The next series of events proceeded significantly well at the banquet. The king also delivered a brief speech.
"I am delighted to have new talents in the kingdom, for those of you going to the academy, do well to graduate with outstanding results. As for the others, I'll encourage you to learn and master your skills to a significant degree. Just because you do not have mid-grade or high grade talent, doesn't mean all hope is lost. You are all part of the kingdom. Everyone is important, so do not count yourselves as irrelevant. Understood?"
"Yes, your majesty!"
"Zahad" The king called out, and a boy with grayish hair came out and stood in front of the King, with his head lowered.
"Zahad"
"Yes, your highness."
"Your result at the awakening ceremony was impressive."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"I see you are of noble origin, but the times have not been favourable to you. I know that you've been offered a scholarship, but I am willing to step in as your sponsor in the academy, I will cover any expenses outside the scope of the academy."
"I am grateful, your majesty" Zahad knelt down in appreciation.
"Do not worry about anything and focus on graduating with an excellent result."
"I shall not disappoint his highness."
"Good, because if you perform well enough, I will induct you back into the ranks of nobility after your public service."
"Haa"
Audible gasps were heard from around the hall.
It was uncommon for a fallen noble house to regain their position as nobles. This was because no noble family would easily associate with commoners even though they were once seen as nobles. Thereby relegating them completely from the position of nobility.
Zahad's life changed in one day, from being looked down on, to being envied. From grass to grace. He always wanted to be like that child prodigy everyone talked about. Now, he is bigger, the limelight is his and his alone.
The situation of Zahad and Oscar could be likened to the two sides of a coin. One being blessed, the other feeling cursed. One now basking in fame and glory. The other, only possessing faded glory.
One thing is certain. If one's glory dies, it is for a long time.
**********
Oscar's POV:
Why is this happening to me? I thought I had talent. How did my core become defective? I didn't get a mid-grade or even a low-grade. Talentless?? Where do I go from here? My prospects have all become a mirage.
Since we got back from the ceremony, I've been in my room, cradling my head. From the moment I heard that news, a splitting headache hit.me, one that just won't go away.
My parents have tried comforting me with words, saying this is not the end for me. This problem is not set in stone... Most of their words merely pass through one ear and flow through the other, my brain doesn't seem to register it.
I didn't go to the banquet because I felt there was no need to. Even though my friends were there I couldn't felicitate with them. I hope they understand.
I've been in my room for a while, they are back already. Either I spent a lot of time sitting down or the banquet didn't take long.
Hearing a knock on my door, I stood up to go open it.
"Mom, how was the banquet?"
"Knowing about it won't do you any good. I can see from your face and your lack of enthusiasm that the result hit you hard."
"Is it that obvious?"
"I've never seen you like this, even when you were stuck with tough problems in the past, you didn't…"
"This isn't just a problem mom, this is bigger, my future as a mage is gone. I can only be regarded as a failure from now on."
"When did you ever care about what people said about you?"
"I always did."
"Huh?"
"Every human cares what they say about them, even when they act like they don't. Why should I be any different? I just didn't care because there was nothing wrong to say about me, I was proud of myself, of what I would become. But now…I'm just a…"
"Stop!"
"??"
Mom sat on the bed and pat the side indicating for me to sit.
"Oscar"
"Mom?" I answered back in surprise. Mom had never called me by my name before. She always called by the nickname she coined for me; 'Ossie'. Her tone this time around was stern.
The atmosphere became serious, I felt a little tense, seeing a side of my mother I hardly see. It made me think I did something wrong.
"Don't belittle yourself, wallowing in self-pity doesn't suit you. You are who you are for a reason. Setbacks may happen from time to time but you shouldn't let it deter you from your goal, instead you should let it drive you forward. Take a look at what you have been able to accomplish, what makes you think you can't go past this obstacle? You have done the improbable before what stops you from doing it again?"
"Uh?"
"You don't know."
"Um…"
For the first time in my life…
I felt stupid.
What was the reason for pushing myself? Wasn't it to ameliorate the use of mana, while going against the odds? Haa… I sighed inwardly at my foolishness.
"It seems you're beginning to understand."
"Yes, I am."
"Look within yourself, think of what you can do to improve then act on it."
"I understand now, thanks mom, I really needed this."
"That's my boy."
Mom wrapped me up in a close embrace, squeezing me in the process.
Ugh, is she trying to reform my bones? My mood was the only thing that needed improvement not my skeletal structure.
"I'm alright, you can let go now."
"Hehe, don't tell me you are feeling too shy to hug your mother. No matter how much you grow, you'll still remain my little Ossie."
'Ugh...I know'
"Okay, we are here for you anytime you need us Ossie."
"Yeah, thanks."
After she left, I heaved a sigh of relief. That brief conversation made me see things a bit clearer. The goal didn't change, the approach just did. Surely, I'll get through this. Time to go clear my head a bit, I need to train. I'll find a way to solve the issue later.
*********
Four months have passed since then, I've been training and sparring with the guards. Things still feel the same, but I think the reason for that is because I no longer go outside. Becoming a total shut-in wasn't what I planned but having to grapple with social anxiety is not my forte. One thing that has left me puzzled is the fact that none of my friends reached out to me, only Marcus and…Myra of all people came to see me. Marcus' visit wasn't unexpected but Myra's had me confused. It was two months ago.
I was at the sparring grounds when a servant came to inform me of a visitor. I thought it was Paul, Josh or maybe the both of them. So I told the servant to let the visitor in.
"Good evening Oscar, how are you?"
"It's nice to see you...Myra."
"Okay, now that didn't feel genuine, were you expecting someone else?"
"Actually, I was. You were the last person I expected to see here."
"Why? Because we don't talk?"
"Yeah, adding to the fact that you don't talk to anyone. I'd say my reaction is justified. Still, it would be inappropriate for me to welcome a guest in such a manner. Let's head to the garden, we'll be able to converse properly there."
"Alright"
"Do you need anything to drink?"
"Water would be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
"So what brings you to my abode? Don't tell me you came to condole with me. You are not the sympathetic type."
"Straight to the point are we? That's a bit harsh but not untrue. I know it might not be proper for me to ask this but, what are your plans?"
"Huh? Plans?"
"Yeah, your plans."
"Plans for what?"
"Don't play dumb."
"Oh alright. The thing is, I've still not figured it out yet. What I need to do, to fix this. My province has everything I need but fire mages mostly deal with war strategies and combat skills. Anatomy and physiology is not our strong suit. I thought about going to the imperial region to seek help but I..."
"But you'd not be offered much assistance or aid."
"Exactly, the subtle rift between my family and the kingdom would make them refrain from helping me entirely."
"True, what about Duke Zach's province, surely they also specialize in healing and medical research."
"But we're not on good or bad terms, just neutral."
"Right, and that's why I came."
"What?"
"I have another question for you."
"Are you planning to enroll at the academy?"
"No I'm not."