The next morning, well-dressed nobles arrived at the Caelym household.
They knocked firmly on the old rusty door.
Caelum came downstairs and opened it.
The knight's armor gleamed under the morning light, the family crest of House Caelym etched into his polished chestplate. Behind him stood nobles draped in rich velvet cloaks trimmed with silver their presence alone radiated importance.
"Are you Caelum by any chance?" he asked.
Caelum nodded. "Yes, that's me."
"Apologies for disturbing you so early," the knight said politely. "But I have something important to deliver to you."
The knight handed over a sealed letter.
"Please, take your time to read it. We'll be waiting outside," he said respectfully before stepping back.
Caelum took the letter, his hands trembling slightly as he broke the seal.
He glanced briefly at the seal a familiar crest he had seen only in old books before slowly unfolding the paper.
The room was quiet, save for the soft creak of floorboards beneath his feet. The morning sun poured through the dusty window, casting golden light across the room and the letter in his hands.
As Caelum opened the letter, his eyes scanned the words slowly.
Tears began to well up and gently drop onto the paper as he read on, his voice trembling with emotion.
My Grandson,
I am your grandfather, the old man who once told you stories. I am truly ashamed that I could not reveal this to you sooner. By the time you receive this letter, I may no longer be of this world.
My name is Azrael Caelym, father of Deron Caelym. I cannot ask for forgiveness after what I have done, but I hope that you, your father, and your mother can find it in your hearts to forgive this old man.
When you reach the age of thirteen and receive your Archangel, I, Azrael Caelym, head of the Caelym House, declare you the rightful heir and head of the house.
Whether you accept this responsibility or not is your choice, but I sincerely hope you will honor my last wish.
I only wish I could have spent more time with my little grandson.
He folded the letter carefully, wiping away the tears, his heart heavy with the weight of his grandfather's words.
Still holding the letter tightly, Caelum whispered through his tears,
"I forgive you… old man."
Just then, the front door creaked open again his parents had returned from the market.
Seeing his son crying, Deron rushed forward, concern etched on his face.
"What happened, my son?" he asked gently.
Caelum didn't speak. He simply handed over the letter.
Deron read it slowly, and as he reached the final words, tears welled in his eyes too. A soft smile formed as he said,
"We've already forgiven you… Father."
Caelum stood up, wiping his face, a newfound resolve glowing in his eyes.
"Father… I can't ignore Grandpa's last wish. I will become the heir of the Caelym house. Will you come with me?"
Deron placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder and shook his head.
"No. I can't, my son. From this day on, it's your house not ours. Your mother and I are happy here."
He smiled warmly, pride shining through his tears.
"Go, my son. Become someone greater than your grandfather. And when that time comes… come back and take us with you."
Caelum looked out toward the waiting nobles. He took a deep breath, clutching the letter to his chest.
"I'll rebuild my name… not just for my grandfather but for us all."
From among them, a well-dressed butler stepped forward, holding a polished wooden chest adorned with gold linings and the Caelym crest.
He knelt respectfully and offered it with both hands.
"A token of your inheritance, young master. The mark of House Caelym," the butler said with quiet reverence.
Caelum hesitated for a moment, glancing back at his parents.
They stood outside the house, smiling warmly, waving with eyes full of pride and love.
He took the chest into his hands, the weight of his legacy settling in not just in the wood and gold but deep in his heart.
The carriage ride was silent, save for the creaking wheels and the rhythmic thudding of hooves. When the gates opened and the mansion came into view, Caelum's breath caught in his throat.
"It was enormous far beyond anything he had imagined. Banners fluttered in the wind, and tall towers scraped the sky like silent sentinels."
As he stepped out of the carriage, rows of butlers, knights, and house workers stood in formation.
Each one bowed deeply as he passed, murmuring together:
"Welcome home, young master."
A tall knight in elegant armor stepped forward and knelt slightly with respect.
"My master, welcome," the knight said, his voice strong and steady.
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leonard Jonil. I am the head knight of the Caelym House."
His gaze was steady and calm, but a subtle warmth softened his tone, revealing the loyalty beneath his strict demeanor.
Standing beside him, a composed elderly man in a sharp dark uniform gave a courteous bow.
His expression was calm, yet his eyes shimmered with pride and kindness.
"Pleasure meeting you, young master," he said warmly.
"My name is Henord. I am the head butler of the Caelym House."
Henord then gestured down the wide ornate hallway lined with paintings of past Caelym lords.
"Please, allow me to show you to your room. Everything has been prepared for your arrival."
Caelum nodded silently, still absorbing the overwhelming welcome.
Henord stopped before a grand wooden door inlaid with gold patterns of the Caelym crest. With a gentle push, the door opened to reveal a spacious chamber bathed in warm sunlight.
"This is your room, my Lord," Henord said with a slight bow.
"We have prepared a bath for you. Please take your time to rest."
