Own Time

Chapter 25

Aidan's POV

"How much do you think they know about the young master?" Crost inquired. Everyone present at the training ground had been gathered in my mother's office, including Sir Crost. I sat on my mother's lap while she occupied her chair, the rest standing around us.

Mother opened the letter Griza had delivered, revealing an invitation to the Frisu's Birthday Celebration. It was well known that the Scanolos would not extend such an invitation to the Fearsome Monster of Norouca without ulterior motives. Who would dare involve themselves with a person so powerful they could destroy you in mere seconds?

"I already know they are not satisfied with their own affairs and have become obsessed with interfering in ours," Mother said, her mood noticeably darker than a moment ago. I was keenly aware of the discord between my mother and the people of Scanolos, particularly the Supreme Family.

"What do we do now, my lady?" Griza asked in a serious tone. Mother needed to devise a plan carefully; acting too harshly could put us all in danger.

"Obviously, we are not attending such a ridiculous celebration," Mother declared, making my eyes widen and eliciting sighs from the others, knowing she meant every word. "They could do better at threatening me, but then again, they are just some stupid impostors with a crown." I frowned, puzzled by her words.

"Master, this is a big deal. If you don't show up, they will target the young master," Vel said, trying to persuade Mother to reconsider.

"If they have the guts to touch what is mine, they must be wishing for eternal sleep in a most unpleasant manner," Mother's eyes darkened, and the room's pressure dropped. Everyone fell to their knees, though I was unaffected enough to feel it.

"You have a child! Control your temper," Professor urged, struggling to rise along with the others. I looked up at Mother as she took a deep breath, and the pressure returned to its original state.

"Again, we are not going to that celebration. Understood?!" Mother said in a frightening tone. I glanced at them, and they exchanged uneasy looks. Sir Crost stepped forward in front of us.

"If you keep being stubborn, you're not just putting the young master in danger but all the people of Norouca. Do you think that's the act of a true Estevel?" Crost said, unafraid. I gulped and saw Mother twitch as another dark aura emanated from her.

"You really dare to say that, don't you? Fine, we'll do it the hard way," Mother said, her fury manifesting as flames danced on her hand. 'This is not good, I have to do something,' I thought as she prepared to hurl her fire at Sir Crost, who was readying his sword in response.

"Hey, not in the office!" Vel shouted as he and the others backed off. Just as Mother was about to unleash her fire...

"Stop!" I shouted, making them jolt and look at me. I grabbed Mother's hand and glared at her. "You're being like a child," I said, causing her to look at me with a guilty expression. The flame in her hand started to fade, and the oppressive atmosphere lifted.

"I'm sorry, I lost control... again," Mother leaned back and took a deep breath. I sighed and gently released her hand.

"Maybe we should bring the young master to more of our meetings," Vel said with a smile, earning a glare from all of us. I shook my head and straightened my posture.

"Since this is mostly happening because of me, I'll be the one to decide what we are going to do about it," I said. Mother leaned forward to hear me properly. "But, Mother needs to promise that she will agree with whatever my decision is," I continued, turning around as she tilted her head in consideration.

"I... well, you have my word," she said, her face hesitant. I smiled and turned back to face them again.

"We are going to the celebration," I declared.

"What?!" Mother exclaimed, standing up and placing me on top of her desk. I stood up and looked at her. "There is no way I'm letting you do that, even though I gave you my word," she said, her face filled with worry.

"Master, listen to your son," Vel said, approaching us.

"Shut it!" Mother waved her hand, rendering Vel completely still and silent. "Other than that, make another decision," Mother insisted, holding my shoulder firmly.

"Mother, they approach us like this because they want to humiliate me, to show that I'm weak and prove that I'm not your real son. Not showing up is already proving them right. And no, dealing with them by taking their lives will only create another problem, or worse, a war," I explained, sincerity in my eyes. The room fell silent, and Mother looked away, still holding my shoulder.

"But..." she began, but I didn't let her continue.

"You always said our family is more powerful than them, that we don't need to fear anything because we know we are doing the right thing. So please, support my decision because I will show them that I am worthy to be called your son," I said.

Mother sighed, loosened her grip on my shoulder, and collapsed into her chair. She massaged her temples as everyone remained silent, awaiting her response. After a moment, she looked up, her eyes softer but still firm.

"Alright, you have my permission..." she leaned forward, and I sat down on her table. "We will go to that stupid celebration, but if things get out of hand, I will step up even if you plead me to stop," Mother said with a gentle voice. I smiled at her and nodded.

"I will leave that authority to you," I said. A small smile appeared on her face as she stood up and picked me up.

"Good, because I'm not letting them get away with it," Mother said, looking at me with serious eyes.

"So, it's decided then. The Kriegers will make an appearance in front of the Supreme Family. This hasn't happened in almost a decade," Crost said, smiling as he sheathed his sword.

"I'll draft the letter to announce that you both agreed to come," Vel said.

"We know what they are planning for the young master. Shouldn't we create a plan of our own?" Professor asked. I smiled, looked at Mother, and then back at them.

"Don't worry. It's already completed in my head, and I'm going to make sure they reconsider their actions," I said confidently.