The atmosphere in the dining hall was lively, with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee filling the air. Lena's stomach growled in anticipation as she took her seat beside her siblings. Her father, Lord Silford, stood at the head of the table, a serious expression on his face.
"Good morning, everyone," he began. "I'm sure you're all aware that your training has been ongoing for some time now. While it's been productive, I believe it's time for you to take the next step."
Cain looked at his s father with realization, "doesn't that mean that..."
"Yes that's right, you'll all be taking on a quest of your own to prove your strength" He paused, his eyes scanning the table then he continued, it's time for you to gain realife experience, to test your skills and improve further
Lena's eyes lit up with excitement, her heart racing with anticipation. She glanced at Leon, who was watching her with a calm, almost detached expression.
"Father, what kind of quest is it?" Cain asked, his voice filled with concern.
No matter how he looked at it this was outrageous, they were all still young, only him and his sister Rosa were still capable of taking on some quests but he wasn't the type to question his father .
Lord Silford remained his calm gaze, "I haven't decided yet, however you should know that it will involve you slaying a couple of beasts " he said then he looked around to see their reactions.
While Lena kept a calm face, Leon was completely detached, from the conversation . Their other siblings Julian and Lily were boiling with excitement, finally they will be able to engage in real battle with monsters .
In order to trim out the excitement Arlott continued,
"However, you must be careful when battling these monsters and don't forget every single thing you learned in your training, you must apply them in battle .
While what he said was true, the kids couldn't hide their excitement about going on a quest, after all this will be their first time, not just for taking a quest, but their first time stepping outside the mansion.
Seven years have passed afterall, both Julian and Lily do have the right to be excited.
Then it dawned on Julian, why did their father say four of them, to confirm his suspicion he decided to ask.
"Father, when you said four, were you including this failure with us" ?
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Leon's expression remained neutral.
This wasn't the first time Julian had been picking a fight with Leon, and what fueled his anger more was Leon ignoring him .
Julian's words hung in the air, laced with venom and disdain. "I don't see why we need him coming with us, Father," he said, his voice dripping with condescension.
Lena's eyes narrowed, her expression disapproving. She knew Julian's attitude towards Leon was nothing new, but it still grated on her nerves.
Julian continued to mock Leon, his words cutting and cruel. "I mean, what's he going to do, carry our bags? That's about the only thing he's good for, right?"
As if trying to add to it Cain joined in
"I also agree with Julian Father" he said
"I believe Leonis presence will only drag everyone down, especially Lena " He said, as if voicing concern for her .
This wasn't the first time Leon had been treated this way, but Lena had had enough, just as she was about to interfere, Leon also spoke .
"It's fine Dad I'll pass," Leon said, his voice laced with laziness. "I'd rather just have my beauty sleep in my room"
Julian's face reddened with anger and resentment. "You think you're so above us, don't you, Leon?" he sneered. "You think you're too good to join us on this quest?"
He hated Leon, and he didn't bother to hide it, he was just a talentless trash among them but he's always arrogant, how dare he speak to their father like that.
Lena's eyes flashed with annoyance as she jumped to Leon's defense. "Julian, stop it," she said, her voice firm. "You're just jealous of Leon."
The exchange between the siblings was interrupted by Lord Silford's firm voice. "Enough, Julian. Leon will be joining you on the quest, and that's final. I expect you all to work together and support each other."
The scene unfolded with a mix of tension and awkwardness as Lord Silford's firm expression made it clear that Leon's participation in the quest was non-negotiable. Leon, on the other hand, seemed utterly unbothered, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he declined the "opportunity" to join his siblings on their adventure.
As the tension in the room continued to build, it was clear that this was far from over. The dynamic between the siblings was complex, with underlying tensions and rivalries simmering just beneath the surface.
....
The soft knock on the door broke the silence of Leon's room, where he was sitting by the window, staring out into the night. The maid's voice was respectful as she announced, "Lord Arlott requests your presence, Master Leon."
Leon's expression didn't change, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. He rose from his chair, his movements fluid and economical. "Thank you," he said, his voice neutral. "I'll be right there."
Leon entered his father's study, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of familiarity and expectation. But instead of his father, he found an empty room. He didn't seem surprised, his expression neutral as he took in the surroundings.
His gaze landed on the bookshelf, and a hint of curiosity sparked in his eyes. He walked towards the shelf, running his fingers over the spines of the books. He stopped at a particular title, and with a gentle touch, tilted the book slightly.
The sound of creaking wood and shifting mechanisms filled the air as the bookshelf slid open, revealing a hidden staircase that descended into darkness. Leon's eyes gleamed with a knowing light as he gazed into the darkness, a small smile playing on his lips.
Leon descended the staircase and emerged into a large, empty room that seemed to stretch out before him like a training ground. The air was cool and utilitarian, with a hint of worn wood and sweat. His father stood in the center of the room, his eyes fixed intently on Leon.
"It's time for your training," Arlott said, his voice firm and commanding.
Leon grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Don't you mean your own training, Dad ?" he replied, his tone laced with amusement.