Chapter 4: Chapter 4 – A Father’s Love

As Asher stepped into the Count’s office, a silence ensued as Arthur Vazrael paid no mind to his son’s entry and maintained his focus towards the paperwork on his desk.

 

Re-affirming his own determination, Asher took a step closer to his father. Then another… And another…

 

After a cold and intolerable silence interrupted only by the occasional footstep, Asher finally arrived directly in front of his father’s desk. Only then did the large man turn the focus of his cold diamond-like eyes towards Asher…

 

While Arthur Vazrael was a noble, he was far from the standard example of a fat and lazy aristocratic lord… The Vazrael family was a mage clan known for producing some of the Empire’s finest Archmages skilled in Light Magic. Arthur himself was no different…

 

Trained from a young age to succeed as the head of the Vazrael family, Arthur was a large man with a towering physique. He stood at over 6’3 and had a toned body surging with immense magical power that he trained over years of battle…

 

Ever since the death of his wife, Arthur had remained the strongest individual in the Vazrael family and its undisputed patriarch. An “Angel of Death” incredibly skilled in both offensive and supportive Light Magic. In addition to being one of the Empire’s strongest Archmages, he was also one of its most skilled healers…

 

A man with many talents, a gentle heart, and unwavering honor… That is the type of mage that Arthur Vazrael was to the people he ruled.

 

Yet even the kindest of saints may waver under the right stimulus… For the Count, that was his eldest son; Asher Vazrael…

 

“Ash… Is there something you want?” Arthur asked, with evident irritation in his silky voice.

 

“Yes. It’s about what I requested before… I want to meet with grandfather.” Having mentally rehearsed his lines, Asher didn’t hesitate with his reply.

 

Half-expecting his son’s words, Arthur could only sigh…

 

“Ha… We’ve talked about this before, Ash. Mr. Silvaros is a busy man. He’s an instructor at the Imperial Academy and has no time to listen to the selfish whims of his spoiled grandson. The students he’s training are the future of this country, and frankly, you are not worthy of his tutelage.” Arthur delivered a brutal denial to Asher.

 

Still, Asher wasn’t prepared to give up from this alone…

 

“In that case, let me take the exam and prove my worth. I know more about magic and mana theory than even their professors, I’ll ace whatever test they give me!” Asher protested.

 

Arthur could only shake his head…

 

“It’s not that simple, Asher. No matter how much knowledge you possess, you’ll never pass the practical exam with your cursed magic!” Arthur raised his voice for the first time.

 

“If you’re so certain, why not let me try? If I’ll fail anyways, you have nothing to lose. Or are you worried that I’ll tarnish the reputation of the Vazrael family? Why not just be honest, father? All you’re worried about is me shaming you…” Asher replied with malice.

 

Arthur could only look upon his son with pity and defeat…

 

“Why are you so determined to pursue magic, Asher? I have given you every opportunity to seek a safer and more comfortable path. What is it you want? Wealth? Authority? Women? Just say the word and I’ll arrange anything within my capabilities.” Arthur pleaded with evident desperation.

 

“You should know I have no interest in such shallow things. What I want is to fulfill the promise I made to mother. It is becoming clear to me that I am probably the only one willing to honor her legacy…” Asher replied with frustration.

 

“Asher you know that’s not what I-” Arthur attempted to defend himself against his son’s accusations.

 

“Enough! I didn’t come here to beg for your permission or to listen to your excuses. It doesn’t matter if I go with or without your support, I’m going to the Imperial Academy to meet with grandfather. If anyone knows a way for me to get stronger it is him…” Asher declared without hesitation.

 

Arthur could only watch in defeat as his beloved son stormed out of his office in defiance…

 

Arthur’s gaze remained fixed on the oak doors his son had left through for minutes as he wiped away the tears forming in his eyes…

 

“Are you okay with this?” An elderly voice spoke out as a familiar butler rose directly from beneath Arthur’s shadow.

 

“Ah… I forgot you were here Walter. That Deviant Magic aspect of yours is truly frightful. What was it again? Shadow Magic?” Arthur interrupted to divert the conversation.

 

Unfortunately for him, the wise butler wasn’t so easily distracted.

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“You can’t protect him forever, Arthur… Lady Diana wouldn’t approve of your recent behavior either.”

 

“I know…” Arthur muttered in response like a scolded child.

