**Unexpectedly, someone sensed the force of the strike despite being very far away.**
In the family head's private training hall, Vlad was training when he suddenly felt a faint tremor in the walls. The power was so immense that even Arthur, who was in another training hall, felt it.
Vlad stood up and said, "Phantom Squad." Instantly, two men appeared dressed in full-body coverings - only their eyes visible. The "Phantom Squad" was a specialized unit for intelligence gathering, defense, and assassinations, operating solely under the family head's command.
Vlad asked the Phantom Squad: "What's happening? What caused this massive tremor? Was it the guards or one of the commanders? Or has a powerful individual arrived here?"
The Phantom Squad replied: "No, my lord, it wasn't them."
Vlad asked: "Then who? One of my sons or their guards?"
They answered: "Yes, my lord."
Vlad said angrily: "Why all this evasion? Tell me, which of my sons possesses such power?"
The Phantom Squad responded: "It's Arthur, my lord. Your youngest son."
Vlad became furious: "Are you mocking me? How could a boy in a coma wield such power? And when did he wake from his coma?"
The squad replied cautiously: "Please calm down, my lord. Your son woke up today after being in a coma for five months. But there's something strange - his body has become smaller, yet appears stronger with defined muscles unlike before. We also detected faint mana within him."
Vlad seethed: "So you're telling me my son just woke from a coma today? Not only that, but he now has a powerful body and mana? What happened? How did we miss all these changes? It seems you've failed your duties. Punishment is warranted."
Terrified, the squad stammered: "It's not our fault, my lord. Even Lady Victoria was unaware. More startlingly, when young master Arthur attacked Lord Fern and obliterated a wall, even his servant Laila was shocked. No one knew of his strength."
Vlad burst into laughter: "You claim my son destroyed an entire wall? That even his servant was unaware? And yet, with only trace mana, he defeated Fern? Do you take me for a fool? Should I execute you for this absurdity?"
Vlad had never imagined his son becoming strong - let alone surviving. Now he was hearing Arthur had not only awakened but terrified his older brother.
The squad added urgently: "There's more, my lord. Critical news."
Vlad snapped: "What now? Speak."
"Lady Victoria has regained her fighting spirit and improved dramatically. When Lady Kristina insulted Arthur, calling him a failure, Victoria nearly killed her - restrained only by her guard Kevin. My lord, the dynamics have shifted drastically."
Vlad was stunned. His son and wife had not only returned to normalcy but grown stronger.
He mused: "Should I rejoice at their recovery or mourn the resurgence of internal strife?"
To the squad, he commanded: "From now on, monitor everyone. Your lives depend on your vigilance. Understood?"
Dismissing them, Vlad laughed wildly: "I'm eager to see my youngest son and wife after so long. This will be thrilling."
In the palace, matters grew more complex. Some were angrily treating their wounds in their rooms, others trying to calm their sons, some attempting to correct past mistakes, and still others laughing maniacally at the escalating excitement.
**Meanwhile, Arthur arrived at his room, his hand covered in blood.**
Arthur sat on the couch and said: "Damn, I'm seriously injured."
Laila quickly ran to fetch medicine to treat Arthur's wounds.
Arthur sat and said: "It seems my condition has become very bad, and healing might take a long time. But if I had a larger mana reserve, I could heal my internal injuries. But it's fine, no need to make excuses - let's begin treatment."
Arthur sat and began focusing on circulating mana through his body, particularly in his hand, to aid healing. This technique is called "Reverse Mana," where instead of focusing on increasing mana, it focuses on enhancing healing of internal organs and wounds.
Arthur began meditating, but as expected, the recovery rate was extremely slow.
While concentrating on healing, he remembered his attack on Fern and told himself: "I must be more careful next time, to avoid reckless actions that might draw unwanted attention." But Arthur didn't realize he had already attracted significant attention.
As he focused, Laila quickly entered and said: "My lord, give me your hand."
Arthur replied: "Don't worry, I'm fine. No need for all this alarm, it's just a normal injury."
Laila, looking frightened, said: "Look at your hand - it's full of wounds. All this is because of me. If I hadn't been there, this injury wouldn't have happened."
Arthur smiled, then patted Laila's head and said: "It's alright, it's a small price for what you've done for me."
Laila opened the medicine - a sticky substance - and applied it to Arthur's hand. Arthur felt some stinging and asked: "What is this?"
Laila replied: "It's a special medicine for severe wounds. It's a rare herb, very effective for healing."
Arthur said: "Seems like amazing medicine. Isn't it expensive to obtain something like this?"
Laila answered: "Of course, even I don't normally have access to such medicine."
Arthur asked: "Where did you get this medicine?"
She replied: "After you finish healing, I'll tell you." Then Laila applied the medicinal substance and bandaged Arthur's hand, as his entire arm had been affected by the force of the strike.
After finishing treatment, Laila took out a letter from her pocket and said: "Before I give you this letter, promise me you'll read it completely?"
Arthur responded: "Why should I promise that?"
