Six

To say I was annoyed would be an understatement. Why does no one tell me anything?! Have I not proven myself as an intelligent individual in this household? You know what, I'm just going to be so outstanding at everything that they can't look down on me for my age.

In addition to my lessons, I began cultivating in earnest. The break I'd taken, had given my body enough time to catch up and now when I cultivated, I felt steady progress in my core. Let's get down to business.

—

It'd been one and a half years since I started my intensive training. The changes that I underwent were extraordinary and entirely born of stubbornness. I was now proficient in both Tillish and Elvish but that doesn't mean I'd slacked on my physical studies. As a result of the eventual growth spurt caused by my now fully orange core, I now had strength years beyond my age that allowed me to further my martial ability with the sword and Junda. I hadn't slacked with archery and was now proficient in that as well.

There came a point in this time period that people were no longer shocked by my achievements but my parents weren't in that group of people. And what's more is that they still treated me like a child! Was I going through an early puberty or was this feeling a result of being mentally in my twenties? Actually, I'd argue that I hadn't mentally passed sixteen yet, as most of my early years here were spent sleeping or cultivating and even though I was physically maturing faster, I don't think I could be more than twelve-ish. Wait, is that when puberty starts? I couldn't google it but I didn't think so?

Anyway, on a warm sunny day prior to my birthday, my family was taking a rare trip together outside the estate! Unfortunately, but not uncommon was the fact that I wasn't told anything despite asking many times. If they were trying to surprise me, they should stop. What fun was showing up somewhere without warning?

—

While Charlie was pouting and acting very childish in the carriage with his parents, a young elvish boy was looking at his reflection in the mirror. He wore a bright white embroidered tunic with a pair of black shorts that contrasted his pale skin and silky white hair. His hair had grown out to the point where he could wear it in a short ponytail. This aesthetic choice became a harrowing problem for the boy who had continually fixed and unfixed the short ponytail in his hair, ever uncertain. The boy had grown to a size beyond his age; while he was less than ten, he much more resembled a twelve year old which was chalked up to an early growth spurt.

"Levi, they'll be here soon. Are you ready yet?" a male voice called from behind a closed door. "I'll be down in a minute!" Levi shouted. Anxiety filled Levi as he sighed with finality at his reflection sporting loose hair. He pouted slightly before walking away from the mirror.

—

The carriage had stopped. You know, I'd liked carriage rides at first but honestly, if the road wasn't smooth it was just unpleasant. I sighed before following my parents out of the carriage. In front of me, there was a nice mansion nestled in rolling green hills. Before the mansion were dozens of circular tables with chairs sitting on the flattened lawn. Around these tables were all sorts of people who appeared to be nobility dressed in surprisingly casual clothes. I saw both humans and elves in the crowd, humans being the majority. Seeing that this was a social event, I wiped my expression away and replaced it with a gentle smile.

My mother, who hadn't noticed my blunt transition in expression thought that my newfound happiness was a result of the combination of a surprise and a party. If I knew her thoughts, I think I would've had a tantrum but alas, I did not. I could only grab her now outstretched hand and follow her to a certain corner of the party. We walked up to a table with my father in tow that was occupied by two older people, one human, one elf. Around them, there were a couple servants waiting on them.

I couldn't help but feel they looked like my mother when suddenly a couple dots connected in my head. "Adrianna dear, is that you? And my grandson!?" the older human woman exclaimed. Before my mother had a chance to respond, the couple had stood up and moved over to our position. The servants followed but looked anxious as my grandparents crouched in front of me. My grandmother was basically an older copy of my mother with shorter hair but my grandfather, being an elf, was of course different. He had dark auburn hair and ruddy skin, that contrasted the light green in his eyes. I'd never noticed elven traits in my mother which I thought was strange but I just shrugged it off and assumed that human traits were dominant.

Seeing that I'd been staring into space for a while I quickly pushed out a "Hello" that sounded cute enough to wash away their worries. "How old are you?" My grandfather asked with slightly scrunched brows. Although I was six, I was very much bigger than a six year old which could be problematic. "Six" I said shyly with downcast eyes to accentuate my cuteness.

My grandparents first showed shock which was quickly replaced with smiles. My grandmother whipped me up into the air as she stood up while saying "such a big grandson, we're so proud of you!" I was a bit surprised but I relished in the praise. I looked down to my grandfather to see a gaze that looked like jealousy. Did he want to hold me too? I couldn't withhold a laugh that was building in my throat. I was really the luckiest kid to have such a loving family. Unfortunately, this laugh only intensified grandfather's jealousy.

—

On the other side of the party, another boy was also jealous of the one making Charlie laugh.