Aeliana nodded, satisfied. "Now, the other thing that I wanted to discuss with you was about the Academy."
Azael stiffened. He put his teacup back on the table. His gaze met Aeliana's.
"Are you sure about this? You know it's not important. You don't need to attend it if you don't want." She said with the same face.
Azael remained silent for a while. Then he decided to respond.
"Mother. I have decided to attend it. Please don't stop me." His eyes were serious and full of resolve. He didn't know why Aeliana was saying this. It was actually tempting to just stay here and enjoy the money of this family.
But he also needed to learn more about the outside world... get stronger and gain experience as well.
And for some reason, the Academy sounded fun. It was a very popular and prestigious Academy in the whole continent. That meant it would be really helpful for him to become stronger.
'I can also meet lots of beauties, who are also from different races. Not forgetting about the teachers,' despite his face being full of resolve, his thoughts had taken some naughty turns.
If Duchess Aeliana were to know about them... who knows how she would have reacted. She studied his resolute face.
A sigh escaped her lips. Then her lips curved into a gentle smile. Yes, a gentle smile that she had never given to Azael.
His eyes widened. His breathing nearly stopped.
"Then I won't stop you. I am actually happy with your decision." Her smile was too beautiful.
Azael blinked a few times.
'So gorgeous... am I in love or something?' But then he got out of his trance. The reason was simple: her smile was now gone again, replaced with her sharp look.
"I just didn't want you to go... because you are not someone who gets friendly with people easily. You always kept yourself away from us. You only opened up to your father. But seeing you like this... I am happy."
Her eyes remained fixed on him as she continued. "But remember. Even if you feel uncomfortable or have some difficulties, don't keep it to yourself. You can just come back here."
At this point, Azael really wanted to hug this beauty tightly in his arms. She was acting too sweet with that sharp and cold face.
"Yes, Mother."
"Also, I had a talk with Arista. You had a weak mana flow which restrained you from learning many things. Now, since you are not ill, you can awaken your element. Which will probably be Fire, since our family is known for that element."
Azael's eyes widened. His family for generations was known for being blessed by a phoenix. It was like fire ran in their blood. Each descendant of this family always had the Fire element. There might be some who awakened multiple elements, but Fire was always there.
"I am looking forward to it, Mother," Azael said, while trying to keep a straight face. He was most excited to awaken his element.
"Good. Now you can leave. Enjoy your day ahead." She decided to end this little chat. She had already talked about everything she wanted to.
Azael got up from his seat. "Okay, Mother. I will get going." He turned to leave the office. But his steps halted at the door. He turned. His eyes fell on her work table, filled with many documents. Then he looked at her, and his eyes met hers.
"Mother. Please don't overwork. You also need to take care of your health." He smiled at her gently.
"Also, I enjoyed spending this small time with you. I would love to drink tea with you again. Chat with you just like today. Anyway, take care. Bye~" He then left the room with the clicking sound of the closing door.
Aeliana remained there, sitting in the same place. Her eyes locked on the spot where Azael was just standing a moment ago. Then a chuckle left her lips. She shook her head with a smile. "He really changed... and for good."
Azael walked through the empty corridor. His eyes were calm. Putting both hands in his pockets, he strode towards his chamber. He was deep in thought.
'Awakening my element... hah,' Azael's thoughts were mostly about what his stepmother just told him.
Usually, one can awaken their element with the guidance of someone. Of course, there are many cases where young children awaken it by themselves. Well, they are called geniuses. Just like his big sister was.
Azael had some memories about how she is a prodigy, awakening the Fire element by herself. But that's not what was important.
The most fascinating thing is that the Fire element she had gotten is special. Even among decades, in many generations, only a few got this special fire.
It was none other than Phoenix Fire, the Fire of Life. Of course, it doesn't have as much strength or purity as that of a real phoenix. But still, being a family that was blessed by it, some descendants were able to use it.
Now Azael wished that he would be able to awaken it.
'Now that I think about it... Arista actually has Phoenix Fire... damn, she's really a genius and blessed.'
But putting those thoughts aside, this will be a very crucial moment for him.
'Well, I can't wait for tomorrow!' He was excited. Soon he will get his element. And he can learn a lot of ways to use it in his training, during fights.
Then he thought about his head maid.
How should he approach her? The most easy way is to use dirty tricks.
Also, it shouldn't be too much. Just a little dirty.
He smiled widely.
'Guess I need to visit the Market. I might just find something useful there~' His thoughts turned quite evil.
But he had already decided it: to make that woman his.