After talking to Kael for a while, I decided it was ti for to leave and return to the academy. Kael was now secured within the estate, and it would be extrely difficult for him to leave willingly, especially with what I have in preparation for him.
"Alright. I’ll let you rest for now. I’ll send soone to show you around the estate so you can beco familiar with your new surroundings."
Kael nodded quietly, still processing everything that had happened.
I moved toward the door, gripping the handle before stopping abruptly. Without turning around, I spoke in a calm but pointed tone.
"One more thing, Kael. I expect you to dismiss that icicle you’re hiding behind the blanket before your guide arrives."
The temperature in the room seed to drop several degrees as Kael’s eyes dilated in shock. His breathing beca shallow and rapid. He was clearly stunned that I had detected his concealed weapon despite his efforts to hide it under the blanket.
"How did you...I’m sorry." he began, his voice barely a whisper.
I turned to face him slowly, my expression remaining neutral but my eyes holding an intensity that hadn’t been there monts before. "If I wanted to hurt you, that icicle wouldn’t be able to stop ."
To demonstrate my point, I activated my Blood Control trait. Kael’s eyes widened in terror as he felt his body reject his control. His hidden icicle imdiately lost cohesion and lted as his concentration shattered under the sudden weakness that overwheld his body.
The sensation lasted only a split second, but it was enough to convey the vast difference in our power levels. When I released the effect, Kael gasped, his face pale with the realization of how helpless he had just been.
I smiled at him gently, my expression warm and reassuring rather than intimidating. "I’m not showing you this to frighten you, Kael. I want you to understand that you’re safe here. You don’t need to hide weapons or prepare to defend yourself."
Kael stared at , his silver eyes understanding. The demonstration hadn’t been ant to terrify him, but to show him that his defensive instincts, while understandable given his past, were unnecessary here.
"You’ve probably lived in a world where kindness ca with conditions, where you had to always be ready to protect yourself. But that’s not the case anymore. Trust takes ti to build, and I don’t expect it imdiately. Rest well."
I left the room, closing the door softly behind .
***
I approached one of the senior guards stationed near the guest quarters and gestured for him to step aside for a private conversation. The guard was an awakener at the peak of the elite rank, approaching transcendent rank.
"I need you to handle sothing important. The boy I brought back, his na is Kael. I want you to show him around the estate today, help him beco familiar with the grounds and facilities."
The guard nodded attentively. "Of course, Young Master. Anything specific you’d like to focus on?"
"Treat him with respect and make him feel welco. He’s been through difficult circumstances, so be patient if he seems withdrawn or suspicious. Also, invite him to observe the morning training session with the other guards. If he shows interest in participating, that’s fine, but don’t pressure him if he declines."
The guard’s expression showed understanding of the situation. "I understand, Young Master. We’ll make sure he feels comfortable and safe."
"He’s under my personal protection now," I added, making sure my instructions were clear. "Anyone who treats him poorly will answer to directly."
"Understood completely, sir. The staff will be inford of his status."
I patted the guard on his shoulder in appreciation. "I’m counting on you to handle this well."
After ensuring Kael would be properly cared for, I made my way back to the main estate building to see my dad.
***
I found him in his study, reviewing docunts by lamplight. The room slled of leather-bound books and the faint aroma of the tea he preferred for evening reading.
"Father," I said, knocking gently on the doorfra. "Do you have a mont? I’d like to discuss the boy I brought back in more detail."
He looked up from his papers, his expression curious but patient. "Of course, Adrian. Co in and sit down.
I entered the study and took the chair across from his desk, preparing to explain what I had discovered during my conversation with Kael.
"Father, there are so important things you should know about the boy," I began carefully. "First, he’s not actually a child. He’s roughly my age, but severe malnutrition has caused significant stunted growth."
My father’s eyebrows raised, but he remained silent, waiting for to continue.
"More importantly," I said, watching his expression closely, "he’s awakened a bloodline. Based on what I observed, it appears to be either Rare or Legendary rank."
My father’s reaction was expected. He shot up from his chair, his hands slamming down on the desk as his face filled with shock.
"You said what!" he exclaid, his voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and alarm.
The implications of bringing soone with a rare or possibly a legendary bloodline hit him instantly. A Legendary bloodline awakener was incredibly rare, perhaps one in millions. The only person to awaken such a bloodline was Seraphina in recent ti, other than that only the king had such a bloodline. Most ducal families inherited Rare bloodlines and that represented extraordinary potential and political significance.
"Are you absolutely certain about this assessnt?" he demanded, leaning forward intently. "A Legendary bloodline... Adrian, do you understand what this ans for our family?"
His mind was clearly racing. Harbouring soone with such potential could either be seen as an incredible opportunity or a dangerous threat, depending on whether other noble families found out.
I had expected this reaction from him, hence why I wanted him to understand that Kael’s bloodline should remain hidden.
"...Sigh. We need to be careful, this kid you brought is a double-edged sword."
With a smile on my face, I said. "Not if we..."
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