TBATE: The Rook

(After the sparring session in the living room)

" Grace what are feedings this monster , fire, wind, gravity and I can't exclude that he have sound and lightning he also fight weird but effective, I never saw this moves before " . My grandfather said shouting.

" but that's perfect we need monsters in this era" he said under his breath.

"If he was not talking nonsense, he knows something about the war" I thought 

" that's good, that's good, welcome to the Rose family little Eli " said the old man patting my back.

" I have work to do we will continue our conversation when I come back , rest for now " Gramp said as he turned around and headed out side.

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Arthur's point of view:

"We have arrived in Xyrus!" The driver announced .

Taking a quick peek out, I noticed we were surrounded by a parade of people all politely clapping at our entrance. This tournament was supposed to be one of the biggest turning points throughout the continent. It wasn't just gathering all of the gifted youths together, but also building a future where they could also learn under one roof. It was exciting venture that the leaders of the continent were taking, but also a scary one that would also, in no doubt, be filled with dispute and hostility •

The driver pulled the carriage close to a small gap between two buildings after passing through the crowd and signaled to me in the back that this would be the best time to leave without being noticed.

I say bye to Feyfey and the rest of the representatives and wish them luck . Feyfey merely whipped his head away but also made a slight waving gesture. Jumping off the carriage with Sylvie still on my head, I made my way through the alleyway as I tried remembering the home my parents were staying in .

After around an hour of making my way around going around, I finally managed to find the huge manor that my parents were supposed to be residing in .

"We're home Sylv. We're finally home," I muttered shakily under my breath .

"Kyu?" she said as if saying, 'I thought we were at home before. '

I took careful steps walking up the flight of stairs and took one deep breath.

Dusting off my shirt and pants I knocked on the giant double doors .

It was a strange feeling being more nervous now, meeting my family, more than when I first appointed a king while in the midst of the most powerful people in the world.

"Whew~ let's do this Sylvie. "

"Kyu" She responded, my excitement spreading to her.

The dull sound of metal clanging on metal rang surprisingly loudly .

Unexpectedly, I could hear the faint pitter-patter sounds followed by a childish voice. "Coming~!"

A maid opened the door together with a little girl. Immediately upon seeing me, she hid behind the maid .

The maid looks at me curiously, evidently surprised to see an eight-year-old knocking on the door of a noble's estate .

"Ahem, nice to meet you. My name is Arthur Leywin. I was informed that my family is currently residing in this manor. Do you mind if I speak to them?" I give a slight bow, Sylvie rocking on my head.

Before the confused maid could even respond, I heard an all too familiar sound in the background.

"Eleanor Leywin! There you are! You have got to stop running to the front door every time someone..." My mother stopped mid sentence and dropped a small bowl of what looked to be food for... my sister.

Ilook down to see the girl with dazzling brown eyes, looking at me with innocent curiosity . Her light ash brown hair shimmered with a much prettier quality than Father's but I knew who she had gotten the color from . Her hair was tied into two pigtails on the side of her head above her ears.

I struggled to peel my eyes away from my little sister and turned to face my mother. My vision going blurry as tears filled my eyes, I said one thing I knew she was waiting to hear .

"H-hi Mom. I'm home." I gestured a small, awkward wave, not knowing what to do if she couldn't recognize me.

Fortunately, my fear didn't come true and she raced towards me at a speed I swear was faster than Grandpa Virion's, but that might've just been because of my blurry vision.

"Oh my baby! Arthur!!" She arrived in front of me and collapsed on her knees, her arms around my waist, gripping with all her strength, afraid that I might disappear again if she let go.

"You are alive! The Voice... I knew it was you! *sniff* You're back now! Yes, you're home now. Arthur, my baby!" That was all she managed to sputter out before breaking down into a bawl.

I couldn't even manage a complete sentence before shut my lips tightly in order to hold back my sobs.

I couldn't help but think while my head was buried in my mother's shoulder: you could be an all powerful, immortal tyrant but when you were in front of your loved ones, the ability to control emotions betray you .

I kept repeating in half gurgled sentences that I was alive and that | was home, that I wasn't leaving. My mother was a flurry of emotions. She was happy that I was back and alive, she was mad that I couldn't come back sooner, she was sad that l had to be away from them and how hard it must have been for me all at the same time .

At one point, Eleanor walked to us and started patting Mother's back. "Mama.There, there. Don't cry. " But after unsuccessfully comforting her, she began crying as well.

"Arthur!" I turned my head, face still wet with tears to see outside the sprinting figure of my father drenched in sweat. I guess the maid had told him I was back .

He didn't stop as he reached us and simply slid on his knee, hugging all of us as we all almost toppled over .

Eventually, we had all managed to settle down .

We were sitting on a couch, my mother right beside me with Eleanor on her lap .

Father was sitting on a chair he pulled up, facing me, his elbows on his knee as he leaned forward. Mother was holding my hands and still tearing up every time she got a look at my face .

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(Next morning at the dining table)

You know, Eli, the tournament is coming up in few days . I'd love for you to represent us this year, and I think you'd do wonderfully.

I (rolling my eyes) "Grandpa, come on. I really don't see the point. I mean, who's even going to challenge me? It's beneath me."

" you arrogant little boy " said my grandpa in a hiss tone .

"It's not arrogant it's confident , confident in my ability's and strength" , i let my ego talk for a second I need to be careful.

(joining us at the table with a plate of eggs) I understand where you're coming from, Eli. But it's not just about winning. It's about having fun .

"Exactly! It's a chance to show what the Rose family is able to do . Plus, you might charm some girls ". Said Grandfather with a wink

"I appreciate that, but I just don't think it's worth my time. I mean, I could win without even trying" I said while sighing .

Mother (sitting down) I get it, honey. You're talented, and you've worked hard. But sometimes, it's not just about the competition. It's about being part of the community they don't know who you are heck they don't even know that the Rose family have a heir.

"Your mother is right. It's about community, and it's a chance to connect with others. You might even have fun!"Grandfather said (nodding).

"Fun? I don't want to waste my time on something I know I can win , that doesn't excite me" . 

"I'd rather focus on things that I have to do for the war for my and mother safety i have a lot to do " I thought .

" well do what you want , if you think that this tournament is beneath you then i agree with you " Mother gently said 

" I can't force you to do what you don't want to do , If this tournament doesn't resonate with you, then perhaps it's best to let it go"Grandfather said while leaning in.

"Exactly! You can find your own way to shine, and we'll support you no matter what". Said Mother beaming .

Thanks, Grandpa. I appreciate it. I'll think about how I can represent the family in my own way , I said smiling . 

Grandfather: (grinning) That's all I ask, my boy. Now, let's enjoy this breakfast together.

I pause and thought about it , I get that if i participate and win I'll build a reputation but , that doesn't excite me , I can build a reputation any were the academy or as an adventurer, I don't what participate in a boring tournament , i will love to stay unknown to people it will give me the time i need to work on my plans . 

I will start in a few months ,

" The best way to predict the future is to create it ...….".