Master Vellan POV

Vellan was not happy at all. When the lord summoned him and informed him that he would have to teach the bastard, he was furious. Of course, he didn’t reveal it openly to the count. Teaching a bastard child was beneath him.

How could the count not realize that? However, the count didn’t tolerate any disobedience. His orders had to be obeyed.

That didn’t mean he quietly accepted it. Instead, he requested permission to conduct a test to evaluate the aptitude of the child. After all, if the bastard was to study with master Edwin and Lucien, he had to possess some degree of aptitude. To his surprise, the lord supported the idea. Vellan learned that the bastard had been poring over history and geography books in the library, on his own.

Which child ever did that? What an odd kid. He must be doing something fishy.

Of course, he didn’t voice his concerns with the count. But he was pleased when the count instructed him to make the test appropriate for somebody who already had some knowledge. Like crafting a test for Master Lucien or Edwin. It was a little harsh, considering the child had never been formally taught before.

However, what did he care about? Vellan accepted the directive since it would only make his task easier. The sooner he could be done with it, the better.

When Vellan spotted the bastard for the first time, he immediately noticed a stark difference between him and all the other noble kids he had taught before. The bastard — Alaric — maintained an unnervingly calm attitude. He didn’t exhibit the skittish energy that Vellan was so used to seeing in noble kids. Nor any trace of fear.

Master Edwin was brash and lazy. Master Lucien was hesitant and timid, being the younger brother after all. Alaric, on the other hand, exuded confidence beyond his years. Well, if he can somehow pass the test, it would prove he does have some merit, Vellan reflected. He wouldn’t mind guiding a talented kid. He was a scholar, after all.

However, that was an unlikely outcome. Usually, bastards were left without care and they grew up like common trash — dull-witted.

Why would this child be any different? Vellan handed over the test paper to Alaric and decided to take a brief nap. He fully expected the kid to struggle and labor until the last minute to complete the test.

He didn’t realize when he slipped into dreamland — basking in the glory of being awarded the prize for the best teacher at the Lyceum — but his moment of pride didn’t last long.

Apparently, the bastard had completed the test. Vellan checked the time and immediately got annoyed. Just as expected. He had given up already. Vellan was about to berate him but restrained his temper. It was pointless to scold a dull-witted kid. Instead, he focused on grading the paper.

Vellan felt the first sliver of surprise when he checked the logic puzzles. They were correct. In fact, his reasoning was spot on, articulated in eloquent language that was rare for a child.

Impossible! He solved the logical puzzles — but, how? Even Edwin could barely get through the first one. And, he is 3 years older than him.

He leaned forward as his posture grew taut. The drowsiness vanished. The mental math calculations and the pattern recognition questions were also answered accurately. Every answer was flawless. What impressed him the most were the map identification questions.

Both Edwin and Lucien struggled with those. These were challenging questions that truly revealed how hard the kid had studied.

He set the paper down and inspected the kid. He had the same calm look on his face. If he didn’t know it better, Vellan would have suspected that the boy had somehow cheated. But that was not possible. He was in the room the whole time. Although he was sleeping, even a single unexpected movement would have alerted him.

The boy not only passed but achieved a perfect score.

A moment of realization struck him. This boy is no ordinary kid. He is something else…a prodigy. His previous disgust quickly morphed into admiration. “Where did you learn all this, kid? Who taught you?”

“I studied in the library…on my own,” Alaric replied plainly. It was hard to believe. So, Vellan did the one thing that he could to confirm his suspicions. He fired off rapid questions about history and geography. Alaric answered with precision, although he hesitated on a few questions. However, it was evident that the boy was talented beyond his years.

By god, he is sharper than his brothers. Much sharper. Vellan shook his head. No, after a little polish, he would put all the capital city nobles to shame.

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“Well, young Alaric…” He declared warmly, “It seems I’ve underestimated you.” He nodded with approval. “Not a mistake I’ll make again.” He patted Alaric’s back, signaling his acceptance.

“Be here at first light tomorrow. I won’t go easy on you.” Vellan chuckled.

Alaric bowed and nodded, “I will be in your care from now on, Master.”

***

Alaric was the first to arrive at Master Vellan’s study the next morning. Rising early was no longer difficult for him anymore. He was already used to it since he performed his exercise at dawn. However, from now on, his schedule had to change.

The morning slot was booked for study with Master Vellan and his half-brothers.

Alara noticed three chairs opposite the oaken desk inside the room. Master Vellan was engrossed in reading some scrolls at the other end. They exchanged greetings, and Alaric sensed no lingering animosity in his teacher’s eyes.

How could he be angry at him any longer? Alaric had demonstrated his knowledge, intelligence, and cunning. He had achieved perfect marks, something that was difficult even for his elder half-brothers. Any true scholar appreciated a student who liked to study and was clever.