Laila said: "Please, just for me, you must read it."
He replied: "Alright, for you. But why are you doing this? Who sent this letter?"
Laila said: "After you read it, you'll know."
She handed him the letter, which read:
"Arthur, I heard you're seriously injured in your arm. By the time you read this, it means you've applied the medicine. I'm grateful to Laila for delivering it properly.
I won't take much time. Arthur, it's me - your mother."
After reading the word "mother," Arthur became furious and wanted to stop reading.
Noticing his reaction, Laila quickly said: "Please, for my sake, don't stop. Keep reading."
Arthur continued reading the letter solely for Laila's sake. He read the following words:
"Arthur, I know you hate me deeply, and I know you don't want to hear my voice or even see me. I didn't send this letter to ask for your forgiveness. I sent it to tell you I regret my actions and admit my mistakes. I know what I did to you is unforgivable, so I don't dare ask for your pardon. But know one thing - from now on, I'll help you with everything I can. You can live as you wish, stop fighting if you want, live your life as you choose. I'll be with you in good times and bad, and I don't care if you're a good or bad fighter. I just want you to be happy. So fear no one - none will dare approach you. Also, if you want to kill me, that's fine. You can come to my palace and kill me anytime you wish, if my death would bring you peace or happiness. Oh, and by the way, I've given Laila a dagger. That dagger was a gift to me when I was young. At least I can die by my son's gift. So don't hesitate at all. My son, I swear I'll devote my life solely to you."
Arthur raised his head and said: "Show me the dagger she gave you."
Laila handed Arthur the dagger. It was somewhat long, with a large red gem in its hilt.
The letter affected Arthur, though not as much as it might have. It was as if the spirit of a young boy - the "original Arthur" - was deeply moved. Arthur's body trembled, and a tear fell from his eye. Arthur was surprised by this - why had he teared up? It seemed the "young Arthur" within was crying, having always wished to hear such words from his mother. He'd only wanted to live like any child in his mother's embrace, feeling her tenderness and scent. That's why his body reacted so emotionally to the touching letter.
Arthur wiped his tears and said: "Don't worry, boy. I'll never wrong your mother, so don't worry."
When Laila saw Arthur's tear, she hugged him and said: "Don't worry, I'm with you too. Don't be sad. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't hate your mother too much. She seems truly determined to help you. She told me she's even prepared to fight your father for you. So Arthur, please, don't hate her too much. You don't have to forgive her now, but in the future, at least try to talk to her a little so her heart won't break completely and she can find some peace. She loves you very much. I heard she cried a lot and blamed herself for what she did to you."
Arthur felt strange emotions, because no one had ever sent him such a touching letter before - even though it wasn't really meant for him, he felt sorrowful because he wished he had someone who loved him like that.
While Arthur was thinking, he decided not to let his personal feelings interfere with his mission. He raised his head and said: "Don't worry, everything in its own time. Now I have something important to focus on. But before that, can't you leave me alone? Remember, you're a girl and I'm a boy. Don't do this, or you might give me improper thoughts."
Laila quickly moved away and said: "What a perverted boy!"
Arthur replied: "You're the one causing it."
Laila laughed and said: "I'm just joking." Then she approached and said: "Do you really want to try that with your beautiful sister?"
Arthur sighed and said: "Isn't there anyone here who can save me from this girl harassing an 11-year-old boy?"
She replied: "No one can save you from me." Then she started approaching him, but suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
Laila sighed and said: "Just when we reached the best part, it got ruined."
Arthur felt relieved that Laila was teasing him.
Laila opened the door to find a guard outside. He read from a message: "The family head summons Lord Arthur to the main hall due to charges filed by Lady Kristina, alleging Lord Arthur attacked Lord Fern by surprise. Therefore, Lord Vlad requests everyone's presence in the hall. Please summon Lord Arthur so we may proceed."
Arthur's mood soured at this news. Laila replied: "Very well, my lord will change clothes and we'll come."
The guard said: "Understood."
The guard waited outside the room door. Laila entered the room, but this time her expression showed anger.
Arthur asked her: "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
She replied apologetically: "It seems Kristina has filed a complaint against you to Family Head Vlad, and requested your presence for a hearing regarding the charges."
Arthur's emotions mixed between anger and gratitude, because he would finally meet all of Vlad's children and wives - even his father directly.
Arthur smiled and said: "Don't worry, let's prepare ourselves to go."
As Arthur was preparing himself...
**While everyone was preoccupied with each other, there was one neutral party to all these matters - the second wife, Elena.**
There was a knock at the door, which Elena opened, saying: "What is it? The family head has summoned you to a special meeting now."
Elena was surprised and asked: "What happened? Is something wrong?"
The guard answered: "Lady Kristina has filed charges against Arthur, Victoria's son."
Elena was even more shocked: "Wasn't Arthur in a coma?"
The guard replied: "Yes, he was in a coma, but woke up today. According to the charges, Lady Kristina claims Arthur attacked Fern by surprise. You must have heard that tremor in the palace - it was caused by Arthur."
