"G-grandfather…?!" I mumbled in disbelief as the carriage took me further away from Anabelle.
She smiled lovingly at me, as she waved. I was too stunned to reciprocate her energy, as I waved with my mind in a stunned state.
While her answer explained a lot of things, it brought about even more questions. To think my own grandfather had been my tutor for so long, and I was left unaware.
"Mum calls him Alphonse… I called him that too. Other than the slight display of affection they displayed once in a while, I couldn't sense any kind of family bond…"
Still mumbling to myself, I looked at the book she had given me before I left. Rubbing the cover slightly with my hand, I calmed myself. There had to be a reason for them to have hidden it from me.
After I calmed down a little, I looked out the window and caught one final glimpse of Anabelle, as well as the few members of our household that saw me off.
The rest of them were busy taking care of the mess that Liliana's death caused, as well as checking for similar incidents that might have occurred in other areas.
My farewell was not as exciting or as emotional as expected, however… this much was enough.
Soon, the manor began shrinking in size as I drifted further from it. Perspective made everything appear very little, and my mother vanished from sight. Smiling at myself, I retracted my head from the opening of the carriage window and sighed.
"Huu… I've become quite emotional, uh?"
Shrugging off the sentiments welling up within me, I refrained from thinking unnecessary thoughts.
"The book… let's see what Alphonse's gift is all about… or should I call him Grandfather now?" I whispered.
No, that would just feel too weird.
Opening the brown leather book, I saw a letter on the first page. The envelope had a red seal affixed to it, making me slightly curious. Only nobles and distinguished families used such seals.
'If I remember correctly, Anabelle is from a very distinguished magic-based family. I suppose it's true that Alphonse is her father…' I reasoned.
I impatiently opened the envelope, curious about its contents. As expected, a letter was within. The parchment in my hand was made from a very exquisite material, and the texture was soft, as well as firm.
I unfolded it so that I could read the contents of Alphonse's letter. Looking through it, I smiled in nostalgia, as I was reminded of my tutor.
*******************
~ Dear Jared, how have you been?
I'm sure that by now you will be on your way to the academy since my letter will arrive late. Knowing Anabelle, I'm sure she'll only give it to you in the morning, on your way to the academy.
Sigh, that woman…
I trust that you've been well though. It hasn't been very long since I left the Leonard Household, but I already miss you and your mother.
There are a few things I wish to tell you, so make sure you read attentively.
Firstly, my gift to you is a book which contains several mixes of drugs, concoctions, and medicines. There are also poisons and harmful mixtures there, so be careful.
You showed an interest in the formula for curing your mother's Mana Shock, and knowing you, it won't stop at that. To further assist you in your research, I decided to give you this compilation of records that I made myself.
I figured it would be better than just any old spellbook.
As for the second thing I have to reveal. It is something Anabelle might have addressed, but in case she hasn't, I should explain it in length. Jared, I am the father of your mother, as well as your grandfather.
It wasn't as though any of us intentionally tried to hide this fact from you, you just never asked. The reason you may not have noticed this is because of our family customs. Our relationships take on many forms, depending on achievement and circumstances.
Anabelle once addressed me as father, and I used to call her daughter. However, that all changed when she became a full-fledged Magic User and got my approval to be a comrade in the art. That's why we now use our names to address each other.
The reason why I never referred to you as my grandson or demanded that you treat me as your grandfather, is because I was brought in as a tutor and so I had to act in such a manner. After your training elapsed, I recognized you as a fellow Magic-User, so there was no need for us to address ourselves in such a manner.
It's funny how our family relationship never defined us throughout our stay together, and even after.
If you take a good look at your name, Jared Leonard Alphonse Sereth, my name exists there. This is because my Magic-Oriented household's name is the Alphonse Household, and my true name is Alphonse Gerald IV. We decided to hand over my daughter in marriage to your father as a result of an alliance between both households. As a symbol of our alliance, our family's name was incorporated into your family's name.
I certainly hope this has answered some of the questions you may have concerning things. While I know that all I have said may be too much for a child of your age, I know that you are a special child, Jared and you do not need to be treated like a normal boy.
I certainly hope you act in a manner that will make both households proud.
As a pupil whom I took under my wing and as my beloved grandchild, I certainly hope to hear of your exploits in Ainzlark.
Take care of yourself, Jared. ~
******************
After reading everything Alphonse said, I had only two thoughts. The first was that this was a darn long letter!
'He could have told me all this during one of the times we goofed off. This is a lot to take in so suddenly, damn it!' My thoughts rang.
After taking a few moments to sort through everything I had just read, a smile formed on my face.
The second thought I had after reading his letter was that of gratitude.
"I'm happy about this, Alphonse. I'll be sure to do my best!" I grinned, with a deep fire of determination burning in my eyes.