The rumor that was just a whisper yesterday had now become official news. Even before the sun had fully risen, the servants in the kitchen were busy discussing it while preparing breakfast.
"They say the Patriarch has summoned Young Master Leonel."
"Is that true? So the aura rumor has reached his ears?"
"Hmph, perhaps he just wants to ensure that wretched boy doesn't disgrace the family name again."
I heard it all while fetching the hard bread for Leonel. My stomach churned. If the Patriarch was truly summoning him, this was no trivial matter. The Patriarch of the Kaelthorn Family was not just the family head, but also one of the most respected Aura Rank 7 Knights in the kingdom.
And more importantly, he was famous for having no softness in his heart, even towards his own son.
That morning, Leonel didn't seem the least bit anxious. He ate his breakfast calmly, then donned his black noble uniform with the gleaming Kaelthorn emblem on his chest.
"Rian," he said while adjusting his sword belt. "You will accompany me."
I nearly dropped the plate I was holding. "M-me? Are you sure, Young Master?"
He nodded. "Yes. I want you there."
I swallowed hard, but finally nodded. "Alright."
The main hall of the Kaelthorn family soared with a high ceiling, adorned with paintings of ancestors and the flaming sword crest that was the family's pride. Every step I took felt heavy.
At the far end of the hall, the Patriarch sat on a large chair lined with iron and gold. His hair was jet black despite streaks of white, his eyes sharp like an eagle's, and his aura was so dense it made it hard for me to breathe.
To his right and left, several family elders and instructors sat observing with serious expressions.
"Leonel Kaelthorn." The Patriarch's voice echoed, deep and cold. "I heard you displayed aura before many witnesses. Is this true?"
Leonel stepped forward calmly. "It is true, Father."
Silence. Everyone stared, waiting for the Patriarch to explode or at least sneer.
Instead, all that was heard was the creak of the chair as the Patriarch leaned forward. "Show me."
Instructor Gareth brought the detection crystal again, placing it on the long table before the Patriarch. Leonel placed his hand upon it without hesitation.
The crystal glowed again with a faint blue light, the same as yesterday.
No laughter, no mockery. There was only silence.
The Patriarch stared at the crystal for a few seconds, then looked back at Leonel. His gaze was sharp, as if trying to pierce through his very mind.
"How is this possible?" muttered one of the elders.
"He never had any talent," whispered another.
The Patriarch raised his hand, and all sound immediately ceased.
"Leonel," he said softly. "For years, you showed not a shred of talent. Suddenly, now, you can ignite aura. Explain."
I held my breath. This was the most difficult question. I knew Leonel was no longer the same person, but how would he answer this?
Leonel bowed his head briefly, then looked straight at his father. "Perhaps it is because I never truly tried before. I was too immersed in my own weakness and anger. But now, I wish to change."
The answer was simple, but his voice was firm, without a trace of doubt.
The Patriarch stared at him for a long time, then stood up. The pressure of his aura made some servants guarding the door almost kneel. I felt my own knees trembling violently.
"Change, you say?" The Patriarch approached, each step echoing loudly. He stopped just a few paces in front of Leonel, looking down at his son.
"Listen carefully, Leonel. The Kaelthorn name must not be disgraced again. If you have truly changed, prove it with actions. If not… I will not hesitate to strip you of your inheritance rights."
Those words were like a sharp sword slicing through the air.
I held my breath, afraid Leonel would be provoked into anger as he used to. But the opposite happened.
Leonel lowered his head and replied calmly. "I understand, Father."
The Patriarch looked at him for another moment, then turned and sat back down. "Instructor Gareth, starting today, you will supervise Leonel's training every morning. I want a progress report every week."
"Yes, Patriarch." Gareth bowed deeply.
After the meeting concluded, Leonel walked out of the hall with steady steps. I hurried after him, my heart still pounding.
"Young Master… you're not angry?" I finally asked.
He glanced back, his smile faint. "In the past, I might have been angry. But now… I know anger won't change anything. Only strength can."
I fell silent, his words echoing in my ears. For the first time, I truly believed Leonel was different.
Not just changed… but truly reborn as another person.
And for some reason, that made me both fearful and hopeful.
That night, in the servants' quarters, I couldn't sleep. The image of the Patriarch's gaze haunted me.
The gaze of a stern father, but also of a ruler who would not hesitate to discard his own flesh and blood for the sake of the family name.
If Leonel failed… not only would he lose his position. His very life might not be spared.
And for the first time, I prayed in my heart.
May the Young Master truly prove himself.