As Cross told them of what he had witness numerous time, the Mages look at one another before sighing. While they wish to have their own son marry Cross' sole daughter, none of their sons is close in term of age, while showing little talents in magic.
They can become a Zero Circle Mage but above that, it would be very hard. It is impossible to compete with the prodigy. And the fact the boy is from a commoner family made it so they can influence him even more. Increasing the influence of Cross and those close to him.
"I wonder how long it will take him to become a 1st Circle Mage?" one of the Mages mused. The others soon followed. After all, it is interesting to think of such thing.
"I bet, he will become one in a year." one of the recent Mages, who become one a month before Cross' eldest son said.
"Hhmm, I think maybe 6 month or so." another one said, deciding to bet dangerously.
"Six months a bit to so-" "I bet he can become one in three months." Cross cut off one of the younger Mages, prompting the others to look at him like he is crazy.
"That's impossible." Alfon exclaimed, "At least for us in the boonies. If he live in one of the larger towns and cities, it might be possible with their resources and having actually have a proper Mage Academy but for us, it practically impossible."
As the oldest Mage who had travel around during his younger years, Alfon have tons of experience, having even visited the Arkayan Empire and Romanic Republic. There, he had seen large academies for Mages and Aura User, with the standard students coming out as 3rd Circle Mages after they graduated.
Not only did he heard it, he seen those graduate, who possess talents that probably the same as his, but with greater resources and access to better knowledge. So, he knew what is possible or not, by his standard at least.
"I don't know, but my daughter had been invested on the boy for a long time. She probably will try to elope with him even if he did not become a Mage. But it seem got eyes for talents, so I decide to be more bold with my bet." Cross told them, before taking a sip of his liquir.
The rest of the Mages look at one another before shrugging and throwing their bets. Soon, the Mages find themselves drunk, and in need of water and some medicine to curb hangover, but it is worth it.
-x-
"Mother, Father, I'm going to lesson now." Ardent told his parents before running towards the gathering of Magic Lesson. He played his part of an excited child who want to cast his first spell well, enough that the incoming Cross watched him with a fond shake of his head.
The said Mage soon knock on the door, getting Rowan to open it.
"Oh, Mage Cross. I surprise you come so early on." Rowan said with a hint of surprise. He had thought it will be slightly later for their meeting, or hope for it.
"Of course. This will be something important for my daughter, so I want to get it done as quickly as possible."
Rowan and Grace exchanged glances before the later spoke, "Is it about getting those two engaged to each other?"
Cross nodded, "Yes. To be honest, my daughter had been interested with your son for a long time, to the point she even ask for more lesson from me so she can teach your son early on."
Catlin might try to be sneaky about it, but Cross is someone who experience such thing before, and he also make sure to follow her daughter to learn what she is doing.
To be honest, when he learned of his beloved daughter being so close to a boy her age, Cross wish to beat the boy up. Only common sense stop him. Instead, he hope for it just be a simple crush, which will soon fade away, so she will pursue someone worthy of her status.
As it turns out, the boy do possess the talents that will make him worthy of his daughter, but Cross will continue observing him to make sure if it.
Rowan let out a sad sigh, "To think our son had learned of magic when he was playing with his friend," it sadden him slightly at how his son is not interested in being a farmer like him. He was also filled with pride, as his son may become someone that will be of high status in their village.
"Yes, it is a surprise for me. More so the lesson actually pushed him to become a Mage so quickly." to be honest, Cross was not truly sure, but he was certain the early lesson help.
Rowan and Grace both had a wry smile. "Let's go back to the engagement then. I think we need to discuss it further, Mage Cross."
Cross nodded, though he decide to get them to change something, "Of course, and please call me Cross. Mage Cross can be a mouthful."
The parents nodded as they talked about the engagement.
"Let them be engaged for, two to three years?" Cross said, looking at the two for suggestion.
"Hhmm, how about three years. By then, they can procreate and can have child early on. Even if they don't plan one so early, it will be a year or two before children popped out from them both." Rowan exclaimed.
Cross nodded. While the thought of his beloved daughter being pregnant scared him slightly, the thought of being a grandfather excite him, surpassing the trepidation.
"Then, how about a jewelry for them both, to announce the engagement?"
"Ring might be too symbolic, and no offense, I don't think it is something you can afford Rowan." Rowan was not offended, knowing he did not possess the wealth to pay for an expensive ring.
"How about a bracelet? A metal one. So, while it is not overtly expensive, it still enough of a symbol for their engagement?" Grace offered.
Cross nodded, "Sure, a bracelet will be suitable."
The adults resumed their discussion of the engagement of the children, while the two busy learning, not knowing but already guessing what is talk about between their parents.