1.0

Today was a rather busy day for the Gerald family. All around, servants, chefs, and whoever else had free hands helped tidy the place and cook a feast for breakfast. While it may seem a bit extra, it marked the day that the youngest members of the family were allowed to travel to Ezerth.

Aamon threw on a white button-up and black slacks, finalized with a black blazer embroidered with the Gerald family crest, a white turtle. He dusted off his dress shoes and gave his dark hair a few shakes. He took a deep breath in the mirror to prepare himself for the day. Then he headed to the dining room where the rest of his adopted family had settled. He took his place beside Grandpa Miakel and gave the man a friendly tap on the shoulder. The two shared a smile before his mood was ruined by the usual suspects.

"The little welp finally shows his face. Tell me, how does one who doesn't belong dare to show up to breakfast late?"

Ishmael Gerald. The one and only in his mind. Aamon did as he usually did and ignored the boy's cheeky comments. Responding to the boy always ended up with him being hurt. Of course, he allowed it. Fighting back would only cause strife, and he couldn't let that happen to the family that took him in.

"Leave him alone, Ishmael. You never know, he might end up saving your pathetic life," Rose butted in. It was on cue for the snarky runt she was, but she was bearable and easy on the eyes. Aamon gave her a nod of appreciation and decided to chat with his grandpa.

"Tell me, Grandpa... What can you tell me about Ezerth? You've held off long enough. I'm finally of age. No more excuses, old man." Mikael had withheld information about Ezerth from him for as long as he could remember. Always telling him to enjoy his childhood and stop being antsy. Only when he came closer to the age necessary did he give him bits and pieces.

Aamon was curious, and there were many ways to gain information on the world of Ezerth, but there was nothing like first-hand accounts. Especially from a man as strong as Grandpa Miakel.

"If it was anybody else, you would be picking up your teeth. Who are you calling old?" Mikael poked Aamon's chest too hard for his liking. "Get a few hairs on your nuts and start calling your betters old?" Mikael raised his hand to bash Aamon with a spoon, but someone spoiled his fun.

"Enough, Father." August Gerald walked in with Eli in tow. "Please give the kids some advice. Their lives depend on it."

"Do all kids get smart with their elders? Looks like I need to punish some people." Mikael let his aura out only a little, and the table began to shake.

"Grandpa, stop with your games and get on with the tales. Why are you avoiding this conversation? Your tips may be able to save my life."

"I went to Ezerth ass naked! You little runts need to experience it for yourselves to get some hair on your chests, dammit!" Mikael slammed his hand on the table.

"What about us, grandfather? Me and Rose don't grow hair on our chests," Mia giggled, and so did Rose.

"I don't care about your lady bits. All I'm saying is me and your father went to Ezerth with no help, and look at how we turned out. You guys need to struggle to survive. Use your own damn brains. Except you, Ishmael. You are too stupid." Everyone except Aamon let out a few chuckles at Mikael's dig. Of course, Ishmael couldn't let it go.

"And tell us, grandfather. How did Aamon's parents go to Ezerth?" The room went silent. Aamon knew from the few friends he had that most parents would reprimand their child for such harsh comments. Even went as far as a spanking, but he knew August would do nothing unless his blood was harmed. Mikael could do something, but Aamon had always asked him not to interfere.

Luckily, Rose chastised him on his behalf with a slap to his face. Ishmael stared daggers into her until his father looked up from his mug.

"You all protect this filth like he's our blood," he rubbed his red skin. "It's laughable, and we've become a laughing stock because of it. He only makes us weaker. I say get rid of him before he gets one of us killed.

"Brother-" Eli tried to diffuse the situation, but all it took was for August to raise his hand.

"Tell me, son, your hatred for the boy. Why? You were close as children, and now you look at him like a dog."

"He's not one of us, father. I don't understand why grandfather adopted him in the first place. It's sickening to share quarters with him. And yes, as children, we were close; children are naive. He shouldn't be here."

Aamon couldn't refute his words. After all, he only had some idea of how he got here. The memory had only begun to come back the closer he got to his coming of age. In fact, he thought Mikael had something to his memories to stop him from remembering.

"Does it have to do with the maid that disappeared after she chose Aamon over you, Ishmael? Surely jealousy isn't the reason why you loath-"

"Shut your mouth, you whore!" Ishmael yelled at Mia.

"Enough!" August roared. "The boy is Rose's protection and a part of this family. Apparently, he's my damn brother thanks to your grandfather." August locked eyes with his dad, who gave him a playful smile and a wave.

"You're welcome, son."

August sucked his teeth. "Whether you believe it or not, Ishmael, Aamon is powerful. A lot more powerful than you think. He's also important, and I don't mind him around. When you two get there, don't do anything stupid. We will know. Now drop it, Ishmael. Eli?"

"Yes, father."

"Make sure Ishmael keeps his stupidity in check."

"Yes, father." Eli patted Ishmael on the back.

"Now that everyone is gathered, let's make some things clear. I do not care about what you do in Ezerth as long as it doesn't disgrace the Gerald name. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, patriarch!"

"Enjoy your meals and prepare to unlock your grimoire."

After the patriarch's display of authority, breakfast went on without a hitch. Ishmael kept his snarls and comments to himself as best he could with Eli and August present. Mikael bothered Aamon as always, and the girls giggled behind their exquisite fans. Things got serious afterward. Everyone headed toward the awakening room. This was the place where the main and collateral families showed their powers in front of all.