NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32: Request
Leona's gaze bore into Desmond with a mix of concern and sternness as she released him from her embrace. "Boy, is there an explanation?" Her voice held a weight of anticipation, demanding a satisfactory answer.
Desmond, sensing the gravity of the situation, braced himself for what was to come. His heart pounded, and he resolved to be truthful, even though the truth might be unsettling for someone his age. "Okay, Mom. Can we discuss it in a private room?" he proposed, hoping to shield his sister from the potentially disturbing details.
"No, your sister must know, too," Leona insisted firmly, her commitment to transparency unwavering.
*Sigh* Desmond sighed inwardly, aware that Alice, who had overheard his earlier conversation, might be confused and anxious. He silently wished that his sister wouldn't bear the brunt of any punishment that might follow.
Gathering in the solemn atmosphere of the dining room, the family settled into their seats. Desmond took a deep breath, ready to lay bare his motivations. "So it was just my instinct," he confessed, his voice carrying a newfound resolve.
Leona and Bastian exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Leona's icy demeanor seeped into the room, casting an unintentional chill upon the air.
Seeking sincerity, Bastian remained silent, but the intensity in his gaze spoke volumes. His clenched fists revealed his unspoken concern, underscoring the weight of the situation.
"Yes, I just wanted to protect my sister," Desmond replied, looking directly at his parents, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. His words rang with an undeniable truth, devoid of any shred of doubt.
The room fell into an unsettling silence, each family member grappling with their own thoughts. Alice, caught in the tension, dared not voice her opinion, her eyes darting between her father and mother, unsure of how they would react.
Breaking the silence, Leona let out a weary sigh. "I'm glad you don't have that hobby," she murmured, her relief mingling with lingering confusion.
Bastian chimed in, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Yeah, son, while we were on our way, she kept worrying about this." His words carried a mix of paternal pride and concern, highlighting the delicate balance of emotions in the room.
Leona's mind swirled with questions, uncertain whether her son's actions stemmed from a psychopathic nature or a genuine desire to protect his sister. The results of Noel's investigation had brought some relief, knowing that the shop owner was also involved in criminal activities, but the lingering uncertainty remained.
Did her son possess knowledge of the owner's criminality, or was it merely a fortuitous encounter?
Understanding his mother's unspoken concerns, Desmond offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom, I'm not what you think. Besides, I've also heard that there was something wrong with the shop owner." His words sought to allay her fears and assure her that his intentions were pure, rooted in a desire to safeguard their family.
Leona's repeated nods came to an abrupt halt as realization dawned on her. "Shut up. Has any 3-year-old kid ever killed someone?!" Her outburst was followed by a sudden shift in her demeanor as she swiftly enveloped Desmond in a tight embrace, her fingers tenderly stroking his hair.
"My little brother..." Alice, having overheard the shocking revelation of Desmond's actions, was overcome with a mix of shock and guilt.
Witnessing Alice's distress, Bastian wasted no time in following Leona's lead, wrapping his arms around his daughter and offering soothing words. "Calm down, sweetie. Your brother is not normal."
Leona chimed in, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Have you forgotten how stunned we were when he began speaking coherently at just one year old?"
"Is that normal? No! Normal children just hug their fathers and say, 'father... father... you're cool,'" Bastian quipped playfully, eliciting a small chuckle from Alice.
Desmond's smile wavered, a tinge of self-doubt creeping in. Am I truly abnormal in their eyes?
"No, he is my son, the brilliant number one. He's just too intelligent, and intelligence is normal!" Leona snapped back, refusing to accept the notion that Desmond was anything less than extraordinary.
...
With Desmond's predicament resolved by Bastian and Leona, he took a deep breath before speaking up again. "Father, mother, I want a teacher."
A thunderous shockwave reverberated through Bastian and Leona's minds, freezing them in their tracks. Their expressions turned to one of shock and disbelief, as if they had received news that the kingdom would be destroyed the following day.
Bastian stepped forward, gripping Desmond's shoulder tightly. "Why?! Am I not good enough to teach you?"
Meanwhile, Leona muttered to herself, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and self-doubt. "Has my son betrayed me? Where did I go wrong?"
Desmond desperately wanted to explain the reasons behind his request, but his father continued bombarding him with questions, his body shaking with disbelief, while his mother voiced her concerns in a flurry of noise.
"FATHER, MOTHER, STOP!" Alice's voice cut through the chaos, commanding attention.
