Zikron, today we will welcome your companion into our family," my father said calmly, his deep voice resonating through the hall.
"Are you sure of your choice? This is an important decision," my mother asked in a worried tone, her eyes searching mine for an answer. Zeyone, my elder brother, fixed me with his piercing gaze, stoic as ever.
That gaze unsettled me, but I did my best not to let it show. "Yes, I am sure. I want Ester to become my knight," I declared with confidence, my voice steady.
Zury, my younger sibling, widened his eyes in surprise, then slapped his hand over his face and exclaimed with exasperation, "Mother, Father, your son has lost his mind… Let me knock some sense into him!"
No one laughed. My father remained silent, his impassive gaze fixed on me. Yet, even in his neutrality, I felt a crushing pressure. My heart beat slightly faster, but I stayed still, maintaining my composure.
I knew my decision would not sit well with them. After all, a knight was supposed to be stronger than the one they protected.
In Ester's case, it was the exact opposite. He was weak, and no one could deny it. But to me, it was only a temporary state.
"Why do you want to make him your knight?" Zeyone asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "We'll need to invest significant resources to train him. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences?"
"Zik, he did perform brilliantly in his exam, securing sixth place. That's impressive, especially for someone of his background," my mother added, her expression showing a hint of hesitation. "But it was his intelligence that got him there, not his strength."
I understood their doubts. They were right—Ester wasn't strong. Not yet.
But that could change. I had seen it during the exam, that determination in his eyes, that spark. More importantly, my instincts screamed that he was meant to stand by my side.
"I understand your points, and they're valid," I said, attempting to suppress a flicker of annoyance. "But I ask you to give him a chance." I took a deep breath before continuing, "My instinct tells me he'll be a great help to me. Keeping him close is the best choice. It's an investment, yes, but a necessary one. I know Sery will be my main knight, but I want Ester to receive the same training. I'm willing to bet on him."
A heavy silence filled the room. I felt their eyes on me, scrutinizing every inch of my resolve, searching for any cracks. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Zeyone's lips curled into a faint smile, as though he approved.
Zury, on the other hand, shook her head and shrugged, sighing in resignation.
"Is this your final decision?" my father asked, his sharp voice cutting through the stillness.
"Yes, Father. It's my choice. Invest in him," I replied without hesitation.
My father nodded slowly. "Then you will go to his orphanage yourself to bring him back here. Zeyone, Zury, Sery, and the Red Star will accompany you as your guard."
Relief washed over me, mixed with a subtle joy.
I had won.
Standing outside the Zeta manor, I waited impatiently for the others to arrive. Beside me, Zeyone gazed ahead, lost in thought. At his side was his knight, Raphael.
Raphael was the same age as Zeyone. He had a tall, lean build, with dark eyes and jet-black hair. Despite his somewhat cold appearance, he was a warm and approachable person.
"What's on your mind?" Raphael asked in a neutral tone. I turned my head toward him. He was looking directly at me.
"Not much, honestly. I'm just bored."
"Bored? With that pensive face? That's an unusual combination. You can do better than that as a lie," he replied with a slight smile.
"Well, Raphael, you know very well that lying isn't in my nature," I said, amused.
"It reminds me of your tenth birthday, when you tried to lie to His Majesty," Raphael said, his expression a mix of nostalgia and mischief.
"Don't remind me," I muttered, averting my gaze. That memory still embarrassed me. At the time, I'd wanted to avoid my father's training. To escape, I sneaked through the manor and hid in my playroom until the next day.
Father hadn't searched for me, but my mother had been frantic. They'd looked for me throughout the entire Zeta estate and even in the city of Zeyopolis. My mother had even considered launching a search across every town and province in the empire, but Father stopped her. He told her it wasn't necessary, that I hadn't left the estate.
When they found me, I tried to convince them I'd been practicing my usual training routine. Of course, they didn't believe me, and I was punished. The mere thought of it still sent shivers down my spine.
"Zikron, if something's weighing on you, you can tell me. You're only thirteen—there's no need to act like His Majesty," Raphael said with a sincere smile.
I wanted to share what was troubling me—the doubts that had been haunting me for days.
"Did I make the right choice? I didn't even ask him what he wanted. I'm imposing my decision on him, thinking it's what's best for him."
These thoughts crashed over me like relentless waves. But even though I trusted Raphael, I couldn't confide in him. Why? Because he was, above all, Zeyone's knight.
"You think too much," Zeyone suddenly said, pulling me abruptly from my thoughts.
He fixed his gaze on me, silent for a moment, then continued in a calm but penetrating tone:
"Are you wondering if you made the right choice? If you're forcing him onto a path he doesn't want?"
I froze, startled by his words. How could he read me so easily?
Zeyone gave a faint smile, though his expression remained serious. "Little brother, you overthink. If your instincts tell you to do something, then do it. Don't overanalyze." He paused, standing firm in front of me. "And if you still find yourself overthinking, then just ask him. It's that simple."
His tone was calm, almost soothing. The straightforwardness of his advice struck a chord within me.
Does he know me that well? I thought. He was right—I was overthinking. A tension I hadn't even realized I was carrying seemed to lift.
"Thank you," I murmured. Of course, he heard me. He nodded silently.
The atmosphere grew warmer, almost comforting. The distant hum of the city filled the background, a constant murmur. Then, closer, a louder sound emerged—the low growl of a powerful engine.
A large black car, followed by several others, pulled up in front of us. The emblem of the Crimson family, a vivid red sun, was emblazoned on the door.
The car door opened slowly. Sery stepped out first, poised and elegant, followed by her father. Behind them emerged the Red Star, Father's favored warrior.