The Send-Off Party Part 2

It’s late at night already, and most of the people are gone. It's only our family, Eugine’s family, Sappho, Skolets, Irene, and Akakios.

“I told you beer is overrated. It’s so bitter,” Sappho was bragging with Paulus, sipping some beer.

“I’m not interested in trying it. It sucks that we will probably have to.” Said Akakios always in his mature tone.

“You guys will soon start practicing magic. We will wait for you guys at the academy.”

“Paul, we will still see you some weekends and in the summer. Don’t be so dramatic.” Said, Irene.

“We might not even see you at the academy if you guys suck at magic.”

“Stop it, Sappho.”

“Paul, you got lucky you didn’t inherit the pig side of your Dad. You are a natural with magic.”

That bastard, everyone can hear him.

“That guy cannot be my father! I’m pretty sure Mom was pregnant with me already when they got married! I might be the son of a noble without even knowing! HA HA HA.” Said Paul, laughing and hugging Sappho.

Dad stood up from the table, next to which were some of the adults. Every time he stands up, Dad displays respect. “Son, you can call me a pig or whatever you want, but don’t ever insult your mother,” said Dad. I have never seen him this mad before.

“Shut up, you dumb pig. You are not worthy of being called my father. You should give me my part of the inheritance and forget about me.”

I have never seen Paul behave this way. Oh no, things are getting out of hand now. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed completely. I can feel the magic resonance coming from somewhere close. Where is this bloodthirsty aura coming from? I turn around and see Mom.

Mom was coming from inside the house. She almost took the door off by closing it. She was walking, her muscles tense, with part of her hair covering her left eye, while her right eye was fixed on Paulus.

“You have a big mouth, Paulus! Even though you peed your bed not too long ago. Take back what you said about your father.” Oh no, Mom was also drunk. I have seen her mad before, but this time it was different.

“I’m an adult now, I can do whatever I want!” said Paul.

Mom put her dead weight over the thick wooden table, breaking it in two.

“The weak shut their mouth! Ooon guaaaaard!” said mom, lifting his fist. Dad was caught in the middle, trying to calm them down.

“Bring it on, you bitch” said Paulus while concentrating his aura around his body.

Dad quickly moved behind Paulus. And everyone made space, moving to the sides.

In a split second, Mom landed her left fist right in Paulus's face. He flew until his unconscious body stopped at a nearby tree. It took less than a second for Mom to beat Paulus, and that’s how the party finished. Mom went inside the house, and no one dared to look her in the eye or step in her way.

“I’m sowwy.” Sappho was on his knees begging for mercy, but she didn’t even bother to look his way.

This is the first time I've seen Mom showing her brute force. It's no wonder everyone shows her so much respect. How did Dad marry her? Did Mom take advantage of Dad to take over his family business? I now understand the importance of being strong in this world.

In the meantime, Dad ended the party and dismissed everyone.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming. Sorry, we had to end it this way.”

“Sorry, Mr. Paulus, Sorry, Mr. Paulus, Sorry, Mr. Paulus.” Said Sappho, bowing multiple times.

Dad then went and grabbed Paulus in his arms and placed him on the couch inside the house. He brought warm water in a basin and rags to cure his wounds. Paul’s face was swelling and bruising. However, his magic protected him pretty well. His back, though, had cuts from the tree he landed in. Dad stayed all night next to his son.

“Cato, you come with me.” Mom took me to her room. We changed clothes and got into bed. I guess she was feeling lonely.

“Cato, sorry you had to see that side of Mom. I can be a monster sometimes. However, we can’t be going around bullying the weak. Your Dad cannot use much magic, but that doesn’t make him less of a person. This world can be cruel to the vulnerable.”

“Does the kingdom allow that behavior to those who cannot use magic?”

“According to the law, all fellow citizens must be treated with respect. However, if you are a slave, things are a little different. As a slave, your life still needs to be respected and your basic needs need to be taken care of by the master, but a slave is still property, and the master can do whatever they want with their slaves. Now, when you are a slave without magic, you run out of luck. It is not that the law does not protect people without magic, but the problem is that people will not even see you as a fellow human.”

“But Dad can use a little magic.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t look like. Usually, people without magical affinity gain weight or grow taller.”

“Okay”

“I'm sorry for beating your brother. Are you scared of Mom?”

“Paul deserved it. Did you blackmail Dad into marriage?”

“Agh! It was mutual love and convenient for both sides.”

“I’m not afraid of Mom. I love you, and I think you are so cool.”

“Come here, baby, mommy needs a hug.”

Mom is so strong. I want to be like her.

The next morning, before leaving, Paulus asked for forgiveness from Mom and Dad. I’m not sure if he really means it, or if it's just the fact that Mom is stronger, so he has to give in.

“Listen, Paulus, you are strong. You will become a soldier. Soldiers are to protect this country. And the country is its people. We are strong to protect the weak. I don’t ever want to hear you look down on people because they lack magic affinity.” Said mom.

“I’m sorry.” Said Paulus.

“Also, your Dad is stronger than you think, because strength comes in different ways.”

“Yes, mother. Again, I’m sorry, Dad.” Paulus bows down

“No worries, son.” he gave him a warm smile and a pat on his head.

Thus, Paulus left.