Chapter 2: The Marketplace
Upon reaching the dining area, I took my designated seat. The room felt eerily empty, the silence heavy and unsettling.
"Well, well... look who finally decided to grace us with their presence."
The voice was a sneer given form. Across the table sat a figure draped in shadows and arrogance. He didn't just speak; he mocked, his tone dripping with practiced, upper-class disdain.
I looked at him—really looked at him. He was dressed in impeccable classical attire, every fold of his clothing suggesting immense wealth and tradition. His hair was a striking, blood-red, combed back with elegant precision to match the piercing crimson of his eyes.
This was Michael Evasilles. My elder brother, the middle son of Ramon—the man I called Father.
"Yes, big brother... I decided it was time to come out," I said firmly, focused on my meal.
Michael seemed momentarily stunned by my composure.
"Why aren't you eating, big brother?" I asked, taking another bite of the meat. The juices were rich and delightful. "How are the other siblings?"
My casual questioning seemed to snap Michael's patience. His face twisted in anger. "Oh, they're doing fine... don't act like you actually care, you trash."
Hearing his reply, I stood up and walked toward him. I leaned in slightly. "Oh, that's right. Why would I care? See ya later, big bro."
His reaction was immediate; his face flushed with rage, and a nerve bulged at his temple. He growled at my retreating back, "You cannot change, Jules... people never really do."
I left the dining area and retreated to my room, his final words echoing in my mind.
"You cannot change, Jules."
"Phew." Letting out a heavy sigh, I rubbed my forehead and muttered to myself, "Gotta do something about this shitty reputation..."
I called for Jean, my personal butler, who was busy with his duties. "Hey, Jean. I'm heading to the market to pick up a few things."
"Young Master... do you really need to go now?" Jean asked, looking concerned.
"Yes. I need supplies for the Academy." I finished buttoning my shirt and prepared to leave. "I'm heading out now. And I'm going alone."
The marketplace was teeming with life, crowded with hawkers and townspeople going about their daily business. My carriage came to a halt, and I stepped out, making my way toward a weathered, old-looking storefront.
An elderly man sat behind the counter. His face was a map of wrinkles, but he wore a gentle smile, and his beard hung long and white.
"Oh, a customer! What does the young gentleman desire to buy?"
"Do you have specimen glasses?" I asked.
"Ah, specimen glasses... yes, we certainly do."
He produced a pair of spectacles. Specimen glasses were special items infused with mana; they provided a significant boost to visual acuity and could even offer minor healing aid. While technically not high-tier artifacts, they were far superior to normal eyewear.
This will help me a lot, I thought. I smiled at the old man. "I'll take them."
"Very well! That will be twenty gold and five cents."
I handed over the payment and inspected the glasses. They were round with gold frames, looking deceptively ordinary. However, the moment I put them on, my eyesight sharpened instantly.
"You look quite handsome in those," the old man chuckled. "Be careful not to break any young ladies' hearts with those looks."
I felt a wave of cringe wash over me. "Haha... I'll try my best," I replied with a forced smile before stepping back out into the street.
As I walked, a few children playing nearby froze in fear at the sight of me. One young girl tripped and fell right in front of me. I quickly caught her.
"Hey, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
I pulled out a basic healing potion and applied a bandage to her scraped knee. "Don't run so fast, little one; you could get seriously injured."
"O-oh... I-I will be careful," the girl stuttered, her eyes wide and shining with wonder.
I patted her head, handed her a piece of candy, and waved. "Alright, bye now."
I spent the rest of the afternoon gathering everything I needed for the Academy—strength and stamina potions, and various other essentials.
"Phew... that was a long day."
I sighed as I returned to my room. Looking out at the moon, I whispered to the night, "Tomorrow is the day. I finally head to the Academy."
Suddenly, Jean entered the room. "Young Master, you have been summoned by Lady Lovia."
Lovia Umbrige Evasilles. The wife of Ramon Evasilles, my father—and my stepmother.
"Alright, I'm coming," I said.
Following Jean's lead, I reached the living room. As I entered, I immediately dropped to one knee, lowering my head in a show of deep respect.
"Grand Duchess Lovia, I am here. May I ask why you have summoned this lowly son to your presence?"
The room went silent. The knights and attendants nearby looked on in shock at my uncharacteristic display of humility.
"What is he doing?" someone whispered.
"Tch, a lowly young master with no power... I guess someone has to be the trash of the family," a knight muttered, not even bothering to hide his disdain.
"Lowly son? Why do you speak of yourself as trash, Jules?" Lovia asked.
She was the picture of grace; her grey eyes were kind, and her elegant dress shimmered in the light. "It is alright if you are not a great warrior. You are my son, even if we do not share blood. You don't need to be so formal with me."
I looked up and offered a small smile. "Yes, Mother. I understand."