The next few days passed by in a flash. All the family members had a great time together at home. George and Andrew had postponed all their business for a few days and stayed back at home.
It was the day before Alan and Williams finally had to go to start their academic classes. Even Jean's parents joined them that day to wish their grandson luck.
Dinner that day was even more enjoyable. Alan and Williams were seated on one end of the table opposite to George and were the center of attraction. Everyone was proud to see both the boys going to the academy.
The next morning, both Alan and Williams were standing outside ready to leave for the academy. Helen hugged Alan once again and reminded him, "Be like a normal child, both of you." Helen looked at Williams too.
Williams looked offended, "Grandma Helen, you know me well, right? I am always a kind, sweet, and simple boy unlike this jerk here. Show-off," William said in mock anger. Lilly and Rose giggled. Adults were happy to see the kids in high spirits.
Lilly and Rose came and hugged both of them. "We will miss you both. Take care and come back whenever you have free time," Lilly told them. Rose nodded vigorously, "Yes, please come back soon, big brother."
"Rose, what about me?" Williams asked in puzzlement. "You too can come, only if you behave well and don't hit big brother," she said seriously, making everyone laugh.
Helen took out a small box and handed it to Williams.
"What's this, Grandma Helen?" Williams asked curiously. "Open it and see for yourself, dear," Helen smiled. Williams opened it and found a simple silver ring. Alan leaned closer to see and gasped.
"Grandma, it's also a storage ring?" Alan asked, surprised. Everyone was stunned to hear this. They knew how rare and expensive it was.
"Helen, why? How? I thought you presented it to Alan on his birthday," Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, I gave one to my grandson whom I knew had inherited magical affinity. And I gave another to my other grandson whom I knew recently also had inherited magical affinity," Helen smiled and said fondly, touching Williams' cheeks. That was the first time Alan saw Williams emotionally teared up, hugged Helen tightly, and cried happily. Helen patted his back, consoling him. "There, there, dear. Did you think I would differentiate between you two? You two are like my two eyes. There is no difference."
The Morgans were deeply touched. They bowed their heads to Helen. "Ah, don't worry about it. It's not a big deal," Helen waved off. "But Helen, you paid 30,000 gold..." John began, but Helen cut him off mid-sentence. "I said it's no big deal. It's a gift for my grandson after all," she smiled. John accepted her words in defeat and bowed his head with gratitude.
"How did you get the second one? It took nearly 3 years to find the one you bought?" John asked.
"Luckily, I inherited my master's storage ring. The old duke gave it to me the last time he visited. That one I gave to Alan. This is the one I got before coming here," Helen explained.
"If I didn't have the second one, I would still have searched for another one and got it for my Williams," she said, patting Williams on his shoulder.
On a happy note both Alan and Williams said their goodbye to everyone and started walking out holding their horse's reign.
Suddenly Andrew asked, " do you all feel that the two looks intimidating like this together with their horses?" Everyone looking closly noded in agreement.
Ha ha ha.... it looks funny, Rose said looking at the two departing boys, drawing everyone's attention towards her, lightning their mood.