Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Little sister Alice was eagerly holding a small spoon, ready to spread honey on her fried eggs when she heard her father's words. Her adorable little mouth pouted slightly, like a luscious, tempting cherry. A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes, but she quickly realized her father meant well. After all, she was only ten years old, an age where she was beginning to pay extra attention to her appearance. She knew that while honey was sweet, it could harm her teeth. Even though she had an intense craving for sweets, she tried hard to restrain herself.

Martha's gaze was instantly drawn to Alice, her eyes filled with tenderness and concern as she watched her youngest daughter's every move. The four men of the Noah family saw this and collectively breathed a sigh of relief, as if an impending storm had suddenly dissipated. They were grateful to have temporarily escaped their mother's nagging and scolding, their expressions becoming noticeably more relaxed.

The head of the household, Bruce, looked at his youngest son with a hint of pride and anticipation in his eyes. He asked gently, "Evan, you are now fifteen, an adult. According to our Noah family tradition, you will receive a coming-of-age gift of 100 Silver Keren, and you will no longer receive a monthly allowance. What are your plans for the future?" The Silver Keren was one of the currency units of the Sala Empire, playing a significant role in the nation's economic system. Besides that, there were the more valuable Gold Salas and the less valuable Copper Huotes. They had a clear and fixed exchange rate: 100 Copper Huotes equaled 1 Silver Keren, and 200 Silver Kerens could be exchanged for 1 Gold Sala. Evan lived in Sheffield, a rare port city of the Sala Empire. The city was like a brilliant pearl set into the empire's coastline, with highly developed textile and fishing industries. Here, a female textile worker toiling for a full day earned a mere ten Copper Huotes, while a middle-class family needed to spend at least ten Silver Kerens per week to maintain a comfortable and decent lifestyle. Therefore, 100 Silver Kerens was undoubtedly a considerable sum for Evan, especially considering his previous monthly allowance was only one Silver Keren.

Upon hearing his father's words, Evan immediately straightened his back, sat up properly, his expression turning serious and solemn. He looked firmly at his father, a fiery determination burning in his eyes. "I want to take the entrance exam for the Imperial Knight Academy," he said, his voice steady and resolute, as if each word carried his unwavering belief and boundless aspirations for the future. His resolve stood as firm and unyielding as a towering mountain.

Bruce was slightly taken aback by his son's answer, a flicker of surprise and unexpectedness in his eyes. In his impression, Evan had always been a lively, mischievous, and somewhat childish boy. He had never imagined that at this important moment of reaching adulthood, his son would set such an ambitious and challenging goal.

Mark immediately gave Evan a thumbs-up, holding it high as if it were the highest praise for his brother's courage and determination. His eyes were full of admiration and encouragement. Edward joined in the excitement: "Go for it, little brother! Your second brother believes in you!" His voice was loud and full of energy, his words brimming with support and trust for Evan, filling Evan's heart with a surging warmth, a force like powerful waves propelling him forward.

Little sister Alice looked at everyone with a blank expression, her clear eyes revealing confusion and puzzlement, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. She was still too young to understand what taking the Imperial Knight Academy exam meant. She simply watched, bewildered, as her brothers engaged in their heated discussion, as if observing a mysterious ritual she couldn't comprehend.

Martha said worriedly, "Is that really necessary? Actually, the Seminary, the College of Arts, or the Business School are all good options." In her view, the Knight Academy was fraught with unknown dangers and numerous uncertainties—a stage for the strong and a crucible for the weak. She preferred her son to choose a relatively safe and smooth path, far from potential harm and hardship.

Evan didn't speak. He just fixed his gaze intently on Bruce, a look mixed with defiance. His eyes were like sharp swords piercing through the air, aimed directly at his father's heart. Under his son's intense stare, Bruce felt a twinge of guilt and unease, shifting uncomfortably and touching his nose. Seeing this, Mark passed the milk jug to Edward, gesturing with his eyes for him to pour Evan a large cup of hot milk. At the same time, he tried to persuade their mother: "Mom, let the third brother give it a try. Edward and I also wanted to take the Knight Academy exam when we were fifteen, didn't we? If he fails, he can still attend the Seminary, the College of Arts, or others. Their entrance exams are at different times anyway." His words were full of understanding and tolerance, attempting to use his and Edward's own experiences to reassure their mother and ease her worries and concerns.

"But what if he gets injured or..." Martha remained worried. After all, the fact that people could die during the Imperial Knight Academy exams was not baseless rumor but a harsh reality. Especially in recent years with the spread of newspapers, the national admission lists and death tolls from the annual exams were published. Those shocking reports were like demons lurking in her heart, constantly gnawing at her. How could she not be anxious?

Edward picked out another soft, fragrant loaf of bread and handed it to Evan. Evan took the bread, skillfully picked up a table knife to slice it open with smooth, practiced motions. He stuffed some sliced cured meat and a fried egg inside, then took a small spoon to scoop some strawberry jam and spread it evenly. Satisfied, he took a big bite. Mark picked up the milk jug and refilled his own and his father's cups with hot milk. Everyone was quietly occupied with their own tasks, and for a moment, no one answered Martha. Seeing no response, Martha shifted her gaze back to Bruce, her eyes carrying a hint of reproach and expectation, as if saying, "You're the head of the family. You need to say something."

Bruce said with a fond scold, "You little rascal," his words carrying a trace of affection. He cleared his throat and spoke slowly, "After all, Evan is the third son." This seemingly simple statement held layers of resignation and deeper meaning. The Sala Empire practiced primogeniture, an insurmountable chasm in the path of family inheritance. Whether it was a noble title or family property, everything went entirely to the eldest son. Second and younger sons could only receive a sum of money upon reaching adulthood, then, like birds leaving the nest, had to make their own way in the vast world. They might enter the clergy, becoming priests seeking spiritual solace and life's direction under divine guidance; or join the military, forging glory and merit in the baptism of blood and fire; or venture into commerce, struggling and floating in the tides of profit; or leave their homeland for the colonies to pioneer unknown territories, seeking their own place amidst desolation and hope. These were the paths typically chosen by well-born non-heirs. However, each of these paths was fraught with hardship and difficulty, like a path strewn with thorns where every step could leave one wounded. Edward was currently studying at the Seminary, diligently working within those hallowed halls. After graduation, he would become a junior priest in the Church of the Ocean and Guardian. He was already striving for his future, walking steadfastly on this path of faith and devotion.