Listening to the wonderful things about the Acadian Empire, the yearning in the hearts of the three kids grew more than ever. Especially Adam, who's always wanted to travel the world and experience all the things it had to offer.
The youth stated with eagerness, "I just wanna drop out of the academy and go to the Empire this instance!"
Hearing him, Viktor chuckled. "I'm afraid that won't do. All the greatest magic institutions there take academic results very seriously. They would never welcome someone who hasn't even finished schooling."
"But what if I'm a genius?" Adam crossed his arms and grumbled under his breath.
Viktor found this spoiled brat very amusing. But his voice turned solemn as he replied, "Remember, all of you. There are countless geniuses in this world. But can a dead genius still be called a genius?"
Hearing the Magus' words, the three kids gulped involuntarily.
Viktor continued. "This world is not as merciful as you think it to be. Only the strong have the right to dictate the rules. If one is weak they can only bow their heads and comply."
The kids remained silent, carefully weighing Viktor's words.
Viktor looked at the uneasy expressions of his son and his friends, and thought to himself, Did I overdo it? Haa… they're still kids after all.
He decided to encourage them. "So become as strong as you can while you're still at the Academy. The Clover Academy is the best institution for magic in the Southern Federation, so make full use of it while you still can. This is a golden opportunity for you."
The kids were now filled with vigor, listening to the encouraging words of a powerful Magus.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Viktor ordered his servant to fill another glass of wine for himself. He took a sip and observed the kids' reactions. Adam was full of gusto, it seemed that his speech had ignited a fire in the youth's heart.
Edward was also the same, in fact, he could be said to be even more lively than Adam. Seeing this, Viktor nodded ever so slightly. Although he didn't show it on the surface, he was extremely happy for his son.
Only he knew just what kind of hardships his son had to go through since birth. He couldn't help but be very proud of Edward. You, who were born with nothing but a frail body, will now spread your wings and soar higher than ever!
The things that happened to Edward were a mystery to him, and he never dared tell this to anyone, afraid that cruel and vicious Magi would hunt his son down. But in the end, it all worked out.
As the dinner continued, Viktor got to know more about Edward's friends and he was happy for his son to have made such friends.
He already knew about Adam's character, but he couldn't help but feel a little dicey about Lisa, whom his son seemed to have developed some feelings toward. After all, he'd heard some rumors about her family and another Magus Family.
While everyone was having dessert, Lisa suddenly asked something that she had been curious about. She looked at Edward and asked, "Ed, why didn't your mother join us for dinner? Is she not at home?"
The atmosphere suddenly turned somber.
Adam involuntarily clenched the spoon in his hand and cursed inwardly, Ah, shit! I should have informed her before we came here.
Sensing the sudden change in mood, Lisa looked around and wondered innocently if she had said something she shouldn't have. She began to panic when she saw that Viktor's expression had also changed. He appeared very solemn.
Edward forced a smile and replied, "She's sick, that's why she couldn't join us."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})Lisa lowered her head and softly replied, "I understand. Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"It's okay, kiddo." Viktor comforted her, to which Lisa nodded meekly.
The atmosphere in the dining room was no longer the same. Although Viktor and Edward continued to make small talk, it seemed forced. Fortunately for Lisa, the dinner was almost over.
"Remy," Viktor called out.
"Yes, my lord." The butler walked in and stood beside him.
Viktor pointed toward Lisa with his chin and instructed. "Have someone escort Lisa to her house. Take one of the carriages and make sure she reaches home safely."
"As you wish, my lord." Remy bowed and respectfully obliged. Then he walked toward Lisa and bowed once again. "Lady Lisa, whenever you're ready."
"Yes." Lisa nodded. She got up from the chair and first bowed toward Viktor. "Uncle Viktor, It was an honor to meet you. And thank you for this wonderful meal."
Viktor smiled warmly. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Then, he looked at his son and spoke in a stern voice, "Why are you sitting there and smiling like an idiot? Go see her out."
"Y-Yes, father!" Edward's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. The last thing he wanted was to be scolded in front of Lisa. He hurriedly got up from his seat and walked out with Lisa.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})After the two had left, Viktor glanced at the wine cup in front of him, and then finally at Adam who was gobbling down desserts without a care in the world.
"So, kiddo, what do you think about selling Adam's Tears to me?" The man asked with a smile. He was no longer the kind and amiable Viktor from a few moments ago, but a confident and overbearing merchant.
Sensing the change in his aura, Adam involuntarily gulped. He thought inwardly, W-What the hell happened to him?
But on the surface, he asked respectfully, "Uncle, why do you wanna buy it? I can just gift it to you."
However, Viktor firmly shook his head. "No, I wish to buy it from you in bulk and then resell it. This wine is easily one of the best wines I've tasted in the Southern Federation. I believe it will have a huge market."
Adam rubbed his chin and struggled to come up with a definitive answer. "…Is that so? But I've only made a couple of barrels. I gave one to you, and another one to the old man. I only have two left with me."
He didn't want to part with his precious wine because it took him close to a year to brew it.
"What if I promise you that I can sell a gourd of that wine for at least 15-20 gold pieces? And in the future, if I play my cards right, I can even hike the prices," Viktor said confidently.
Adam's eyes shone with otherworldly brilliance as he did some calculations in his head. 1 barrel is exactly 4060 ounces. 1 gourd is 25 ounces. So that's approximately a little above 160 gourds. 160 gourds times 20 is 3200 gold coins. And if I manage to brew several barrels…
Just the thought of all the amount of money made him drool. He wiped his lips with the napkin and gave Viktor a thumbs-up. "Very well, Uncle. I'll give you 1 barrel for now. And in another year, I'll give you ten more—no, make that twenty!"
"Hahaha!" Viktor laughed heartily. "1 barrel will be more than enough to entice those wine connoisseurs for now."
Adam took out another barrel of wine and placed it beside him. On the other hand, Viktor took out a bulging bag of money from his storage artifact. "Here, this is an advance."
"Ehhh?!" Adam's eyes bulged out. "So much?!"
