another sky
Don't waste money; use it for what matters to you
Don't argue with your teachers; obey those who impart knowledge to you
And Don't play with a woman's feelings," she said, then released her embrace to look at Rozer's face.
Rozer just smiled, not intending to comment.
###
In a dimly lit bar, those inside sat on wooden chairs and tables. The place was bustling with people of various professions: warriors, adventurers, part-time workers, traders, and others.
A warrior gulped down a wooden mug of beer in one go and vented his frustration to his companion, "Why did that disrespectful kid get a gift from the queen? I don't understand!"
"Just let it be; I told you it's none of your business!"
"If only I got that gift, I could pay off all my debts! Should I speak rudely to the queen to get a gift?"
"If that ever happens, I'll stab you with a spear from an unexpected direction! Don't worry about them; focus on your job!"
"I apologize, senior. As an apology, I'll dance here!"
"Stop it! I don't want to see you dance!"