Life change

It was another chilly start to a spring morning. The sun was still rising timidly, hidden amidst the clouds, while a mist rose among the trees of the dense forest.

On the banks of the small stream lay the peaceful village of Gruta. It was named so because there were many streams there that led into narrow caves carved into the rocks. There were just over sixty houses where smoke rose from the chimneys, and families of hunters, blacksmiths, weavers, and shepherds lived. At the top of the dew-covered hill stood a beautiful two-story mansion, surrounded by white fences and a lovely garden that was still being prepared for the new season.

Micaelo Aspriel, the lord of these lands, walked to the main gate of his estate. He was a tall man who liked to dress in black on all occasions, and so he was on this early morning. He had a dark, well-groomed goatee on his chin. The sparkling red hair of his lineage was impeccably combed, displaying his meticulousness in maintaining a good appearance. However, there were also some gray hairs appearing on the sides of his head. After all, he was already in his forties.

Beside Micaelo was another man. He had a more stubbly beard and rough, completely black hair. His name was Buro Elliot, one of the many vassals who lived on these lands. He was a short, stout fellow, and his simple way of dressing and acting contrasted with the elegant figure of the lord. However, they were both of the same age.

Although he was a sovereign and a mere vassal, they got along as well as two longtime friends. Lord Micaelo had gained a reliable steward to help manage his lands, while Buro took great pride in serving such a virtuous lord. However, his greatest source of pride was undoubtedly his only son. In this regard, Micaelo was a bit envious of his vassal.

Micaelo adjusted his glasses in front of his narrow eyes before looking up at the skies above the village of Gruta.

"I was worried earlier, but it seems like today will be a pleasant day," he said, looking at his property. "They should have already set off..."

"They are running a bit late indeed," agreed Buro, who couldn't hide his discomfort.

Micaelo noticed but didn't comment.

Suddenly, the front door of the mansion swung open abruptly, and a young man with red hair walked out. He had the strength of a young knight and the elegance of a nobleman. However, his expression exuded great ill humor.

"Have a safe journey, son," Micaelo said, seeming reluctant to greet his own son.

Rudelo walked past them without looking at anyone, even disdainful of his father. He was followed by two maids, each carrying two bags. The family's coachman followed last, a young man carrying three more bags, not hiding his dissatisfaction with their weight. What Rude had to carry on this trip, no one had any idea.

Rude had changed a lot in recent years. He had let his hair grow longer, and his body had developed into that of a sixteen-year-old boy. His face had become more square, and he had the same narrow eyes as his father.

Rude had also become physically strong, as he trained to be a skilled swordsman. Therefore, he was always seen with an elegant scabbard at his waist, protecting a beautiful sword. Thus, the innocent appearance of his childhood had been completely erased, just as he had desired.

But the biggest change was in his personality. If the lord was beloved for being a virtuous person, his son had become someone difficult to deal with, precisely because of the arrogance Rude had nurtured within himself.

After Rude boarded the carriage, another boy appeared from the garden path. He carried a bag in each hand as he approached the men.

"I'll take care of this," said the coachman, almost snatching the bags from the brown-haired boy's hands and placing them in the carriage's storage. He was in a hurry.

Lince had spent the last moments saying goodbye to the mansion's staff. He was relieved to know that he wasn't too late; otherwise, Rude would be furious with him. Now, it was time for the last and most difficult farewell.

Micaelo, who had shown melancholy when his son had disregarded him, quickly changed his demeanor and put on a more pleasant expression as he faced the boy in front of him.

"Are you sure you have everything you need?"

Lince smiled and nodded.

"Well, the next time we'll see each other will be in a year, during your vacation. Take care until then, Lince."

"Of course! I'll do my best to be a good student. I won't do anything that would bring trouble to you, sir," Lince tried to speak formally, but his voice came out rushed, and his body swayed forward and backward repeatedly, taking away some of the seriousness of his words.

He was never good at expressing himself, especially when trying to be serious or when nervous. It was in this way, capable of making even a serious man like Micaelo laugh, that he expressed himself.

But his nervousness had a good reason, as Lince had a deep gratitude for the person who had helped his family in the past. And, by serving a lord he genuinely respected, he had decided not to commit any act that could damage the lord's reputation while he was a student at Camélia. The other reason was that he was going to live in an unfamiliar place. Just knowing that made his nervousness surface.

At this moment, Micaelo put his hand on the boy's shoulder and smiled warmly, then spoke in a relaxed tone:

"All right, just be yourself while you're there. And if you need anything, let me know."

"Absolutely!" he replied with a broad smile. Then, Lince looked at his father with a more heartfelt expression. "Father..."