"Happy birthday, son."
"Happy birthday, my little Kaini."
"Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom."
Today is my birthday, and the atmosphere in the house is full of joy. They have decorated and prepared dishes that I have never seen before. In addition, my father's side of the family is visiting me, which makes me very happy, because I will finally be able to interact with more people.
"Happy birthday, Kaini," a boy who was 3 years ahead of me greeted me. He was holding a gift box. His name was Zirael Firebrand Dorno, my cousin.
"Thank you, Zirael," I said cheerfully, to which he responded with a smile before heading towards his parents.
When my aunt and uncle arrived, they introduced themselves and showed much joy for my birthday. I must say that my uncle looks a lot like my dad, although physically they differ.
Well, I'd better get to the point. My aunt's name is Paola Firebrand and my uncle's name is Paulus Firebrand. Although my uncle bestowed his last name on his wife, as is common in a marriage, as far as I know, my aunt also has her own last name, pronounced Dorno. However, being married, the man's surname is often considered superior and predominant. This reflects that this world is totally backward.
Now, according to what my mother told me that day, it is true that the Firebrand family has a talent or interest in combat with edged weapons, something that is clear from the sword that man carries at his waist; he really is a person to be feared.
Time began to pass as we chatted and tasted all the dishes of food served on the table, where we could observe the wonderful decoration with the candelabras that were placed in front of us.
After spending the whole afternoon celebrating, while my uncle and father enjoyed themselves to the point of no return, my mother handed me a gift wrapped in a curious paper. When I opened it, I was surprised: it was a book.
"This is your gift, both from me and from your dad. It will help you learn about the use of magic. It is a book that contains the basics of teaching," my mother said.
Understanding the content it contained, I was thrilled.
"Thank you, Mom!" I exclaimed. Her response was a chuckle of delight. Meanwhile, I turned to look at my father to thank him, but before I could speak, I realized that he and my uncle already looked like zombies. They couldn't understand each other from drinking so much. It was a very pathetic sight, so I just watched.
As I finished watching my father, my mother's promise came to mind. She was really keeping her word to help me learn magic, that made me feel even more fond of her.
"That's incredible, it must have cost a lot!" said Zirael, who was sitting next to me.
"Why expensive?"
"Because the books are very expensive, and besides, since it's a magic book, that raises the cost even more. And I'm telling you this because I also have a similar book in my house," he explained with a smile.
—And how come you have a book... how can you have something so expensive? —I asked.
"Well, my mom was a healing magician and she had a book that she used to learn from. That book has been in the house for a while, and now I'm using it," she replied.
"My aunt is a healing magician!" The thoughts rushing through my mind left me speechless, unable to express my amazement.
"You know how to use magic?"
"Yes, I'm a mage too and I'm of advanced rank!" he said to me with a tone of pride bringing a fist to his chest.
"Seriously, it's mind-blowing!". I replied, even though I didn't really know much: what are levels? What I was really interested in was learning how to use magic. So I thought.
I have a book, a cousin, an aunt and my mom. This is perfect; I'm destined to be a magician and one of the best.
"Levels, levels... that's nonsense. Will that feed you or allow you to enjoy this fine drink?" said my dad, raising a shot glass to his mouth, his eyes half-closed from drinking so much.
"You're already hallucinating, bro," my uncle replied, slapping him on the back, which made my dad spit out part of the drink.
"Look what you've done, you idiot!"
"Who are you calling an idiot?"
"You, you piece of asshole! You're a stupid scoundrel."
"I'd rather be a scoundrel than a weakling and, what's more, a rascal."
"A rascal? You're such a bastard! My father, furious, lunged towards my uncle with the intention of grabbing him, but before he could position himself, my uncle was already prepared to punch him in the face. However, just as the punch was about to land on his face, my father collapsed, falling onto the table.
Clearly, he had fallen asleep.
Ahh...how pathetic, I thought, as I brought my hand up to my face.
"Hahaha, the drink got to you. I at least have a sword to protect my family, and you can't even with the drink. This way you won't be able to take care of anyone."
The scene was ridiculous: two grown men behaving like children, staggering around like monkeys and trying to prove who was the stronger or more manly after an afternoon of drinks.
"That's enough!" my aunt interjected, approaching with a determined stride. Without hesitation, she grabbed my uncle by the ear and twisted it hard.
"Ahhh, not the ear! It hurts!" my uncle squirmed like a child caught in the middle of mischief.
"That's how you'll learn not to make a fool of yourself," my aunt replied, without letting go of his ear.
"There, there, let go," said my uncle, in desperation.
"Sorry for the mess," said my aunt to my mom, while dragging my uncle, who was still complaining.
"No, forgive me too," my mother responded, appearing understanding, although a little nervous, smiling.
Zirael and I stared at each other, as our mothers continued to apologize, taking the blame off each other.
"Cousin, would you help me learn how to use magic?" I asked, approaching him with a smile.
"Yeah, sure," he answered me with some discomfort from the recent spectacle seen.
"Great! Then let's practice right now," I said excitedly.
"No, son, your uncles are already leaving. The sun is setting and it's dangerous at night," my mom mentioned.
"Yes, Kaini, it's already late. It is very dangerous to stay at night. But don't worry, tomorrow I could teach you, just come to my house, or better, I'll come to yours."
"I understand, tomorrow then," I replied.
"Well, see you later," said my aunt, trying to carry my uncle away in her arms.
"See you later Kaini."
"See you later," I replied. As I watched him walk out the front door of the house, I thought it was funny to see my uncle stammering and staggering as he tried to stand up.
Outside, I could hear my aunt telling him, "This is why I don't like it when you drink."
"It's just that this drink was really good. Besides, why are you worried, I can protect you," my uncle replied.
"Who are you going to protect in that state? Watch out for the fence," my aunt replied as their voices faded.
"Are they gone already?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then Naára, please clean it all up," my mother said to the maid next to her, she just nodded her head.
"Mom, tomorrow can I go to my aunt and uncle's house?", I asked shyly.
I needed to learn and understand all this, for although I had the book, I still couldn't read this language well.
My mom stared at me at the request I made, her face showed doubt, but suddenly she said.
"It's okay."
"Then I can go?"
"Yes, son," she answered me with a smile.
"Excellent, thank you, Mom!" I exclaimed happily, jumping up so I could hug her.
"Mind you, you'll go with your father. Is it true, honey, that you're going to take our son?" said my mother looking at dad with an angry expression, I guess because of what he had done drinking. Really, even I would be in the same position as my mother.
"Yes, I'll do it," said my dad, his head resting on the table, with a sleepy face.
"There, son, you've already got someone to keep you company. You go to sleep, I'll help your father go to bed and while I'm at it I'll help Naára with the cleaning."
"It's no bother, ma'am, I'll do it," Naára replied gently, bowing.
"I don't mind; besides, I feel a little guilty. I should have been more serious, because those two made a mess," my mom said, a bit angrily.
***
I headed to my room as I thought.
Now that I remember, if there are levels, I want to be the strongest. Yes, I will be the best in the family and everyone. I will be one of the best; moreover, with the advantage of having the mentality of a young man, my reasoning will be much better. I will do my best. You could say I'm cheating, hahaha.... I'm really excited about this.
"Let it be tomorrow at once!"