Shirone led his parents to the reception room. Having burst into tears the moment he saw them, all three had puffy eyes as they walked down the hallway.
It would take time to compose themselves.
Whether it was Clump's consideration or the meeting running long, Shirone was given ample time to reunite with his family.
"Let me see you, son. Your face looks so worn. You've suffered… You've really suffered."
Vincent's eyes welled up again.
Though Shirone looked healthier than before, to his parents, all they saw was a son who had gone hungry and sleepless.
"I didn't suffer. I read books and had fun. How have you been, Father?"
"Of course! We ate well and lived well. Look at how plump your mother's gotten—she's so beautiful now, we almost had another kid! Hahaha!"
"Dear, what nonsense are you spouting in front of our son?"
Shirone smiled weakly.
After a year and a half apart, his parents looked much thinner.
No doubt they worried about me every single day, unable to eat properly.
The thought made his heart ache again.
Vincent suddenly grew curious.
At first, he had been frantic, fearing something terrible had happened to his son. But seeing Shirone at ease, it didn't seem like bad news.
"So, why did you call us here? If everything's settled, you could've just come home. Don't tell me they're keeping you against your will?"
"No, nothing like that. Actually, a great opportunity came up."
"Huh? A great opportunity?"
Shirone began explaining everything that had happened.
He had already organized his thoughts, so the words flowed smoothly.
But to the listeners, it was nothing short of unbelievable.
Vincent's expression gradually shifted to shock.
Honestly, at some point, he stopped hearing Shirone's voice.
What in the world is my son saying?
He became friends with the youngest son of House Ozent? And that friend swore a knight's oath to him? And the family accepted it, allowing them to remain friends?
With each sentence, it felt like thunder was crashing in his skull, shattering common sense one wall at a time.
When Shirone finally finished, Vincent silently scratched his head.
He knew his son was intelligent and deep-thinking—but this was beyond reason.
Had the hardships here broken his mind? Had he fallen into delusions?
"Shirone, be honest with me. Your father would do anything for you. What really happened? Who did this to you?"
"It's the truth, Father. Why would I lie?"
"Right! You've never been a liar. So tell me—who tormented you? Who made your life hell?"
Vincent was genuinely furious.
He had heard countless stories of commoners tangled with noble families, only to return half-dead.
Even Shirone knew how absurd his story sounded.
But he had no better way to convince them than telling the truth.
As he struggled to explain, the Ozent family entered the reception room.
Bishop stepped forward as their representative.
"A pleasure. I am Bishop Ozent, head of the family."
Though Clump and Lai weren't present, Rian and Reina had come instead.
Rian confidently stepped forward.
"Hello, sir! I'm Rian, Shirone's sword! The future greatest swordsman in the world! Hahaha!"
"And I'm Reina, Rian's sister. We've heard so much about you."
Vincent, still dazed, hurriedly bowed.
"G-Greetings! I'm Shirone's father. To think esteemed nobles would come to such a place…!"
"Oh? Didn't Shirone tell you?"
"Huh? Tell me what?"
The only thing that came to Vincent's mind was his son's unbelievable boasting.
"So… it's true?"
"Ah, I suppose it would seem that way. We should've come sooner. Anyway, everything Shirone said is true. My little brother Rian and Shirone are bound by a knight's oath. That's why we've invited you here."
As the full weight of the situation sank in, Vincent's heart pounded.
Joy was fleeting—fear quickly took its place. What kind of mess has my naive son gotten into?
"Let's eat first. We can discuss the details afterward."
Bishop cut the conversation short and turned away.
Though not exactly friendly, the fact that a second-tier noble used honorifics spoke volumes about their sincerity.
Even after the Ozents left, Vincent remained frozen in place. Only when Shirone tugged his sleeve did he snap out of it and head to the drawing room.
Is this real? Our Shirone? With House Ozent?
Everything was a question mark. Olina, trembling like a frightened girl, clung to her husband's arm—but even Vincent's legs shook so badly he could barely walk.
No.
He shook his head urgently.
If Shirone's words were true, he couldn't show weakness. For his son's sake, he had to hold his ground.
A lavish feast was laid out on the long table—delicacies even Vincent, a hunter, had never seen before. Some ingredients had been specially procured by Reina from the royal palace.
Seating followed strict protocol. Bishop sat at the head, with Clump to his left and Reina to his right.
Vincent, seated at the far end, finally grasped the reality when he saw the extravagant spread. Even as the head butler, Louis, and his assistant Temuran observed etiquette, Vincent's shoulders stiffened unconsciously.
But he couldn't relax. For his son's dignity, he had to eat quietly—yet the sight of seven different utensils made his head spin.
