Chapter 6: Ch 6: Choosing Seraphina
The next morning came quickly, and it was finally time for Kael to meet Leon.
This meeting was far different from the one in his past life. There were far more priests present, and even the Cardinal was there when Kael entered the audience chamber.
They were all eyeing him keenly, wondering what scheme he was planning.
He made his way toward the central stage, but he kept searching the crowd for Seraphina’s face. He was about to give up when he finally spotted her among the gathered priests.
’Ah, so she decided to take the chance? Looks like my gamble paid off.’
"Grand Master Kael, please come here. Allow me to introduce you to the hero, Leon. Leon, this person will become your master from now on."
Despite everything having changed, the one thing that remained constant during this first meeting was the look in Leon’s eyes.
His eyes looked vacant, almost as if he were incapable of feeling anything. It was not the expression a child his age should have.
’I will have to teach Leon many things. But most importantly, I will have to teach him how to deal with people.’
Kael had taught Leon many things in his past life, but one thing he had neglected was the social aspect of Leon’s upbringing. But that was because Kael himself had been inexperienced as well.
This time, he would make sure to teach Leon how to deal with people. More importantly, he would teach him how to stop accidentally seducing women.
The Cardinal observed their first meeting closely and waited for someone to make the first move.
But Leon was too distracted to do anything. So Kael decided to swallow his pride and reach out first.
"Hello. I will be your teacher starting today. I look forward to teaching you."
Kael extended his hand toward Leon and waited for the other boy to shake it.
Everyone gasped as they watched this happen, and loud murmurs of disbelief immediately filled the chamber.
After all, offering someone your hand for a handshake was considered a great sign of respect. And for a Grand Master to extend his hand first to someone else was unheard of.
But Kael knew that Leon needed support. He needed acknowledgment and reassurance that someone was on his side.
The chamber buzzed with noise around Kael, but he ignored it and kept his attention on Leon.
Finally, Leon reached out and grabbed the offered hand. His eyes looked a little more awake now.
That felt like progress.
Unfortunately, the Cardinal decided that it was the perfect time to interrupt the moment. He placed a hand on Leon’s shoulder, and the hero immediately tensed.
"Grand Master Kael, I am entrusting you with our precious hero. Please take good care of him."
Kael nodded to show that he understood.
"Of course. Isn’t that why I agreed to allow someone from the temple to come with us? I will explain my decision now."
All the priests held their breaths as they waited for Kael to make his choice.
Unfortunately for them, Kael already had his answer prepared.
"I would like to take that young girl as our guide."
All eyes immediately turned toward Seraphina as the priests began questioning who she was. A few people pointed out that they recognized her, but even they hesitated to give a definite answer.
The Cardinal’s smile froze on his face.
Kael could tell that the man was trying to process what had just happened and figure out how to twist the situation in his favor.
"Grand Master, I know I said I would not interfere with your choice, but isn’t she a little too young to serve you and the hero? I am sure someone more experienced would be—"
"But she is someone you brought along with the hero, right? I am sure even the hero would feel more comfortable having a familiar face around. And the robes she is wearing belong to the priests. I don’t see a problem with choosing her."
Of course, Kael knew exactly what the problem was. But since this was a problem he had intentionally created, he was not about to back down.
The Cardinal was clearly in a bind and was trying his best to persuade Kael.
"I understand that, but still—"
"Hmm, if you have a problem with my decision, then should we let a neutral party choose instead? Since we are doing all this for the hero’s comfort, why don’t we let him decide?"
Kael shifted the pressure onto Leon, causing his student to flinch.
The Cardinal looked slightly relieved and turned toward Leon. He also placed a hand on Leon’s shoulder to emphasize the importance of this decision.
"Leon, I know Seraphina is your childhood friend, but you need a proper guardian figure in your life. I want you to make a choice you will not regret in the future."
Even though the Cardinal’s voice was soft and comforting, his words carried a subtle hint of authority. He was trying to pressure Leon into making the decision he wanted.
Kael could not allow that.
He silently cast a spell that forced the Cardinal a step back, and Leon let out a relieved sigh.
The Cardinal immediately turned to look at Kael with an unhappy expression. But Kael needed him away from Leon so the boy could make his own choice.
"It saddens me to see that you do not consider me a father figure to the hero. Does this mean you do not accept me as the hero’s teacher?"
Now it was Kael’s turn to pressure the Cardinal.
"That is not it, Grand Master. I am not doubting your abilities. But you must admit that you are too young—"
"I do not think I am too young to show the hero the right path. I will give him the freedom he needs while also guiding him where necessary. I believe that is the best way to ensure he grows up independent."
Kael intended to do exactly that.
But he was also going to make sure Leon learned proper manners this time.
The Cardinal looked cornered, and Leon finally spoke up.
"I... want to take Seraphina. Since this is what my teacher has decided, I want to follow his wishes."
Now that the hero himself had spoken, no one else had an excuse to object. The Cardinal gritted his teeth before finally giving in.
"Fine. Since even the hero has decided, I cannot object anymore. But please, do keep me informed about anything that happens."
"Of course I will."
Kael lied, fully intending to cut the Cardinal out of their lives the moment he got the chance.