 

“Then why-” Before Walter could finish his thought, the Count exploded in emotion…

 

“Because I can’t stand the thought of losing another member of my family! Ash is Diana’s spitting image… He exemplifies the very best of her, and it breaks my heart every time I have to face him. They are exactly alike… That’s why I know how things will end for him if he follows his mother’s path.”

 

Walter could only look upon the defeated figure of the once proud Count…

 

“Why not just give him a chance? Even despite his problems, Asher has worked hard to bridge the gaps in potential. He even bested young master Kevin, a prodigy who is unmatched in his age group!” Walter attempted to defend his charge.

 

“I know… I know Asher is strong. In both spirit and body, he is far more capable than I was at his age. I honestly believe that he would truly have no problems passing the Academy’s ordeal… I have faith in him. But I also had faith in Diana… I really believed she would never leave my side. No matter how many battles she fought, I always believed she would return home. I was wrong then... I can’t accept the consequences if I am wrong now…” Arthur explained his hesitation.

 

“If that’s the case, then why are you supporting young master Kevin?” Walter probed.

 

“Kevin has no interest in being a mage. He has always followed the path Asher leads… The day Asher gives up on his ambitions is the day I know that both my sons are safe. No matter what Asher believes, he and Kevin are Diana’s legacy… As long as they are alive, that’s all that matters.” Arthur replied.

 

“Even if that means robbing him of his freedom and happiness?” Walter continued to inquire.

 

“It may break my heart, but I’m fine if he hates me. All I want is to keep him alive and safe… The dream he wishes to pursue is not the rosy life he envisions. Mages aren’t the heroes were made out to be… Slaughters… That’s all we are. Living weapons trained to kill as tools of war. I do not want Asher to follow that path… The burden is far heavier than he imagines.”

 

Walter was conflicted, understanding the contrasting views of both the young lord he served as well as the husband of his former master… Still, Walter knew whose side he was pledged to support.

 

“My Lord… If you truly wish to protect the young master, I believe your best hope is to support him in his endeavors.” Walter spoke.

 

“What do you mean?” Arthur glared at the butler with obvious suspicion.

 

“As things stand, Asher is certain to run away from the Vazrael family. Should that happen, the potential dangers are uncountable. However, the Imperial Academy is secured. He’ll have the protection of the instructors, and the support of his grandfather; one of the powerful Sovereigns. I would even be willing to accompany him and defend him from the shadows. I find it hard to imagine how it would be any more dangerous there than it is in this mansion.” Walter reasoned with the Count.

 

“The Imperial Academy is a renowned institution. It has been the target of numerous attacks and conspiracies in the past, and there is no guarantee that won’t happen again in the future. And no matter how much support he has amongst the faculty, it won’t help him if he becomes the victim of his fellow students.” Arthur countered Walter with another argument.

 

“Then what do you plan to do? Kidnap Asher and drag him back to the estate the moment he flees? Lock him in his bedroom? Continue to provoke Kevin into trying to break his spirit? None of these are reasonable solutions.” Walter lectured the overprotective father.

 

The Count could only bite his lip in silence as he himself had no proper answer…

 

“I know I won’t be able to change your mind… But consider this: if Asher does experience these hardships you speak of, it’s possible he’ll finally give up on magic and return to the estate as you desire. Let him learn his own lesson… Is that not much better than trying to dictate his life for him?” Walter attempted one final proposal to sway the stubborn Lord.

 

With a sigh of defeat, Count Vazrael finally relented to the loyal butler’s insistence.

 

“Fine… If you’re willing to go that for Asher’s sake, I won’t protest anymore. I’ll grant permission for him to attend and make the arrangements with Mr. Silvaros. Feel free to deliver the news to Asher yourself.”

 

“Thank you. As you command, my lord.” Walter accepted with a bow.

 

As Walter proceeded towards the doorway to exit the office, Arthur stopped him.

 

“And one final thing… If you fail in your duties, and something does happen to Asher… I will do everything thing in my power to hunt down the one responsible and make them suffer. And after that is done… I will not hesitate to do the same to you. Am I clear?” Arthur threatened while releasing his aura with clear bloodlust that caused even a veteran like Walter to shudder.

 

Still, he maintained his dignity and composure while leaving one final line on his way out.

 

“Don’t worry… If it comes to that, I’ll do it myself.”

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