Theodore walked briskly down the dormitory hallway, his mind preoccupied with his impending meeting with Principal Roman. He could feel the stares of his fellow students as he passed. The mocking and ridicule he had endured in the past were now replaced with admiration and awe.
He didn't like it.
"Why are they staring at me like that?" Theodore muttered, quickening his pace. He hated the attention.
Just as he turned a corner, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Theo!"
Theodore froze for a split second before instinctively bolting. Not him. Not now.
"Theo, wait!" Vincent's footsteps grew louder as he chased after him.
Theodore ran faster, weaving through the corridor and making a sharp left. Unfortunately, his plan to escape backfired when he bumped straight into Jin, sending both of them sprawling onto the ground. Jin's glasses flew off his face and skidded across the floor.
Vincent, with his longer stride, quickly caught up and lifted Theodore off the ground as if he weighed nothing.
"Hey, thanks for the help," Jin said sarcastically as he fumbled for his glasses.
Vincent, feeling guilty, bent down and offered Jin a hand. Jin sighed but accepted the gesture. Once he had his glasses back on, Jin glanced at Theodore. "Ah, my prince, I was on my way to visit you in your room. What a coincidence."
Theodore dusted himself off. "We'll talk later, Jin. I need to meet the principal right now."
Before Jin could respond, Vincent pulled Theodore into a suffocating hug. "My favorite cousin! I'm so happy you're okay! I was crying every night, thinking about you!"
Theodore grimaced, his body stiffening at the unwanted contact. "Okay, okay. I'm glad to see you too, but how about we talk from afar?"
Vincent grinned sheepishly. "Alright, fine. I'm just glad you and great Grandfather get along ."
Theodore blinked in confusion. "Great Grandfather? What are you talking about? I'm going to the principal's office to talk to my father, the king."
Vincent chuckled nervously. "Oh… oops. I guess no one told you yet."
Theodore stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes. "Told me what?"
"Nothing, nothing!" Vincent said quickly, waving his hands dismissively.
Theodore scowled but decided to let it go. He turned to Jin. "See you tomorrow."
Jin nodded and walked away, leaving Vincent to follow Theodore like an overgrown puppy. Vincent was giggling to himself as if escorting his younger brother.
"Damn it, stop this," Theodore muttered. "You're getting on my nerves."
"Stop what?" Vincent tilted his head innocently, which only irritated Theodore more.
When they finally reached the principal's office, Theodore found himself staring at the massive wooden door. Ancient carvings glowed faintly, brimming with mana. Before he could knock, the door swung open on its own, revealing the principal's private study.
The room was a marvel. Books floated around like birds, quills scribbled on parchment midair, and shelves moved autonomously, rearranging their contents. It was like stepping into a library that had come alive.
Roman stood at the center of the room, his demeanor utterly transformed. The jovial old man Theodore had spoken to before was now radiating authority.
"What did I do this time?" Theodore muttered under his breath, suddenly feeling uneasy.
As the door began to close, it slammed into Vincent's face.
"Ow! That's unfair!" Vincent complained, pushing the door open and stepping inside. "You treat him so well but slam the door on me?"
Roman smirked. "That's what you get for following the prince here, Vincent."
Theodore ignored their banter and approached the principal's desk. Roman gestured to a strange glass device on the table. Inside the glass box was a round pearl, glowing faintly. Roman tapped the glass, and the device hummed to life, projecting a holographic image.
The figure of King Henry von Dominick III appeared, regal and imposing. His large stature, defined muscles, and intense red eyes commanded attention. His mix of grey and black hair was slicked back, and his greying beard framed his strong jawline.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Roman and Vincent said in unison, bowing deeply. "May the divine presence of Gaia illuminate your path and bring prosperity to your kingdom."
Theodore stood there, completely absent-minded.
Gaia? he thought to himself, barely suppressing a laugh. I see….So I'm in enemy territory.
The moment felt surreal,it was only the second time in his life he had seen his father.
"My son," the king said, his voice deep and steady.
Theodore couldn't help the bitter smile that crept onto his face. Ah, so now I'm "your son" because I accomplished something?
"I've heard about your reckless behavior," the king continued, his tone sharp. "Going with the upper class and risking your life without my permission—"
Theodore cut him off, feigning sincerity. "My king, I was merely doing it to serve the kingdom and prove myself. Is that wrong?" What a joke, he thought. I just want to graduate and get out of this stupid school.
The king's expression softened slightly. "You're the only child between me and Urian—"
Roman suddenly snapped. "Enough of this nonsense, Your Majesty."
Theodore blinked in surprise. Did the principal just talk back to the king?
"Respect yourself, Roman," the king growled. "You let my son participate in this mission without my permission. Are you trying to get him killed?"
Roman's glare didn't waver. "Don't you dare lecture me, Henry. This is your fault for neglecting your own child."
Theodore watched the two men argue, completely baffled. "Okay, enough of this! Can someone at least explain to me what's going on?"
Vincent stepped forward, a nervous smile on his face. "Well… actually, Theodore, Mr. Roman is our great grandfather. Roman Vermin."
Theodore's jaw dropped. "Great grand father what ?! How is that even possible?"
Vincent nodded sheepishly. "Yup, he's Grandpa. Sorry we didn't tell you sooner."
Theodore stared at Roman, who returned his gaze with a knowing smile.
"This day just keeps getting worse," Theodore muttered.
Roman chuckled. "Now you know. Welcome to the family drama, little prince."
Theodore buried his face in his hands. "First the old man from the Shadow Temple, now this. Why do I keep attracting old men with cryptic secrets?"
Vincent clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, Theo! Grandpa might be grumpy, but he's actually really nice."
Roman raised an eyebrow. "Grumpy?"
Vincent grinned. "See what I mean?"
Theodore sighed. "I don't even know what to think anymore."
Roman's expression softened. "Don't overthink it, boy. Focus on what's ahead. Your father wants to speak to you, and I suggest you hear him out."
Theodore straightened, his mind clearing. He would deal with one mess at a time. For now, he needed to focus on what the king had to say.