Chapter 4 - Childhood

January 1st, 1804.

It had been several years since Xavier joined his new family. Even though Xavier was not a blood relative, Violet and Aleksander always treated him like one.

Jonathan regularly took his children to church before heading to work as a farmer. Occasionally, his kids would accompany him and assist him in the field.

Even though Xavier had turned three years old, Jonathan had not enrolled him in school. Despite Xavier's strong desire to follow in his brother and sister's footsteps and attend school,

Aleksander, Jonathan's son, unexpectedly approached him one day when he was in the field checking his sheep. and struck up a conversation with him.

"Why haven't you enrolled Xavier in school yet, Father? Curiosity asked Aleksander to ask his father. "He is well capable enough to attend one since he is a genius like me and Violet," Aleksander continued.

"Well, that's because I am worried for Xavier," Jonathan retorted.

"Why is that?" inquired Aleksander.

Jonathan responded, "That's because I am quite scared to send him out into the real world, just like I was with you and your sister Violet.".

Aleksander replied, "But it still isn't fair to deprive him of something he needs."

"It's not that I don't know; it's simply that I know my son will face discrimination due to his distinctive features, especially with those stunning celestial eyes of his," Jonathan responded.

"And let's not forget that he is also gifted; that only makes it worse," Jonathan went on.

"I just don't want Xavier to face any type of hatred that would crush his joyful spirit," Jonathan sighed and stated to Aleksander.

"How about you enroll him in the school me and Violet are attending?" suggested Aleksander, wearing a sorrowful expression.

"You want me to enroll him in the Pennsylvania Royal Academy?" Jonathan replied.

"Yes, father, given that it's a globally recognized academy known for producing gifted individuals. And being among the first educational institutions globally to start accepting gifted students and assisting them in developing their potential," Aleksander retorted.

"Well, you are right about that, but it's a school for nobles," Jonathan said after giving it some thought. "Furthermore, enrolling you and Violet in it cost me a lot of money," Jonathan went on.

"That's true, but since Xavier is gifted, they will reduce the amount you need to pay for him to enroll, just like they did for me and Violet," Aleksander responded.

"Plus, if he's in the same school as me, you don't need to worry about his safety because I will protect him.".

Sighing, Jonathan grabbed his head and said, "Okay, okay, I'll think about it."

Then Aleksander remarked, "I can help you with that if you're still worried about the money problem."

"Oh no, you don't; I'm not letting you get a job; you just turned 13 a month ago," Jonathan retorted, startled.

"But," Aleksander answered.

Instead, Jonathan just intervened, telling him to focus on his studies and future ambitions while he worked to improve his and his siblings' lives as a parent would.

With a smile, Aleksander answered, "Thank you, Father.".

Jonathan gave Aleksander a smile in return, stroked his hair, and gave him a cheek kiss while saying, "Okay, okay, now go study."