First on the list

 I sighed and pushed open the door. "Mom, I'm home!" The aroma of chicken porridge assaulted my nose as soon as I walked inside the house. I dropped my things on the wooden chair and went straight to the kitchen, where I saw my beloved mother.

"Knock, knock!" I remarked, leaning against the kitchen doorway. She turned around and surprise was very evident on her face. "Nicholas!" She came running over to me and gave me a huge embrace. 

"My son became more handsome over time." I laugh at her remark.

She looks at me and touches my face saying, "You've become manlier since the last time I saw you, Nicholas. Have you been straining yourself? Please take good care of yourself, my dear." She, again, gave me one more hug. I was patting her back when I felt my shoulder moisten.

"Mom! Why are you crying?" 

She sobbed, "I just can't believe that my son isn't the small kid I used to sing lullabies to anymore." I laughed as I dried her tears. "Enough dramas," she moved away and checked the porridge that she was cooking. "It must have been a long day for you, so take some time to relax, Nicholas. I will call you when dinner's ready, okay?" 

"Mom, I will always be your little Nicholas, okay?" she smiled tenderly, and I did too. I gave her the bread and pastries that I purchased on the way, and then I went to my room and rested for a while.

Nothing's changed. It is the same small room that I grew up in. The same view of the horizon greets me. As I gazed at the golden sky, I was reminded of the upcoming annual tournament. I need this opportunity, so I must succeed. 

This is one of the reasons why I strive to become one of the strong trainees in the infamous training camp of Sataraia. Because the upcoming annual tournament is organized by the King himself, not everyone there will be able to participate. It is held so that they can scout potential students who will help the Kingdom rise above the rest. Therefore only the outstanding trainees are qualified. I push myself to the limits, even trying to surpass them, to be qualified and outrank Imelda's other students.

I know my goals are excessive, but if I don't do this, I will not regain what's mine. Those greedy individuals who will soon meet their end and must plead for their lives should regret everything that they have done to me and my mother. I tightened my grip on the window sill trying to contain my wrath and contempt for those ungrateful swine.

"Nicholas, dinner's ready!" I was interrupted from my contemplation when I heard my mother's voice followed by a loud knock coming from the front door.

"Maybe it's Thria, she often gives me food for dinner. Go open the door and invite her to join us, Nicholas."

Without hesitation, I opened the door, and a pair of pretty amber eyes met mine, "Thria, long time no see." I said trying to hide my excitement. She's Tania's older sister and the woman whom I adore.

"I see, you're here, Nicholas. I just want to give this roasted chicken to Aunty Rachel." She said making an effort to ignore me.

"Mom's in the kitchen, and she wants to invite you for dinner."

"Thanks but I'm having dinner with Tania. Send Aunty Rachel my regards though." She handed me a plate full of roasted chicken and depart immediately. She doesn't change at all. She has always treated me that way since we were young. Well, she behaves in the same manner towards everyone our age. And the reason why? I know not.

I sat across from my mother and put the chicken beside the heated bread.

"Where's Thria?" Mother asks. I shrugged my shoulder.

"She declined your invitation mom. She said she'll eat with Tania." I started digging into the food my mother had prepared. This is home.

The following morning I woke up before the day breaks and did my morning practice. Now that the competition is just around the corner, I can't afford to take a break. I may be on a few days' vacations, but that doesn't mean I should laze around.

 "The great Nicholas is home! Yet he makes no effort to even call on his attractive friend?" I saw Reiss approaching me with his hands arrogantly hanging in the air. The fief's owner and the Count's son, Reiss Frenp. We have a close bond and speak to one another like brothers because he spent his childhood with me. He's the only one who knows about my plan since he's the one who told me who I really am. 

"Reiss, long time no see! How's the future count doing?" I said as we tap each other on the back.

"Can't you see that I've been well since I look fantastic?" I threw my head back and bark out a burst of laughter.

"Seriously, what made you this cocky?"

"Brother, I think I met the woman of my dreams." I look at him with curious eyes. "And who is this unfortunate lady?" He slaps my shoulder and started telling me about the Lady from the nearby Kingdom that she met during the banquet at Marquis Hollins's estate. 

"What about you? How's the plan going?" He suddenly asks as we sat on the log and watch the sunrise. 

"Not much progress as of now. But I hope I won the upcoming tournament."

"Speaking of tournament, I will be there to watch you. Father received an invitation, and I heard he will be there." I cast a glance at him. "What are you going to do? Your uncle will undoubtedly sit next to the King." He added.

The first person who betrayed my mother will be there. What should I do? Should I make a move or, should I keep waiting?