Own Time

Chapter 38

Aidan's POV

I find myself once again standing in the garden where yesterday's events unfolded. Mother, after recounting all that transpired, listened intently as I told her of my conversation with Darcia. Despite her insight, she remains unsure of his true origins, though she has cautioned me to remain vigilant and never lower my guard.

As I pace through the garden, Crade and Griza walk silently at my back, along with a few guards Mother has personally assigned to watch over me. My steps eventually lead me to the very spot where Darcia and I spoke—the moment when he made it clear he was no one to be easily bested. I pause, recalling the instant Mother had appeared so unexpectedly. How had she found me when Darcia assured me that no one could detect his movements?

During our conversation, Mother mentioned that she had sensed abnormalities in the garden. She explained that she could always tell when something was amiss, and she had felt a strange energy enveloping the place. It was enough to compel her to break through Darcia's mahika without hesitation.

But if Mother could do that much damage to him, could the person Darcia spoke of—the one with a chance of challenging him—be her?

"Young master?" Crade's voice echoed, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to face him.

"Yes? What is it?"

"My apologies for interrupting, but it's time for your training. Your professor may already be waiting," Crade replied.

I blinked, realizing how lost in thought I had become. "Oh, I didn't notice the time slipping away. Let's hurry—I'd rather not be scolded for being late."

With that, I walked past them, leaving the garden behind, along with the questions still swirling in my mind.

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

Two months have passed since the incident, and now I find myself in my mother's office, seated beside her as I immerse myself in the books my professor assigned. Meanwhile, she sifts through a growing stack of invitations from various kwaris, each seeking to host us—though, in truth, most seem particularly interested in meeting me. Judging by the pile of letters accumulating on her desk, it's safe to say that my birthday plan was a success.

"They're all the same," Mother muttered, displeasure evident in her voice. "I'm not satisfied with how they approach you in these letters."

"Of course, you're not," I replied, smiling faintly. Naturally, the idea of so many kwaris wanting to meet me doesn't sit well with her.

"If they truly wish to see you, they can come here. Why bother with this nonsense of sending invitations?" she said, throwing the letter in her hand aside with a flick of her wrist.

"Mother, I need to go out so people can recognize me. Besides, I doubt any of them would last an hour in this mansion—especially since you'd likely be the first person they'd encounter. It would feel like meeting death itself," I explained, a teasing glint in my eyes.

Here's a more novel-like rephrasing of the passage:

"The young master is correct; he needs to be seen by the people beyond the mansion walls. It would benefit him if he were appreciated by more than just the kwaris," Vel interjected, standing beside Mother and casting a glance in my direction.

"Very well, but I won't be sending you off to some random kwaris right away," Mother replied firmly.

"Then what will you do?" I asked with curiosity.

"I'll allow you to practice first. Visiting a kwaris is not as simple as dropping by a friend's house. Though I've encouraged you to pursue your desires, given your intentions, you need a proper approach. Therefore, I will send you somewhere to help you warm up," she explained, her gaze steady on mine.

"Who will I be meeting?" I inquired as she reached for a letter and handed it to me. I unfolded the envelope, scanning the name of the sender, and my eyes widened in surprise as I looked back at her.

"I believe this family will be just the right fit," she said, a smile brightening her face.

"If it's them, then I won't need your guidance just yet," I replied, and Mother blinked several times, about to respond. "If you're confident in your choice, then there's nothing to worry about, right?"

"Fine, I won't insist, but you know I'll just be dragged back here again," Mother retorted, turning to glare at Vel, who wore an innocent smile.

"The master is finally maturing! This truly is the impact of our young master," Vel chimed in, prompting me to awkwardly laugh at their playful exchange.

"Well, I suppose it's settled then. I should write them a reply," I announced as I began to rise.

"No need for that; I've already taken care of it," Mother interjected, causing me to look at her in confusion.

"Wait, what? When? How?" I asked.

"Just now," she said, raising her left hand and moving her fingers slowly as if conducting an unseen melody.

"Ohhhh, I see," I realized she must have used her mahika to convey the message. I wasn't entirely sure how she did it, but as long as they received our reply, that was all that mattered.

"Then I'll be looking forward to my first visit outside, meeting people beyond those in this house," I said, gazing at the letter with a smile and a determined glint in my eyes.

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

My eyes were closed as I felt the flow of mahika karera moving around me while I sat there. My hands were sweating inexplicably. I had felt confident before entering this space, but now that we were actually on the move, my nerves began to tremble.

"Young master, you'll do well. There's no need to be nervous," Crade's reassuring voice broke through my thoughts, though I kept my eyes shut.

"I know, but..." Just then, the mahika karera seemed to halt, and my heart began to race, pounding faster and faster.

"Young master, we've arrived," Crade announced.

I slowly opened my eyes, turning to see that Crade had already stepped off, extending his hand to me. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I rose from my seat and reached for his outstretched hand. He helped me down, and together we turned to see a figure approaching us, moving slowly and deliberately.

"Welcome, young master. I'm glad you could make it," the figure greeted.

I gently tapped Crade's shoulder, signaling for him to let me down. As I did, I bowed politely.

"Thank you for inviting me into your mansion, Varek Rowan Bedaim," I said, lifting my gaze to meet his. This was my first visit to the powerful realm of the Murder Whales.