The silence that had settled transformed into a heavy atmosphere.
Who would have thought my father would announce my enrollment in the academy in such a manner?
But in a sense, I wasn't happy at all. He surely knew that making such an announcement this way would have consequences. Not only was he ordering me to attend the academy, but was he also trying to put me in a difficult position?
What are you trying to accomplish, Father?!
None of my siblings or the vassals moved, but I could feel their gazes fixed on me. I, the youngest of the illustrious Khan family, was now being sent to the Xerx Academy.
As I pondered the purpose behind this decision, my father, Renfyr, spoke once more.
"The decision is final. Aldhen will cease all his activities and join the academy. In three years, he must complete his training!"
Everyone listened attentively.
Even a fool could recognize that the planned graduation date coincided with the competition for the position of Patriarch.
While my father spoke, I observed the serious expressions on some faces.
Look at them, thinking so intensely. Some were completely missing the point.
"I know you have questions, so I will allow three."
Renfyr fell silent, crossing his legs, giving us the floor.
I was once a king, but I had to admit—this man truly had presence.
I didn't know if he had the qualities of a father, but as a military leader, he was undeniably competent. It was evident in the way he carried himself at all times.
Every one of his actions served a purpose.
Of course, there were only three opportunities to ask questions, yet so many people in the room. This was where status spoke for itself. I knew I wouldn't get the chance to ask anything. I could only hope that one of the questions aligned with my concerns.
The person with the highest status here was a vassal of the family, but he didn't dare speak, leaving the floor to us—Renfyr's children. Naturally, it was the same for the other vassals.
After a few moments of silence, someone raised a hand.
My eldest brother—the one who had momentarily set aside Alicia's teasing—had a question to ask. His composed gaze, his military uniform… He was undoubtedly one of Renfyr's children with the highest standing here. The rest were likely at the frontlines or at the Dead Sea.
The other siblings turned their attention to him. Aijin Khan.
As he kept his hand raised, one of Renfyr's wives spoke.
"Aijin Khan. Speak."
Here, titles were not used. Everyone was addressed by their name. It was Renfyr's first wife who granted him permission to speak.
Aijin took a step forward and asked his question.
"Thank you, Father. I would like to know why Alatea Ysel Khan is coming out of seclusion so soon. What is her current level?"
The moment Aijin finished speaking, a heavy pressure settled on him. He quickly realized his mistake—he had asked two questions instead of one. Now, only one question remained.
It was unwise to waste multiple questions on a single person. And I never knew he was so interested in my mother's situation.
He took a step back.
"I apologize."
The room remained silent, everyone awaiting Renfyr's response. What was done was done—that must have been the thought on everyone's mind. What would happen next? Even I was curious.
"I dislike ceremonies, but someone of your rank should know how to conduct himself. If you truly consider what you did a mistake, then you shall receive the appropriate punishment."
What Renfyr implied was simple: Aijin held the highest status among us. He had no need to apologize, even if he used up all the questions. By acknowledging his decision as a mistake, he was admitting that it warranted punishment.
"Yes, Father."
He didn't protest. Over the years, I had come to understand Aijin's personality well. This kind of mistake would only repeat itself. Deep down, he had a soft heart.
"That being said, I will consider your two questions as one. The others may still ask theirs as you intended. But think about this—situations where everyone can be satisfied, at least without concessions. Reflect on that."
Usually, my father was a man of few words. But today, for some reason, he was speaking more than usual. This kind of occurrence was rare—typically, it only happened during official duties.
Had something happened?
"Alatea Ysel Khan is pregnant. She failed because of this, but she managed to reach Tier 7."
The revelation that my mother was pregnant was surprising. But the fact that she had reached such a high tier in magic was just as shocking.
With this, the family's prestige would only rise.
But of course, my father, being who he was, framed it as failure. I expected nothing less from him.
What is certain is that after this meeting, there will be a lot to talk about.
Renfyr fell silent.
After a moment, the first wife made a subtle gesture, signaling for the next question to be asked.
Aijin remained still, his expression caught between joy and uncertainty.
Until now, the second wife had kept her eyes closed, while Renfyr maintained his imposing posture. It was easy to tell that those two were the most antisocial of the group, while the first wife acted as the bridge between them and the rest of the world.
Then, my sister Alicia stepped forward.
Since no one else was speaking, she performed a bow befitting the Khan family, and the first wife granted her permission to speak.
Logically speaking, based on merit, it shouldn't have been her turn. But Alicia had always had this wild nature—so much so that even the eldest sibling, currently at the frontlines, preferred not to be associated with her too much.
"Why must the youngest be the one to join Xerx Academy?"
So far, no one had asked about the Patriarch position. I was sure some were fuming inside.
And now, only one question remained.