A commoner could skin a boar with just a fork, but the cutlery before him varied in size and shape, some of which he'd never seen before.
While the Vincents hesitated, the servants remained still.
This was an unprecedented situation for them too, and reckless actions weren't needed.
Of course, a hint of condescension also played a part.
Bishop set down his utensils and spoke.
"Please, eat comfortably. There's no need to follow noble etiquette."
"But still…"
"Etiquette exists to express respect through actions. Your struggle alone shows us enough sincerity—so please, enjoy the meal."
Vincent shuddered slightly.
Whether out of consideration or noble pride, such attention meant the family held Shirone in high regard.
The maids paled.
House Ozent's attitude toward Shirone was genuine. They truly intended to accept him.
Flustered, the maids quickly explained how to use the utensils.
Once he understood, eating wasn't so hard. With some guesswork, Vincent's family finally relaxed.
Having overcome the first hurdle, Vincent now worried for his son. What does this family intend to do with him?
A knight's oath had been explained, but that changed nothing.
Shirone was still a hunter's son—gifted, yes, but with no guaranteed future.
Do they have ulterior motives?
Vincent hated doubting kindness, but when it came to his child, he wouldn't gamble.
"We're grateful you think so highly of our son, but I can't help but worry. House Ozent is one of the most prestigious families in Creas, isn't it? It's hard to believe a noble's son would swear a knight's oath to Shirone."
"Haha! No need to worry. Shirone and I—"
Bishop cut Rian off.
"To be honest, I am somewhat displeased."
The clinking of utensils stopped, but Bishop continued cutting his meat.
"But a knight's oath isn't something to take lightly—especially for a martial house like ours. It's a matter of pride and conviction. If I let social standing cloud my judgment, it would only tarnish Rian's honor. So while we'll continue using honorifics, please don't feel burdened."
Shirone understood.
This family, cold enough to execute commoners for their sake, held pride beyond imagination.
'Fighting for their beliefs—that's what it means to be noble.'
With no easy path left, the only option was to face the world head-on.
'Countless obstacles and criticisms await… yet not one of them fears it.'
That, too, was Ozent's pride.
Clump chuckled.
"Kukuku, our family head finally speaks sense. Feeling lonely sending your youngest away, eh? Why not just wait till next year?"
Bishop ignored the jab.
"Lai has unlocked his Schema, and with Ozent swordsmanship, his chances are high. Rian, however, hasn't even awakened his yet. The Kaizen Swordsmanship Academy is our only hope."
"Hoh, favoring the black-haired one, are we? But blue blood runs with undying youth. Underestimate it, and you'll regret it."
Rian, chewing on lamb, gave his grandfather a thumbs-up.
Bishop snorted. His father's teasing always grated on him.
"Black or blue, whoever succeeds is still my child. And that is…"
The entire family set down their utensils, straightened their backs, and declared in unison:
"What it means to be an Ozent."
After a 30-minute break, they reconvened in the drawing room.
The topic: Shirone's future.
Reina mentioned his interest in magic, and everyone agreed. Given his physique and temperament, swordsmanship had limits.
Unlike the warm meal earlier, Clump's expression turned serious as he addressed Vincent.
"As you know, our family intends to support Shirone. If he wishes to be a mage, we suggest enrolling him at Alpheas Magic School here in Creas. Headmaster Alpheas is an old friend, and the school ranks among Torimia's top five. As a state-recognized institution, graduates receive an official license—making him a full-fledged mage."
"A… mage?"
Vincent gulped.
Mages were the epitome of intellect, masters of phenomena. Though mostly nobles, the profession was merit-based, transcending status. A licensed mage was valued anywhere.
Some self-taught mages existed, and commoners occasionally apprenticed under them.
But such cases were rare. For most commoners, becoming a mage was an impossible dream.
Yet now, Shirone could become one—and at a prestigious school guaranteeing licensure.
As a father, Vincent couldn't refuse.
Olina wept tears of joy, and Shirone hugged her.
Though heartwarming, Clump's expression darkened.
Magic school was the surest path, but the issue was status.
Unlike other routes, magic schools were dominated by nobles. Even with House Ozent's influence, exceptions were near-impossible—especially with first and second-tier nobles attending.
"You likely know this, but Shirone's current status disqualifies him. Tuition and materials we can cover, but admission itself will raise eyebrows."
Vincent's hope shattered.
The dream had been so sweet, he'd forgotten reality.
"O-Of course. I understand. Yes… I see."
Disappointment seeped into his voice.
Guilt, too.
His son, recognized by nobles, barred from school because of his status.
"There is one way. The only way, really."
Vincent's head snapped up. Shirone, hearing this for the first time, listened intently.
"We wish to adopt Shirone into our family."
Silence engulfed the room.