The Bullied Half-blood 

This was exactly what Seth had feared the most- Mira discovering that today's incident wasn't an isolated one but part of an ongoing pattern. For as long as he could remember, he had been the target of bullying by the other common folk children. 

And since the bullying was only limited to verbal abuse in most cases, he had managed to keep it hidden from Mira, his caretaker.

The bullying was inevitable. Given the harsh treatment of the common folk, it was no surprise that they harbored resentment towards the nobles. And what better way to vent that resentment than towards a child born of nobility but cast out from their ranks?

Seth wasn't like most kids his age, he understood the reality of his origins and the precarious nature of his existence all too well. He knew that being a half-blood made him a target not just from the commoners but even from certain individuals of the head family, and his only goal was to stay as inconspicuous as possible flying under the radar to avoid unnecessary trouble.

He wasn't really sure the exact details though, as his guardian and foster mother- Mira, refused to reveal who his father was, or the exact position he held in the clan. What he did know though, was the fact that his father was nobility from the clan and they were cast out after his mother's death.

It wasn't fear that kept him from retaliating. Rather, he didn't want Mira or Emily, his only family to suffer because of him. If enduring the daily taunts and insults meant living in peace, then Seth had already decided he would bear the bullying quietly for as long as it took.

'But first, I'll have to survive Mira's wrath.'

"Everyone suddenly decided to go mute now?" Her tone hinting she was upset at them.

Seth shifted nervously before finally admitting, "This… isn't the first time I've been bullied."

Mira's eyes widened in shock though, she managed to keep her anger under control. Taking a deep breath, she asked calmly, "And the names? What did Emily mean by that?"

Seth hesitated for a moment, and then quietly answered, "most of the time, I'm usually called 'freak' or 'mutant'."

Listening to his words, Mira frowned a little. Knowing the boy's temperament, she was certain that something like that wouldn't be enough to get him into a fight with the other kids.

"But this time, they insulted my mum… they said she must've been a witch for birthing me with these eyes." He said somberly.

Hearing those words had caused Mira's face to darken, her shock quickly turning into to anger, and with gritted teeth, she said softly, her voice laced with fury:

"How dare they…" 

****

Seth stepped into his room and quietly sat on the small bed, which barely had enough space for one person. In the end, he had somehow avoided a harsh punishment and was only confined to his room until Mira said otherwise.

He was a little bit surprised by Mira's reaction though. It was no secret that his adopted mother had once worked for his mother, Mira had told him this herself. Still, seeing her open display of anger had shocked Seth considering the fact that she rarely got truly upset. 

Taking a deep breath, the damp air of the cramped space filled his lungs as he moved to grab one of the many books scattered across the room, each one taking up what little space there was.

The room, if it could be called that, doubled as a storage area, crammed with farming tools, cleaning equipment, and other odds and ends. A small wardrobe stood in one corner, holding a meager collection of clothes, while a tiny desk and chair sat nearby, barely usable due to the overwhelming number of books cluttering the space.

Though he hadn't been provided with formal education like the other children his age, Mira had taken it upon herself to teach him how to read and write. She also went out of her way to gather as many books as possible, encouraging Seth's growing passion for knowledge. Over time, his small room evolved into a chaotic, makeshift library.

"Profound apothecary," Seth murmured, reading the title aloud. A flicker of excitement lit his purple eyes as he flipped the book open, eager to immerse himself in its pages. 

 While Seth immersed himself in his studies, Mira and Emily stood in the adjacent room, their conversation tense, although, it felt more like a scolding than a discussion.

"How could you let this happen? You are supposed to be his protector!" Mira snapped at Emily, her frustration barely contained.

Emily lowered her head. "I have no excuse… but you should know the other children only bully him when I'm away for sword practice, on the bright side he wouldn't get bullied for a while since every kid his age will be preparing for the trials."

Mira's gaze darkened at Emily's words.

"Is something wrong?" The young girl asked with a stutter at the sight of Mira's frown.

"Seth will be joining them." She replied somberly.

Surprised by this revelation, Emily couldn't help but ask.

"Why? You know Seth-"

"I know." Mira interrupted.

"But since his father is nobility, he must participate as it is a decree from the noble household." 

Mira revealed.

*****

Seth closed the book with a soft thud, his mind already processing everything he had just read. His knack for comprehension was extraordinary, a gift that could have marked him a genius. But the reality of his damaged meridians and force veins combined with his mixed heritage robbed him of that recognition, reducing him to a boy overlooked by those around.

He turned his attention to the cluttered pile of books nearby, rummaging through the worn pages and tattered covers in search of one he hadn't yet read. As he dug deeper, his finger brushed against something unexpected, an old locket.

He pulled it from the heap and inspected it closely. The locket was crafted from stainless steel causing his reflection to be cast on it. It hung from a frayed fabric string, as though it had been discarded long ago. Seth held it in his palm for a moment, his gaze lingering on the peculiar trinket.

"Still can't open the damned thing."

He sighed after a quick attempt to open it. The locket wasn't just any simple object as it held sentimental value to the young boy, it was after all the only thing he had of his mother.

He had hoped that opening it will present him with a picture of her or something similar but was disappointed after soon realizing it was impossible to open the strange object. 

Giving up once again, Seth put the locket around his neck before continuing his search. 

Before Seth could fully immerse himself in his search for a new book, a knock was heard on the other side of the door. "Come in," he called, his eyes still scanning the cluttered room in hopes of uncovering something he hadn't read yet.

The door creaked open, and Emily entered, her face alight with excitement. "Young master, I have great news!" she announced eagerly.

Seth glanced up, his curiosity sparked. "What kind of news?" 

Emily beamed, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "Miss Mira agreed to let you go to the training grounds in the inner settlement!"

Seth's eyes widened in disbelief, "She… really said that?"

"Yes isn't it wonderful? Now you wouldn't be bullied since we'll be together for most of the day" Emily confirmed, practically bouncing on her feet.

For a moment, Seth was silent, processing the unexpected turn of events. 

"The trials are coming up soon right?" he deduced.

"Yes but you have nothing to worry about since I'll protect you!"

Seth seeing Emily's strange enthusiasm, he couldn't help but crack a slight smile.

'I guess things are starting to change.' He thought silently.