Neither the incident in Sapphire City, nor Olivia’s suggestion was discussed during the rest of the trip. However, the growing distance from the duke’s city seemed to improve everyone’s mood. By the time they reached the capital, Orn’s mother seemed back to her normal cheerful self. But Orn noticed a tightness in her eyes, especially when she looked at his father.

I wonder what that is about? Orn asked himself as they left for the academy. She was feeling better yesterday. I hope nothing else happened.

Unable to acknowledge what he heard that night in the hallway, he could only worry internally. It is not as if they would tell me.

Orn was not sure what to make of the academy. His father said students were taught history, mathematics, and similar subjects. The part that Orn found odd was how much of what his father described, was social activities. It seemed to Orn that a lot of the student’s time was spent playing games.

He was assured that playing cards or games was not considered a subject, but it was strongly encouraged. His father also insisted it was useful. It would build relationships what other houses, and might even build connections with their families. “Might even affect who you marry” his father had added nudging him in the ribs with an elbow.

Orn responded by rolling his eyes, and turned back to the window. However, he continued to listen as his father rambled about the academy.

The main things he took away from his father’s ramblings was that making social connections was more important than the classes. Many of the knights would be searching for lords among higher ranking nobles. It was not an issue for Orn, who would inherit the county. But Orn needed to keep it in mind when dealing with others.

Orn’s parents had also received a letter from the academy that some things had changed since the king was enthroned. The uniform Orn wore was a good example of that, as previously students wore whatever they wanted. The school also banned revealing of stats and skills. To show their skills the students would be given a set of practical assessments, in the Elegian style. It was said this helped prevent fights and bullying. His father finished giving him the highlights of the letter as the trees gave way to an overgrown brick wall.

“Here we are,” his father said as the carriage rolled up to a cast iron gate in the wall. “I will let you walk in on your own. I was told that it is improper to ride a carriage in, on my first day here.”

“Did you know that before or after you did it?” Liv asked turning from the window to look at him.

Orn’s father pointedly ignored her and continued. “It will also give a moment to look around before you reach the main buildings. I know we made it only the day before classes start, but if you get a chance explore the grounds. There are some interesting old buildings, and it is always good to know where you can duck out of sight.”

“Why would he need to do that?” Orn’s mother asked, her eyes narrowing. “I am beginning to think that this is not a safe place for him to be. Especially, with your idea of a parting gift.”

Orn turned to look up at his mother as she put her arm around him and pulled him into a hug. “Parting gift?”

“It is not bad. I was just very,” He searched for a moment to find the right word before settling on, “confrontational. Orn is much more reserved than I was, so I am not worried. That is one of the reasons I am giving you this.” Orn’s father leaned out the carriage door, and returned holding a bundle wrapped in waxed paper.

Orn took the bundle, and untied the twine that held it closed. The paper came away to reveal a saber and hunting knife wrapped in a belt. The saber was plain except for a small green stone on its grip. But the hunting knife caught his attention. It was as simple as the sword, but it had a large round green stone as a pommel.

“Knights and high nobles are allowed to carry a sword around campus. It is a tradition, from when a duel was needed to defend honor. This has faded over time, since duels are risky even for a highly skilled duelist. But having the ability to respond directly to insults, means people hold their tongues, or move the dispute to a card table. Only the worst insults, or a fool overconfident in their skills, will end up with blades drawn. Just put it in your bag for now. You can wear it when you leave your room today. I know you tend to be a bit shy, but it will give you something to talk about with the other students. That should help.”

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Orn stared at the deep green color of the larger stone, and his father noticed his gaze. “That is the stone from one of the goblin mother that you killed. It was larger than normal and it has a nice color.” His father smiled. “Tradition frowns on knights wearing ornaments. But the proof of an act of bravery, such as slaying a monster, is allowed.”

He then pointed at the guard of the sword where the other stone was set. “You acquired quite a few of them back then. So your mother and I decided that having a couple with you would be a good idea. I left the rest at home. You will probably want to put the others into whatever sword you decide to use when you finish growing. “

“I thought the stones from the forest were sent to the king as tribute?” Orn asked, though his eyes did not move from the stones. These have mana in them.

“If they are from the village, then some of them do. However, as the lord I do not have to provide any stones I earn,” he winked at Orn, “that exclusion also applies to my family.”

“Your father is ignoring the main point of the gift. This gives you a way to keep these beast stones near by,” his mother added, pointing at each in turn. “They can both hold a little healing mana. I showed you how to add mana to a stone before, and I expect you to keep practicing filling and emptying them. Remember…”

“The more often a stone is emptied and refilled the bigger its capacity becomes,” Orn supplied completing the sentence before she could finish. Then he wrapped her in a hug, before she got a chance to scold him. “Thank you.”

“Good,” she replied hugging him back. “Despite your father’s opinion, I do not see how giving a bunch of boys weapons is a safer option. But if it means you have some extra healing mana with you, it makes me feel a bit better. Now, before you run off, start on the stones. They are unused and have very little capacity now, so it will not take much.”

Orn did as he was told and placed his fingers on the stones. As he had done at home, he gathered the warm feeling at his fingers and pushed it toward the stones. At first nothing happened, then the pressure dissipated, and the energy rushed into the stones. He was a bit startled, at how much it strength the stones seemed to be taking. Then, as suddenly as it started, it was over. The stones looked the same, but felt a bit warm against his fingertips.

“It took more out of you than you expected?” his mother asked, though she seemed more please than surprised.

Orn nodded, and thought he saw a small shine in the stones that was not there previously.

“These monster stones are very clear. They hold more than their size suggests. If you are not careful they can drain you, so practice controlling how much you put in as you work with them,” she said and rolled her eyes. “Otherwise you will likely sleep through all the social functions.”

“Thank you,” Orn replied, hugging his parents in turn, unable to keep the smile from his face. With this, I will be able to keep practicing with Kao.