The coming weeks were in a flurry as Vincent prepared to depart to the royal capital. It was the start of the academic year, and he had to retake an entrance exam to renew his placement and ranking. However, that wasn’t the most significant thing on his mind at the moment.

“Young Master, a letter from Lord Byron’s son has arrived for you.” A butler said as he handed over the letter.

“Thank you, you may leave,” said Vincent as he opened the letter. The butler looked a bit awkward as he left. Vincent quickly read the short note. It was a letter of invitation.

“Looks like the third prince’s faction has start to gather,” commented Vincent as he took a sip of his coffee. The third prince was a dangerous man; he would do anything to wrestle the throne from his step-brother, the crown prince. The third prince also favored a life of luxury and leisure and would host parties that go on for days before it ended.

The letter was an invitation to a party hosted by Duke Vildred, the Duke that was in the nobility faction. It seems that this was a gathering to invite new house families into the nobility faction. By the way, Lord Byron’s son was a ‘friend’ of Vincent. He, Vincent, and two others were known as the four princes of vice of the northeast.

“I think I would attend this ‘celebration.’ What do you think, Emet?” Vincent asked the falcon that was sitting on a branch just outside his window.

“Kuaa~” Emet crooned.

“You like that name, huh?” Vincent chuckled as he put down his coffee and got up. Thunder Chicken was just a joke name he thought up. Once he returned home, and Emet healed, he began to bond with the falcon. Emet was a rare breed between storm falcons and lightning hawks. Although Emet was still young, once she grew to her full potential, she would become a queen of the skies unshackled by all. She had also become very close to Vincent, her savior in this short time and decided to follow him.

“Although I’m no longer the old trash that I used to be, I still need to keep up the pretense.” He was referring to the old Vincent. Since he had made such a drastic change, it might detract from the original plotline. That was why he intended to at least show up to this gathering.

“Status.”

===

 Status

[Strength] (22)

[Endurance] (25)

[Agility] (25)

[Perception] (36)

[Magic] (10.2)

 Talents

[Flexible Body] (null)

[Origin Magic] (Beginner – Rank 9)(EXP 15%)

 Titles

[Inheritor of the Aion Ring]

===

Ever since his Origin Magic talent reached rank 9, he had become able to control a bit of the wild mana in his surroundings. His sensitivity to magic has also been enhanced and could ‘see’ a glow of magic in the lamps that were powered by magic stones.

“Origin magic is rather obscure, but I think I’m beginning to understand its use.” Vincent murmured as he gathered a thumb-sized amount of mana inside his palm. The mana was invisible to regular humans, but if a magician were to see it, they would see a ball of unstable energy gathering in his palm. What shouldn’t be possible to control is being stably suppressed into the form of a sphere in his palm.

At the moment, the ball of mana is little more than a mass of energy. Vincent’s current control was lacking, and it took all his concentration to gather that mana; it couldn’t be used in combat yet. However, if he were to…

“Fire.”

*Woosh!*

The ball of mana roared into life as a blazing fire sprouted from Vincent’s palm.

“Water.”

The flame instantly extinguished and was replaced by a bubble of water floating carelessly on his palm.

“Wind.”

A swirling current of air came to life as it replaced the bubble.

“Earth.”

Dust particles immediately gathered and formed a ball of brown dirt. The shape of the ball kept changing, building an infinite design of possibilities.

“Origin magic is indeed formidable. Not only can I change the wild mana into any element, but I also don’t have to use my mana. But, is origin magic limited only to the elements?” His mind went down a trail of thought as he began to experiment further.

“Infuse.”

He held his breath as he merged the ball of mana and a pen by his side. Through his magic sense, he saw the pen take up the mana. Soon after, the pen began to emit mana and float up, but then the mana dispersed from the pen before the pen dropped to the floor.

“It looks like I still can’t control it too well.” He concluded. Origin magic’s use was diverse and was only limited to his imagination. If he wanted to survive, origin magic would be his trump card in the future.

---

One day, the royal family released a decree that shook the whole Eidolon Kingdom. It was more of a list than an announcement — the list called forth a dozen names. A dozen house names, from this moment forward, they would be stripped of all their rights and authorities as aristocrats. Effective immediately.

Under the list was an announcement regarding the head of each of those houses; the heads of the houses listed above will be tried for corruption and treason.

“Although it says those men will be tried, it’s more of a public execution,” Vincent concluded.

“It is indeed, Vince.” Zeke echoed tiredly from behind his desk. He had just arrived home earlier that morning from the capital. It seems that the royal family was already conducting their investigations and Zeke’s cooperation fast-forwarded their plans. His Intel provided evidence on the dealings between various noble houses and was able to implicate and fill in holes for the royal family.

“You didn’t meet with any troubles, Father?” Vincent asked worriedly.

“If you mean any threats of physical harm, none. But of emotional distress…”

“That’s what a person deals with if they play with politics.” Vincent sighed lightly.

