Chapter 113: Arin’s Father

The next morning, the Arin household was bustling with activity as the sun rose over the horizon. Nellas and Yujin were roused from their slumber by the sound of a gentle knock on their door. They rose from their beds, rubbing the sleep from their eyes, and opened the door to find two maids in crisp dress uniforms waiting outside.

"Good morning, young masters," one of the maids said with a deep bow. "Master Arin requests your presence at breakfast."

"Thank you," Yujin replied with a smile. "We’ll be down shortly."

With that, the maids bowed again and departed, leaving the brothers to prepare for the day ahead. They dressed quickly, eager to join their hosts for breakfast.

When they arrived in the dining room, they found Arin’s father, Arin’s mother, Arin, Aishia, and Minhe already seated at the table.

As Arin’s father, Roland, sat at the dining table, his mind was still reeling from the events of the previous night. He had heard reports from his right-hand man, Cale, about the intruders that had been defeated outside of Arin’s room. And now, with Nell and Yujin standing before him, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.

"It was the work of someone with immense power," Cale had reported. "He defeated all of them single-handedly."

Roland’s mind immediately turned to Yujin, whom he had heard was a student of Xavier, one of the most powerful and renowned fighters in the land. The idea that Xavier’s student was in his home was almost too much for Roland to comprehend.

"Oh, I heard that one of Arin’s friends is named Yujin," Roland said, turning to Cale.

"Yujin?!... No way! Is he..." Cale’s excitement was palpable, and Roland couldn’t help but smile. "Yes, it seems we have to greet Xavier’s student properly."

Cale’s eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately stood up from his chair. "So, he is the one who took care of the intruders?" he asked.

"Indeed," Roland replied, his voice filled with pride. "I am sure you must be shocked to hear that we have Xavier’s student as our guest."

...

Roland rose from his chair, his eyes lighting up as he approached Yujin and Nellas. With a slight bow, he greeted Yujin warmly. "Welcome to our humble abode, Mr. Yujin. It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you."

Yujin was taken aback by the sudden show of hospitality. "What are you doing, Sir?" he asked, visibly surprised.

Roland chuckled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "I’m merely showing my respect to the student of Xavier. I am Roland, Arin’s father."

"What?! He is Xavier’s student?" Aishia and Arin exchanged the looks of disbelief.

Yujin scratched his head sheepishly. "I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier."

Arin smiled understandingly. "No worries. We understand the need for secrecy. It could put you in danger."

Aishia couldn’t help but gush. "Is he really as powerful as they say? My father always told me that Xavier is the strongest mage in the Kingdom. I can’t believe you’re his student!"

Yujin’s expression softened, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "Not only is he the most powerful, but he’s also the kindest person I’ve ever met. And most importantly, he’s a great teacher."

The room was filled with a sense of awe and respect as they all pondered the sheer magnitude of Xavier’s prowess.

"Anyway," Roland’s voice broke the uncomfortable silence at the dining table, as he cleared his throat. "Let us continue with our meal."

The clinking of silverware against porcelain plates filled the room as everyone’s thoughts lingered on Yujin and his mysterious abilities. Despite the sumptuous meal, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation and unease.

As the plates were cleared away, conversation turned towards their upcoming trip to the capital, a welcome distraction from the uncertain future.

Eventually, the time came for Nellas, Yujin, and Minhe to depart for the capital in the carriage gifted to them by Arin. As they settled in, Arin couldn’t help but steal glances at Minhe every few minutes. His father noticed and couldn’t help but smile, a knowing look in his eyes.

Once the trio had left, Roland called for Arin to join him in his study. As Arin entered, his father motioned for him to take a seat and offered him a cup of steaming tea.

"How are you holding up, son?" Roland’s tone was serious.

Arin nodded, steeling himself for what was to come. "I’m fine, Father."

Roland placed a comforting hand on Arin’s shoulder. "Do you know why I called you here?"

Arin’s heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself for the worst. "Because of my marriage to Count Alvin’s daughter?" he ventured, his voice uncertain.

"Something along those lines," Roland admitted, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

A feeling of dread welled up within Arin as he sat across from his father in the study. He knew the reason for the summons, and it filled him with a sense of foreboding.

"Father, I don’t like her, and I don’t want to marry her," Arin confessed, his voice heavy with emotion.

Roland’s brow furrowed as he regarded his son. "Are you sure? This girl is a high-ranking noblewoman. She’s beautiful and highly respected in society."

Arin shook his head vehemently. "No, Father, she’s not the type of woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."

A small smile played at the corners of Roland’s lips. "You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?" he remarked, his tone teasing. "Then how about the girl who was with Xavier’s student?"

Arin looked at his father with surprise etched on his face. "Minhe?" he repeated, his voice laced with uncertainty.

"Yes, you like her, don’t you?" Roland’s tone was gentle now, understanding. "You like her so much, even though she is poor and has no status. I bet you wish she was your wife instead of that count’s daughter."

Arin felt a glimmer of hope stirring within him. "Well, yes, but..." he trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Roland raised a finger, cutting him off. "But nothing," he declared firmly. "I will grant your request and cancel the marriage with the count’s daughter."

A surge of joy swept through Arin at the news, and he couldn’t help but let out an excited exclamation. "Really?!" he cried, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"Of course, my boy," Roland assured with a warm smile. "I will send a letter to the Count’s house immediately regarding the engagement being called off."

Arin couldn’t contain his joy as he embraced his father. "Thank you, Father!" he exclaimed, his heart overflowing with gratitude.

But little did Arin know, his father had an ulterior motive behind the cancellation of the engagement. Roland had noticed how close Minhe was to Yujin, and he saw an opportunity to secure her as his daughter-in-law. With Xavier’s student support, Roland knew he could further cement his power and influence in society.

As Arin basked in the blissful moment, unaware of his father’s true intentions, Roland couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

With a flicker of a smile on his lips, Roland set his plans into motion, determined to secure a bright future for his family.

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