"Bro, for real, you are not lying?" Baros's eyes widened in shock, his jaw practically dropping.
"Do you think I would babysit for fun?" Spark replied dryly, raising an eyebrow.
"So you are a family guy now? I am proud of you, bro." Baros pretended to sob, patting Spark's shoulders dramatically. "My little boy's all grown up!"
"Keep it up, and I'll help you lose a few kilos," Spark threatened, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"I was kidding, don't get angry, bro." Baros quickly shifted back to his seat, hands up in mock surrender. "So, who's her mother?"
Spark turned to Alice, still munching on her food. "Alice, do you know your mother?"
Pausing her feast, Alice looked up, her eyes wide and innocent. "Mother is Alice's mother."
Spark sighed, rubbing his forehead. He had expected that answer. "Do you know where your mother lives?"
"Mother said she lives far away in the mountains," Alice replied matter-of-factly, returning to her meal.
"I think your parents really sold you this time for real, bro." Baros tried to stifle a chuckle behind his hand, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Spark shot him a glare before continuing. "Did you not live with your mother?"
Alice shook her head, her twin tails bouncing. "No. I lived with Grandma Poo. But Mother comes to visit me every month."
Hearing this, Spark's brows furrowed slightly, a mix of confusion and concern crossing his face.
"Uncle, are you Father's friend?" Turning to Baros, Alice asked, noticing the familiarity between the Spark and Baros.
In the empire, only a few people knew of the title Holy Scion. Those in the imperial palace and powerful figures such as dukes and marquis knew of the title, while the common people only knew of Holy Scion as a mysterious ascendant.
"I've noticed there are many outsiders in the city," said Spark, suddenly shifting the conversation. "Is there something going on?"
"Does bro not know the Emperor Academy is holding an entrance test at the end of this year?" Baros replied, his tone incredulous.
"Oh, they are?" Spark mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
The Emperor Academy, the gathering place for geniuses, was in the heart of the Jul Empire. Throughout the continent, this academy was renowned for its mysterious background and the powers it held. It wasn't unusual for geniuses from faraway empires and kingdoms to travel great distances to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime entrance test. As one could only take the test once in their lifetime.
Although the academy was located in the imperial capital, the empire held no influence over it. The academy had a far more mysterious and powerful background, one that even the emperor dared not offend recklessly.
"Why haven't you returned to the academy for so long?" Baros asked, his curiosity evident.
"Well, I left with an excuse." Spark gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.
"What excuse? You left without a word," Baros retorted. "Those old fogies might be fuming over you every day."
"What about you?" Spark seemed to avoid the question, changing the subject to Baros.
"Well... I gave them an excuse that I would bring you back to the academy," Baros admitted, giving Spark a sidelong glance.
Their eyes met, and Spark couldn't help but break into a chuckle, which Baros quickly joined.
The two were students at the Emperor Academy, having joined at the same time. However, the strict rules of the academy prevented students from leaving its grounds. But Spark was not someone to follow other's rules. Somehow, he had managed to escape and stay away for this long without being caught.
"I think I'll give the academy a visit. I have a feeling we'll see a lot of drama," Spark said with a grin. "I'm expecting to meet lots of interesting characters this time."