Chapter 5: Summoned by His Father
A few days after Lewis’ “Blessing Ceremony,” Ren was called by his father, Kaiser.
(What does he want…? What if he tells me to leave the house…?)
On his way to his father’s office, Ren’s mind filled with anxiety as he considered all kinds of possibilities.
Lewis had obtained a more favorable skill.
Unlike Ren’s “useless” or “unidentifiable” skill, it was something clearly recognized as useful.
If that was the case, maybe he would be told to leave the house. And if so, where would he even go?
(Wait—maybe I can just say the “Small Box” skill is actually pretty useful because it gives light!)
If it came to that, he thought he could prove he was still useful. Holding onto that thought, he knocked on the office door.
“…Have you ever heard of the Royal Capital Academy?”
When Ren entered the office, his father, Kaiser, spoke without even asking how he was doing.
“Huh? The Royal Capital?”
(Wait… does he mean I have to go to the capital?)
Startled, Ren’s thoughts raced, but his father continued speaking calmly, seemingly unaware of his reaction.
“It is customary for noble children to attend the Royal Capital Academy once they turn twelve. Ryan is already preparing to enroll next year.”
“Ryan-niisama… next year…”
Ren recalled Ryan’s figure from the church. The thought of his older brother leaving the household for the capital made him feel unexpectedly lonely.
He already knew that noble children attended the Royal Capital Academy, but he had never truly felt what it meant for his siblings to live apart.
“The year after that, Liese will go. Then Lewis. …However, Ren.”
His father paused.
“Attendance at the Royal Capital Academy is a custom, not an obligation. Therefore, we have decided that you will not be attending.”
“…Huh?”
Ren couldn’t immediately process the words and repeated them in his mind.
(So… all my brothers and sisters are going to the capital… but I’m the only one not going? That means…)
Before Ren could organize his thoughts, his father continued.
“…What skill did Lewis receive the other day?”
“Uh… ‘Earth Magic’…”
“And what is your skill?”
“…‘Small Box’…”
“Which one do you think is more useful?”
“……”
Ren couldn’t find the right words, but he vaguely understood what his father meant.
He couldn’t even bring himself to summon the small box and say, “My skill is useful too.”
“You understand, don’t you? Our family is a baronial house. We are not particularly wealthy among nobles.”
“It costs a great deal to send children to the Royal Capital Academy. It is only natural that we prioritize those who are more capable, wouldn’t you agree?”
Ren felt his chest tighten.
His older brothers and sisters would all go to the capital. Even Lewis would go.
But Ren would not.
He would be left behind.
It felt as if he had been abandoned alone in a forest.