Chapter 9: Father
A middle-aged man with golden blonde hair reaching his shoulders, deep blue ocean-like eyes, and a handsome appearance, adorning a glistening golden robe that hid his strong, muscular physique was calmly resting on a sofa. His sharp gaze lay on Cassian, pressuring him instinctively.
"Son." His deep voice cut through the silence, making Cassian flinch. "I'm disappointed."
"I-I…" Cassian stammered, his words caught in his throat. He stood with his head bowed, unable to meet the man's piercing gaze.
Before him sat Alexander von Luminaire, the current emperor of the Luminaire Empire.
[STATUS SCREEN]
Name: Alexander von Luminaire
Title: Emperor of the Luminaire Empire, The Sword Sovereign
Race: Human (Awakened)
Age: 35
Energy Source: Mana
Elements: Light, Fire
Main Stage: Sublimation
Sub Stage: Divine Roots
Rank: Sage
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'Strong.'
His first thought after sensing the invisible pressure from Alexander. The aura around the emperor was sharp, deadly, and as unyielding as a tempered blade—an embodiment of his moniker as the Sword Sovereign.
"Sorry." He weakly replied, feeling his disappointed gaze over him. Cassian knew what kind of person Alexander was.
Alexander was a loyal man of principle, devoted to his family. He had a single wife and two children. Despite his wife being sick and bedridden, he never betrayed her trust and married another woman. His love for her was unwavering, so much so that he turned the entire empire upside down in search of a cure for her mysterious ailment.
His love for his family was boundless. Yet, this boundless love came at a cost. Alexander's focus on his wife's condition had caused him to overlook his children, especially his son. Cassian's death in the Mournshade Forest had struck him deeply, leaving the emperor to shoulder the guilt, blaming himself for his son's untimely demise.
In the original story, Alexander eventually vanished, plunging the empire into chaos. The main character had stepped in, saving Amelia's mother, earning her love, and ultimately ascending the throne. But things had changed now. Cassian's survival had already disrupted the story's original course.
"Not this time," he thought firmly, his gaze hardening with resolve.
He lifted his head, meeting Alexander's gaze.
"I'm sorry," Cassian finally murmured, his voice trembling with sincerity. "I did something foolish and caused unnecessary worry for everyone." He hesitated before continuing, his tone heavy with guilt. "My excitement over finding Mother's cure… my desperation to see her smile again clouded my judgment. I couldn't control my emotions when faced with even the faintest ray of hope."
He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes shining with resolve. "But I've learned from my mistake. This journey taught me the meaning of my life, the weight of my failures, and the hope for redemption."
A deafening silence followed as both of them stared at each other.
Then, Alexander's lips curved ever so slightly into a faint smile. A low chuckle escaped him, breaking the oppressive tension.
"Very well," Alexander said, his tone softer but no less commanding. "Show me. Show me your hope, your determination, your resolve, and your tenacity. The future of this empire rests in your hands. Will you lead it to greatness or ruin? The choice is yours to make."
As he spoke, Alexander reached for an envelope resting on the table beside him.
The envelope was sealed with a unique emblem, a book floating under the burning sun. It was glowing lightly with golden lights, suggesting its extraordinary nature.
'The Solheaven Academy.' Cassian thought, gazing at the emblem. He understood the meaning behind Alexander's words. The golden glow signified the significance of the academy—an institution where the world's brightest minds and strongest warriors were forged.
"I won't disappoint you." Smiling to himself, he gently picked up the envelope. The envelope could only be opened by circulating mana inside it. Oh and not anyone's mana but only the receiver's mana could open them else it would self-destruct.
"I will be watching." Saying those words, he ended the conversation. He leaned back, his sharp gaze lingering on Cassian for a moment longer.
Cassian hesitated briefly, then spoke, "Father, I… I would like to leave the empire until the academy's session begins."
He understood the weight behind words, especially just after surviving the grueling forest. But, he had no choice as his future depended upon his decisions.
Alexander's brows furrowed slightly as he considered the request. After a pause, he nodded. "Very well. But you will take a shadow with you. That is non-negotiable."
Cassian readily agreed, understanding the importance of the condition. He would have asked for a shadow either way considering the places he would be visiting were extremely dangerous.
With a respectful bow, he left the room, the faintest of smiles tugging at his lips as he walked through the grand corridors of the palace.
Behind him, Alexander watched his son's retreating figure, a rare and genuine smile gracing his face. You've grown, my son.
He gestured to a servant. "Summon Bernard," he ordered before reclining in his seat, lost in thought.
—
phew~
'It's quite challenging to act like Cassian, especially under powerful individuals like Bernard and Alexander. I have to show them my growth from the previous incident and slowly change my personality without arousing suspicion. Tough job.' Muttering to himself he lay beside a large king-size bed.
Cassian held the envelope in his hands, feeling its soft texture. 'It's an invitation befitting of their status.' His eyes twinkled, filled with anticipation. With a steady breath, he circulated his mana, allowing it to flow into the envelope. The seal dissolved soundlessly, fading into the air like dissipating smoke.
'It's unlocked.'
Taking the official paper out of the envelope, he gripped it between his fingers. Slowly, the paper became illusory, emitting a bright golden light.
swish
The paper shrunk into a beam of light and swiftly entered his consciousness, transferring its content inside. Sensing the vast information circulating within his mind, a prickly feeling arose within his mind.
Five minutes later
The discomfort subsided, leaving clarity in its wake. Cassian leaned back with a small smile, his confidence soaring. "I see," he murmured, his voice tinged with amusement.
The corners of his lips curved into a grin as he stood, the fire of resolve blazing in his eyes. "Nothing has changed."
A chuckle bubbled from his chest, growing into a full, hearty laugh. Turning toward the open window, he gazed at the horizon with unshakable determination. "Watch me closely, Father. For this will be very entertaining."