Capítulo 9: The Final Piece Of The Puzzle

Ethan's wondering thoughts seized and he snapped back to reality after hearing the sound of the creaking made by the door. The door was made from an unknown material that felt like wood but it was as hard and sturdy as iron. The creaking sound of the door thus was also strange, it was similar to wood creaking but also a bit of metallic creaking mixed in.

Ethan was on the floor at the side of the bed and just a single maid was keeping watch over him.

When Ethan looked in the direction of the door, he saw his whole family coming in one by one. Aisha, Albaer, His grandparents, and even his uncle.

And lastly came Shirin who Ethan was waiting for. Shirin had a strong build with tanned skin, long white hair in a ponytail, and a very handsome face. One could even mistake him for a dark elf if he had a bow on his shoulders.

Shirin did not wear his usual comfortable and loose outfit. He was wearing knights attire which was a coat underneath and a shining silver armor covering his body and a red cape on his back. He also had a longsword hung on his waist.

Shirin was arguably the most eye-catching in the room. He was ten years old but looked a lot more mature than his age, 'Is this because kids grow fast in this world or because it's just his quality?' Ethan thought.

'Wait, is my prediction true or what!?' Ethan suddenly recalled his concerns over this world's traditions. It would be very terrible if they sent kids into the wild to prove themselves or something like that. 'They wouldn't send a mentally unstable stupid fool like me, Right?... Right?'

Shirin had quite the arm strength despite his young age as he very easily picked Ethan up as if he was just picking up cotton.

Shirin had a melancholic smile on his face. When Ethan looked around to see everyone's reaction, he found that Naenna's eyes were red from crying and she was having hiccups. Alier had a neutral expression but Ethan somehow felt that his uncle was quite happy on this occasion.

His grandparents were also present and they had proud smiles on their faces as they looked at Shirin with admiration. Luceryc just had his usual grumpy expression, Aisha looked pretty sad and Albaer seemed to be satisfied.

"Ethan... I have come to say goodbye. Your brother has been deemed worthy to join the King's Sword." Shirin said and smiled.

'King's Sword... Deemed worthy.... So is this a Knighthood kind of thing? No... It looks like it's a special post directly under the king. That means Shirin will be going to the Capital. Now I see...'

"Little Ethan, you will most probably not see me until a few more years.. At least not until you're the same age as I am this year. I will miss you dearly." Shirin said and closed up to Ethan's ear and whispered. "It's better to live a carefree life like you do little Ethan... Expectations can be burdening. You live as you want to.. Let your brother carry all the burdens for you"

Shirin's tone was quite heavy when he said it and his eyes looked very kind, it was as if what he said weren't words but a sigh of helplessness and responsibility.

Now a normal baby wouldn't be able to understand what Shirin had said so there was really no point In saying all that but Shirin still did. It showed how deeply he cared for Ethan.

Even Ethan became speechless when he heard everything that Shirin said. He was finally able to understand a little more about Shirin and his personality.

Ethan was simply thinking about what Shirin had said but what everyone saw was Ethan showing absolutely no response to his brother's departure. Usually, even babies would react in some way in this type of situation but what everyone saw was Ethan just staring into the distance.

"Little Ethan.. I have a feeling that when you grow up, you will prove all of them wrong one day. My heart tells me that you are a normal human being just like anyone else, Goodbye and Take Care." Shirin said finally and held Ethan's hand tightly. His lips curled upwards slightly in a kind and mature smile.

The sound of muffled sobbing could be heard in the background as Aisha could not help but tear up seeing the two brothers in such a way. One was leaving far away and for a long time and one was... not well.

Albaer took her in his arms and comforted her. He also looked at Ethan with concern along with everyone else.

Naenna seeing her mother cry also couldn't hold back her tears and broke into whimpers.

"Mother, please do not cry.. I will be just fine." Shirin said with a sigh, he then walked up to Naenna while holding Ethan and patted her head lovingly, and said, "Promise me one thing okay? You must take care of your brother and don't let anyone bully him. You're a strong girl so don't cry... What will little Ethan think of you if you keep crying like this?" Shirin said and added a small little bonk at the end with a reassuring smile.

Naenna nodded timidly and said in a low voice, "I promise!"

"Shirin.. boy, the carriage and your luggage are ready. It is time." Ethan's grandma said.

"We're proud of you boy! Go and shake the entire kingdom with your name! Whahaha!" Grandpa White said.

"Don't you worry about us. I will make sure everything is in order in the Duchy." Alier said with an encouraging smile.

Shirin then gave Ethan to the nearby maid and stepped backward. He looked at Ethan and everyone else once again and turned back.

"Yes.. It is time to leave. Everyone, please take care." He said and left with resolute and firm strides.

Everyone else also left with him to see him off to the carriage.

After a few moments passed, Ethan sighed and looked at the door.

"A genuinely good person, it seems that the heavy weight of everyone's expectations is on your shoulders. Is that what is constantly in your mind?" Ethan thought and heaved a deep sigh.

"Young Master Shirin is so brave... Even though the oath of 'King's Sword' forbids one from having a claim over the Family's hereditary title, one cannot marry, and one has to surrender oneself in the service to the Kingdom for honor and glory despite this, he chose to take this path. But working directly under His Majesty is an honor only a few among many can have. I hope he will be fine..." The maid muttered while holding Ethan as she looked in the direction everyone had gone with a look of reverence and concern.

"So that's how it is... Now I see why my uncle doesn't want me here." Ethan's eyes which were getting heavy from drowsiness opened wide as he finally got the last piece of the puzzle of the mystery of his Uncle's ill will towards him.

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