I left my training session feeling good, my spirits high, and started walking through the palace corridors. After a quick bath and freshening up, I put on a formal blue suit and headed to the dining hall, asking the servants to prepare a nice meal.
Soon, the food arrived, and my boredom disappeared. I looked at the table, my mouth watering—roasted Minotaur. It was my favorite dish, something I rarely ate because I didn't want to get used to it.
As I started eating, a familiar voice called out:
— "Theodore, eating alone?"
I paused, turned, and smiled.
— "Father, I didn't realize you were here."
My father, the clan chief and one of the fiercest warriors, walked over, sat across from me, washed his hands, and started eating without saying much.
— "So, you reached the Second Level today."
I nodded, already expecting him to notice.
— "I can't hide it from you, Father. Yes, I reached the Second Level."
He looked at me seriously, his thick white mustache giving him a stern air without him meaning it.
— "You're slow. Eight years at the First Level—that's the longest among all talents."
I replied calmly.
— "You know why. I'm building a solid foundation. Rushing through the lower levels is foolish. Besides, we have long lifespans; I have all the time I need."
— "Even though I could have broken through the First Level four years ago, I didn't."
Then I asked:
— "Where's Serafina? She hasn't come to see me lately."
Father chuckled.
— "She's busy hunting demons. She wants to reach the middle stage of the Third Level."
He added teasingly:
— "Didn't you say you weren't in love with her? Then why do you seem to miss her?"
My head throbbed at his words.
— "Father, you mock me the same way every time. I've told you many times, there's nothing romantic between us."
Still, he pressed on.
— "Why say that? What's missing in her? She loves you, that's clear. And she's one of the most talented and beautiful women in the clan, stronger and higher-ranked than you, with a great personality."
He added sharply:
— "Or are you looking for a perfect woman? Or just too proud to admit when someone likes you?"
I choked a little on my food and coughed, tears forming in my eyes.
— "Father, I don't hate her… I like her, but I don't see her feeling for me the way you think."
He replied flatly:
— "Does it matter whether she likes you? I just want a grandchild. Don't give me these excuses again."
I wiped my mouth with a napkin, thinking for a moment.
— "Is this an order? You know I never break my word to you."
Father paused, as if weighing something, then said:
— "No, it's not an order. It's just important to me."
I didn't hesitate.
— "If it's important to you, Father, I'll do it."
— "And I want your help with my project too."
He nodded immediately.
— "I'll help with any project you want. Just ask."
Seeing him wait for my request, I said:
— "I want to learn alchemy and potion-making."
His face lit up with a little surprise.
— "Are you sure? It's difficult, especially when it comes to purifying the ingredients."
I thought to myself: That only applies to others, not me.
— "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Father stood, wiped his hands with a napkin, and smiled.
— "Alright, it's settled. I'll get you all the alchemy books available. And prepare for the engagement. I'll speak with her father in the next two weeks."
Before leaving, he added:
— "Don't forget, the date of the Trial is approaching. Only two years remain."
A shiver ran through me. So that was why he was worried about the lineage. The Trial's mortality rate was high, which explained why he and Serafina's father were hurrying our marriage.
And it was worse for our family—only Father and I remained of the Silver family.
After he left, I leaned back and thought about the future. There was more on his mind; he didn't usually pressure anyone. Cold, yes—but fair, even if distant sometimes.
As for Serafina… I didn't fully trust her either. She'd been my childhood friend, but distant and never showing real affection. Something had changed suddenly, and I couldn't figure out why. To me, she seemed like a block of ice.
And then there was Elias… as soon as she showed interest, he started targeting me.
While lost in these thoughts, a voice echoed inside my head:
— Ding!
— Suitable host detected.
— Curse detected on host.
— Welcome, Host.