The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the delicate aroma of herbal tea and the sweet fragrance of snowberry jam. It was a common combination of smells that filled the Igneus household, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Novus, the only child of the family, caught a whiff of the enticing breakfast from his room, which happened to be located directly above the kitchen. Lazily, he stretched his limbs on his comfortable bed, enjoying the warmth and coziness it provided.

His room boasted wooden walls and tiled floors, but it was far from tidy. Parchments covered in notes were haphazardly arranged on the walls, creating what Novus liked to call "ordered chaos." 

His mother, Tiria, often scolded him about the disorder, but Novus found comfort in the organized mess, almost as if he could see his very thoughts all over the room.

-No... I don't want to get up,- Novus murmured lazily, his voice barely audible, as he struggled against his pillowy covers.

The morning sun filtered through his window, partially obstructed by elegant and heavy curtains—a luxury not commonly seen in the city of Rigel, at least not for Lowborns like Novus' family.

Novus had no desire to rise from his bed, knowing what awaited him that day. He intended to savor this glorious moment of relaxation before reluctantly leaving the comfort of his bed. However, his plans were abruptly interrupted when someone opened his door.

Tiria Igneus, Novus' mother, entered the room without a care in the world, humming an old Imperial song. Novus attempted to feign sleep, but his act was swiftly exposed as Tiria whisked open the curtains in a single, decisive motion.

The sunlight, previously shielded from Novus, suddenly flooded the room, hitting him with an intensity akin to a runaway carriage.

-Ugh, close the curtains, close them!- Novus pleaded, grunting and shielding his eyes from the intrusive rays.

-You should already be up, my little snowberry cake. Your new job starts today, and you don't want to be late, do you?- Tiria's silhouette, framed by the light pouring in, approached Novus, attempting to gently remove the covers that concealed him.

"Attempted" was the operative word here, as Novus stubbornly clutched the covers, attempting to envelop his entire body with them.

-No,- Novus replied defiantly, feeling too old for this kind of treatment.

His stubbornness easily frayed Tiria's nerves, prompting her to act without hesitation. Without uttering a word, she tugged the covers with all her might, adding a spin to her grip.

Novus, still attempting to hold on, lost his grip and tumbled off the bed, landing on his rear.

-I think that's enough of that, Novus. You really need to get up and get going. I made your favorite breakfast,- Tiria said, masking her frustration with her son's laziness behind a forced smile.

 -I know... I know... just give me a minute to get dressed, and I'll be right down.- Novus, still sitting on the floor, let out a sigh.

Tiria crouched down to help Novus up, her tense smile easing into a gentle expression.

-I understand this isn't what you wanted, but think about the positive impact you can make in the long run if you establish the right connections and befriend the right people,- Tiria said, using one hand to lift her son up. 

Despite being 16 years old, Novus paled in comparison to his mother's stature and strength. While Novus leaned more toward academics than athletics, Tiria's side of the family business demanded considerable physical labor.

-Befriend them?- Novus snorted as he brushed off some dust from the back of his sleepwear. 

-I've spent the last four years meeting half of the nobility in the city, and it's only left me with the urge to either ignore them or burn down the buildings they inhabit.-

-Novus, you can't just say things like that.- Tiria crossed her arms, her smile fading away.

 She gently placed her hand on his cheek and crouched down to meet his eye level.

-Promise me you won't speak like that in the castle,- she pleaded, a touch of concern in her voice. 

-They might have tolerated it in school, but I don't think any noble would take kindly to your sharp tongue.- Her voice lowered as she added, -You know they have the right to kill you for such an offense, so please don't tempt your luck, my son.-

Novus managed a small smile, but soon his wit overpowered his better judgment, as it often did.

-That's why I don't want this assignment! It's because of situations like that!- He exclaimed, gently removing his mother's hand from his cheek, feeling somewhat self-conscious and embarrassed.

-It's okay, Novus. We know you can't refuse a request from the Academy, and it's okay to be afraid,- Tiria reassured him. 

She understood that their family was powerless against the will of the nobility, regardless of their relatively favorable economic situation. In the Kingdom of Via, the decisions of the highborn were law.

-I'm not afraid of that! In fact, they can't do that!- Novus replied frantically.

-That's what they want you to think. The laws have changed, the whole Kingdom has changed, no matter how much they cling to the idea that this is still the Empire,- Tiria explained, trying to quell her son's anxiety.

The young man paced back and forth in his room, picking up articles of clothing he had discarded the previous day. 

-What I wanted to do was start a school and use my knowledge and academic title to impart knowledge to the people,- Novus said, hastily putting on a shirt after discarding his camisole.

-I wanted to help others, to teach them, and most importantly, to provide them with the only thing that truly sets us apart from the nobles.- His tone quickened as his frustration grew, mirrored by his struggle with the buttons on his shirt.

Tiria, displaying infinite patience, took hold of her son's hand, guiding them away from the buttons, and helped him with the task. 

-I know teaching was your dream, but being chosen as the personal assistant to the Paeoniis in the castle is a significant honor. It's a stepping stone for greater things, my son,- she said, systematically fastening each button.

-You're intelligent, Novus, but you need to be cautious. Keep your intentions close to your chest and don't reveal your true cards. Try to...,- Tiria finished buttoning the last button on his shirt.

-I don't want to say 'be invisible,' but aim not to draw too much attention to yourself, and you'll see how quickly these four years will pass.-

Novus sighed. -You're right. I promise to try,- he said as he fastened his leather belt and pulled up his pants. 

-I'll finish dressing on my own, thank you, mother.- Tiria patted his head, causing Novus to blush, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

-I know you're not a child anymore,-  she playfully replied, moving her hand away.

Tiria smiled with newfound tenderness. -I know, but sometimes I wish you still were, at least for a couple more years.- And with that, she left the room, leaving Novus to finish dressing on his own.