—Your major problem is that you're only seeing the negative side of things— commented Homero with rosy cheeks from laughing so much —Think about it from this perspective: now you don't have to worry about castle affairs or the family's future. The life of an exile is much freer than that of an heir!

—I suppose you're right...— responded Apolo thoughtfully. He had never really considered how much work the person in charge of the family actually had. Literally, everyone depended on their management. One mistake, and the future of all their relatives would be compromised.

—Of course I'm right, you fool— Homero commented proudly—Why o you think I became a merchant as soon as I had the chance? It was to escape the walls of that castle. I didn't want to become one of the great heroes of our family. I just wanted to enjoy life as a contented chubby man.

—Don't you want your deeds described in the family's books?— Apolo asked suspiciously —You're probably the one who abuses our noble title the most. I didn't even know that unknown guard would respect us so much just for being nobles.

—I'd love that, but our family's history only remembers those who died in combat...— Homero replied with a touch of sadness, while he pulled the carriage curtain aside to observe the bustling life of people on the streets —Still, thanks to those who died, I can live so well. I clearly owe them a lot, and I have no intention of ever repaying that debt. Heroes in this empire are becoming scarcer by the day, and these times are full of cowards in the noble families. So, I see no reason not to follow their fine example and join them in their cowardice. Let the fools defend us! For my part, after all my travels, I've learned that I prefer to be forgotten by the texts and die with my own joyful memories.

Almost reflexively, Apolo also observed the people on the street. They were all moving hurriedly toward some uncertain goal, but judging by their pace, it was clearly something important. Paradoxically, it was entirely irrelevant to him and his brother.

Homero noticed that his older brother had gotten lost in his own thoughts, so he broke the awkward silence by saying:

—I'd recommend that you also learn to enjoy the glory given by the fallen, without worrying so much about repaying that debt. After all, with your worn-out physique, it seems that since Helena's death, you've been more concerned about repaying some sort of debt than about living your life.

—It might be...— commented Apolo, looking at the people outside even more thoughtfully. He was ironically pondering how he had tormented himself for 12 years, trying to decipher what had happened in a single day—And the saddest part is that it might be an insignificant debt...

—A nobleman doesn't need to repay a maid's debts, Apolo...— Homero said coldly —As I told you, if you spend too much time with commoners, you start thinking we're all the same. We forget our blood is worth much more, and you end up doing foolish things that only condemn you...

—Am I worth more than those people outside?— Apolo asked, more interested in confirmation than in resolving a doubt, while he obsessively rubbed the bronze ring in his hand.

—Only in the right eyes...— Homero commented with a self-mocking smile, while rubbing his round belly with joy —It all depends on the eye of the merchant who's valuing you. That's why it's relevant that the most important merchant in these lands continues to consider us as gems. Only then will we truly be gems, not just colored glass.

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—And how do we appear as gems?— Apolo asked, understanding that his brother was referring to the emperor's opinion.

—In my case, by being rich and creating wealth wherever I go...— Homero replied, proud to share the wisdom he gained in his travels with his older brother —For Hermes, it's bringing victories through honor. For Fausto, he just has to sit on the throne without doing anything, but pay attention: without doing anything! And in your case, Apolo...

Homero paused, trying to come up with a good answer for his brother. But the truth was that there weren't too many magicians in the empire, so it was very complicated to form an honest opinion about why the emperor esteemed them.

—Suppose you invent some useful things— Homero commented, not entirely satisfied with his answer —The more useful, the more they'll appreciate you. So try to discover what pleases the nobles and solve those problems with useful inventions. On the flip side, the emperor probably dislikes charlatans who waste their wealth and achieve nothing.

—And what if I can't invent anything and displease the emperor?— Apolo asked fearfully.

—Then the emperor will have to deal with it while you squander his money, ha, ha, ha— Homero laughed like a maniac as he rubbed his belly rolls with joy —That's the beauty of standing on the shoulders of our ancestors.

—Do you think so?— Apolo asked fearfully —Our family has only had four magicians in its history. There aren't many ancestors to lean on.

—Well, that's true...— Homero commented, regaining his composure and closing the window curtain again to shield himself from prying eyes—However, the emperor's family owes too much to our deceased to do anything against you. I'd say you should worry more about the other noble families lurking around the capital, especially the second-tier noble families. They're more likely to abuse your name than to lend a hand when you need it.

—Is the capital unsafe? I don't want to go to an unsafe place...— Apolo asked, growing more nervous by the moment, instinctively hiding the hand with the ring in his pocket.

—Of course it's unsafe. It's a rat's nest!— Homero whispered, making sure the conversation wouldn't be overheard by the carriage guard—The capital is where nobles without a future and full of greed gather. They're all eager to create their own stories, and those vipers won't hesitate to sever as many heads as necessary to build their own ladder to glory.

Homero observed that his older brother was becoming paranoid again. In this particular case, from his perspective, it was prudent to be paranoid rather than trusting, so he continued to insist:

—Remember this, Apolo. No matter what happens, no matter what they say or give you, you're completely alone in the capital. In the emperor's city, you must be your own king, or you'll be used by the other kings.

—M-maybe I shouldn't go... to... the c-c-capital...— Apolo stuttered, his hand with the bronze ring trembling uncontrollably —I could become a farmer! Or even a butler!

—You can do whatever you want with your life. You've already been exiled, and you can even deny your ancestors...— Homero commented with some regret upon hearing the solutions offered by his older brother —But remember, only nobles have the right to hold onto what's theirs. If you refuse your noble status, nothing guarantees someone won't take whatever they want from you whenever they please. For example, the guards in this village could steal your ring if they wanted, simply because they have more power.

—The ring is mine and will always be mine!— Apolo shouted with intensity, his face contorting as he imagined the scenario described by his brother.

—If you want to keep the family ring, then you'll have to prepare to go to the capital and face its problems with maturity...— Homero responded, somewhat happier to see that his older brother genuinely cherished the symbol of his status —Unfortunately, that's the best option you have. Grandfather should have already prepared all the paperwork for you to become a magician, so it should be easy for you to achieve. And once you become one, you'll be the fifth magician in our family's history.

Regaining his composure, Apolo was thankful that his older brother had confused the rings, and he reminded himself not to shout like a lunatic in front of others.