A bit of water and a few light taps on Kael's face woke him up properly, only to be once again face-to-face with Bezel Domini.
"Hello, Kael," Bezel smiled, his wrinkled, aged skin making that smile give off the warmth of the sun in Kael's eyes.
"Y-yo-your Lordship," Kael stuttered, trying to compose himself, "I've loved your books on the Philosophy of Life."
Bezel Domini's eyes shot wide open, "Did you? Those books are written not to be read, but to be understood."
"The Gods died for their greed, shattering the Heavens," Kael began reciting, his heart steady once he closed his eyes, "If Gods can die, no man can live forever, and that makes it ever more beautiful."
"By the Vita," Bezel Domini exhaled, as it was hard to believe that he was impressed by an eight-year-old.
"And that is from the top of my head," Kael nodded, opening his eyes, "I've been studying your books since I can remember."
"Come, little one, sit with me a while. I wish to know more, but first, let me greet your sister, hm?" Bezel Domini asked, smiling.
To which Kael nodded ecstatically, barely believing this was reality, as the old man moved to the side, where Lune was watching from.
"Lady Lune," Bezel Domini nobbed lightly.
"My Lord," Lune replied, lowering herself in a curtsy, "Unfortunately, I am more of a warrior than a scholar, unlike my twin brother, but I also read your books on warfare, and they left me in awe."
"A warrior?" Bezel Domini chuckled lightly, thinking it was a joke, but the serious look on Lune's violet eyes stopped his giggling, "Oh…"
"She is a devout believer in the edge of the sword," Blanc sighed.
"On that matter, I have a request," Lune added, "My twin brother, despite telling anyone in the past, had always dreamed of joining the Archivum Civitas, so if your Lordship could grant him that honor, I would forever be grateful."
Silence fell over the Dining Hall at Lune's words, some curious, and some in shock.
Curious was the entirety of Blood Maroux, and one of the guests they had that evening. While shocked were those of Blood Denegis who never knew that to be Kael's dream, although if one were to pay the smallest of attention to Kael, they would only be able to see books surrounding him and his mind.
"Is that so?" Bezel Domini asked, turning to the side to look at Kael, who was full crimson, embarrassed to a point he had never been in. Still, he remained silent, looking at the ground, knowing well that an opportunity like this one would not come a second time in his lifetime.
Tiptoeing silently, as if not to be detected, he slowly turned to face all who gathered, eyes still glued to the wooden floor.
"Mhm," Kael nodded, not sure what face Blanc was making at that moment, but was too afraid to look.
The second that followed was the hardest for Kael. His hands were sweaty, yet cold. His heart was pumping blood throughout his body at a pace that a horse would have issues keeping up with.
Tears wanted to escape his eyes, but couldn't as if fear glued them to his eyelids.
His forehead was dripping with sweat, and his mind was racing through conversation after conversation, denial after denial.
Mera and Auren approached silently, understanding that refusal was the most likely outcome of this conversation Lune had created. As Bezel Domini was lost in thought, looking at Kael, Auren opened her mouth, wishing to speak, but someone had already taken the lead on that.
"I-" Bezel Domini began.
"Your Lordship," Blanc muttered, interrupting him, "Although I am not sure how likely it is for the Archivum Civitas to receive and guide children, if there is even a drop of hope for accepting my little brother now, or in the future, I am willing to pay in his stead."
Kael looked upward, into his brother's eyes, surprised by the calmness in his words. He never mentioned his dream to anyone. Especially in the last few months, while they lived in the wild, because he knew that it would be just another issue on Blanc's plate.
He also knew how much Blanc cared for them, his Blood and family, and how much he hoped to bring all of it back together. Yet he was willing even to pay for Kael to follow his dreams.
Why? Kael thought to himself, looking for an answer in Blanc's eyes, but only finding resolve.
Resolve to at least help Kael do what he always wanted.
Resolve to at least remove Kael from all the suffering that may come their way.
Shame overtook his legs and mind, shame for his selfishness, for his greed, for a dream that was out of reach, far away from reality, far away from his family. He ought to give up now, while he is still young. Surely, there would be other things he would like to do in the future.
No point rushing into a dream of an eight-year-old.
"M-my Lord," Kael whispered, quiet enough for Bezel Domini not to hear.
He was afraid to speak louder. A single tear managed to leave his left eye and run down his cheek. Not even the tear itself was aware of the reason for her departure.
Was it because of the shame he was feeling? Or was it because he did not want to let go of this dream of his? But he pushed through once more.
"My Lord," he whispered, still as quietly.
He got angry, then slumped his shoulders in sadness. He was overjoyed at the opportunity and then disgusted with himself.
The room was slowly starting to spin around the corner of his eyes. He was feeling sick, about to pass out. But, with all his might, he gathered his strength to speak one more time.
"My Lo-"
"Do you want to become my pupil, Kael?" Bezel Domini asked, his brown eyes staring into the grayness of Kael's.
The room stopped spinning. The sickness was gone. And all Kael could hear was the low rumbling of his heart.
Du-dum, Du-dum.