Chapter 16: Motive (2)

The young girl Melody seemed utterly shocked and heartbroken from her father’s words. Her blue eyes glinted, tears welling up as she turned to her mother, as if waiting for her to speak up in her defense.

However, Lady Winterborne had a disappointed expression plastered on her face.

“Please excuse me,” Melody said, holding back tears as she stood up from her chair, announcing her departure. Once she walked away from the table she ran to the door, her blue pigtails bouncing behind her.

Michael felt a little bad. He didn’t want to stir unrest in the Lord’s house, especially since he was a guest, but her behavior had been quite rude.

He couldn’t even imagine doing the same when he was in the Aurelius household.

The Lord let out a sigh, sinking into his chair slightly, “My apologies Michael, it seems we’ve failed to show you the proper hospitality.”

However, Michael bowed his head, “No, you’ve shown much more than I could have ever hoped for, my lord. Thank you for allowing me to stay at your estate while I was at my weakest. For that, you have my eternal gratitude.”

For a ten year old to speak so maturely, the lord and lady were visibly taken aback. Perhaps they were making comparisons between the boy and their own daughter, or maybe it was something completely different.

But when Michael raised his head, both of them were smiling at him.

“What are your plans now that you’ve arrived in Whitevalley Town, Michael?” the man asked conversationally.

Michael tensed up slightly, It’s coming… The motive for taking me in.

“I was planning on finding work in town for a while so I can save money. By the time I turn thirteen, I should have enough to apply for one of the local mage acadamys.” He admitted, deciding to tell the truth.

“Oh? You wish to become a mage?” Lord Winterborne asked, though he didn’t seem surprised.

“Mmm, it was my mother’s wish for me to become a strong and honorable mage when I grew up.”

The Lord turned to his lady and they both shared a look. Michael watched on in confusion, but he remained alert.

“How would you like to stay here instead?” he asked smilingly.

Huh?

“Forgive me, my lord. I haven’t any money or belongings, it wouldn’t be prudent for me to stay here long term. I would only be a burden.” Michael said, bowing his head once more.

Inwardly, he was slightly panicked. The prospect of living in such luxury was enticing of course, but he was worried about what Lord Winterborne might want from him. From his experience, noble’s did not have generous hearts.

A chuckle sounded from the man’s lips, startling Michael. He could see an almost arrogant expression creep onto the Lord’s face, filling him with a sense of trepidation.

“Look around Michael, do you think that we cannot afford the financial burden of taking in a teenager?” he announced, raising his hands outwards, gesturing to the fine and opulent dining room.

As he did so, Michael’s eyes caught two glowing green rings on the man’s left wrist, finally revealing his power.

Resisting the urge to suck in a cold breath, Michael tried to calm himself. His father only had a single green ring, yet he held dominion over Velmara City, which begged the question—just what kind of power did Lord Winterborne hold?

Seeing that Michael didn’t look convinced, the lord leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. “It seems that you’re a little cautious, that is a good thing. As a noble, one must always be cautious of other’s motives.”

He continued, his brown eyes focused intently upon Michael. “I will be honest, having orange rings at your age is outstanding. You have the potential to reach three green rings, becoming a Verdant mage like myself…”

Huh? He wants me because of my talent? Michael balked inwardly.

Having been ridiculed all of his life for his singular white ring, hearing such a thing was almost preposterous. At no point had he ever thought such a thing was possible.

As if unaware of Michael’s surprise, the lord continued to speak, “I want you to join my household, become a pillar of our family and help us keep our position as the Lord of Whitevalley.”

He’s the Lord of Whitevalley!?

The shock of being praised for his talent had yet to wear off, but he’d been delivered yet another shocking blow. It turned out that the Winterborne family were in charge of the entirety of Whitevalley Town.

His shock slowly turned into excitement. If he could become allied with the Winterborne family, getting into a prestigious mage academy would be as simple as waving a hand. He wouldn’t have to sleep on the street, or work tirelessly to save money.

Essentially, everything would be taken care of while he could focus on studying and trying to get stronger.

But as his excitement grew, a sudden realization hit him.

Would he actually be able to get stronger?

Having been born with a single white ring, Michael’s talent was the worst of the worst. Sure he’d somehow managed to ascend two major realms to acquire orange rings, but would he be able to progress any further?

From what he’d learned from his mother’s tutelage, it was only possible for a mage to ascend three major realms in their lifetime. While the details were vague, apparently it was because the soul could only handle so much power before facing destruction.

If this was true, Michael’s potential would only be limited to ascending one more realm.

If Michael were to accept the Lord’s proposal while knowing this, he would be taking advantage of the man. This would essentially be repaying kindness with evil, something that his conscience would not allow.

“Lord Winterborne,” Michael said, standing up from his chair and bowing respectfully, “I apologize, but I cannot accept your terms.”

He watched as the lord’s expression morphed, his excitement giving way to disappointment.

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