Elena was truly astonished and asked the guard: "Are you certain about this? Wasn't Arthur incapable of fighting, unable to use mana?"
He answered: "Yes, my lady. But today, Lord Arthur completely demolished a garden wall with his power."
Elena covered her mouth with her hand: "Oh, what an exciting development! Very well, I'll go. Wait for me just a moment."
Elena entered her room where her daughters Luna and Isabel were. She asked Luna: "Wasn't that boy useless? How did he become like this?"
Elena responded: "You must learn one thing in life: there are no permanently worthless people in this world. Everything can change, as it has with your younger brother Arthur."
She added: "Well, since Arthur has never done anything bad to us or to you two, I prefer him over that cunning old woman. Come, let's prepare to see how your little brother has changed."
Thus, the second wife Elena prepared herself and went to Family Head Vlad's hall.
---
**Meanwhile, in her room, Kristina sat with her son Fern.** He sat close to her as she instructed: "You must tell your father that your younger brother attacked you by surprise and caused your injuries, understand?"
Fern said fearfully: "But what if father finds out the truth?"
Kristina replied: "Don't worry, he won't. Besides, your brother is just a coward who won't defend himself as usual. We must take revenge, or the family name will be disgraced after your defeat by that failure of a boy."
Asta, who was sitting with them, spoke up: "Mother, do you really think it will be that easy? I've met Arthur personally - he's clever. I doubt your naive schemes will fool him. You'll need stronger accusations to succeed, or you'll ruin everything with your plotting."
Kristina retorted: "Which Arthur are you talking about?"
Asta clarified: "Oh, I remember now. I mean our younger brother. Though I don't like him, I don't hate him either. But he seems quite interesting, and I'm curious to see what he'll do at today's meeting."
At that moment, Kristina and her two sons prepared and went to Vlad's hall.
---
**Meanwhile, Victoria heard the belated news and became furious.** Kevin, who was with her, urged calm. She responded: "How can I stay calm? That cunning woman is plotting against him!"
Kevin said: "Didn't you say he's a smart boy? These are just charges - at worst he'll be briefly imprisoned or reprimanded. Nothing bad will happen, and this is a true test to see young Arthur's development."
Victoria replied: "I understand what you're saying, but what if something bad does happen to him?"
Kevin reassured her: "Who would dare harm the family head's son? Trust me and don't worry. Also, there's something you don't know. Didn't you say he's smart? Kristina will think he's stupid and won't prepare properly - Arthur might surprise her."
Then Kevin asked: "But my lady, why have you started calling him 'Arthur'?"
Victoria explained: "He said he's abandoned his sad past and his old name - now he's a new person with a new name. That's why I call him that now."
Kevin nodded: "Very well, I understand, my lady. Let's go now so we're not late."
Victoria and Kevin went to the family head's hall.
---
**Before entering, Victoria hesitated slightly.** She turned to Kevin: "Will he really be alright?"
Kevin answered: "He'll be fine. If not, we can help him. Your son is no longer alone as he was in the past. This is a golden opportunity to prove you're serious about protecting him and correcting your mistakes."
After hearing Kevin's words, Victoria gathered her courage and knocked. The doors opened to reveal all present: Elena, Luna and Isabel on the left side; Kristina, Asta and Fern on the right; with Family Head Vlad and the head servant in the center.
Victoria entered confidently, unlike her usual sad or agitated manner. She stood calmly in the hall's center and declared: "I greet the Family Head."
Elena and Kristina were shocked. Normally, Vlad's wives would say "my husband, the Family Head" to show affection, but Victoria simply said "Family Head" directly, as if declaring she no longer cared.
Elena thought to herself: *What a bold move - things are about to get very interesting.*
Vlad too was surprised. Victoria had always tried to please him with sweet words, but now showed no such interest. He thought: *She's truly changed.*
Victoria took her place on the right side, like Elena and her daughters.
---
**After a while, Arthur was slightly late.** Kristina remarked: "Shouldn't we send a guard to fetch that boy?"
Victoria glared angrily: "Know your place! Have you no pride? You're talking about a boy who hasn't even come of age. Your standards have fallen quite low."
Kristina found herself cornered. Elena smiled slightly at hearing this exchange.
As everyone laughed, a guard announced: "Lord Arthur has arrived."
Vlad and Elena were confused by the name. Elena asked the guard: "Who is Arthur?"
The guard explained: "It's young master Arthur - he's decided to change his name to Arthur."
The family head laughed: "What a development! I'm eager to meet this son who's caused such an uproar."
Young Isabel said: "Really, why is everyone so excited to see my sad-faced, scrawny brother?"
But Luna was enthusiastic: "I wonder what our little brother looks like now that he's caused all this commotion and shown such power!"
Vlad too was very excited and thought: *I wonder how this boy appears now. Has he changed, or is he still as pitiful and sad as before?*
The guard shouted: "Let the accused enter!"
As the doors opened, everyone saw...