It was a fine and splendid morning in Spring. At the moment, I was sitting in an open air pavilion in one of our courtyard and enjoying some tea. Standing in my wait was Nina who professionally waited at my call to the side.
It's relaxing...I thought with a smile. Here it was like I was shunned by all the impurities of the world.
Yes...this was the kind of life I wanted to live. Peaceful and serene, with a touch of luxury.
I raised a small tea cup to my nose and took a pleasant sniff of the aroma from the tea.
A twisted smile curled down my lips as I tried to imitate some of those high brow individuals from noble households.
Ah, right, don't forget to put your pinky finger out... there.
"Mhm-hm-mhm-hm-mhph..." I gave a 'high-brow' laugh and courteously sipped my tea.
Gently, I placed it down and said sonorously.
"Fine weather we're having, Nina." I raised my chin and glanced to my side with a smile.
My personal made beamed a bright and beautiful smile as she responded in kin.
"Yes. The weather's been lovely these days."
I nodded in agreement.
"Yes, yes, splendid for tea. You know you can join me, right? I'm not that big on formalities." I said.
Nina's smile was blinding...not as blinding as my sweet sister, but beautiful at the very least too...
"I appreciate the graceful offer, young master Victor, but I'll have to politely decline — this time too."
I gave her a look and shook my head lightly with a small smile.
"I thought you'd say so. You know, Nina, I see you more as an older sister than a maid. Just like Adrianne. You've been with me since she left after all. If you ever need anything or have something to say, ever... don't hesitate to tell me. It's the least I can do for your company all these years." Since the mood was splendid, I took the time to directly show my appreciation to the presence Nina has provided me these years.
I really wasn't kidding when I say she was more than a maid to me. It's actually been especially hard without seeing my sister, Nina couldn't fill that gap, but maybe it's because we weren't that far apart in age did I feel some level of familiarity like this.
Nina smiled and lowered her head in a bow.
"Yes, I appreciate it."
Since Nina was adamant on refusing my offer, I had no intentions on forcing her and continued with my tea.
A black feline appeared in my line of vision with a small purr. I suspended the raised tea cup before it could reach my lips and glanced at the little creature.
It pawed it's little way here then leaped to the table where it sat and began licking its paws. Instinctively my eyes twitched.
Just then, Nina said with emotion.
"Your deeds about taking in stray and wounded animals and caring for them long enough until they are ready to return back outside is truly admirable and awe-inspiring, young master. This fine maid is pleased...mhm-hmm". She wiped a small tear from eyes.
"..."
I didn't respond and simply faced forward.
'This young master is sorry!'
The cat was obviously my hateful familiar, Hamlet. He was currently in the small form of a completely black cat with particularly striking silver eyes.
Goddamit, this damed monster is freakishly good at stealing the existence of others!
'I asked you to add to our arsenal, not become a damned cat, you bastard...' I directed my venom and bloodlust through my intent at the cat which suddenly froze and whimpered backwards.
'That's right, run.'
What Nina talked about was Hamlet going around and Mimicking whatever creatures and animals he devoured and coming back to me.
Thanks to this bastard, I now have a long list of totally unrelated and useless characteristics!
'I said hunt a powerful and terrifying monster or die trying, not steal our neighbours cat!' yes, yes, I recognized that cat too!
Then Nina dreadfully said and my back straightened.
"That's strange too. What a coincidence, I heard Madam Godfrey recently lost her cat too."
'Again. This young master is sorry!'
"Ah...hahaha. I-is that so? That's too bad, then. Madam Godfrey r-really like that cat, didn't she?" I stuttered sheepishly.
Nina solemnly nodded with emotion.
"Yes, yes. She really did. Was all she talked about whenever she visited."
I'm skining my slime alive today, it's decided.
I promptly made my mind as I glared silently from my side. Hamlet, in cat form, tried to avert my gaze and took the initiative to leave.
Restraining my emotions, I laughed sheepishly then gave a sympathetic sigh while shaking my head.
There was a small white piece of envelope with a familiar insignia on the table next to my tea set. I glanced at it and took the opportunity to change the subject.
"This is from my sister. It came a while ago, but I still haven't gone through it." It happened while I was still in the dungeon. When I got back, I was too emotionally occupied and overwhelmed, that I totally forgot.
And there's the stunt I pulled last night too.
'Speaking of which, I wonder how that village is doing?' Dorian, my father, will definitely be getting news about it. I'll have to stylishly check with him and find out what he knows.
Hehe, but my performance gave me a really cool idea. Perhaps there might be a way, I Victor Bright, can live a peaceful and serene life, away from all the impurities, while doing what I have to do at the same time.
Musing to myself silently, I decided to check out the letter finally.
"Should I leave?" Nina who was next to me said as she noticed what I was about to do.
I turned and smiled and raised my hand a little.
"There's no need. I don't mind." With that, I unfolded opened the letter from Adrienne and began read.
"—Dear, brother. How are you? I hope this letter meets you well..."
'Awww...' I pursed my lips as a tingling feeling filled my che-
"—It better."
'Scary! I can literally read the bloodlust from the letters!'
Feeling the back of my clothes slowly drenched with sweat I continued reading the letter.
"—As you know, I am currently in my final year at Aegis. It has been a truly fruitfull and encouraging journey at the most prestigious Hero academy in the whole Human domain. I have been able to become much more powerful than before, and I feel like I might be close to breaking into Quadra rank in about a year more and a half, although I haven't told anyone else but you yet...."
I paused and the smile on my face froze.
'Monster!'
As a matter of fact, it was actually revealed years ago that Adrianne had indeed already been Awakened before the Bloodline ritual. It was just as I thought.
That meant, she Awakened, at about the same time I did. No, I Awakened around the same time she did, yet she had already come this far.
It had to be noted, the average age of for awakening, is from the earliest 13-16 years old. That meant, Adrianne awakened a few years earlier than that to prove her talent.
Well...I did too, but that was mostly because I had Meta and the system.
In any case, Adrianne and I were more or less supposed to be equal...no that's not right. Despite being of the same Ranks, the talents of Heroes usually can't always be compared. Adrianne was far more talented.
Without a doubt, this revelation caused her price as a beacon for the Branch families, and even the Main household to grandly skyrocket. There was a little controversy then, but it was all resolved when the elders sat around and looked at the prospects my older bro sister provide for them.
The last time I saw Adrianne, almost two years ago...she was still just a newly advanced Hero Rank. Not even close to the preciple. Surely, a major part of her advancement is due to the support and resource the family has spent, including sending her to The Aegis.
So while I was intentionally impeding my progress to avoid attention, Adrianne was using everything she had and received to boost hers.
Suddenly I wanted to cry.
But I was glad for her.
The stronger Adrianne can get before the Calamity, the better for me.
—"... You've finally Awakened, right? It's been about a year or so now? And considering your rank...it shouldn't take you more than two years, if even, to Rank up to Mortal. Yes. It's a little risky, but that's the minimum requirement..."
'Requirement? What is she talking about?' I leaned my face casually on my arm which was placed in the table and continued reading.
"—Yes, there's still enough time, so it's very possible. I've heard from Mom, and dad, I know you've worked hard while I'm away, so I'm sure you can definitely do it. Vic, in one year, I want you to become a Mortal Rank at the very least. You might already be now, actually if I consider your period of awakening. But that's even better. Mortal rank is the basic requirements, but anything above is also highly commended. Yes. Vic, have you ever thought of going to the Academy?"