The grand dining hall of the mansion was just as massive as the estate itself. Guren greeted the people at the table and took a seat at the far end. The room was crowded. Every member of the family was present.
On the right side of the table sat, in order: Alexandria Queen — Guren's biological father, the High Priest, and leader of the Inquisitors. With his curly blond hair, pale skin, blue eyes, and tall figure, he was the image of nobility.
Beside him sat Guren's older brother, Alexandria Royan, of average height, dusky complexion, straight black hair, and pristine clothing — a man of discipline and presentation.
Next to him was Guren's elder sister, Alexandria III Silvie, the feminine reflection of Royan. They were twin siblings in perfect harmony and served as their father's most trusted aides.
On the left side of the table sat: Alexandria Maryam, the children's mother. She was not of noble blood. Queen had fallen in love with her at first sight and endured great political struggle to marry her. With her crimson hair and dark skin, she shone like a jasmine blossom.
Next to her sat Guren, the fourth in line for family leadership — the middle child. His ocean-blue hair and eyes hinted at the handsome man he would become, likely to make all the girls in the city swoon in the future.
And at the far end of the table sat the youngest member of the family, little Yasemin. Just like her mother, she resembled a jasmine flower, which is how she got her name. Having just turned two years old, she was so sweet that one could never get enough of her.
Meals in the Alexandria household were always tense. Dining etiquette was strictly followed, and not a sound was made. A thousand kinds of dishes were served, and four servants (including Edward and Edna) stood ready at each corner of the room to attend to the family.
Today was no different. The food was eaten in silence, and thanks were given to the Holy God Michael. Afterwards, the family moved to the large and luxurious salon for their morning conversation.
This was part of the household's routine. Every day, before starting their affairs, the family would gather to talk — it was the rule. And Queen, the head of the family, lived by rules. In his house, everyone was expected to obey them.
After a brief discussion, only Queen and Guren remained in the salon. Guren had waited patiently for this moment. He was still processing what had happened earlier. But he knew — he had to continue and find out what all of it meant.
Before leaving the room, Queen stood up and spoke:
— "Guren, you've grown. It's time for you to learn how to use mana and how to fight. When you become an adult, you too will be an Inquisitor, and you will punish in the name of our King and God Michael, with the might of His glorious hammer."
In this family, no one chose their own path. The head of the family worked tirelessly — and decided the path for everyone.
Guren responded eagerly:
— "Really? When I grow up, can I become strong too?"
He wondered if he should mention his dream and everything that had happened — but it could be risky. If his father found out he had entered the forbidden room, he might become furious.
Queen continued:
— "Of course. I made a special request to the King himself, and I've summoned the most skilled combat instructor from the palace to teach you. He will arrive today."
Guren's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Queen added:
— "Don't exhaust your instructor. Your father will be leaving for a one-week hunting trip with your siblings. In the meantime, obey your mother and Edna. Understood?"
With a burst of energy, Guren shouted:
— "YES!"
His father gently ruffled his hair and left the room.
Guren went out to the garden and spread out on the grass. The sun shining down on him brought a sense of peace and sleepiness.
"That winged being felt like this sun," he thought."It makes me feel good… but won't let me look directly at it. Like a mysterious healer. When I think of it, I forget everything — it's like a lover. I can't reach it. Like a polar flower that blooms once every thousand years…"
His father had made him memorize those lines — verses from the most sacred Prophet Yunus. Whenever he thought about the being from his dream, those words would echo in his mind.
Was the being he saw actually Michael? Or was he a prophet in the making?
The answer was hidden in the book.
"The best time to read the book is at night," he thought. "That's when father will be gone, and the servants will be asleep."
Before he could think of anything else, he fell asleep.
Suddenly, he awoke with a sharp pain in his abdomen. It felt like something had pierced his gut. He rolled and slammed into a tree. His eyes snapped open. His head was spinning, and the pain in his stomach made it impossible to think clearly.
In front of him stood a man dressed in black. He wore a mask, held a staff in his hand, and stared directly into Guren's eyes.
Guren burst into tears.
— "Father… save me… Father…"
The shadowed figure became angrier and shouted:
— "Get up and fight, brat! If you want to live — fight!"