"How did you know the draught will work?" Grandfather Prasedymum asked Xenon after he fed him the same lie he fed Elsa and Gael.
"I didn't know it would work, I just tried it... and it worked" Xenon replied.
"You just tried it? You want me to believe you cured what was deemed incurable by just doing a little experiment? Unbelievable"
"Ye... yeah". Xenon was getting worried now. 'What is wrong with this old man, why can't he just simply accept the story like the others. After all I can't just tell him I'm not really his son but a different person reborn into his son with a system, heck that'll even sound more ridiculous.'
"Very well, I shall accept your claims and not press you further, but do know I don't believe a word of it. Whatever secret you're hiding, hide it well, for I shall find it soon enough." His grandfather declared.
Xenon relaxed into his seat and made and inward sigh of relief, even though the last statement his grandfather said troubled him a bit he didn't think about it much because even he doesn't know the secret behind the system and his reincarnation.
"Hmmn hmmn" Their grandfather cleared his throat. "The main reason for our gathering here is for the good news Mycel has brought, after leaving the island for about 7 years exploring the world, he not only comes home with his honour as an accomplished swordsman and heir to this family, but he also brings with him a wife." Grandfather declared proudly with a smile.
"This is wonderful news." Aritstia said, a non genuine smile on her face.
"Who is this lucky beauty, Mycel?". Gael asked his uncle opposite him.
"Her name is Eleanor, she's from the country Nevia on this same continent our island belongs to, I met her about 3 years ago and she has agreed to be my wife. She was the reason I came home later than planned..." He grinned. "And her parents has given their blessings, but insists my family comes to see them before the date for the wedding can be chosen. And I would like to do that as soon as possible, I can't bear to be away from my beloved for another day."
Gael burst into laughter and everyone –except Xenon– joined in.
"I and the groom to be has discussed and we have chosen myself, Gael, Aritstia and Elsa to accompany him to Nevia, to meet with our prospective in laws". Grandfather declared. "And before you make up an excuse, you're going with us, Elsa, whether you like it or not. You might even encounter a fine young man yourself." He added the last part while holding back his laughter.
"I'm just 19, Grandfather". Elsa scoffed, evidently upset by her grandfather's decision for her to accompany them compulsively
"Does she by any chance have a younger sister?" Gael asked Mycel, a grin plastered on his face.
"She has but she's too young for you Gael."
"Well that doesn't really matter does it." Gael grin grew wider.
"You bastard." Mycel laughed, everyone joined in.
"Two remarkable things has occurred consecutively this month, let's hope it continues like this". Aritstia said looking straight at Xenon.
"Does you have something more to add?". Grandfather asked.
"Yes, I actually do. As we all know, my second daughter, Tamara, joined Askesis academy 3 months ago as the first in the generation of the Prasedymum family to attempt to further their studies in the spiritual aspect. My second son and fourth child, Jeage, after developing his ousia to the 2nd stage, and gaining the elemental understanding to control flames as his second ability, has also decided to take the academy's entrance exam which takes place in the first month next year, 14 months from now. Aritstia announced proudly.
'I almost forgot this planet is bigger than the earth I came from and has 18 months rather than the standard 12 back home'. Xenon mused and shifted his gaze to the only person in the room he hadn't scanned. 'Scan'.
_________________
NAME: JEAGE PRASEDYMUM
AGE: 14
GENDER: MALE
STATE: ELATED
_________________
"That is amazing news, weldone Jeage." Grandfather commented before turning to Xenon. "Xenon I also heard you formed your ousia recently, do you also plan to attend the academy?" His grandfather asked.
"I don't know... I haven't thought about it." He admitted
"Even if he thought about it, it's not like he could develop his Ousia to the second stage within 14 months, not to mention getting ready for one of the toughest entrance exam." Aritstia muttered audibly.
"I have also decided to follow in my Uncle's footsteps and explore the world." Perce announced before anyone could reply his mother. "I shall leave shortly after the wedding".
"Ah, yes, this is also a great opportunity to improve your swordmanship my grandson." Grandfather was evidently pleased with his grandson, Perce's decision.
"I was also thinking of doing the same, what do you say we go together, Perce?" Gael said.
"By all means cousin, the more, the merrier." Perce smiled.
"One more announcement." The old man started. "From tomorrow on, Qweri, my longest serving companion, will cease to work for the Arith household as a butler and Prasedymum family as a whole, but he shall be accommodated as a guest until he wishes to leave". That's the end of today's meeting, I have matters to attend to. You are all dismissed." Grandfather stood up to leave, he was accompanied by Mycel, and as soon as they ascended the stairs, everyone else dispersed.
— — —
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MAIN QUEST: Pass the entrance examination in the Askesis Academy. Reward ???
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On their way home Xenon received a new quest.
"I guess I won't be able to escape this after all." He muttered to himself. He left Elsa and Gael who were discussing behind and rushed to meet Qweri who was walking some distance ahead.
"Hey, Qweri"
"Yes... young master?"
"I know you no longer work for us but can I request something of you?"
"As long as it is within my power. Ask away"
"We all know you used to accompany Grandfather on his various adventures as his guard and were my dad's trainer back then, so could you please... teach me how to hold myself against an opponent in battle. Teach me how to fight." Xenon pleaded.
"Oh!...". Qweri stared at him in surprise. He looked forward and smiled.