Chapter 15: Enrollment?

Lukeas stepped into the grand foyer of the luxurious mansion, his eyes sweeping over the opulent decor. The sound of his footsteps echoed as he made his way towards the dining room. The room was large and spacious, with a long, polished wooden table that could easily seat twenty people. The chandelier hanging overhead sparkled like diamonds, casting a warm glow over the room. Lukeas took a deep breath, savoring the smell of the delicious meal that was waiting for him. He walked towards the table and pulled out one of the chair, settling into it with a sigh of satisfaction. This was the life he had always dreamed of back on earth, and he was going to make the most of it.

****

As Lukeas approached the Ewen residence, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Just moments ago, he had passed through the gate and was greeted by Charmes, who stood waiting for him. With a smooth turn, Charmes opened the gate and welcomed Lukeas inside.

"Master Ewen is waiting for you in the his office room," Charmes said in a calm and gracious tone as they made their way through the opulent halls of the mansion. Despite having been here twice before, Lukeas still couldn't believe the sheer luxury and grandeur of everything around him. The gleaming marble floors, the intricate moldings and carvings, the sparkling chandeliers, all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

As they approached the door, Lukeas couldn't help but admire the intricate carvings and the beauty of the unknown wood that made up the dark wooden door. Charmes stood by the door and said, "Please enter. Master is waiting for you inside." Lukeas took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

As he entered the room, he was greeted by the sight of his great friend, Ewan, who was seated behind a large wooden table. Ewan was deep in thought as he was reading some papers and documents. But as soon as he noticed Lukeas' entrance, he looked up and greeted him warmly. "Ah, there you are! So, how was the city?" Ewan asked, his eyes brightening with anticipation.

Lukeas replied with a shrug, trying to hide his excitement. "It was alright. So anyway, I heard you were looking for me?" Ewan chuckled and nodded his head, "Yes, I've been expecting you. Come, have a seat we need to talk about the academy." And with that, the two friends settled into their chairs, ready for a long conversation if needed to.

*****

"Hold on a moment, Lukeas," Ewen called out as he rushed to complete his work. "I'll join you shortly in the dining hall. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I won't be far behind."

Lukeas nodded, smiling as he set off towards the dining room. He was already familiar with the layout of the building, thanks to the tour given to him earlier by Charmes. As he made his way down the halls, he couldn't help but anticipate the delicious meal that awaited him.

Finally, he arrived at the grand dining room, with its long table and elegant chairs. The aroma of cooking food wafted in from the nearby kitchen, teasing his taste buds. Lukeas took a seat and settled in, eagerly awaiting the feast to come.

The Ewen family arrived at last, led by Leonora Aslan Von Ewen, Andrew's elegant wife, who was dressed in a stunning purple gown. "Ah, it seems you've been waiting for us, noble knight," she said to Lukeas as she gracefully took a seat next to the head chair.

Andrew's daughter, Alexandra Sophia Von Ewen, appeared a short while later, looking a bit weary from her sword training. "Really, Alexandra, must you practice sword fighting? You'll end up looking like a man," her mother scolded with a worried expression.

But Alexandra was quick to defend herself. "Mom, not now please. You're embarrassing me," she retorted.

Finally, Andrew himself entered the room, greeting Lukeas warmly. "Good evening, Lukeas. I'm sorry we're late, the journey was longer than anticipated," he said, before turning to his wife and daughter.

Andrew brushed off Leonora's concerns about Alexandra's sword fighting. "Don't mind her, Alexandra," he said with a smile. "It's important for a woman to know how to defend herself. You'll make some lucky man a fine wife one day."

With that, the family took their seats and settled in for a pleasant evening of conversation and companionship. Everyone was eager to catch up with Lukeas. When Andrew said something that shocked the two ladies in the room. "Lukeas is planning on enrolling in the royal academy as well"

This news was especially jarring for Alexandra, who was also planning to enroll. Andrew couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he saw the shock on her face. "Looks like you'll be spending more time with our noble knight here," he said with a playful smile, causing Alexandra's cheeks to turn red.

"Me?! I wouldn't let that pheasant anywhere near me! No way!" Alexandra replied, crossing her arms.

"Then why did you voluntarily carry him all the way from the stables to his room?" Andrew asked, still smiling.

"I think that's enough, dear," Leonora said, trying to calm Alexandra down. "She might explode."

"You too, Mom?" Alexandra asked Leonora, who was also smiling. "I thought you were on my side?"

As they made fun of her, Lukeas couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. He remembered his own parents and siblings and the mischievous adventures they used to have. Suddenly, the room became quiet.

Lukeas' expression was a mix of sadness, joy, nostalgia, and confusion. Andrew noticed the change and asked, "Is there a problem, Lukeas?"

"Nothing much," Lukeas replied with a sad smile. "I just miss my parents."

"Where are they now?" Andrew asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"They're in another place now," Lukeas said, his smile turning even sadder.

Andrew's question seemed to have hit a nerve, causing Lukeas some pain. Andrew suddenly winced in pain, as if he had been kicked under the table. Leonora shot her husband an angry look. "I'm sorry for my husband's insensitivity," she said, before giving him another stern nudge. "Yes, sorry. I didn't mean to," Andrew apologized, rubbing his shin.

"No.. Its alright. So.. Anyway, about the academy.. When will the enrollment start?" Lukeas asked.. Changing the topic which noticed but they didn't mind.

"It'll happen a week from now on.." Andrew replied.. "You and Alexandra should enroll together..."Who knows maybe you'll become classmates~" Andrew suggested to Lukeas while winking at her daughter. "Daadd stoopp!"

Andrew rise his hands up, a sign if surrender. Then he finally got serious. "It'll be quite hard to get it though.. Although the new king now allows the commoners, the school won't just let anyone in. The requirements are: you are either blessed with a talent in magic, or you are either blessed by the gods." he said when Lukeas suddenly asked a question cutting him off..

" Blessed by the gods? " Lukeas echoes him in confusion.

"Yeah.. Blessed.. Some people are chosen by the gods and will be given a talent, a boon, or in a super rare chance a skill," Andrew said.

"Like me. I'm blessed by the Goddess of wealth making me a very good businessman.." he bragged. And then added.. "The theory was that, people who have done a good deed in their past lives will be reborn and a random god who have taken a likings to them may or may not bless them.."

"Once you reach the age of 10-15 it will awaken.. And the blessings will suddenly be injected in your mind, giving you an idea of the blessings attributes."

"Ooh! A unique skill!" Lukeas exclaim..

"Unique skill? Is that how they call it in your place?"

"Uh.. Y-yes... Yes. It is" Lukeas replied, only noticing that he have said it out loud.

"So yeah.. In here we call it Blessings.. And anyway.. Enough exposition.. Lets go back to the academy topic.... The second requirement is to pass the assessment test. In this test they will give you different grade according to the results. And stuff... And if you got in and received a grade.. You pass.. If you dont received one even the lowest you fail..thats it.. "

Lukeas could feel that there's more Andrew wasn't telling him, but he understood it. And let it be.."So.. Will be staying here?" Lukeas asked.

"Well of course! You save us...you'll stay here with us until the day of enrollment comes" Andrew said. Before clapping.

And then the door opened up, and many maids and butler came in holding trays of different dishes. "Now enough talking.. Lets eat!"