The Royal Academy is a prestigious academy that was built for nobles all around the world. Initially, its only purpose was to gather and groom the young nobles.
However, as the uprising of the dark forces slowly made them feel threatened, the academy pushed the progress forward, resulting in the academy becoming difficult.
Hence, it is practically impossible for a commoner to dream of entering the academy without the bloodline of a noble.
After all, patriarchs and matriarchs are high-ranking mages, and the chances of them producing a talent are high.
Thus, if an individual's parents are commoners, then it is to be expected that they will receive a low-grade affinity.
In my cousins' case, although they were born to my father's cousin, who was not really as talented as my father, the elder brother still managed to receive the blessings of a Middle-Grade Affinity, which helped him to attain the High-Rank Mage.
Oh well, I'm pretty sure you have noticed how that childish author made his ranking system complicated. After all, a Middle-Grade Affinity is equal to a High-Rank Mage, while a High-Grade Affinity is equal to a Warlock or an ArchMage.
Nonetheless, it is not that difficult to memorize or understand; hence, the readers' complaints quickly dwindled.
In any case, father received two invitations from them, which actually shows his status in the empire.
The empire had many kingdoms it controlled, totaling almost a hundred.
Each of them was ruled by a king, who was a count up to an archduke in the status of empire.
Each kingdom received at least one invitation from the empire, but only the archdukes were the exceptions.
Archduke usually attained the warlock or archmage rank but to acquire the status also needs a lot of achievements and reputation.
For now, there are only four archdukes, with two of them being a warlock, and the other two are exceptional archmage.
As of now, only my father has a single child and a wife, while the others even have tens of concubines.
Nonetheless, those children will fight for the invitation that is only limited to two.
I actually don't have any competitions since my cousins and their mother have no say if my father gives the invitation to me.
But, I humbly decline… Of course, there is a reason.
I can't be the student there, according to the plot, but a professor.
Right now, I have already defended my two ground-breaking thesis, which would result in me being invited to the academy as the only individual who could teach the new subject.
I was only waiting for that to happen, and I had already assured my father about that long ago.
Of course, he couldn't be proud of me.
Now, regarding the invitation letter, there is indeed a person suitable for it, but there's only one of them.
"Who will you give the invitation letter to, father?" I curiously asked. Though, I have an idea of two of who it could be. "After all, only Wilfrid is the one who receives a High-Grade Affinity with the fire element. The rest receive…"
I lowered my head, and my eyes flashed with pity.
Of course, I have to act like I really love my brother… to death.
My father noticed my expression, and his heart softened.
He knew that he couldn't provide another sibling for me after my mother died for the reason that he was deeply devoted to my mother alone.
He planned not to remarry even if my cousin's mother was seducing him.
"You are absolutely correct. However, you plan to receive your blessings today, right? Together with Sophie?"
"You mean?" My eyes widened.
Of course, I have to act like I'm shocked.
"That's right. If you indeed could not awaken any elements, then if Sophie can awaken, at least, a High-Grade Affinity, then I will give it to her."
I saw him wink while staring at my dumbfounded expression.
"I will be an exception to the case regarding commoner and noble. In fact, I can already sense that Sophie has potential, so, as a father who is always busy at work, only Sophie could watch over you and protect you. Hence, consider this as an investment."
If only I'm not crippled right now, I would stand and exaggerate my gratitude.
However, I have to act differently.
Aside from twitching my muscles all over the place to make it articulate a mix of emotions, such as surprise, gratitude, and other things, I have to put emotions into my voice.
"Really?! Thank you, father!!!"
"No, no, no. This is only the correct decision for me, as a neglectful father of you."
"Don't say it like that. I know that you are already doing your best!!!"
Damn it! At least, this is not much cringer than before.
I'm adapting to this, at least!
"Son…"
Staring at those tearing eyes, I changed my mind.
'Damn it! So fucking cringe!'
"Enough of that, father. You really don't have to worry about me. Sophie is already taking care of me to the best of her abilities. In fact, you should worry more about your job."
As if receiving a shock, I saw his demeanor change.
I knew it; the dark forces are becoming stronger now.
All for the reason that they are becoming smarter.
Of course, there are some who have the same intelligence as humans, but they rarely act.
Now, it is so strange that they are becoming aggressive.
It couldn't be helped, though, as the plan that will happen in the third or fourth volume is starting to commence.
In fact, many nobles have been corrupted and signed a contract with the hegins, also known as the devils.
They are the high-ranking existence in the dark forces, akin to Elves and Higher-Elves.
Nonetheless, it's not something to worry about at the present… Of course, not for father, though.
"That's right." He sighed. "Well, never mind about that. That's why I'm here to take a break. Worrying about it is not different from being present on the border."
I nodded as I understood it.
Well, why I brought it up was to end that cringe exchange.
I would be vomiting if it continued.
"If that is the case, then you should be the one to give the invitation letter to Sophie. Rest assured, as I also feel that she'll awaken a high-grading affinity."
Of course, I knew what it could be, but I won't tell as I might jinx it.
"So…"
Now that the appetizer is finished, let's go to the main course.
"Have you completed my request? Is it with you?"