Chapter 175: Returning Home in Glory
After Gil fell asleep.
On the balcony, by the French doors, Ryan's figure quietly materialized in one of the wooden armchairs.
"Exceptionally gifted, huh? In a way, I suppose he is," he murmured, looking at the sleeping young man. He was looking forward to seeing what kind of brilliant performance the boy would put on tomorrow. Parker and the others were planning to take Gil back to Uppingham for a brief farewell with his family before whisking him off to London for national team tryouts, where he'd be treated like a national treasure.
"The young hero returning home in glory... it's a timeless classic, isn't it? Sweet dreams, Gil Xavier."
He finished recording all the data related to Gil's emotional state on his parchment, put it away, and gave a slight bow toward the sleeping boy.
"See you tomorrow. I'm expecting a good show."
The next morning.
Gil woke up in the magnificent bedroom. He looked around carefully, confirming that this luxury was not just a dream. He got out of bed, slipped on a pair of slippers, pulled a robe from the wardrobe, and headed out the door.
After finishing breakfast in the canteen, he saw Parker, who was already eager to get him to London.
"Pack your things! We're heading back to your home, and then it's off to the international stage for you to shine!"
"I just need to change, and I'll be ready!"
"Then hurry! Run, lad, run! Time waits for no one! The sooner we go, the sooner you'll be famous!"
A convertible sports car pulled out from the government building, drawing eyes as it paraded through the town. Some of the local youths recognized the passenger as the young man who had run so incredibly fast yesterday.
Gil left in a grand display, leaving behind a local legend in Oakham. For many years to come, these young people would tell their siblings, their children, and their grandchildren about the man they saw who could run faster than a car—a local kid who, one day, was a nobody, and the next, was being chauffeured in a convertible, basking in glory. Perhaps it would even inspire a generation or two of local athletic spirit.
Gil's bicycle was still locked to the public bench where he'd left it. But Gil himself was now in a convertible with government officials, speeding down the main road back to Uppingham.
Along the way, Gil finally remembered his family's broken telephone. When he mentioned it, one of the officials with them claimed to have experience fixing landlines and told Gil not to worry, he'd take care of it. Gil, of course, was profusely grateful.
As the convertible rolled into Uppingham, it turned every head on the street.
"My word, just look at that! Isn't that the Xavier's boy, Gil?"
"It sure is! Look at him, in that fancy car! You know, I always said when he was a boy, he was destined for great things!"
"Oh, yes, yes. We all said he'd grow up to be a big success!"
The driver, clearly understanding the atmosphere, deliberately slowed the car to just above a walking pace, allowing people to keep up with a light jog. The entire way, people ran alongside the car, peering in to talk to Gil.
Amidst this warm, neighborly atmosphere, they arrived at Gil's house.
At the front door, Gil rang the bell, preparing to saunter in, to show that he, too, was a "big shot" now.
"You useless oaf! I told you! What are we going to do if the phone's broken! It was working just fine the day before yesterday!"
He was greeted by his father's furious, welcoming tirade.
Gil felt a flash of anger, but then realized... this was exactly what he'd expected. In that case, it was fine. He was used to it.
"Dad, I brought someone to take a look at the phone!" he shouted over him.
"I told you! It was working fine the day before yesterday! Why isn't it working now!"
"Someone is here to help us look at it!" Gil yelled, his voice overpowering his father's, as he invited the government employees inside.
The man who knew how to fix phones took the landline apart. He hadn't even started when the roaring began again.
"You good-for-nothing lout! Running around with a bunch of street hooligans! And now you dare to come in here and break my things! Do you have a death wish?!"
"You touch that again, I swear, I'll... It's your fault! Don't think you're someone special just because you're wearing a suit!"
Parker looked at Gil, his eyes asking: Is this normal?
It's normal, perfectly normal. Gil, in high spirits, was unbothered by his father's words. He had more confidence now. It was like telling Louis XVI he was bad at Latin; he would just smile. But if you told him to stop making jokes, he would truly lose his composure.
Parker was just momentarily stunned. He had always assumed that a gifted child like this would come from a good, supportive home. A toxic family environment could grind any talent down to nothing.
But no matter. As a government employee, a "humble public servant," he had plenty of ways to deal with people like this.
"Hello, Mr. Xavier, sir. We are not 'hooligans.' We are public servants from the Rutland County government. And while we are here to serve the public, we do expect a certain level of dignity."
As he spoke, Parker produced his credentials.
Seeing the words "Rutland County, Department for Education, Sports Division Supervisor" on the ID, Mr. Xavier's mouth snapped shut. His expression changed in an instant to one of fawning politeness, and he began gesturing wildly, warmly welcoming the public servants into his home.
The man who knew about phones tinkered with the receiver, dialed a number, and this time, the call went through.
"It's all fixed," he said, turning to Gil. "It was just a loose wire in the dial."
Before Gil could reply, Mr. Xavier launched into a passionate speech. "I always said this boy of mine had potential! To be friends with such important gentlemen! You must all stay for a simple meal today!"
"That won't be necessary, Mr. Xavier," Parker said, pocketing his credentials. His tone was cool. "We're just here so Mr. Gil Xavier can say his goodbyes. He's heading to London. He needs to go where he can truly use his talents... on the international stage."
Mr. Xavier's face changed. And changed again. And a third time.
Gil, watching his father, certainly felt dissatisfaction from all the past years of verbal abuse. But it was still his father, and he was used to their... coarse relationship. He had to admit, however, seeing this new, fawning expression on his father's face was more satisfying than landing a beautiful girlfriend.
He felt a surge of power, as if his blood were magma building beneath a volcano, ready to erupt with limitless heat and energy. He desperately wanted to go outside and run a few laps. He felt just as he had yesterday—when he was extremely happy, he had boundless strength.
Nearby, unseen, Ryan stood, a piece of parchment floating in front of him. He held a quill, quietly recording his observations.
No one could see him, no one could detect his presence.
Words appeared on the parchment:
[Test Subject #11]
[Name: Gil Xavier]
[Sex: Male]
[Age: 18]
[Social Status: Lower. Family situation: Normal.]
[Test Objective: To verify the relationship between magical power and emotion. To verify if ordinary Muggles are truly insulated from magic.]
[Test Process: ...]
~~~
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