Chapter 6: Secrets

In a shady dark room illuminated only by the dancing candlelights on the walls. The stone walls absorbing any stray sounds, leaving an eerie silence hanging in the air.

A large, circular table that looked to be of polished obsidian dominated the center, flanked by several figures seated in ornately carved chairs. The dim light flickered faintly, barely revealing their faces, but the opulence of their attire and the craftsmanship of their surroundings spoke volumes of their stature.

One chair, however, stood out from the rest—a throne of some sorts. Its size and craftsmanship were beyond compare, adorned with intricate engravings and shimmering jewels that gleamed under the scarce lights.

The man sitting on the throne exuded authority. His presence alone thickened the air, filling the chamber with an unshakable tension. His expression was hard to make out in the dark, but the low, resonant voice that cut through the silence carried an unmistakable menace.

"The time has come," the figure declared, his deep voice sending a shiver through the room. "We must purge our lands of the threat that festers within." He leaned forward, his grin barely visible through the shadows. "My distinguished elders... today, we shall cut down the roots of the noble house that has aligned itself with the Abyss."

There was a pause as the figures around the table shifted slightly, hanging on his every word. "To ensure our success, I will deploy our mightiest warrior. The Grand Knight himself shall lead the charge, and mark my words." He paused. "Today!... Celestia shall cut down the evil bloodline within our lands!"

With a resounding shout, the roar of approval arose from the others seated at the table. "Long live the King..." They declared as the grin on the so-called king widened further

---

Back at the church, the cathedral's towering stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished floor, but the beauty of the place did nothing to ease the tension between Arthur and his parents. His mother, Amelia, looked at him, eyes filled with curiosity, while his father, Damian, stood slightly thrown lost in thought, brow furrowed in concern.

"It's a secret?" Amelia finally burst, her voice laced with confusion.

"Yes," Arthur replied, his tone firm, "A secret"

"But why?" she pressed, her concern deepening.

Arthur's gaze moved to the side as he wrestled with his thoughts. If he lied, his parents might eventually discover the truth someday. He'd seen firsthand that this world possessed items that could reveal someone's class—like the enchanted glass the doctor had used on him when he first arrived. He sighed inwardly. On the other hand, there were also items that could keep his status concealed, but acquiring such an artifact without a convincing reason would raise suspicion.

As his thoughts swirled, he glanced toward the other nobles gathered in the cathedral. His eyes narrowed slightly. Even if he confided in his parents, how could he be sure the church or someone else wasn't keeping tabs on their conversation?

The nobility could be ruthless, and the church, though shrouded in neutrality, probably had a way of profiting from the secrets whispered within its halls. The idea weighed heavily on his mind. This world was one where information was power, and he couldn't afford to gamble with his future.

"Is there a reason for this secrecy, Arthur?" Aric asked, his tone soft but puzzled.

He hesitated. "The truth is, my class isn't exactly a normal class," Arthur finally said, his voice low but resolute.

His parents stared at him, their expressions a mix of surprise and apprehension. Amelia opened her mouth, likely to express her excitement, but Arthur clasped his hands together and gave her a wry smile, stopping her in her tracks.

"And besides," he leaned in closer, lowering his voice, "Don't you feel that everything we say in this room is being recorded." He smiled.

His words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Both Damian and Amelia exchanged concerned glances. The church might serve the goddess, but they were a neutral entity, beholden only to themselves. Information was their currency, and a secret worth enough gold would surely find its way into the wrong hands.

Arthur forced a bright smile onto his face, trying to ease the tension. "Don't worry... I'll tell you everything once we're back at the estate."

A moment of silence stretched between them before Damian chuckled softly, the sound breaking the heavy mood. "Such wisdom from a little boy."

"I agree," Amelia said, her voice filled with pride. "Our son truly is one of a kind."

Arthur's heart warmed at their words, and he allowed himself a brief moment of gratitude. It had been so long since anyone had shown him this kind of trust.