Caelum stepped inside, eyes wide as he took in the elegant furnishings the velvet drapes, the grand canopy bed, and the gleaming chandelier above. It all felt like something from the stories his grandfather once told.
He made his way to the marble bath, where warm steam rose gently. As he soaked, the weariness of the morning began to melt away.
Moments later, the soft knock of the door announced the arrival of the maids. Without a word, they entered quietly, bringing with them carefully ironed garments resting atop a finely crafted chest.
Inside were clothes unlike anything Caelum had ever worn or even imagined wearing.
Noble attire made of rich silks and embroidered with silver threads, marked with the insignia of House Caelym.
He stared at them for a long moment.
"Is this… really for me?" he whispered under his breath.
The boy who once lived behind a rusty door was gone. What stood in the mirror now was the heir of a legacy one that had waited far too long for his return.
Just then, a firm knock echoed from the door.
"My Lord, may I enter?" came a voice from the other side.
"Yes," Caelum replied, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest.
The door opened, revealing Leonard Jonil standing tall and composed.
"Forgive the sudden intrusion, my Lord," he said respectfully.
"But I bring urgent news."
He bowed slightly before continuing.
"The Emperor himself has requested an audience. He wishes to meet the new heir of House Caelym."
Caelum's eyes widened. He had barely stepped into this new world, and now the ruler of the entire empire wanted to see him?
Nervousness surged through him, but he clenched his fists gently and nodded.
Leonard stepped aside and gestured toward the hallway.
"Please follow me, my Lord. The king is awaiting your arrival at the palace."
As Caelum walked behind Leonard, every step felt heavier than the last. Yet deep down, a flame had been lit fueled by duty, legacy, and a desire to prove himself worthy of the Caelym name.
As they reached the palace, Caelum gazed up in awe at the gigantic structure before him. Towering walls, massive doors carved with ancient symbols, and knights standing guard in shining armor lined every entrance.
Stepping inside, the grandeur of the palace took his breath away. The marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, and tapestries of great battles adorned the walls.
The king's knights escorted Caelum through long hallways until they finally arrived at the throne room.
A herald announced loudly, "Now, the new heir of the Caelym House, Caelum Caelym!"
As Caelum stepped inside, his heart pounding, he immediately knelt before the throne.
A commanding voice rang out:
"Greetings, Caelum Caelym. Raise your head."
Caelum slowly lifted his gaze to meet the Emperor's eyes.
"I have called you here to determine if you are truly worthy of being the heir of House Caelym. I'll keep it short.
Answer my questions honestly."
The Emperor's first question was clear:
"What is your duty as the heir of the house?"
Caelum's voice was steady:
"My Lord, my duty is to protect the Emperor from the sins of the Abyss and to bring peace throughout the empire."
The Emperor nodded approvingly.
"Good answer, Caelum Caelym. Next what does it mean to be a noble?"
Caelum looked confused.
"My Lord, what exactly do you mean?"
From the crowd, a noble witness suddenly shouted angrily,
"How dare you question the king!"
The Emperor waved his hand dismissively.
"Fernord, this is not your matter."
The man bowed quickly.
"My apologies, my Lord."
Turning back to Caelum, the Emperor clarified,
"You asked what it means to be a noble, yes?"
Caelum nodded.
"Yes, my Lord."
"Then answer me what is the role of a noble?"
Caelum answered firmly:
"The role of a noble isn't to flaunt their status before commoners. It is to protect those who are weak and powerless. Our role as nobles is to serve and protect, not to harm."
The Emperor laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! Yes, absolutely right!"
"Caelum Caelym, you are worthy. Show me your hard work and make your grandfather proud. He was the strongest knight under this empire."
The Emperor's gaze sharpened.
"Can you become stronger than he was?"
Caelum's voice held steady confidence.
"Yes, my Lord. I hope… no I will become stronger than my grandfather."
The Emperor smiled.
"Very well, Caelum. You may go."
As Caelum turned to leave, some nobles watched from the shadows, murmuring with disdain.
"How did a nobody become the heir?" they whispered bitterly.
"As Caelum returned home, he sank into the chair in the grand hall, exhaling deeply. The weight of the Emperor's presence still lingered in his chest."
Leonard spoke with calm pride, "Yes, my Lord, it was your first time meeting the king, but you handled yourself well. We are all proud of you."
Henord's gentle voice followed, "Please, take some rest, my Lord. Dinner is nearly ready."
Caelum settled into the grand dining hall, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against polished silverware and crystal glasses. Before him lay an impressive array of dishes colors and aromas he had never before experienced all at once.
He ate ravenously, each bite filling not only his hunger but also a deep yearning he hadn't realized he carried.
Later, as he lay stretched on the vast canopy bed, the warmth of the room cocooning him, his thoughts wandered to his parents. What are they doing now? A steady resolve blossomed within him.
He whispered to himself, "I will become what I promised. I will honor the Caelym name."