Ruel's Father, Richard, was looking less weak as he looked at Ruel with a sweet smile.
"You should sit," he said. "This might take a while."
Ruel lingered for a second, then sat on the floor, his face glowing with attentiveness.
This made Richard chuckle and say, "Reminds me of the good old days."
Ruel frowned.
"Let me not dampen the mood," Richard said. "There are secrets and sayings that have been passed down to the heir of every Varelli family for ages now.
"The saying I've been dying to tell you ever since your mother told me you awakened a D-rank Talent is this:
"In our family, which was once blessed by Gods, we hold innate Talent beyond the average. Soon, one shall awaken a Talent beneath average and it is he who shall lead us to the light."
Muriel, indirectly related to Ruel, also listened attentively and by now, she cast her gaze on Ruel.
Ruel immediately understood the saying and his eyes widened slightly.
"You seem to understand," Richard said, laughing. "My son, for you to lead us well, I shall offer you my full knowledge."
Richard explained what Muriel had already told Ruel, the only thing that he didn't mention were things related to Enma and the world itself.
He mentioned how their family came from another world, but didn't give the specifics on that either.
It was obvious that Richard knew not much of the secrets.
"This is all so overwhelming," Ruel said the honest thoughts he'd had since Muriel told him the situation.
"Indeed, it is. I also fear it might burden you," Richard said. "But fear not, our fathers are not inconsiderate.
"It is said that you will inherit an inheritance that will help and guide you. And asides from that, you have family and friends who are willing to help you."
Ruel gave a wavering smile. "I am counting on you all."
Richard gave a slight smile before saying, "We will try our best."
"On the note of what will help you, aside from inheritance that will naturally come your way, there are some that are waiting for you to retrieve."
"If father doesn't know about Enma, he should be referring to something in this world…" Muriel said telepathically.
With that in mind, Ruel asked, "Where?"
"Back in our old territory, deep in the Empire." Richard hesitated before he added, "Eh, it's harder now because our fathers didn't expect us to fall. That's my fault…"
"Don't worry, father. It'll be hard to get in… but I'll find a way," Ruel instantly assured.
"I trust you. Still, wait till you're stronger. I don't know how the inheritance is coming, but it'll come."
"Regarding that, I have something to say. My Talent… it evolved earlier tonight. This is part of the inheritance you speak of, I'm sure of it… and there's more coming."
"Talent Evolution…" Richard echoed, eyes widening in awe.
'I would have told you more, but I'll keep that for soon, when I heal you.'
Ruel then stood up. From the opposite direction, he used his hands to trace a circle in the air, until the hands formed a cup beneath his chest.
A sacred gesture that was once used within their family.
"In the name of Varellia, I will lead us to the light. Rest at ease, father."
Richard recollected himself and nodded. "But please, be careful… We have enemies… and some seem to be amongst us, ready to fully bring us down when they're ready."
'Why is he not telling me he was attacked and is only hinting at it?'
Ruel masked his thoughts and said, "I will take note of that and I will be careful."
"Sit down, let's take this opportunity to talk more," Richard said.
"About what?" Ruel blurted.
"We have much to discuss. There's how your talent evolved, what's happening in the town, what you plan to do."
"Hmm, I do have a lot to tell you."
And like that, they began talking.
It was all casual until Richard began giving advice on how Ruel should handle the future.
The plan was for Ruel to find a way or two to rise in the social ranks again, where it would naturally increase his access to their old territory, then Ruel would make a move.
Apparently, there were allies waiting for Ruel to rise too, so it'll be even easier.
Aside from that, Ruel also discussed with his father the findings of the Lost Civilization.
This went on until Richard's mana was nearly depleted and he began to feel weak.
Ruel immediately helped him lay on the bed and watched the man quietly sleep, his gaze soft yet sharp.
"Ruel… I hope to hear of your achievements."
"No. You should hope to witness them."
Richard laughed weakly to that, until he immediately succumbed to sleep.
Ruel stood silently beside the bed, his gaze unfocused, lost in thought.
Honestly, he once more felt like aiming for revenge, but he refrained from doing so, as he had other important things to do.
"Muriel, we need to go and find a way to heal him as soon as possible."
"Alright."
As Ruel wanted to stride out the door, he felt weakness dawn on him.
His vision began warping and the last thing he saw was his mother's worried face.
- - -
Later that day.
The sun hung high in the western sky, its light still sharp but beginning to mellow.
Long shadows stretched gently across the ground, hinting at the slow crawl toward evening.
Ruel's eyes were wide open, the sunlight flowing through the window and landing on his body.
He immediately sat upright, the blinding light entering his eyes.
He raised his hands and covered his face, immediately knowing what time it was.
"I guess I slept… I did go through a lot," he muttered.
Immediately, he felt his mana senses enhanced as he perceived mana better while covering a wide range.
Ruel was shocked, but he shrugged it off, attributing it to his Talents.
"Muriel?"
"I am here." Muriel appeared in her incorporeal form, floating in front of Ruel.
"Did anything happen while I was asleep?"
"Your mother kissed your face a few times. A young girl was staring at you for a few hours. The blacksmith, Eden, was touching your body in awe."
"No, no!" Ruel stopped her. "I meant anything happening beyond the house."
"Oh." Muriel said with an innocent face. "I can only move a few meters around you. I can move a bit further if I use mana though."
"Hmm, did anything happen regarding my mother?" Ruel asked.
"No," Muriel said. "I should remind you though, the Envoy party moves in less than 2 hours."
Ruel's heart skipped a beat. He had almost forgotten.
"Holy!"
Ruel immediately recalled what time it was and made his way to the bathroom.