Chapter 159: Moving Forward (1)

Later that evening, Michael attended dinner with the Winterborne family and Rudy. They were treated to a luxurious spread of various dishes that were above even the academy’s violet emblem menu.

If it weren’t for Michael reminding Rudy of noble etiquette, the guy probably wouldn’t have been able to hold himself back from diving into the dishes before the lord himself.

Thankfully, the mood was much better than their lunch in the gardens, and no heavy topics were breached—allowing the three teens to heave a sigh of relief.

“So, since you’re no longer an employee under us…” Mary said, dabbing at the corner of her lips with a napkin. Her blue eyes were focused on Michael from across the table, evaluating him intently.

Michael gulped, waiting for the woman to continue.

“How about you take up our initial offer and allow us to sponsor you directly?” she asked with a small smile.

Before he could answer, she raised a finger, “And don’t try the same thing you did the first time we asked you—you’ve already done more than enough for us to be considered a freeloader…”

Her words left very little room to refuse, causing Michael to feel a little uncomfortable. His eyes moved to Melody beside him, trying to gauge her reaction.

However, apart from a brief glance towards him, her expression remained impassive as she continued to eat her food.

“Lady Winterborne, your generosity is overwhelming…” Michael began, searching for the right words.

The beautiful Mary suddenly frowned, her eyebrows knitted together. “It sounds like you’re about to reject us once again.”

Seeing the displeasure in her eyes, Michael quickly raised his hands, trying to diffuse the tension. “Ah, no—at least not yet…” he admitted, feeling a little awkward.

But this only seemed to arouse her suspicion even more. It was only when Brian cleared his throat and interrupted her that the tension dissipated slightly.

“Let’s hear what young Michael has to say first before jumping to any conclusions.” The lord suggested, flashing him a subdued smile.

Michael bowed his head slightly and thanked the man in his heart. It was difficult enough finding the courage to say what was on his mind—let alone under the pressure of Mary’s gaze.

He composed himself before dropping a bombshell.

“I plan on creating my own noble house in the future…” he said with staunch determination. This was something that he’d been considering for a little while, but upon learning that he had the possibility to revive healing magic—he was even more determined.

At this, everyone at the table suddenly went silent, turning their attention towards him.

Silence stretched out over the dinner table as a result.

“Michael…” Brian spoke, looking a little uncomfortable, “creating a noble house isn’t as easy as you make it sound. You need to have contributed to the kingdom and reach a certain level of strength before even being considered by the king.”

“As you are now, you’ll only be laughed out of court.” He added.

Michael nodded, his determination not wavering. He knew the basic requirements to start a noble house, so he was not worried. All he needed to do was refine the healing magic and reveal it to the king—that would be more than enough contribution to give him some leverage.

Of course he also needed to become a verdant mage and hold sufficient assets before being considered. But this was something that could be gained with enough time.

After all, Michael wasn’t so stupid to believe the king would just willingly help him create the noble house with no benefits. He had learned rather early that the world did not work like that.

“I am confident I will be strong enough by the time I graduate,” he said calmly, “and as for the contributions… you don’t need to worry about that.”

At his words, Brian went into thought, his eyes evaluating Michael silently.

After a while, the blue-haired man let out a small sigh, a wry smile pulling at the corner of his lips. “Alright, I believe you.” He stated, nodding.

“Honey…” Mary muttered, looking a little shocked.

Ignoring his wife, Brian’s smile grew, “Well, it’s hard to doubt you when you’re so confident. But our offer still stands. Until you’re able to create your noble house, you’ll need a sponsor—I trust you don’t have any other reservations?”

Michael’s eyes widened slightly, not expecting the man to extend the offer even after he’d made his intentions known.

“Of course he accepts,” Melody spoke up, her attention still on the food in front of her. “After all, he’s not as stupid as he looks.”

Her jab was met with a small snicker beside him. Rudy seemed to have enjoyed the joke at his expense, even taking time away from his feast to appreciate it.

Michael couldn’t help but smile in response.

“I will gratefully accept your sponsorship, my lord—my lady.” He said, shooting up to his feet and performing a perfect bow required of noble etiquette.

“Wonderful!” Brian clapped his hands together, wearing a genuine smile.

The atmosphere turned jovial following the declaration, and everyone began to eat with even more fervor, particularly Rudy who seemed to be in heaven as he gorged himself on the feast.

After the festivities, the teens were dismissed, free to return to their rooms for the night. Since Melody and Rudy had not slept earlier that day, they went straight to bed—which suited Michael just fine.

“My lord, do you have a moment?” he asked as soon as the others left.

Brian nodded, turning to his wife as if to ask for some privacy. But before he could, Michael raised his hand, “It’s fine, it’s better if you both hear it…”

“Hmm?” the man gave him an curious glance but nodded a moment later.

“Four years, that’s all I ask for…” Michael said, his voice oozing determination. “Can you keep the other nobles away from Melody during that time?”

“What are you saying?”

In response, Michael let out a deep breath and stood firm. “In four years I’ll establish my noble house… and put forth an engagement proposal.”

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