5th birthday - 2

After hearing Ares's question Claude was dumbfounded. He did not expect such a question but after pondering for a few seconds he decided to answer the question.

" Just like you, I don't care. See, I personally think that everything and anything in life is limited or it comes with a price." He continued.

" My mother resented me to the point she never even came to check on me. She blamed me for the crime I never committed and that's it. Yes, you might expect me to just forgive her or accept her for who she is, then no, sorry."

" I am a practical thinker and from my point of view. She abandoned her only child because of some stupid love and hate. I mean, I ignored it but think about it if I was not like this then I think I would have died either hating my mother or would have died chasing and longing for her attention."

After I concluded Ares thought for a while and asked :-

" Then what is your answer ?"

Claude answered :-

" I don't care about her. I don't care if she thinks of me as her son or just an anomaly. I don't care. I don't like her nor do I hate her because from the start of my life the only thing I knew about her was that she exists and she doesn't want me in her life. And I also don't want her in my life, not today nor in the future because even if the old wounds heal the scars will still remain."

After hearing Claude's answer Ares pondered for a while and he understood one thing. Even though Claude had given up on his mother, he still wanted her at some point of his short life but he gave up when she was not present and when he needed her.

" And what about your father ?"

" Never met him. Don't want to see him. Don't even know if he is alive. Don't really care." Claude answered with indifference.

Ares was shocked seeing his indifference but finally decided to give up because the one in front of him was not a child but a young man whose personality has been influenced by the mess he called his life. What is the most surprising thing is that he still has not lost his sanity even though he is still just a mere five year old child. What baffled him the most is how this 5 year old kid who should be at the pinnacle of his innocence accepted every circumstance around him.

" Haah, whatever. I think I have already spoiled your birthday so I guess I will leave now but before going here these are your birthday presents." He sighed and gave him the short wooden sword and the book.

" These are the same gifts I gave to your step brother so don't think I have done any sort of partiality."

" This wooden sword is an enchanted sword which will change in size, broadness and thickness according to its user's will. It is created for beginners who can't control their mana so you don't need to do anything and simply will how you want your sword to be and it will automatically take mana from your body." He said pointing at the short wooden sword.

" While this is a beginner's book in both rankings and tiers along with some beginners friendly techniques and spells. It also gives you a basic information about the world of rankings and tiers along with a basic outline of different disciplines you can follow through rankings and tiers. Well, you have the blood of a healer then I think you will have the talent to become a mage. This book also gives you a basic understanding of how the system works in the Empire and many other things." He said, pointing his finger towards the book.

" And last but not the least you can also take books regarding our continent 's geography and history and other books as well just ask Layla to take you to my office. I am training your step brother in swordsmanship. You can also join us if you want or you have more interest in rankings rather than tiers."

After giving every instruction and information he finally decided to take his leave.

Claude liked both the sword and the book but he wanted to check the book first so that he can understand how this world works. But before he can even open it Layla came and forced him to eat all the delicacies as breakfast while chatting with her.

' You are finally happy, huh ?' She thought. Layla also shared Ares's fears because she has seen her young master grow from a new born baby to this point. She feared him losing his innocence and becoming completely unaware about the happiness of life. After seeing him act like the child he is she felt a little better but her worries did not end there.

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In a different room of the same manor a hot and beautiful lady currently wearing her doctor's white uniform was reading a book when suddenly she heard a knock on her door.

" Come in "

She said in a soothing voice. She was currently in her early thirties but no one will call her a day older than twenty due to how beautiful she looked. She had strawberry blonde hair which was curly. She had the same sapphire blue eyes like Claude but her eyes were clean like marble and were less mesmerizing and deep like Claude. She was 5'9 (154 cm), slightly taller than Layla. She had a big bosom around the E cup. Along with her seductive lips, round glasses and pink skin there will hardly be any man who will be able to resist her.

" Hey, it's me." A cheerful yet manly voice came from the other side of the door.

Ares came from the door and sat in front of her on the small three seater tea table. He had a cheerful smile which was something he only had in front of this woman.

" So, why did you come to visit me in the middle of the day? " She asked.

But to her question he simply sneered :-

' You clearly know the reason why I am here. Well, I guess I will accept your stubbornness this time and tell you…..' Ares sighed inwardly, he really can't say no to either of his two wives.

" It is about your son–"

" How many times have I told you that he is not my son !" She shouted.

Yes you might have already guessed but this woman is Claude's mother, Amber. She is also the assigned healer of the Village of vinea.

" Fine, then I won't call him your son…." Ares is a smart man, he clearly knows that nothing good happens if he takes out Claude's subject in front of his family and even talking about him is a taboo in front of Amber.

" I just wanted to tell you that he is nothing like a 5 year old, in fact he is way more dangerous."

When he said this Amber paused her reading and looked at him with a frown. Well it's obvious isn't it. This man who was said to be the strongest in the whole county let alone viscounty. In the whole duchy there are only 5 Sword saints and even among them Ares is the strongest. And such a guy was calling a mere five year old child dangerous.

" What do you mean by that ?"

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