The last, soft spoonful of rice pudding had just been emptied from the bowl, leaving Elias with a satisfied gurgle. He leaned back against the comforting warmth of his mother's chest, nestled securely in her lap.
Lady Elara, her gaze distant for a moment as she gazed outside the open window,lost in thought. She appeared to be thinking deeply about something. She seemed to have made up her mind and returned her attention to her son.
"Elias, my dear, I have such wonderful news for you. It concerns your… recent awakening."
Elias feigned a questioning look at his mother though inwardly he suppressed a groan that would be far too sophisticated for a three-year-old.
He knew this conversation. He had, in a sense, already seen it happen countless times in the novels and comics from his previous life. Now, the prospect of a tutor was being presented.
"What a cliché" he sighed inwardly.
He saw this not as a gentle introduction to a mystical art, but as a hindrance. Being reincarnated and still having to go through school. Life was just so unfair.
"I should have died in that explosion." He mumbled inaudibly. Then looked up and smiled at his mother.
Lady Elara smiled back. She leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead.
"As you know, your father, Lord Alaric, is a man of vast responsibilities all having to do with his position as a noble. And I, my darling," she continued, her fingers gently stroking his hair.
"While I could teach you myself,the administration of this household prevent me from dedicating time to home school you. To truly foster the immense potential you so dramatically demonstrated that day, a different level of education is required." She paused, her emerald eyes sparkling. "Therefore, after much deliberation, your father and I have arranged for a very knowledgeable Master to come over. While he does have a lot of…duties,he said he'd take time off to personally instruct you in the profound art of Flow."
Elias merely blinked, pretending innocence, while furious resignation flowed beneath his composed surface.
" Though I wish he'd take those duties seriously." Lady Elara added quietly with and exasperated sigh. Elias looked up at his mother who spoke as if she knew him personally.
"Who is he?" He wondered.