The entrance of the castle was in an uproar due to the arrival of Arthur. Citizens gathered, their excitement palpable as rumors of the Duke of Swords' presence spread like wildfire. Whispers and hushed conversations echoed through the crowd, each person eager for a glimpse of the legendary figure.
As Arthur reached the main hall of the castle, he was greeted by his son. "Hope you are doing well, Father," Magnus said with a firm voice. Arthur responded with just a nod, moving into a certain part of the castle.
Meanwhile, Zias lay in his cradle, Maria and Helen watching over him and occasionally engaging in playful interactions. The dynamic shifted when the door opened, revealing a white-haired man with grey eyes – Arthur. Helen, with a warm smile, introduced Zias as her son.
"So, he is my grandfather. That explains the hair," Zias thought, eyeing Arthur.
"Zias Alverian, a good name, Helen," Arthur remarked with a smirk on his face. "I can tell by just looking; this guy is strong," Zias thought anxiously.
"I got to know you don't meet your son often, Magnus," Arthur declared.
"No, Father, I have been busy these few days," Magnus responded firmly.
"I see," Arthur muttered, his focus still on Zias. "This guy scares me," Zias thought, a sense of fear creeping in as he met Arthur's gaze.
"Leave me and him alone," Arthur ordered. Soon, every guard, maid, and butler left the room, following Magnus and Helen.
"What is this tension between us? I am a kid; you have to speak up, old man," Zias grumbled. Suddenly, Arthur touched his heart, releasing his energy.
"What is this feeling? It feels warm and powerful. It's mana, right?" Zias thought to himself. Being a nerd, he recognized the sensation and began concentrating his mana around his heart. However, the task took a toll on him, and his eyes started to droop.
"Ah, fuck. I am a kid," Zias self-pitied. Arthur observed closely. After Zias dozed off, he removed his hand.
"Interesting," Arthur said with a smirk on his face and left, leaving a young genius drooling.
In a lavishly decorated room, two women anxiously awaited the moment Zias would open his eyes. One was a blonde-haired woman, Helen, and the other, her devoted maid, Maria. Concern etched their faces, as this was the first time Zias had slept for an entire day.
Zias raised an eyebrow as he slowly woke up, his gaze shifting between Helen and Maria. "Why are they sad? Did I oversleep?" he wondered, observing their worried expressions. "This must be the mana circulation, right? That old man is freaky. I am a kid," Zias thought, his confusion evident.
Before he could fully grasp his surroundings, Maria announced, "Mylady, young master has woken up!" Helen rushed towards the bed, embracing Zias. Her sweet scent seemed to calm him down.
"I can't deny I like this feeling, someone is worried for me," Zias thought, a fulfilled expression crossing his face. "I am never letting that old man meet you, Zias," Helen declared with concern.
"Father to old man, she is overprotective. But I want to learn from the old man; he seems powerful," Zias chuckled in his head.
"Maria, you will never leave his side, ever. That's an order," Helen said with a decisive look.
"Yes, my lady. I will never leave young master's side," Maria affirmed, making her stance clear.
"And here I thought I would start to gain my strength. This is going to be troublesome," Zias exclaimed.