Chapter 25: Setting up a Duel

"It is almost Autumn soon, we should start preparing for winter," suggested Merlin.

Bianca hummed in thought but didn't say anything. She glanced at her husband but his face gave nothing out.

"Isn't it going to be the same as other winters? Hunting and trading in the village?" asked Mitchell.

He scratched his beard and furrowed his brows in confusion.

'Wasn't this what we have always done?'

"That, and the training that the children need. They will turn five soon, they need more than simple training, don't you think?" Merlin continued.

'We have been doing simple training?' the children thought in unison.

Ever since Anette went away, Merlin became more responsible for the children's matters. Her responsibility over the children fell into his arms being the second to Anette with adequate knowledge of such matters.

While teaching his son, his word range had increased as he spoke more than a few words. He never engaged in small talk or gossip though, but Bianca found this change quite an improvement.

"Oh, you mean that? The medical baths and mana sensitivity training," said Bianca, having been enlightened. 

She smiled, glancing at the children who were looking curiously at their conversation.

Everyone was present except Anette which would cause Mikaela and Mitchell out of beat when discussing things since her presence, though quiet, was always assuring when around. Now it wasn't the same anymore.

Mikaela was especially a victim of this. He wanted to tell his mother the news of his progress first but he had to hold it in to brag to Lucien. At least in consolation to her absence.

"Lu, you should finish your vegetables," said Bianca, with a smile that was not quite a smile.

Lucien who thought he had escaped the veggie-eating part was downcast as he stuffed them down with a slightly hateful face. 

"Yeah, Lu. You should listen to your Mommy. Mama says it is important to eat healthy and grow strong. Don't you want to grow taller?" asked Mikaela. 

"..."

His innocent remark angered Lucien even more thus he turned a deaf ear to his comment.

'That was milk that makes you grow taller, Dummy.' Lu grumbled inwardly.

He chewed on the grass-like greens, swallowing before even savoring the flavor. In truth, Bianca had made them taste fine, but he hated the very idea of eating vegetables.

The meal was simple but appetizing. It had lots of meat and vegetables which Bianca mentioned that it was important for growing children who were growing and training. They were not allowed to be picky with anything. All food served was to be eaten.

When the meal was done, Mikaela held Lucien back making the grown-ups curious, hesitating to leave as well.

"I made improvements, Lu," said Mikaela, excitedly.

His ruby eyes shimmered in pride and arrogance. His chest was pumped forward to further give the impression.

Lu went silent for a while but then smiled.

'Isn't this a good time to brag…?' he thought.

The thought that had been forgotten in the torment of chewing aggrievedly on grass was resurfaced. 

"That's amazing, Kaela. I reached my first circle too. We are both becoming stronger," said Lucien. 

Lucien wasn't one to make it so obvious, but Mikaela wouldn't miss the slight arrogance in his voice.

"That's true…" Mikaela said in thought before a bulb lit in his mind, "We should see who is stronger right? You or me? We should fight!" Mikaela proposed.

It seemed the most straightforward way to figure things out, he also wanted to be considered stronger than Lucien. At the very least to gain the trust of his parents. He had no idea his parents' trust in Lucien had nothing to do with strength. He would try anyway.

'Caught the bait.' Lucien's eyes glittered in delight.

"No fighting boys!" Mitchell spoke up.

"I mean, s-spar. We should have a spar." Mikaela changed his approach to a more flowery sentence.

Something his mother would always emphasize.

Lucien smiled. He didn't disagree with the idea of fighting to figure out who was stronger, but it seemed beneath him to openly accept. He looked towards his parents seeking their approval first.

"Can I?"

His crystal blues shimmered in pleading towards his mother who had a soft spot for them. How could he know his secret attack had long been discovered? Luckily, Bianca wasn't one to expose her dear son.

"Sure, sweetheart," answered Bianca. 

She also wanted her child to be more proactive.

'My Lu is so isolated, it is concerning. He should go out more…maybe, exercise more too.' Bianca thought worriedly.

Seeing him take the initiative to do something outdoors was always something she welcomed.

"Fine, Kaela. We can have a spar. Later, I just got here. I don't know how to control my mana yet," responded Lucien.

It was set that they would have a duel a bit later. The parents' worry over their waning time overwhelmed their worry over the children's sparing safety. They would be facing worse adversaries in the future. 

The silence was the approval of this.

…

Time passed by quickly. Winter was just around the corner. It was another happy time for the family. Today's joyous event was the children's birthday.

As usual, there was no grand ceremony but a gathering of the family. The Howells and Alarics came together to wish the children a happy-womb-escape-day.

The sky was clear with no clouds as the stars shimmered in the sky. 

Mikaela stared at those countless jewels and wondered if this sight was shared with his mother. His gaze was enchanted into a daze. 

His heart had calmed down significantly ever since his mother left. He would miss her but he wouldn't lose his cool. He hoped she would be back soon. Before then, he trained hard to become stronger and have a fraction of strength not to be a burden on her.

'I miss you, mom.' He thought in silence. 

Growl!

His stomach growled at the mouthwatering aroma coming from the house. His mood was quickly uplifted and rushed in.

☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