Side Story (6)

Side Story (6)

Clank!

The sounds of two wooden swords clashing resonated through the training hall at the imperial palace, along with the irregular gasping sounds. After an intense and prolonged battle, one of the wooden swords finally went flying into the air.

“I won.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

The fellow who had his eyebrows raised in triumph was none other than Ronan.

“Two hundred and forty-one matches, and I have one hundred and twenty-one wins. By this I am stronger than you,” declared Ronan as he drove his hand through his sweaty bangs.

“Ugh! Damn it!”

Ronan looked down at the loser with eyes full of joy. The loser was none other than Hein Morris, the one who had initially carried Henry’s full name. He had changed his name at Henry’s recommendation.

It had been several years since the two had become Morris children, and they had made a reputation for themselves within the imperial palace. They were famous for being the only two Morris children who were learning both swordsmanship and magic, and they both showed frightening talent.

That was especially true for Hein. Ronan struggled with magic, so he focused on swordsmanship, but Hein learned magic without much difficulty.

Naturally, Henry was extremely proud of Hein. He knew that originally, Hein wouldn’t have been able to properly learn both swordsmanship and magic. Seeing his outstanding growth made him realize once again how important one’s environment was.

Ronan extended his hand and helped Hein get up.

“Haha, practice more before next time.”

“Ha, how about you practice magic some more in your spare time?”

“That’s a cheap shot, bringing up magic when we’re discussing swordsmanship!”

“So what!”

Ronan and Hein were no longer just children; they were already in their mid-teens, and so their physiques had developed considerably, looking more like adults. They were also developing secondary sexual characteristics.

Before they could continue arguing...

Clap, clap, clap-!

Ronan and Hein turned their heads at the sudden noise. As soon as they saw who was clapping, Ronan shouted with a big smile on his face, “Silver!”

“Nice duel. Seems like you two have been practicing a bit.”

It was none other than the crown prince of the empire, Silver Jackson Edward. He was now in his twenties, and he was nothing like the twenty-something Silver from Henry’s past.

Under the mentorship of Golden and Henry, Silver had matured into a worthy prince, renowned for his commendable character and excellent reputation.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed by Silver’s praise, Ronan scratched the back of his head.

“Hehe, not at all, Silver. Compared to you, I still have a long way to go...”

“No, I couldn’t move the way you did when I was your age. I guess a Morris child really is something else.”

The three of them got along like brothers, just like Golden and Henry. They were as close as friends could be.

“But what are you doing at the training grounds? Don’t you have swordsmanship lessons today?”

“Not today. Uncle asked me to run some errands.”

“The Archmage?”

“Yes. Speaking of, let’s go together”

“Us too?”

“Why, you don’t want to?”

“Oh, no. It’s not that. I was wondering what kind of errand he’s made you do, since you’re asking us to go with you.”

“Hmm, from what I heard, it seemed like you two might be getting a younger sibling.”

“A sibling...?”

Ronan and Hein looked puzzled at the mention of a sibling. Silver ruffled their hair and said, “Alright then, go and take a shower. We have to leave right away.”

A brief look of disappointment flickered across Ronan’s face when he realized that he was getting a younger brother instead of a sister. Noticing this, Hein playfully poked Ronan in the side.

“So you’re the boy the Archmage was talking about!” exclaimed Silver.

The three welcomed Howl warmly.

“Have you ever heard anything about Howl, Crown Prince?” asked Herabola.

“Unfortunately, I only learned today that the Morris children will get a younger sibling.”

“Hehe, according to the Archmage, this child might become his successor.”

“Hmm? Howl will?”

“Yes, that’s what the Archmage told me. I’m not sure when he saw his potential. I think he’s an amazing fellow in many ways.”

The next Archmage to succeed Henry—Silver finally understood what Henry had meant back then. He gulped as he looked at Howl.

‘The next Archmage...!’

Henry Morris himself had acknowledged this boy. He most likely possessed the kind of talent that everyone wished they had. That had to be the reason Henry had decided to adopt him as the youngest and last Morris child.

After learning about Howl, Ronan and Hein finally understood why they had come to Shahatra. They realized that Henry had arranged this visit so they could meet the younger brother with whom they would be spending the rest of their lives.

The three looked at Howl with sparkling eyes, each of them having different thoughts about him.

***

Knock, knock-!

Someone knocked on Henry’s lab door.

“Come in.”

Henry had his eyes glued on his documents, and only when the door opened did he look up. Seeing who walked in, Henry smiled.

“Dracan?”

Ever since he had become an Archmage, Dracan had occasionally visited Henry to report on the results of his research. Of course, even if he didn’t have news, he would come every once in a while to check on Henry, to ask how he was doing.

However, Dracan’s face seemed strangely bright on this occasion. At this, Henry couldn’t help asking, “Seems like something good has happened, huh?”

“Indeed, Master.”

“Hehe, what are you trying to surprise me with this time?”

Dracan was beaming, but there was some other emotion in his expression, one that Henry couldn’t put his finger on. Perhaps that was why Dracan was hesitating to speak.

“Well, what is it?” urged Henry.

“Well, it’s that...”

At Henry’s insistence, Dracan finally revealed his achievement.

“Master. I finally did it.”

“Huh? Did what?”

“The 7th-Circle. I finally reached the 7th Circle.”

“What...?’

For a moment, Henry thought he had misheard Dracan, as it had only been five years since he had become an Archmage. He couldn’t believe that Dracan had advanced to the next circle in such a short period of time.

His jaw dropped to the floor at this shocking news.

‘Finally...!’

Henry had always believed that Dracan would eventually reach the 7th-Circle, but he had managed it surprisingly fast. Long ago, he had made a decision for when Dracan would eventually reach the 7th-Circle.

It was finally time.

‘I can finally retire!’