Evan arrived at the Jade residence just before noon.
This was not his first time here.
Still, every visit made him pause.
The Jade family estate stood on a private stretch of land, its outer walls tall and polished, marked with faint formation engravings that pulsed softly under the sunlight. The main gate alone was larger than most noble houses Evan had seen in the inner city.
Big—was an understatement.
A servant was already waiting outside, as if expecting him.
"Young Master Evan," the servant said respectfully, bowing slightly. "Please follow me. Master Jade and Young Master Austin are waiting."
Evan nodded and stepped inside.
The path leading inward was wide and immaculately maintained. Decorative fountains lined the walkway, and rare spirit plants grew along the sides, their leaves shimmering faintly with elemental energy.
So this is the real Jade family… Evan thought.
Austin had never once bragged about this place.
Inside the main hall, Austin was seated casually on a chair, legs crossed, rocking slightly as if boredom might kill him any second. Standing beside him was his father.
Unlike Austin's carefree demeanor, Victor Jade carried himself with quiet authority.
He was not tall, nor particularly imposing, but the calm pressure around him was unmistakable. His eyes were sharp, observant—eyes that had seen power, loss, and responsibility.
The servant announced Evan's arrival and withdrew.
"Evan!" Austin stood up immediately and waved. "You're finally here."
Victor Jade raised a hand.
"Austin," he said calmly, "wait outside."
Austin froze.
"Huh?"
"I wish to speak with Evan alone."
Austin opened his mouth, clearly wanting to argue, but one look at his father's expression made him swallow his words.
"…Alright," he muttered.
As he walked past Evan, he leaned in and whispered, "Good luck."
The doors closed.
Only Evan and Victor Jade remained.
Victor gestured toward a chair.
"Sit."
Evan did.
For a moment, Victor Jade said nothing. He simply observed Evan quietly, as if weighing him.
Then he spoke.
"How much do you know about Austin?"
Evan blinked, slightly surprised by the question.
He answered honestly.
"I know his personality," Evan said. "He's carefree, extroverted. Loud. Reckless at times. Always ready to jump into trouble… or a fight."
Victor Jade nodded slowly.
"And?"
"He's loyal," Evan added after a brief pause. "And sincere. He doesn't pretend."
A faint smile flickered across Victor's face.
"So," he said, "you don't know about his background."
Evan did not deny it.
"No, sir."
Victor Jade leaned back slightly.
"Austin's grandfather," he began, "is one of the most influential figures in this region."
Evan's eyes sharpened.
"He is not merely wealthy," Victor continued. "He holds authority. Connections. Power. When he speaks, even city lords listen."
Evan remained silent.
"Austin," Victor said softly, "is his only grandson."
The room felt heavier.
"When Austin was young," Victor continued, "his mother passed away."
His voice remained steady, but Evan could sense the weight behind those words.
"After that," Victor said, "both my father and I became… protective. Perhaps overly so."
Evan understood.
That explained a lot.
Why Austin had been sheltered.
Why he was carefree.
Why he had grown up without the burden of expectation pressing down on him.
Victor Jade looked directly at Evan.
"I know about the Water Purity Crystal."
Evan's heart tightened slightly.
"But," Victor continued, "I will not pursue the matter."
Evan exhaled quietly.
"It was a loan," Victor said. "And it served its purpose."
He paused.
"Congratulations on your examination," Victor added. "A-Level treatment is no small feat."
"Thank you, sir," Evan replied sincerely.
Victor nodded.
"My father originally wished to arrange Austin's admission into one of the top three academies in the region," he said. "Through connections alone."
Evan frowned slightly.
"But," Victor continued, "I refused."
Evan looked up.
"Austin needs experience," Victor said calmly. "Not protection."
He fixed Evan with a steady gaze.
"He will attend the Broken Sword Academy."
Evan understood immediately.
"And," Victor said, his voice firm, "I want you to look after him."
Evan did not hesitate.
"I will," he said. "Austin is my friend."
Victor Jade studied him for a long moment.
Finally, he nodded.
"Good."
The tension eased slightly.
"With that settled," Victor said, "tell me about yourself."
Evan answered honestly.
"I will enter the academy," he said. "Cultivate. Grow stronger. And graduate successfully."
Victor Jade's eyes narrowed slightly—not in displeasure, but in thought.
"Ambition alone is not enough," he said. "The entrance ranking examination will be difficult."
Evan nodded.
"Without sufficient resources," Victor continued, "even talent can be suppressed."
He reached a decision quickly.
"I will sponsor you," Victor said. "Until you officially enter the academy."
Evan's eyes widened slightly.
"This—" Evan began.
"This is not charity," Victor interrupted. "It is an investment."
Evan understood.
He bowed his head slightly.
"Thank you," he said. "I will remember this favor."
Victor Jade nodded once.
"That is all."
The doors opened.
Austin was waiting outside.
Picking his nose.
Both Victor Jade and Evan froze.
Austin noticed them instantly.
His eyes widened.
His hand froze mid-action.
He coughed, straightened up, and casually wiped his hand on his pants as if nothing had happened.
"Ah," Austin said loudly. "You're done already?"
Silence.
Victor Jade closed his eyes.
Evan looked away.
For a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say.
Austin grinned, completely shameless.
"So," he said, "what did I miss?"
Victor Jade waved him off.
"Go," he said tiredly. "Both of you."
Austin immediately grabbed Evan's shoulder.
"Let's eat!" he said cheerfully.
As they walked away, Evan glanced at Austin.
Taking care of him… Evan thought.
Then he remembered the scene from just now.
This is going to be difficult.
Very difficult.