Fiancé

"Ethan, did you feel anything strange after waking up from the cocoon?" Albaer who was in his office doing paperwork asked after Ethan arrived.

Ethan shook his head and said, "No, I haven't felt anything much different yet." He did not reveal anything about the prophecy, temple, or the fact that his perception had increased significantly after he woke up.

Previously when he was in the backyard, the maid informed him that Albaer wanted to see him and discuss something and so Ethan had no choice but to go see his father. And that brings us to the current situation.

Albaer was acting rather awkward for some reason and Ethan also noticed it. He was surprised because Albaer was usually very steadfast and confident. Very rarely did he act awkwardly.

'Is it because I suddenly became 'normal'?' Ethan thought as he tried to analyze Albaer's odd behavior.

Albaer stopped scribbling on the paper, raised his chin, and looked at Ethan as he put the pen aside on the table.

"Son, because you were... 'Uninterested' before that's why I didn't bother you with your Swordsmanship Training... But I never expected you to have such talent in Ancient Blessings. We will know how much potential you have when we do the 'Dune of Destiny Reading'—but from now you must train in Sword Art or Martial Art." Albaer said directly looking into Ethan's eyes as if he would not accept no for an answer.

"You are my heir and thus, you must learn to protect yourself, governance, and perform your duties."

"Yes... I understand father. But would you please tell me something about these 'Blessings'?" Ethan asked calmly with a curious expression.

He could have simply read books but he thought asking Albaer directly would improve their relationship a bit more. Ethan also felt that Albaer wanted to say something but seemed to be hesitating and so he tried to make the atmosphere lighter.

Albaer's eyes widened slightly as he remembered that he had forgotten to tell Ethan about these things as Ethan would soon be able to use his Ancestral Blessings now that he had undergone the Ancestral Awakening.

"Ah yes! I completely forgot about that. You are aware that many years ago Gods walked upon this land, yes?" Albaer asked.

"Yes, I have read in books," Ethan answered and nodded.

"Good, well back then Gods blessed the Humans and Demi-Humans with a fraction of their powers as a blessing. Unfortunately, the War of Millenia occurred and the Gods left. And even though many years passed after that; a few Humans and Demi-Humans likewise managed to survive their lineage and the blessings were passed down from generation to generation." Albaer said and paused for Ethan to digest all the information.

"That means that these blessings are inherited, does that mean I will have the blessings of Ice Element similar to you and uncle?" Ethan asked as he was truly curious this time. He did not know what kind of powers he would be able to use and when.

"Yes, but one can have multiple blessings due to mutation or outside influences such as if one's mother and father both come from an Ancient lineage or if someone has a natural affinity with other elements as well—then they might come to develop multiple blessings.

Our Family lineage stems from 'The White Mystic' who first started the family line generations ago. He was set to have been called the Demi-God of Frigid Ice and our Ancestral Blessings come from his bloodline." Albaer explained patiently. He seemed more relaxed now and was opening up judging from his body language.

"I see now, and how will I learn to use these powers?" Ethan asked the most important question.

"That, no one can tell you. It usually takes at least a year depending on one's compatibility and affinity to realize what blessings they have and how to use them. It's like walking, once the time is right you will be able to do it easily. But how fast and how effectively—that depends on your aptitude." Albaer said and began tapping the table rhythmically.

"I understand if there is nothing else... Then may I leave?" Ethan asked.

"There is one thing... You must remember that the potential you have is a curse and a blessing at the same time. While you may become even more powerful than me but this power brings with it the burden of responsibility. Always know that people will want to curry favor with you, they will drag you into their politics and you will have no choice but to be dragged into it. Just... Be careful." Albaer said with a severe as well as concerned expression.

"Father, are you still worried that I might not be able to handle it? I have changed, I am not the same as I was before." Ethan said with a slight reassuring smile on his face.

Albaer smiled bitterly, "Yes, you have changed from God's Miracle. I said just now that you will be dragged into politics just because of your potential, right?" Albaer asked with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"...right," Ethan replied not understanding where this conversation was getting at but he had a slightly bad feeling.

"Then this is your first lesson. You have been dragged into politics by circumstances even before you emerged alive and well out from the Ancestral Awakening." Albaer said with a slightly apologetic expression.

"What... Do you mean?" Ethan asked skeptically. He did not like anything that was out of his control and this seemed like one of those things.

Albaer sighed, it was more of a sigh of relief though. "You are right, I have been worrying about your future all this while. But I believe you can handle a small and inevitable thing like this." Albaer took a small pause and smiled cheekily as he looked at Ethan with a mischievous gaze.

"When you were in that cocoon; certain circumstances demanded you to be engaged to Anicia Stout. She is your fiancé now and you owe her a debt of life. She is a kind lass, so do not abandon her! Both of you will be married when you come of age." Albaer proceeded to say in a stern voice.

"Fiancé huh... Huh? Wait what-?" Ethan muttered absentmindedly and then exclaimed as he realized what Albaer had said.