“You might’ve done the right thing,” chuckled Zeke. “Gerald will have to bear a lot of responsibilities in the future. Are you sure you won’t…”

Vincent interrupted his father, “Please, I’ve already made my choice, Father.”

“Mhm. As you wish.” Zeke shook his head with dismay before speaking up again, “I’ve personally held counsel with the king himself. He appreciated my assistance in this matter, but due to the sensitivity of this matter, he cannot publicly reward me.”

The subject was a delicate topic in the current political atmosphere. The royalty faction has just won a significant battle against the nobility faction in the shadows, and the nobility faction was thirsty for blood and vengeance. If the Redwall house drew the spotlight, Vincent could not imagine the devastation that would happen to his family.

“That’s why the king will reward Gerald with the title of Count after he inherits my title. As for you, Vince…” Zeke paused and studied Vincent’s clear and understanding eyes for a while. “I prepared for you the royal crest.”

Zeke produced a golden button-sized token from within his pocket. Vincent’s eyes lit up as he saw the gathering of mana on the medallion. This medallion was the real deal.

“The royal crest…” A stunned Vincent spoke as he received the item.

“Yes, it’s the royal crest. With this, you can seek an audience with the King without any prior notice. In the right hands, this crest is worth more than gold.” Since Vincent refused his previous offer, the best he could do was turn over the royal crest conferred to him. Since, without Vincent’s help, he and his close friends might’ve had their names on that list. It was a heavenly feeling knowing that he barely escaped from the noose tied around his neck.

“Thank you, Father.” Vincent readily accepted the crest. He didn’t have any plans to get too involved with the royal family, but the crest might come in handy in the future. “If there’s nothing more, I would like to return and resume packing.”

“The academic year is resuming? Have I been away for that long?” Zeke scratched his stubbly cheek with interest.

“It hasn’t been that long. I have a prior engagement that I have to deal with.” Vincent was referring to the party with the nobility faction, but since his father has chosen a side, he decided to remain vague.

“Is that so? Then I can’t hold you back now can I? Go.”

The following morning, Vincent dressed in comfortable clothes that were easy to move in. Since it would take half a month by carriage, he decided against it and chosen to ride there; his belongings will be delivered at a later date.

It was a bright and crisp morning, the sun had just risen in the sky and the morning birds are singing. Vincent had finished buckling his sword belt and exited his room, and he chanced upon a dainty little figure.

“Vince~ Wuuuu~…” Isabel was half awake while still rubbing her eyes. “Are you leaving?” She staggered forward and fell into his arms while sobbing.

Vincent picked her up before softly rubbing her back.

“Bell, I have to leave for the academy. I’ve already told you this.” He carried her as he walked towards the entrance of the house. Along the way, the maids and servants bowed professionally and made way.

“B-but who will play with me?” Isabel whined cutely.

“You have lots of friends. Don’t lie to me, Bell.” Isabel was at the age where she would attend tea parties with the rest of the girls of other noble families. Juno kept herself busy with this tradition, which was why it was hard seeing her around the estate.

“But… They’re not you~!” She complained as she nuzzled against his shoulder.

“Hasn’t she become too attached to me?” wondered Vincent as he walked.

“Say something~!” She looked down at him as he carried her, her smoky half-awake eyes made it look like she was about to cry.

“Haha…” Vincent chuckled as he produced a handkerchief and wiped her eyes. “If Bell wants to see me, just write me a letter, and I’ll come.” His eyes softened as he continued to coax the child.

“No! It will take too long!” She pouted.

“Then—“

“I’ll come live with you!”

“To the capital?” asked Vincent bewilderedly.

“Mhm!” She bobbed her head up and down excitedly.

“But…”

Vincent opened the front door and saw his family gathered up outside, just beyond the entrance.

“Vince!”

“Brother.”

“Vincent.”

“What is going on?” He asked his mother who had approached him.

“We’re here to see you off, Vince,” Catherine answered through teary eyes.

“I see…” He felt some warmth seeing people caring for him. In this life, he is loved. He embraced his mother with his free hand. “I’ll miss you.”

Upon hearing his words, Catherine stiffened.

“Wuuu~! I just got to see my little boy again, and now he’s going far away again.”

“Mom! Mama! Let’s go live with Big Brother!” chirped Isabel.

“Bell, don’t be selfish.” Vincent sternly warned.

“Actually…” interrupted Zeke, “That might not be such a bad idea. It’ll be safer there.”

A silence whistled through the group before a loud…

“YAY~!” Isabel struggled out Vincent’s arm before leaping into her father’s arms.

While this was happening, Vincent, Zeke, Juno, and Gerald all showed concerned gazes. Vincent was the first to speak.

“If you must,” said the youth. Then Vincent leaped upon his steed and bellowed a loud, “YAH!” and left along with his escorts. He veered his steed westward, leaving behind a sobbing mother and family.

“I can’t wait~!” Isabel hummed.