Bastian paused, still clutching Desmond's shoulder, and Leona managed to quiet her anxious thoughts.
*Ahem* "Let me explain, please. Besides you guys, who rarely have time to teach me, I've decided to seek out a dedicated teacher. Someone who can instruct me in sword techniques, magic, and advanced general knowledge," Desmond finally managed to articulate his intentions, hoping to be heard and understood.
Bastian and Leona stood frozen, their jaws dropping in astonishment. They exchanged a complex glance before addressing Desmond with a mix of disbelief and uncertainty. "Son, where did you acquire this information? Ah, right, we keep forgetting that you're not like other kids."
"No, he isn't abnormal! Let me explain. You see, the reason we haven't arranged a teacher for you is that children your age typically engage in play and exploration, nurturing their natural curiosity about the world. It's usually around the age of six that they begin participating in community activities," Bastian reasoned, trying to make sense of Desmond's unusual request.
Leona's gaze traveled up and down Desmond's figure, her expression a blend of scrutiny and contemplation. "Perhaps people mistake you for being six years old."
"And when kids turn ten, we, as parents, send them to an academy. Our role is primarily to lay the groundwork and teach them the basics," Leona added, clarifying their perspective.
As Leona finished speaking, Desmond found himself lost in thought, absorbing the newfound knowledge.
Hearing the mention of an academy, Alice's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "So, I'll be going to the academy too?! But I want to go with my brother!"
"Alright, alright, take it easy, sweetheart. First, you'll go ahead and secure a place for your brother," Bastian assured, trying to calm Alice's excitement.
"Hmph! Of course, that's a big sister's duty!" Alice replied, a mix of pride and a hint of apprehension evident in her voice.
"Now that all the matters have been resolved, let's take a break, my love," Leona suggested, winking at Bastian.
"Yeah, we're exhausted," Bastian responded, oblivious to Leona's underlying intentions. He simply conveyed his fatigue.
Leona turned sullen, briefly averting her gaze. Then her eyes fell upon a tempting bowl of ice cream, and she promptly indulged in it.
"Mmm... this is delicious. Which servant prepared it?" she asked, savoring the taste.
"I made it, Mom!" Alice interjected, snapping a little. She was both annoyed and proud that she could elicit such praise from her mother.
"Wow, my sweetie is an excellent cook," Bastian praised, beaming with pride. He had always admired Alice's culinary skills. Leona, on the other hand, merely snorted in response, focusing on her ice cream and resuming her enjoyment.
.
.
.
After the family reunion concluded, nightfall arrived, and each member of the family retired to their respective rooms.
In Desmond's room, he sat cross-legged on his bed, engrossed in studying the information he had gathered about his parents. The pages before him held detailed profiles, unveiling the depths of their abilities.
[Name: Bastian
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Race: Human
Class: 1st Swordsman / 1st Wizard
Occupation: Officer
Unique Energy: 36.13
Strength: 35.00
Agility: 30.00
Stamina: 7.57]
[Name: Leona
Gender: Female
Age: 31
Race: Human
Class: 2nd class witch
Occupation: Master Witch of North Kingdom
Unique Energy: 45.26
Strength: 15.00
Agility: 15.00
Stamina: 11.20]
Desmond meticulously absorbed the information, comparing the statistics and pondering their significance. His father had made notable advancements in agility and strength, albeit falling behind in energy. On the other hand, his mother showed no change in agility and strength but boasted a significant improvement in energy.
Could these differences be attributed to their dual-class abilities? Desmond surmised that he should prioritize honing his skills as a swordsman, considering the seemingly easier path to improvement.
"I don't have much time. I believe I must hunt demons to acquire energy," Desmond muttered to himself, feeling a sense of urgency. He knew that when he turned ten, his parents would send him to the academy, where he would need to surpass everyone, including his academy teacher, in order to protect Alice and his loved ones.
He didn't want to face the same plight as the protagonists in the novels he had read—lacking the strength to safeguard those dear to them.
Desmond understood that the academy was more than just a place of knowledge; it was a battleground where wealthy heirs and ambitious contenders sought their rightful place. He was well aware that Alice's captivating beauty was bound to attract its fair share of trouble.
"That's the plan. Training, demon hunting, and uncovering the secrets of the underground basement," he resolved, formulating his strategy. With that thought in mind, he settled into a state of meditation.