"So family is the most important thing... What about honor and loyalty? The academy always talked a lot about the honor of serving the kingdom and fighting for His Majesty." Nina asked her brother.
"That is nonsense. Only fools believe it, Nina. Loyalty to your family and honor are important, but giving them to a stranger who just wants to use you is a big mistake." Vicente advised as he looked into his sister's eyes.
He asked. "What do you think would happen to Nova if she was crippled fighting for the king? Do you think the king would support her? Or would her family care for her?
Who do you think suffers from a disturbed war hero? The state or their family, who have to deal with their traumas?
The king doesn't care about Nova or any of his soldiers, Nina. As long as they're alive and serving him, fine. But when something happens, they are discarded and replaced. Only the families of people like Nova will care about her and try to help her somehow.
So I ask you, where does Nova owe her loyalty? To the king? Or to her relatives, to you, to me?"
Nina was silent for a moment, never having heard such direct truths in her life. Children didn't usually have such conversations.
Of course, when she heard that the king didn't care about his soldiers or subjects, she felt something strange inside. But since the person she trusted the most was the one who told her these things, she believed Vicente.
"She owes her loyalty to us and to her parents," Nina answered Vicente's question.
Vicente liked what he heard. "Exactly, because we're the ones who will take care of her if anything happens. And that's what you should expect from people, Nina. Those for whom you're willing to do anything must be committed to you, not to other people or powers.
As for those you don't give your best to, well, they could betray you at any moment because they'll be thinking about what's best for them and not for you.
Keep these things in mind. One day, you'll see it all in practice."
"I understand, big brother. I'll do my best to protect the family, even if it means breaking rules." She said, clenching her small fists.
Vicente laughed when he heard this. "Let me run the dangers that lie ahead. Just don't let the others fool you."
"Hmm, what about the Mazzanti family? Did you orchestrate their downfall, big brother?" Nina asked him.
"Yes. Acting in public got me into a lot of trouble. So now we work behind the scenes without anyone knowing. That's why we can live quietly here in Saltstar City."
"I understand. I want to help the family, big brother!"
"Then continue to study with Newton, get regular medical treatment, and dedicate yourself to the academy. When you turn 14, we'll talk about it." Vicente told her, not wanting to turn her down, as this could be a pyre for everyone.
He felt that since she had found out everything, he would better give her a mission to keep her out of trouble for the time being!
"All right! I'll do my best!" She promised before leaving the basement, leaving Vice behind while she went to get her treatment.
Nina had not only consumed resources to improve her physical condition, but she had also followed a daily protocol given to her by Newton. This protocol served to stimulate the little mana she had in her body to make her more sensitive to this special energy.
Vicente sighed as he watched his little sister leave, feeling bad that she had discovered things he didn't want her to know but also happy that he had the chance to teach her things he wouldn't do if he wanted to keep her away from his secret identity.
Every kind of decision has its pros and cons. The advantage of keeping Nina in the dark about what was happening in the family was that she could live a normal life without getting involved in dangerous plots. But this advantage also had a disadvantage because living like this, she would hardly understand the world as it was, which could lead to terrible losses in the future.
The path she was about to take would probably end her innocence and lead her into danger. But at least she could prepare herself to deal with evil people and learn to deal with problems in the best way for herself.
A naive person might believe the nonsense the academy taught and end up sacrificing themselves for the kingdom. But now, she would never believe such absurdity and would only sacrifice herself for the sake of those she loved and who were willing to do the same for her.
"Sigh... Time really flies. In the blink of an eye, six years have gone by." Vicente muttered as he thought about the time that had passed between his family's tragedy and now. "What must Lauren be like now?"
He thought for a moment but soon returned to his work, thinking that the more he trained and worked, the faster he would take revenge on his targets and see Lauren again.
...
After Nina discovered the truth about her brother, a few days passed without much happening for the Fuller family.
With the passage of time, Nina's classes had finally begun at the Royal Academy of Saltstar City, where a grand ceremony had begun a new cycle for the institution.
After Nina's first few days at the academy, Vicente began to prepare for her departure from the city, thinking about traveling to the Chutha Dynasty, where the sect of one of the enemies responsible for Kate's death was located.
He had information about the Bone Mountains, he was at the peak of the 3rd stage, he had prepared his family well for his absence, and Nina was now practically adjusted to her new routine.
So, there wasn't much left for him to do in Saltstar City or Scott Province, and he was already planning his departure for the next few days!
Right now, he was at home with Nova, saying goodbye to the woman he would be away from for at least a few months.
...
"Nova, take care of Nina for me if necessary. But don't neglect your cultivation. I expect you to become a High-level Mage by the time I return." He said after finishing his daily 'practice' with the blue-haired beauty in his arms.
"I'll try my best." She smiled at him. "But with the resources you've given me, I find it hard not to progress by then. You'll probably be gone six months."
The trip to Chutha Dynasty could take more than 2 months one way, so the minimum time he would be away from Saltstar City would be 4 months. But he would need more time in this state to settle his affairs.
Vicente said to her. "Time will pass quickly. You'll have a lot to do. Anyway, if you can, help my people. I doubt any problems related to the Mazzanti family will affect my people, but anything is possible.
All it takes is for one of my men to bump into the son of a local noble, and endless problem can arise."
"I know. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."
