COS: Royal Rune

His mother sighed as she pushed the meal away from her, "Your father has forbidden us from providing you all any financial or material help. Any coin or material you gain must come from your yearly stipends. Additionally, he has limited how far we are able to intercede upon your behalf. It is still fine for now, but once you reach your fifteenth year you will be on your own in the house in most all regards. We will be able to provide some advice, but the mothers are to take a heavy step back from then on. Even training will be severely limited."

Nassir did not have much of a reaction until his mother got to the last part. The rest he was fine with, but that would hurt him significantly. One of his biggest advantages, outside of his natural rune and reincarnation, was that his mother was a powerful legend. His was the only one that had reached such a rank. The next most powerful mother, Nyris's Orleanean mother, had only barely became a Grand mage before giving up her climb. His was the only mother that was a powerhouse and he had planned to use it to his full benefit. 

In truth, five years was more than enough time to learn his mother's techniques, at least to a novice level of understanding. That was only under the condition he stayed within the palace and devoted all his efforts into becoming a warrior. Two things he did not plan to do in the slightest. His siblings would all walk the warrior path, it was the easiest given their bloodline and father. It was almost guaranteed that they would at the very least become a Sky Saint if they followed the path set out by their bloodlines. As long as they had a high enough purity and a decent branch of their giant's bloodline. 

Relying solely on warriors internal energy part of his bloodline did not appeal to him, especially when his branch was so unique and powerful. It would be a waste. Not when it could be combined with aspects of his natural rune that could turn him into a powerhouse for the ages if he played his cards right. 

"So I will not be able to learn your sword technique?" he asked after some time of thinking 

His mother gave him a sad smile and shook her head, "Not directly from me, their will be no time if you are to receive your fathers permission to leave as you wish." Nassir could help but suck on his teeth in annoyance he was going to complain but his mother spoke again, "But that doesn't mean that you can still not learn."

She laughed at the curious look she gave him before motioning for a servant to come over. The servant walked over gracefully carrying a large black book in their hands, they handed it to his mother before bowing and walking away. His mother held the book in her hand like it was her most prized possession.

She gently ran her hand over the cover it as she continued, "I had a feeling that your father might do something like this in the near future so I have been working on this book for some time. This book contains everything I have learned over the years. While it does include my sword technique, it also includes my experiences, how it felt progressing through the levels, how I gained the classes I wished, my fighting experiences and much more. It is my life in book form. And it is my gift to you my son, I hope it will help you in your journey."

Nassir did not know what to say in that moment. To someone like him, and to the majority of people, this book was more valuable than the purest beyslice crystal. This book, even if he did not plan to take the warriors route, would save him years - maybe even decades- in time. For his mother to give him something like this was beyond anything he could have ever hoped for. Those who had reached a level as high as hers were supremely protective of information like this as it could always be used against them in some way. It did not matter if one was their child or not, they would still never share such detailed information. Parricide was far too common of an affair to risk it.

Not knowing what to say he did the only thing that came to mind. Leaping from his seat he ran around the table and tackled his mother into the deepest hug he could give. He did not say anything and just hugged her as tight as possible. When he was reborn into this world he would have never expected to have such a good parent. 

His mother laughed as she returned the hug as best as she could in her seated position. He could not remember how many times he told her 'thank you' before he let go. When he did his mother handed him the book before giving him a kiss on the head.

"I will cherish it with everything that I am mother" he swore as he held the book against his chest. 

"I am sure you will use it well my son." she said and she hugged him one more time. 

They soon returned to their breakfast where he ate as quickly as he could as he wished to delve into the book immediately. Just as he had finished his food and was about to ask to be excused, the steward of their small household, a man by the name of William, walked in and gave a small bow.

"Mistress Winter and Prince Nassir, guest have come to meet you. Do you wish to see them?" 

Nassir looked annoyed, the vultures had come swarming faster than he thought. He was about to decline them, but his mother spoke first.

"Good, it seems our dear guest have arrived earlier than expected. Please have them escorted to the drawing room, we shall join them soon." she said with an excited smile on her face. 

Nassir was confused by his mother actions but did not say anything, only shooting her a look. From what he knew of her she did not seem the type to entertain vultures and opportunist. But he had been trained in etiquette from an early age and knew it was not his time to speak, his mother was still in control of his matters until he reached his majority. He is allowed some measure of control, fortunately, but his mother had final say. 

The steward left at his mothers words and she stood from her seat and straightened her dress out. She looked to him with barely concealed excitement, "Come Nassir, there are some people that I wish for you to meet."

"Who?" he asked as he stood up and joined her side.

"Your grandfather, cousin and your future betrothed." she said as she began to walk on

Nova's mind went blank.