Chapter 7: The Epiphany of Paul Notos Greyrat.

"Listen to me! We have to get him a magic tutor—he's a genius, I tell you!" Zenith's eyes were practically shining as she made her case passionately.

Keeping aside how she'd come to the conclusion that our son was some prodigy.

I still wasn't giving in that easily.

"sweetie, you promised! You said, 'If the baby's a boy, he'll be a swordsman, and if it's a girl, a mage she shall be.' So why are you backing out now?"

"Don't talk to me about promises. You're the one who always breaks them," she huffed, looking a bit disgruntled.

She wasn't wrong. I agree completely, but man, it sure doesn't feel great when someone pointed it out.

"Look, we're not talking about me here, come on, sweetie."

"No, you're going to the Citadel tomorrow and posting a notice for a tutor," she scoffed, crossing her arms and looking down, figuratively and literally since I was taking my seat on a chair.

And there it was, an ultimatum that is hardly allowed to be refused.

But she wasn't done yet.

"Even if he were to choose a sword later on, right now he's still too small to learn how to wield one, why waste all this time when he could be learning magic, which doesn't require strength?"

"Swords are cooler, though."

"Honey," her voice was softer now, "I'm not even saying he will not learn sword play, I'm just saying we shan't let his talent go to waste."

"Well, you have a point… but…" She just gave me another huff, folding her arms tighter.

"NO BUTS."

And I was at a lost for words how to explain what I want in depth.

Because, if he become too invested into magic, there is a possibility he will refused to learn swordplay altogether.

And from what Zenith told me, which I think was slightly exaggerated, the boy have the ability to do chantless magic—A legendary technique.

I'm sure with that only, he have a pretty decent chance to become a famous magician.

But I recall how often he look at me practicing my sword from that window.

I could just guess he was interested, and it makes me feel good too.

Just for a moment, for argument's sake, let's say he also have a talent for swords, but develop a bigger passion for magic already by the time he learns the former, because, just think about it, by that time he will most likely have a hang for magic.

And for most people, given the choice, they would prefer doing what they are better than something they are not.

I have hardly met someone who retry something they are not good at, over and over, unless it is an absolute necessity.

So, there is a giant possibility that the boy will have zero desire to learn swordplay.

I wanted to explain this to Zenith

But before I could start up, Lillia, who'd been quietly washing the dishes, chimed in.

"Why not have him learn both magic and the sword?" she suggested, drying her hands.

"And maybe it would be wiser to ask the young master what he wants, rather than deciding for him?"

Her words made me pause.

I'd been so focused on having a son who could wield a sword, I hadn't thought it through.

Who's to say he couldn't practice both? And even if say, he doesn't want to learn swords, why would that matter.

I remember my father, the Duke of Milbots region.

He was a man with so high an ego he suffocate me, and one of the reason I left that house.

Because he never allowed me to do what I want. The path I walked was predetermined and what was chosen for me.

And I remember, it was one of the reason I left his house, because I loathe how he decide everything for me.

Yes, what was wrong with me?

When I decided to grovel to the Boreas estate to plead for a stable job, I promised myself to not be like him, was that a lie?

Bad. Bad.

I collected my breath and glanced over at Zenith, and she caught my eye.

I stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to me.

She allowed it, even closing her eyes as if expecting something more.

And, well, what kind of husband would I be if I couldn't grant my wife a wish now and then?

So, I kissed her gently.

It was sweet and soft, the texture was the same as it was back when I first ravish her.

And, out of my will, I let my hands wander just a bit to her thigh and other areas, which grant me a light slap on the arm but didn't exactly push me away either.

Well, my innocent wife has become something of a succubus now that I think.

Ah, shit. I tried to withdrew, but she closes in again,

Wait, wait sweetie—Lillia was still there. Safe face, safe face sweetie.

Oops.

Finally, she sighed and moved back, and finally I could speak.

"Alright. We'll get a magic tutor." The statement reward me with a nice, playful smile from Zenith.

God I love her.