Alaric already anticipated some drama when his siblings learned he would be studying alongside them from today onward. And, his prediction proved correct. When Lucien and Edwin entered the room, their gazes immediately locked onto Alaric.

Alaric pretended to not notice, but he was acutely aware of their reactions. Lucien appeared simply surprised. Edwin’s face immediately morphed into a scornful glare, before shifting into a sneer.

It was pretty clear to Alaric that Edwin saw him as an invader in his ‘territory’.

“What is the bastard doing here?” Edwin sneered. Lucien, being the younger brother, mimicked the attitude of his older brother but remained silent. Alaric simply ignored them. He chuckled to himself, leaned back on his chair, and reached for a history book resting on the table.

“Be careful what you say, Master Edwin. He is the lord’s son as well.” Master Vellan tried to snub the tension before it sprouted into something worse.

Edwin’s arrogant demeanor faltered at the reprimand of his teacher. “But he’s just a bastard… How could he be allowed to study with us?” As if recalling a private joke, he added. “Mom said bastards are dull. What good will it do for him to study?”

Master Vellan’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly. “The Lord has personally permitted Alaric to study.” He leaned forward. “Do you presume to know better than the lord himself? Are you suggesting you will disobey his command?”

The last declaration slammed both of his siblings like a blow from an iron hammer. Edwin blanched and darted a nervous glance at Lucien. Neither of them uttered another word.

Over the course of the study session, all of them faced numerous questions on logic puzzles, arithmetic, and ancient history. Edwin performed well at first but fumbled when the questions grew more challenging. Lucien struggled to keep pace with Edwin and failed spectacularly.

When they noticed how easily Alaric answered all the questions, they became disheartened and grew more jealous of him.

The look in their eyes radiated pure hatred. They think I’m cheating somehow. Alaric mused. Well, they’re not entirely wrong. I’m actually older. Alaric didn’t find any joy in competing with kids. But he was locked into these circumstances due to a twist of fate. However, that didn’t bother him.

The one thing that did bother him a little was their open hatred and jealousy. They are children. Why do they exhibit so much negativity? After some pondering, he came up with a theory. They were influenced by their mother — the Countess.

Children were like sponges and they absorbed whatever they were exposed to. The Countess was not fond of Alaric. She must have brainwashed his siblings into believing that Alaric was somehow ‘lesser’ than them or any other noble kid. However, now that they experienced the reality firsthand, they couldn’t quite accept it.

Alaric breathed out a sigh. It was going to be a long study session.

***

It had been a few days since Alaric met with the Count. Since then, he had been anticipating a summons from the guard captain Aldric Farrow. However, it seemed like the guard captain was preoccupied with some other mission. There was something fishy going on.

He noticed that the guards were more vigilant. In fact, he noted that the Knight Commander had departed with a squad of knights, destination unknown. It was probably the absence of the Knights — the Count’s elite guards — that had the guard captain so on edge.

Alaric was currently sparring with Rowan. The boy was only 3 years older than him, but he could clearly observe the dedication he poured into his sword training. His form was immaculate for his age, and his strength was formidable. Alaric had yet to defeat Rowan in a sparring match.

Whenever Alaric thought that he had gained the upper hand or tried to exploit an opening, Rowan adjusted his strategy and outmaneuvered him.

Granted, he was utilizing advanced techniques that Alaric had not been taught yet. And, of course, Rowan’s greater experience and longer reach gave him an advantage. Still, Alaric was not one to accept defeat easily, and it gnawed at him.

“You are getting better, Alaric,” Rowan said through ragged breaths after they both clashed their wooden swords.

“Not enough to defeat you yet,” Alaric quipped, between short breaths. Just then, he noticed Rowan’s eyes widened and he snapped to attention. Alaric’s gaze darted around.

What is the guard captain doing here at this hour? Hmm…it looks like he is approaching us.

Aldric Farrow had been absent for the past few days, and he rarely visited the indoor training area at this time. If he was here, Alaric suspected it was to speak with them. He strode forward with a commanding gait and halted before them.

His eyes inspected their stance, and he gave a single approving nod before saying, “Alaric, I’ve spoken with the count. Starting today, you’re to prepare for a test.”

Alaric pointed a finger at himself. “Me? What test? When?” he blurted.

Captain Farrow’s eyes locked onto him. “Yes. When you turn 8, we’ll see if you are worthy of advanced training.” With that, he turned around and marched away. Alaric mulled over his words for a moment.

So, I’ve got less than 6 months to prepare for the test — whatever it is. He grinned and locked eyes with his friend. Rowan looked surprised. Apparently, he thought it was still too early for Alaric to face such a test. Alaric, on the other hand, brimmed with excitement.

Plenty of time to prepare.

Eliminating that thought, he lunged at Rowan, who deftly parried the strike. They continued their spar with renewed vigor..