"Yes, I can write," Faust replied.
The common language all over the continent was the same. For some reason, his mind already knew how to read and write it. Maybe it was because of the exposure to the language that came with his perfect memory, or because the geezer god did him a favor.
"Son..." his stepmother said, "We learned that you are looking for something specific in the library? Can you tell us what that is?"
Huh? Looking for something? Faust wondered why someone had fed his parents false information about him. But then he realized what was going on.
With his photographic memory, he glanced at the pages of the book for just a second and then moved on, finishing dozens of books in a single day. To the eyes of others, it must have looked like he was searching for some special information in those many books.
"Nothing." Faust told the truth, "I was just reading."
His parents shared a look. Clearly, they did not believe him. His father cleared his throat, donning a serious expression and dropping all pretenses.
"The way you asked us how the trade policies of our kingdom work, the logistics and importance of various infrastructure, and the city management rules... I have to ask. Son, you know that, as the oldest son, Augustine, is my heir, right?"
’Ohh... They think I am trying to make myself important in others’ eyes to gain their favor.’
It would have been fine if he were just a clever child, but with his nature still in doubt, his own parents were doubting his true intentions. Something like whether he was truly their son or someone pretending to be their son while learning to govern the dukedom and trying to gain power by being serious competition to his older brother.
’Fuck, how do I explain that I am simply curious about this world and the city and don’t give a rat’s ass who it will all belong to one day?’
Faust lowered his eyes. "Sorry, I was so eager to learn everything that I did not realize it would be an issue for Aug. I will try not to stand out anymore."
His parents’ features revealed a hint of sadness mixed with doubt and hesitation. On one hand, that would indeed hurt a child just trying to learn; on the other, it would be exactly what a pretender would say to make them lower their guard.
"You are young and talented, Faust." Helena said with warmth, "You will find your own calling one day. I know you have suffered greatly despite your young age. We are really sorry for the things you have to go through for reasons that are not in your control."
Was it unfair? Yes, but such was the way of this backward civilization. For political stability, the children had to learn their place at an early age. Yet, it wouldn’t be this serious if not for his special case.
’They do not trust me and probably never will unless I do something.’
His father continued, "Your lessons will start from tomorrow morning. In time, you will be taught everything you wish to know. Focus on controlling your boon. I have hired a special spirit-user instructor for you; he will help you. Put effort into your arms training as well. Considering your boon, that will be truly important for you."
Well, he wasn’t wrong. Learning how to fight in the world of monsters and magic was essential. But as a high school student used to lazing around, watching anime, and reading comics, it was a harsh lifestyle change.
’I must do it all and with utmost focus. I have to make myself useful if I want to be a part of this house.’
Just as he was about to stand up and leave, his father added, "After your lessons, you are to remain beside me as I go around doing my duty."
Faust raised an eyebrow. ’He wishes to keep me close?’
Something was off. His parents had accepted him before; now their attitude towards him felt odd. Did something happen in the days following his return to the family? Did that annoying High Archon whisper something in their ears before leaving?
Faust still could not believe that scary lady was his great-aunt, the mother of the current king himself! Zisel told him only after that first dinner.
Faust only nodded and left his father’s study.
He felt too suffocated in the large palace and headed outside with Koren on his side. Since she had no powers, his presence did not affect her much.
Faust wished to rest against a tree overlooking the distant river; it usually calmed his mind. But today, someone was already there. Zisel, with several maids around him, was holding a ladle, and a large cauldron was placed above the fire. The maids were trying their best to keep the fire going as Zisel barked orders with a crazy look on her face.
"This doesn’t look like something a proper lady should be doing," Faust said loudly from a little distance from the scene.
His older sister spared him a look, then raised her hand to shoo him away. "Don’t you come near, Faust. All my effort will go to waste with your odd spirit abilities."
"And what are you doing exactly?"
She grinned, "It’s a potion that can force people to poop nonstop!"
The maids around Zisel suddenly took a step back from the cauldron, disgusted. Faust looked at his sister with a blank face, too stunned to speak.
"What’s with that stupid face? It’s going to work and will become the greatest weapon of mankind!" His sister declared.
"Where did you even get such a great idea, sister?" Faust smiled.
Zisel opened a bag, unloaded the powdered contents into the cauldron, and smiled brightly as an intense red glow came from it, making her face look like it was straight out of a children’s horror movie.
"Well, of course, while I was pooping!"