Chapter 59: Adoption[4]
"Not if we keep him hidden from public eyes and conceal his true bloodline power. His bloodline is related to manipulation of Ice.
We can train him as a normal guard in front of everyone, while you handle his bloodline development privately when you're available."
My father contemplated this for several moments before asking, "You're planning to keep him here for some time, aren't you?"
I nodded my head before saying. "I considered asking you to adopt him, but I know that would be difficult and attract unwanted attention. Therefore, Kael won't stay here long, Father. I plan for him to accompany me to the academy."
My father raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Adrian, the academy has officially closed enrollment. No new students are to be accepted regardless of their potential."
A playful smile played across my face. "Who said he's joining as a student?"
My father's eyes widened with understanding. "You mean…"
"Yes. He'll be joining as my personal servant. But before that arrangement, I want him to develop better control over his abilities and emotional state. Father, can you help me with this?"
My father leaned back in his chair, clearly impressed despite himself. The plan addressed multiple concerns simultaneously: it provided Kael with protection and training, gave our family access to a potentially powerful ally, avoided the political complications of formal adoption, and circumvented academy enrollment restrictions through a legitimate loophole.
"A servant position would allow him access to academy facilities and training while maintaining a low profile," he mused aloud.
"No one questions the background of noble attendants too closely. As long as he is lowkey, everything would work perfectly."
I remained silent, allowing my father to work through the plan himself.
"This period of training here also gives me time to properly assess his character and development before making any long-term commitments," he continued thoughtfully. "If he proves trustworthy and capable, there are future opportunities. If not…"
"If not, he remains a well-trained guard with useful abilities," I finished.
My father studied my face carefully. "You've thought this through quite thoroughly, haven't you?"
"Just a little," I replied modestly.
My father looked me in the eyes for a moment before leaning back in his seat with obvious relief.
"Haha… well done, son. You're really making me proud. It seems like you've finally gotten your head straight. To think that you've only been at the academy for two days, yet you already identified such a loophole… you really are something."
He paused, his expression softening. "I wonder how Elena will react when she hears about this. She's been constantly worrying about you, whether you're feeling lonely, eating properly… you know, basic motherly instincts."
My mother's concerns were not to be understated, whilst I've changed over the past two weeks from the original Adrian and his ways. The possibility of returning to being lazy still remained in Elena's head.
Of course the possibility was actually null since I wasn't the original Adrian.
She had probably spent sleepless nights wondering if her son would manage to function independently at the academy, given his previous track record of poor decision-making and obsessive behaviour.
"She doesn't need to worry anymore, I'm managing fine at the academy. In fact, you can tell her that her son has officially broken the record for the strongest attack recorded in a first lesson."
My father's face transformed with heart felt shock and pride. His mouth opened slightly as he processed what I'd just said.
"You… you broke the academy record? Adrian, that's…" He struggled to find words, clearly overwhelmed by the news. "The previous record holder was…"
"I know who held it before. Professor Sylvia made sure to emphasize the significance."
My father's expression grew serious for a moment, understanding the weight of that comparison, before breaking into a wide grin. He crossed the room in quick strides and pulled me into a firm embrace.
"That's my son. I knew you had potential, you just needed to get your head straight. This news… Elena needs to hear this immediately."
He released me and quickly grabbed his communication crystal, channeling mana into it. "Elena, come to my study right now. You need to hear something about Adrian."
Within seconds, hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors. The door burst open and my mother rushed in, her face filled with worry.
"What happened? Is he hurt!?" she asked breathlessly, her mother instincts in full panic mode.
Before my father could speak, she spotted me and immediately enveloped me in a crushing hug against her chest, nearly lifting me off the ground despite my enhanced physique.
"Oh sweetheart, you're safe! When Marcus called me like that, I thought something terrible had happened!"
"Elena...Adrian broke the academy's attack record for new students."
She released me slightly, holding me at arm's length to look at my face. "He did what?"
"The strongest recorded attack by any student in their first combat demonstration. Our son is officially the most promising first-year student the academy has ever seen."
My mother's eyes filled with tears as she pulled me back into another fierce hug. "I'm so proud of you, Adrian. So incredibly proud."
I smiled through the endless stream of hugs and compliments from my parents. Then, I stayed with them for a while as they peppered me with questions about friends I'd made, connections I'd established, and various other aspects of academy life.
Sensing that their questions had no end and they were completely immersed in their parental pride, I coughed politely before saying, "Mother, Father, I need to get back to the academy. I should get some sleep since it's getting late."
"Oh! You're absolutely right, honey. I'm so sorry," my mother immediately panicked, worried that she might negatively impact my academy performance by keeping me up late by her barrage of questions.
I laughed off her concern. "Don't worry about it."
Before bidding them farewell, I addressed a practical matter.
"Father, would it be possible for one of our carriages to remain with me at the academy? It would make travel more efficient, especially for situations like today."
My father nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I'll instruct your driver to stay stationed near the academy grounds. You don't need to worry about any of the arrangements, I'll sort everything out."
"Thank you, Father. That will be very helpful."