A/N: I have a confession, guys… well, I tricked you yesterday. The inheritance is actually from an OC, and honestly, I just used it as a plot device to give the MC a castle and some subordinates. Cry about it—I don't care. Love you.
Aeloria Nightshade.
That was the name written on the parchment. Knuk's pupils dilated the moment he saw it, leaving Aaric confused.
"Well, it seems you have quite the future ahead of you… though whether it will be a blessing or a curse to those around you remains to be seen," Knuk said cryptically, and left the room before Aaric could ask any questions. "Wait here for a minute," were his final words as the door closed behind him.
Aaric didn't have to wait long. Knuk soon returned, carrying a beautiful silver box, which he placed gently on the table.
"This is your inheritance. It was entrusted to us by a powerful wizard hundreds of years ago."
Curious, Aaric asked about the wizard. Knuk simply rubbed two fingers together in a universal sign: Pay up. Aaric's lip twitched in irritation.
"Ten Galleons.
"Twenty it is," Knuk replied smoothly, already pulling out a form for Aaric to sign—one that would deduct the amount from his account. Aaric signed with a reluctant sigh.
"Even before the founding of this bank, goblins weren't held in high regard by wizardkind. But there was one thing they needed us for—inheritance testing. Any wizard who wanted a true inheritance test had to come to us, and our results were universally accepted.
"During that time, a powerful witch by the name of Aeloria Nightshade entrusted us with this box. Though little-known among human wizards, we goblins knew her well. She earned our fear—and our respect." Knuk grimaced at the admission, clearly disliking the idea of revering a human.
Even if human… the strong deserve respect, he thought.
"She saved a group of centaurs and even aided the goblins in difficult times, earning our favor. Then, one day, she vanished."
What he didn't say was that after the bank's founding, some foolish goblin heads tried to tamper with her box—and their entire bloodlines ceased to exist. That legacy alone was enough to strike fear into goblins who had never even heard her name.
Aaric, silently contemplating the goblin's words, opened the silver box. Inside were a letter and a golden ring coiled with a silver snake.
The letter read:
"My dear inheritor,
It is not my blood that grants you this inheritance—it is the blood of my goddess, YASUKI. In life, I was her devoted follower and chosen avatar in the mortal world. It appears you, too, have been chosen by her. All that was mine is now yours.
This ring is a permanent portkey to my castle, the essence of my life's work and my goddess's will. Speak her name, and you shall be transported there. The ring will grant you full control over the castle and the island upon which it stands.
I regret that I cannot meet you in person and offer my protection, but know that I am with my goddess, watching over you and wishing you well.
—Aeloria Nightshade"
Aaric had never met the woman, but at that moment, he knew she would have died for him if she could. With a quiet reverence, he folded the letter and tucked it into his breast pocket, feeling a melancholy affection for someone he had never known.
Knuk had been observing him the entire time. When the ring responded to Aaric's touch, he was certain the test had not failed. A gleam appeared in the goblin's eye.
"Would you like me to manage your account and financial affairs? I'll charge less than the others—and I will swear a vow to be fair to you," he offered. Knuk saw promise in the boy. If he stayed close, he could climb to the top of goblin society.
He handed Aaric a charm for contact and left, giving him time to consider the offer.
At the Hawthorne Mansion
Edwina was tending to the Nagavriksha tree she and Aaric had nurtured. Though it had stopped growing after reaching the height of a normal tree—even with water from the silver gourd—it had been changing internally, evolving into something far more powerful.
Its resin held immense magical properties and was worth waging a war for, if wizards could even get a drop. Edwina had collected enough for three people—an amount that usually took decades to gather.
Simon, aware of the tree's potential, was now preparing a potion using the resin. He was one of the greatest potion masters of his time, though he kept his talents hidden from the world.
"I'm back!" Aaric called, entering with Nibbin.
Edwina immediately came over, picked him up, kissed him, and patted Nibbin's head. Still in her arms, Aaric presented her with a golden pendant containing a small moving family photo.
She smiled brightly and wore it without hesitation.
Simon, feigning sadness, asked, "No gifts for your dear father?"
Aaric responded slyly, "Can I skip training tomorrow?"
Simon rolled his eyes in amusement. Aaric had truly tried to find a suitable gift for his father—but Simon already had everything. He'd think of something special soon.
Simon wasn't upset. He knew what his son was thinking and appreciated his kind heart.
Turning to Nibbin, Simon asked, "Did you bring the hibiscus petals and moonstone powder?"
Nibbin handed over the ingredients, and Simon continued brewing the potion. Soon, three vials stood completed before them.
"Son, these potions are made from the tree's resin. They possess extraordinary magical properties and are completely safe. Would you like to take it?"
Aaric nodded immediately. He trusted his mother.
In a blank room within the Hawthorne mansion, Aaric sat cross-legged in the center. His parents sat at either side, ready to assist if anything went wrong.
He drank the potion in one gulp. A cooling sensation spread through his body. His entire being felt reinforced—every cell, every bone. Even his soul felt nourished. His senses sharpened, and his mind felt stronger, more resilient—as if something fundamental had changed within him.
Simon and Edwina observed quietly, sensing the powerful potential growing in their son. They knew he was destined for great things.
A/N:
Should Aaric tell his parents about the inheritance? He won't reveal all his secrets, but as seen with the Dursley situation, his parents will be helping him for some time—and will also take the resin potion.
Give me stones and I'll give you chapters.
Thank you for your comments and support. I hope you enjoy the story!