"So why don't we enjoy this party while we're at it" Damian smiled, rising to his feet as he lent his wife a hand, gesturing her over to where the other influencing nobles were conversing.

"Oh and Arthur..." Damian called out, without casting him as much as a glance "Have fun" he teased while waving to his son. It didn't take long before Arthur realized what his father was trying to tell him.

Although things seemed calm at first, he still had bunch of fangirls he managed to evade earlier. To them this would probably be their best chance to talk to him as they knew better than to interrupt the famous "Golden knight" when speaking.

"Expect the unexpected huh,"

Looking at the mob around him, Arthur couldn't help but exhale.

"This is gonna be a hassle"

•••

The ride home was a rather quiet one. Only disturbed by the constant sound of horse shoes striking the road.

"Well this is awkward~" Damian sighed, his smirk painfully still evident on qhis face.

"Well that's rich coming from the man who left his 10 year old to handle his potential future engagements " Arthur whispered, barely audible

"What was that?" Damian inquired

"Oh nothing" he replied forcing a smile. "By the way father... I'm curious, as an imperial Grand Knight Commander serving directly under the king, why're you still only a Baron."

Since his reincarnation, Arthur's main focus had been to get stronger but as a result he didn't get to interact much with people outside their estate

In reality, this was Arthur's first time leaving the estate. As such it was his first time meeting with other nobles. With what he noticed, one could gain higher titles if they reached a certain level of merit recognized by the king and to be honest, Damian had more than proven himself worthy of a higher title but for some reason, he was still at rock bottom.

"So you noticed huh, you really are wise for your age. The truth is the king actually offered me a position, but I turned it down."

"Why though?"

"Well what I really want is to live with you and your mom in peace and with a higher position comes greater responsibilities."

'That sounds familiar'

"Besides, Damian already has his hands full with his knightly duties so I guess he deserves some family time every once in a while you know "

"I see" Arthur smiled "That's nice I guess"

Damian looked at his son as he complimented his works and gave out a light chuckle as their ride home continued.

•••••

Arthur collapsed onto the plush couch, his head resting in his mother's lap as her soft hands began to ruffle his snow-white hair, and a smile tugged at his lips.

"Oh my Arthur... your hair is so soft," Amelia teased.

"Mmmm,"

Arthur murmured, his voice muffled by exhaustion. He could have stayed like this forever, wrapped in the warmth of home, but he knew what was coming.

Damian, watching from across the room, cleared his throat with a hint of jealousy in it. "All right, enough of that. Let's hear it kid."

Arthur sat up, the playfulness in the room evaporating as the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. His parents exchanged a look, their curiosity barely contained.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Arthur began, taking a deep breath. "The class I awakened is... It's a Sage class."

The room fell into stunned silence. Damian's face was blank with disbelief, while Amelia simply stared. It was as if the weight of Arthur's words hadn't fully hit them yet.

And then, all at once—

"Ra-hahaha!" Damian burst into laughter, tears of joy streaming down his face. Amelia joined in, their joy overwhelming.

Arthur groaned inwardly. There it is…'

"The legendary Sage class!" Damian exclaimed. "The name of our house will forever be written into the history books!"

But Arthur wasn't interested in fame or fortune. His dreams were simpler, yet deeper. He just wanted more power.

"You guys shouldn't make a fuss over something so—"

*BOOM!*

A thunderous explosion rocked the estate. The walls shook, and the windows rattled in their frames. A second explosion followed, then a third, the deafening sound filling the air.

"What… what's happening?" Arthur asked, his voice laced with fear.

Damian, rushing to the window trying to deduce the situation, but instead his expression darkened. "Brace yourselves you two, we're under attack." He declared.

"But from who?" Amelia inquired her mind racing for potential enemies that would dare attack their family.

On picking up his sword and shield from their display he cast his wife a glance as he spoke. "The kingdom of Celestia."