The iron gates of the Vale estate, towering above him – head mention loomed before Orion, bearing the golden emblem of his house—a proud eagle with outstretched wings, a symbol of dominance and strength.
For years, this gate had been merely a barrier between him and the father who had never once truly recognized him.
And yet, today… it opened for him.
Taking a deep breath, Orion stepped forward.
The guards, wearing polished silver armor, stiffened at his approach. Their faces did not change, but as he reached them, they bowed slightly in unison.
"Young Master Orion," one of them greeted respectfully. "The Viscount is waiting for you."
Orion nodded curtly, his eyes steady.
The gates creaked open, showing the expansive estate grounds beyond—perfect gardens, precisely laid stone pathways, and the imposing mansion of Head of Vale Family rising in the distance.
As he walked the familiar route, the perfume of Everflame roses filled the air, blending with the cool morning breeze. But in spite of the loveliness around him, Orion felt nothing but a cold detachment.
This was never my home.
At the entrance to the mansion, a single figure waited.
Butler Walton.
The old butler had been serving House Vale for many years. His shoulders were straight, his uniform impeccable, and his keen grey eyes bore the knowledge of one who had witnessed much in their long service.
As Orion approached, Walton bowed respectfully.
"Welcome to the Viscount's manor, Young Master Orion," Walton said, bowing slightly.
Orion responded with a polite nod. "Thank you, Butler Walton."
The butler stood up straight; his face inscrutable. "His Lordship awaits you in his study. Follow me, please."
With no hesitation, Orion said, "Lead the way."
The interior of the mansion was as daunting as always—imposing chandeliers, giant marble columns, and infinite corridors lined with opulent tapestries. Everything screamed money and prestige, but to Orion, it was empty.
There was no warmth here. Only power and prestige.
His footsteps echoed as he accompanied Walton along the long corridors. The stillness was almost oppressive, broken only by the measured tick-tocking of an elaborate grandfather clock in the distance.
Following a few turns, they came to a tremendous oak door—one Orion knew all too well.
His father's study.
Butler Walton held up a hand and rapped twice. His voice, unshakeable as ever, declared,
"My Lord, Young Master Orion has arrived."
A pause of silence. Then—
"Send him in."
The low voice from inside gave Orion's spine a shivery little shiver.
Nodding, Walton opened the thick doors and moved aside, beckoning Orion in.
Orion drew a deep breath and stepped in.
The research had been extensive and carefully organized. Towering shelves along the walls were stacked with ancient books, official documents, and scrolls whose significance was unknown. The room had a slight smell of aged parchment and ink.
In the center of the room stood an enormous darkwood desk, stacked with neatly ordered documents.
And behind it—
Viscount Theo Vale.
A man of stern features and even sharper presence. His raven-black hair slicked back, his face unreadable as he kept writing on a parchment, not even breaking a glance toward Orion.
Orion remained stubborn, waiting.
At last, after an eternal moment, his father raised his eyes.
"Hello, Father," Orion told him, voice even.
Viscount Theo eyed him before bestowing a grudging nod.
"Hello, third son."
Orion's eyes narrowed further.
Third son.
Not his name, nor even Orion. Only his place within the family.
He looked his father in the eye.
"You called me. Shall I ask the reason, Father?"
The Viscount put down his pen, his face as inscrutable as before.
"I called you because there is something I wish to speak with you about," he said bluntly.
Orion did not answer at once.
The air in the room felt thicker than normal. His father's apathy was nothing out of the ordinary, but there was something more to this encounter.
At last, the Viscount broke his silence.
"You are familiar with the cultivation levels of Eldora, I presume?"
Orion stiffened slightly. "Yes, Father."
His thoughts flashed back to the Blessing Ceremony, where Lady Selina had already clarified all that. He was also aware that noble children learned about cultivation at a young age.
Viscount Theo nodded a small nod of acceptance.
"Good."
Then, with a moment of silence, he went on,
"Now that you have been granted the Blessing of Eldora, you must attend a Magic Academy—like your older brothers."
Orion had anticipated this. But an unsettling feeling crept into his heart.
His father had never shown interest in his business before. Why now?
"Which Magic Academy are you planning to attend?" his father inquired, his voice calm and unemotional.
Orion paused.
"I… I don't know yet, Father," he confessed.
The Viscount didn't bat an eyelid.
"All of the Academies and Magic Schools of Eldora will accept students in one month's time," he declared. "I will give you two weeks to make up your mind. If you don't, I will pick one for you."
The authority in his words brooked no argument.
Orion nodded. "I hear you. I will consider it, Father."
"Good." His father eased back into his chair. "That is enough. You are dismissed."
Orion walked to the door, but as he reached out for the handle—
He paused.
Something within him compelled him to say something. And before he could take it back, the words tumbled out of his mouth.
"Father…"
The Viscount raised his eyes once again.
"What is it?"
Orion curled his fingers into fists minutely before he spoke up his request.
"I… I need to know whether Elara would be able to attend a Magic Academy as well as I did."
A quick silence.
The Viscount scrutinized him for a lengthy span of time before answering in his calm tone.
"Yes. Should she want, she may enter as well."
Orion breathed a little more lightly in relief and nodded. "Thank you, Father."
He moved towards departing—
"Orion."
His father halted him once again.
He turned around.
"Elder brothers of yours are coming in a week or less for vacation," said the Viscount. "They're coming with some key guest and also a couple of their acquaintances. Apprise your mother Sera and mother Celia, and provide due arrangements to suit them."
Orion felt a knot form in his belly.
Edric and Arin are coming back?
He had not seen his elder brothers since the last year or so. And honestly—those brothers weren't exactly at the top of his favorite lists anymore.
They'd always disapproved of him, as if he were a shameful blot on their family. Not even at his Awakening Ceremony did they see fit to show their faces.
Why, then?
".I know, Father," Orion finally answered.
Viscount Theo nodded lightly and went back to his papers.
The argument was finished.
----------
Orion strolled down the path leading back to his manor with his mind thick with thoughts.
Why now?
Uncertainty rested heavy in his chest.
And its belly tells him for Something is approaching. And he just doesn't know what.
And he would be prepared for it.