Exultation

Athen's day to day didn't change much even with the war. In the morning, he would have a swordsmanship training with the local children. They were taught by Knight Captain Franz, who had been saved by Malric many decades ago. 

The training was extremely simple, with alternating days of basic conditioning, strength training, and learning basic forms. The purpose of the training was less about creating future soldiers, and instead about following past traditions and strengthening the children all around. 

Unlike in the past, large scale wars were much rarer. The training had gotten slightly more intense because of the war, but more as extra safety measures.

After 2 hours, he would have extra lessons from Franz to learn more advanced skills befitting a noble. These sessions usually included sparring and mental training for a bit over an hour. 

Athen would then have a few hours to eat lunch, and enjoy life as a child before having evening lessons. These lessons included arithmetic, government, and how to act as a noble.

So boring...

The many teachings from Earth strangely carried over, such as math. He couldn't recall having learned many of these concepts, but instead seemed to know intuitively. This was certainly a boon, but also made his few hours of evening lessons every day extremely boring. 

[ 4 years later...]

Athen woke up, stretching his body and washing his face. He had yet to have another dream like that one many years ago, which he was happy about. 

As he was fully waking himself up and getting ready, he heard a knock on the door.

"Young Master, Lady Elena asked me to bring you a new suit for today." An older woman walked in.

She was Jasmine, one of the few servants they had, and was extremely loyal to their family. She also managed Athen's evening lessons, which come to an end a year ago after it was determined that he no longer needed them.

"Thank you, Jasmine." Athen politely thanked her and started to get dressed.

Phew, this is really fancy. It looks nice but is not very comfortable.

As much as Athen didn't want to wear the suit, he had to please his mother on this special day.

Today was Athens twelfth birthday, a major turning point in a child's life as they would either start going to school, or begin working. 

Athen had no particular interest in more schooling, doubting that it could compare to the education he got from Earth. There were also military schools, but Athen didn't show any noteworthy talent in fighting. 

He wasn't bad, certainly above the level of everyone in the town, but he wasn't nearly interested enough to genuinely pursue it. He would rather spend his time more leisurely and following in his Fathers footsteps.

After celebrating today, he would start surveying the crops and interacting more with the rest of the town. He had a few ideas to improve their food production, and this would be the perfect opportunity.

Now dressed and ready, Athen met his parents downstairs by the front door. Together they would travel to the capital to hold a small celebration with their allies and pay respects to the Empire.

"My baby looks so handsome, I can't believe you are so old already.." Elena said dotingly.

"Haha! You're truly becoming a man." Malric added.

Athen blushed slightly in embarrassment, he still wasn't used to his parents doting behavior, but he certainly didn't dislike it.

They got in a nice looking carriage, lead by Captain Franz himself. As they rode towards the Capital, Athen took note of the environment.

It seems that our territory is well-managed, at least compared to the lands here.

The towns were less than ideal, the people looked more tired and sluggish and the houses were not in great shape. It was a far-cry from the Vars territory, which was heaven compared to this.

As they got closer to the Capital, these rural towns seemed to be worse and worse, likely because of the higher demands the higher level nobles would have of them.

The roads are much higher quality though, they seem to have their priorities. How unsettling...

Eventually, the endless farmless started becoming more and more sparse, replaced with many high quality roads and watchtowers.

Then, Athen saw it. Large and domineering walls. In the walls were many incredible buildings with golden rooftops, and thousands of people crowding the streets. 

In the center was a monumental cathedral, its height pierced the clouds and the many murals covered the Capital in array of gorgeous colors. It was truly the Capital of the most prosperous nation.

As they approached the gates, Athen took note of the many patrolling guards adorned in shining silver armor, with one in every group carrying a banner with a golden sun. 

At the gates, one of the guards spoke to Franz, who then showed the guard proof of their identity.

It was then that Elena began to fix Athens collar and suit, tidying him up.

"Remember, Athen. Speak politely but don't say too much, and let your mother and I handle the conversations." Malric reminded.

"Yes, Father." 

Sounds great to me, it would be a pain to have to talk constantly to so many pompous people who judge my every action.

The gathering was to be hosted by Baron Vernhardt, an influential noble that was allied with our family. He was a very conservative man who placed extra emphasis on proper etiquette.

It was a very nice gathering, with many fancy meals and drinks served with the ball filled by dozens of noble families. There were a few others who had become of age today, hence the size. 

This also placed less attention on Athen, who came from the lowest class of nobles that attended today.

Shortly after entering, they were approached by Baron Vernhardt and his wife. They both carried a certain presence that immediately made Athen nervous and on guard. 

"Ah, Malric, I'm glad to see you join us today." 

"My Lord, we thank you sincerely for your invite and constant patronage." Malric bowed, to which Athen and Elena followed.

"Indeed. I've been quite happy with your territories success, may it continue to bless our Empire."

After saying that, he began walking away to converse with the other nobles. His wife followed, but not before giving Athen a look of disgust.

She must think we're disgracing their family by being here, as a bunch of 'hicks'.

Malric then led the family around, paying their respects to the other nobles and engaging in small talk about their territories and the war.

One of the nobles, a younger man, looked to Malric and pulled him in a bit before whispering:

"Say, I've been hearing rumors that a new battle will appear on the western front. I can't guarantee the validity, but it would be worthwhile to prepare for the worst."

Malric seemed to enter a deep thought after hearing that, thanking the noble for the warning before pulling aside to sit and enjoy the food.

The food is really good, but feels excessive. I much prefer Mothers cooking.

This continued for another hour, before Baron Vernhardt raised his glass and clicked it to get everyone's attention. 

"I thank everyone for their attendance today, we gather to celebrate the rising of our new leaders of the Empire who will surely bring more prosperity to our great Empire."

He paused for a moment before continuing,

"I would like personally congratulate my own son, who was accepted into the Emperors House to continue his studies."

Everyone had a moment of surprise before they clapped lightly. Entering the Emperors House was a big deal. All those within were guaranteed to rise the ranks and had a hand in the most important workings of the Empire.

A child of 12 entering was especially impressive, those positions being reserved for the royal family.

"Now please, be as you were." Vernhadt added lastly, queuing the band and conversations to resume.

Many of the nobles then took a moment to go personally congratulate the Baron and his son, Lucien. Malric similarly took the opportunity, as is custom. 

"Lord Lucien, to enter the Emperors House at your age is an incredible achievement. I look forward to your future achievements." Malric said.

Lucien paid it no mind and simply scoffed before walking away, seemingly disgusted by our presence, just like his mother.

Eugh, such arrogance. Glad I don't have to spend time around these types of people often.

Just a few minutes later, Lucien returned with a cohort of children behind him. 

"I don't even know why my Father invited your family, it's ruining the mood. If you are really all that, why don't you prove it?" Lucien scoffed,

"What? Cat got your tongue?" One of the other children added on, pointing out my silence.

Are you kidding me?