‘Was I too distracted by the paper and misheard it?’
Riley couldn't believe what he had just heard and asked back.
"No, wait... What did you say? Leave?"
"..."
Stein did not reply.
He was simply waiting for Riley's response with his right arm still extended.
"No, just..."
Riley, who had his brows furrowed in shock, narrowed his eyes and stared at the piece of paper Stein was holding out.
"What is that?"
Stein was wordlessly shaking the paper in front of him.
It seemed it was originally a rolled up message, seeing as the sides of the paper were curled inwards.
"Hm, the capital?"
Riley mumbled to himself the word which stood out the most on the paper.
The capital.
The large city located outside the Iphelleta's domain.
In the centre was a large palace and outside its white walls, the citizens, merchants and nobles lived in a beautifully decorated city.
[Information Regarding The Capital's Swordsmanship Tournament]
[At our 17th tournament starting next week, we invite one of the sons of 'Finn Iphelleta,' widely acclaimed for their swordsmanship. We would be honoured if you were to attend and set an example for this event.]
The words were difficult to see from afar, so Riley approached Stein’s desk and took the paper to read its contents.
"..."
In summary, the message on the paper contained what Riley despised the most.
‘Leave the mansion.’
This was most likely the reason why Stein has said such words.
To compete in the swordsmanship tournament.
'I mean, even if you were to be a man of few words...'
You, go to the capital's swordsmanship tournament.
It would have been much easier to say it that way, and there was no reason for him to say 'leave the mansion' now was there?
Riley, who was complaining in his mind, placed the paper back on the desk and began to slowly walk backwards.
"Hahahah..."
"Riley."
"Father, you know what my answer is right?"
"It will be a good experience."
"But I don't need experience?"
"Your brothers have been there too."
"Why don't they go one more time? It's a nice place."
"This letter was for you."
"What, no way."
"It's what they refer to as a love call."
"..."
What did he say now?
Love call?
To think such words would come from the hard-headed Stein.
When Riley stopped his backwards pacing as if he was struck by something, Stein pushed his chair back and stood up behind the desk.
"I... won't go."
At the sound of the chair scraping against the floor, Riley's mind came back and he shook his head as he stated his thoughts.
Crying will not work since he's not so young anymore.
Therefore he must state his intentions clearly.
"I won't go to the swordsmanship tournament."
"For how long will you live so self-centredly? You should put an end to such a lifestyle soon.
"I don't have talent."