Own Time

Chapter 32

I gazed at her, utterly flabbergasted, convinced she was bluffing. Yet, she remained composed, prompting me to glance at Vel for confirmation. He simply smiled and nodded.

"Why the shocked reaction?" Mother inquired. I turned to her and replied.

"I thought you were in your mid-thirties. You look as if you've endured two decades of war." Mother's expression gradually shifted as she pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek. Vel, on the other hand, was stifling his laughter.

"You little brat, how could you think such a thing?" Mother said, glaring at me, clearly irritated.

"Seriously? Now I understand why people are so shocked and suspicious when they suddenly learn you have a child out of the blue. It's not that you lack a potential partner, but having a child at twenty—and not a newborn, but a five-year-old boy—is what's truly surprising," I explained. She raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"Kid, most of the kwaris, especially in Scanolos, have a tradition. After their child is born, they pair them with another kwaris to increase their power. And when the child hits puberty..."

"Puberty? What's that?" I asked, unfamiliar with the word, and Vel also seemed confused.

"Oh, I mean when the child is capable of creating an heir, usually around the age of thirteen, they force them to get married and have a child, regardless of the age gap," Mother explained. "So if you're concerned about my age today, there's no need. They're just obsessed with our family and will always be nosy about our business, even though they fear us."

I understood what she was saying, but I couldn't fathom how they could force a child to get married and have a child.

"And I even thought the more power you have, the more freedom you would get," I murmured, though Mother still heard me.

"I know. It's a twisted world, and it won't change unless the beings living in it change," she said. I looked at her and moved closer.

"So, even with all the power you have, you can't change people?" I asked genuinely. Mother's gaze softened as she looked at Vel, then back at me. She picked me up and sat me on the table, facing her.

"Kid, I know it's hard to accept, but you can't change people. Only they can change themselves. That's the power of free will. They can choose whether to go down the right or wrong path, and they know what's good and evil, but some people end up ignoring it. If they keep ignoring it, they become numb and lose the power to feel. In the end, they keep doing what they've grown accustomed to doing," Mother explained in a calm voice, holding my hands.

"What if I become the reason for them to change?" I suddenly asked as an idea entered my mind.

"What?" Mother and Vel were puzzled.

"What I mean is, I should show people that I am different from them—that I can be happy and not hungry for power, and they shouldn't be afraid of our family," I said, smiling widely.

"Ummm, young master, that's a little bit..." Vel hesitated, so I looked at Mother for her opinion.

"You sound like some of the main characters in the novels I read, thinking they can change everything without using violence, just with nice words and a smile," Mother said. She loves reading novels and fiction, while I prefer academic books, which is why I always know things in advance when the Professor comes to teach me.

"I'm not really into revenge, but I never said I wouldn't use violence. I'll just use it if there's no other option," I explained clearly to her.

"I guess you're actually different from those characters. You're very aware of your situation, but still, don't ruin your childhood by getting too caught up in adult problems," she said, tightening her hold on my hands.

"Mother, it's everyone's problem, not just adults'. And don't worry, I'm not wasting my childhood. I'm also enjoying it by learning new stuff and training my mahika," I said, smiling. She let go of my hands and leaned back.

"You're such a nerd. I can never understand how studying is so enjoyable to you," she said with a hint of exasperation, there she goes again with unfamiliar words. Mother doesn't like studying or even reading the same books I read, but when I ask her about something I can't understand, she knows the answer right away. She brags that she's just that smart and relies on her stock knowledge, not to mention the cruel, strict lessons she faced with professor.

"Sooo, is that your way of saying you agree with my idea?" I asked. She straightened her posture and flicked my forehead "Ouch," making me rub it in pain.

"No, I haven't decided yet," she replied.

"What? But—"

"Show me how you engage with your idea and I have to be satisfied with the result first, then I'll give you my answer," Mother said, and I could sense she was grinning on the inside.

"And how am I supposed to do that when I still can't go outside? I obviously can't do it here in the mansion; I already know all the people are loyal to the family," I said, genuinely surprised by the attendants' unwavering loyalty.

"Sounds like a you problem. Better figure it out," Mother said as she put me down and stood up.

"Aren't you going to help me?" I asked, looking up at her as she put on her coat.

"It's your idea, isn't it? Don't worry, I'll provide security and protection for you. The rest is for you to figure out," Mother said, smirking. I looked at her and fake smile in disbelief.

"You are such a two-face, seriously. How can you switch emotions in a snap of a finger? I'm speechless," I said, and her smirk just grew wider, making me more annoyed. She stood there, not even moving to leave.

"Uh, young master, I have a suggestion about this," Vel interrupted as he came closer, passing Mother.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Aren't you turning six next month? How about engaging your idea at your birthday?" Vel suggested. My eyes widened, and another idea came to mind. I looked at Mother, whose smirk didn't waver.

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea. But to make this possible, I'll have to invite a lot of people, even those who aren't on our side. Do you think they would be interested in coming?" I asked Vel. He smirked and lowered himself to my level.

"Young master, the Krieger Family is as important as the Supreme Family. Even if those kwaris are afraid, their curiosity about your family is much stronger. They will do anything to learn something about you," he said with so much confidence that I sensed a familiar aura from him, like he was a villain from a story. I nodded and looked at Mother, moving closer and raising my arms to be carried. Vel stood up and went beside us.

"You said I have to figure everything out myself, so you're not going to interfere, right?" I asked, looking at Mother. She simply nodded. "But, can I ask a favor? Can I borrow some of your money for my plan for my birthday?" I asked, my nervousness evident.

"When will you learn? My money is also your money, so treat it as if it belongs to you," Mother said with a genuine smile. I returned her smile, feeling reassured.

"Don't worry. I'll make every coin I spend worth it," I said confidently, thinking about those who believe power is all we have. "You want power? I'll show you power," I thought, looking forward to what was to come.

"That's my son."

"That's my young master."      

.......................

I took a deep breath, standing in front of the grand door. Just then, Mother picked me up, and we shared a smile.

"Ready?" Mother asked.

"I'm ready," I replied as the door slowly began to open for us.