The Farewell Party (Pt 1)

It was a rough week for every member of the household.

With my mother in a comatose state, and my father currently absent, it was obvious that the manor was in a vulnerable state at that point.

Realizing this, the chief Butler and head maid made sure to compartmentalize information, making sure nothing was leaked to the outside world.

More patrol duties were added to the guard's schedule, and I was guarded using an airtight formation. My room was surrounded by guards and magic barriers when I slept at night.

It was the same for my mother. They weren't taking any chances.

'I suppose it's a good thing in its own way…'

The maids kept giving my mother the medicine based on the prescriptions given by Alphonse, and I made sure to supervise every step of it. One could call me a doting child, but I made sure to check up on Anabelle once in a while.

The remaining time was spent mostly studying and meditating. There was no point in practicing magic at this point since I had a lot of burning questions that only research could solve.

My mother regained consciousness after two days of using the medicine, and finally, after five days following the incident, my mother was completely cured of Mana Shock.

Of course, the first thing she did was to-

"JAREEEEEEDDDD!!!" Anabelle screamed my name, plunging into me as she gave me a tight hug.

My body was enveloped in her embrace as my face became buried in her massive boobs.

'Come on, woman! I'm a growing child!' My mind rang as I struggled to maintain control.

Due to my small size, she was able to easily overpower and carry me as if I was still a baby. Well, in all honesty, even if I was grown up she would still be able to achieve that.

'After all, that time with Alphonse…' I smiled nervously.

I was relieved to see her up and well though, and so we engaged in heartwarming discussions. It was more of her asking me tons of questions, including what I had been doing during the time she was out of commission and how excited I was for the party holding soon.

'That's right! My send-off party!'

I had come of age and even passed my magic training with Alphonse. The other classes I had on etiquette and basic education had also been completed, so I was ready for the next step in my career.

The Empire's Academy, 'Ainzlark'.

In two days I would be leaving for this educational institute to start a new life and further the depths of my knowledge and experience in magic and advanced studies. I was looking forward to it.

Still, before then, a party was due. After all, the only child of the Leonard household would be heading to the Academy. It was a thing of celebration and I was the central figure.

"When will it be held?" I asked my excited mother.

"Tomorrow night, before the morning when you leave for Ainzlark." She replied, giggling.

"Oh, I can't believe I'll be leaving so soon. This still feels so unreal…"

My mother sensed my excitement and patted my head with a proud smile.

"You know, due to your low aptitude and talent, Alphonse and I thought you should register as a Scholar in the Academy." She smiled.

Of course, I knew that. Those two were scheming behind me with good intentions to ensure I at least put my high amount of knowledge and smarts to good use. However…

"But, you've proven yourself more than good enough to attend as a Magic-User. I'm so proud of you, my child."

She proceeded to once again hug me, something I was already used to at this point. Surprisingly, this time, it wasn't the usual tight embrace. Anabelle's hug was light and warm. I could feel her tremble slightly and break into a silent sob.

"I'm so proud of you, Jared…" She whispered.

It made me remember my former parents. I did nothing but cause trouble for them and even looked down on them as a kid, since they had no magic.

Yet, they always stuck by me. It was unfortunate that by the time I became a Great Sage and finally became acknowledged by the whole world, those two had already died.

I often wondered to myself, what they would have said if they were alive to see all I had achieved.

My heart still aches thinking about it. I loved them so much, and it was clear that they loved me more. Would they have told me they were proud of me? Would they embrace me the same way my new mother did?

"T-thank you… for everything… I'm… I'm so happy I made you proud!" I burst into tears as I said those words, hugging my mom back with my shaky hands.

I didn't know if my words were wholly directed at just Anabelle, or also my dead parents in my past life. No, they were for both of them. This warm feeling I had within me, I was never going to forget it.

'Just watch, Anabelle! I'll make sure to become the greatest mage ever before you die!' My mind rang as my hands rightly gripped her more.

'So… don't die before then… okay, mum?'

Before I knew it, the night of the following day had arrived. I was shocked beyond words by the sight before me.

When I heard it was a farewell party, I had thought it would be one where my mom and the rest of the household ate and shared the night. To think it was something like this.

"Cheers to Jared Leonard, first son of the Leonard family!" A thunderous multitude of voices boomed across the large hall where the party was being held.

Countless people raised their glasses in cheers, many smiled and laughed. The number of people were more than I could count, some faces I recognized and others I had no idea of who they were.

Was this my farewell party? No… no way!

I wasn't expecting what I saw next.