The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 56: A Small Price (2)

A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Julian? Are you awake?" My mother’s voice came through.

"Yeah, I just woke up,"

AHHH...

I let out a big yawn, so she’d hear me.

CREAK...

Then, just as I heard the door open, I quickly dismissed the floating windows with a wave of my hand.

"How are you feeling?"

My mother entered the room, her brow furrowed with concern. She looked like she hadn’t slept much.

"Sore, but still great,"

I smiled, knowing this was all I could do to not let her worry about me, and my mother smiled back softly, sitting beside me on the bed.

"You gave me quite a scare last night, what you did... it was incredibly brave, but also incredibly dangerous. If…If anything had happened to you. I’m just not sure what I’d do. Seeing you hurt is the last thing I’d ever want to see."

A mix of pride and shame washed over me. It pained me to see her struggle with her emotions because of my actions. But I knew I had to protect her, now and always.

"I’m sorry for worrying you, Mom. But I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing."

"No… It’s okay. You did the right thing. That’s all that matters."

Ehem…

She cleared her throat, a sign that she had something important to say.

"Though, there’s something else."

"What is it?" I tilted my head at her in curiosity.

"Lady Ophelia wants to see you in her room."

I felt a knot form in my stomach at my mother’s words. Lady Ophelia wanted to see me?

Oh, shit... did she remember what happened last night?

Because if she did... then we’re totally screwed.

Though I had one question though, How much had she seen?

"Mom, is everything okay? Does she know what happened?"

Her expression was unreadable. "Lady Ophelia is still recovering, but she’s doing much better, thanks to you. As for what she knows..." She paused. "She has some questions, Julian. Questions I’m not sure how to answer."

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. "Okay. I should go see her then."

Walking through the mansion’s opulent hallways felt like marching to my own execution. What would Lady Ophelia say? Would she demand answers I couldn’t give? Or worse, answers that might put my mother in danger?

We reached Lady Ophelia’s chambers, and my mother gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before knocking softly.

"Enter," came the voice from within.

Stepping into the room, I was struck by how much better Lady Ophelia looked. Her skin had regained its healthy glow, and though she still reclined in bed, there was a strength in her posture that hadn’t been there before.

Her eyes fixed on me immediately, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Julian," she said softly, "please, come closer."

I approached her bedside with my mother’s comforting presence at my back.

"Uh… Mrs. Florence," I began awkwardly, "I’m glad to see you’re feeling better."

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

"Thanks to you, I believe. Julian, do you know what happened last night?"

I swallowed hard, glancing back at my mother. She gave me a small nod.

"I saw Aldric trying to hurt you," I said carefully. "I couldn’t let that happen. You gave my mother this job and I can’t let her lose it."

Lady Ophelia chuckled.

"You talk quite well for your age, you know that? You’re just like my daughter and the Princess Of the Aurean Kingdom."

Her words made me tense up, but I forced a laugh. "How flattering…"

"But now that Aldric is gone, I need one answer from you. Whatever your response may be, I will take it as the truth. So tell me... did you truly heal me that night?"

The question made my palms sweat. How could I explain something that even I barely understood?

"I... believe so."

"How did you do it?"

"I just did what I could," I replied honestly. "In that moment, I could see the effects of the poisoning and it was clear that it was your mana that was affected."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"You could see the effects on my mana? That’s... remarkable for one so young."

She studied me intently. "Julian, do you understand what you’ve done? The power you’ve displayed?"

I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "Not really, my lady. I just... wanted to help."

"Of course you did. And I’m eternally grateful for that." She turned to my mother. "Erica, you’ve raised a wonderful son."

My mother stepped forward, placing a protective hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you, my lady. But we need discretion in this matter."

"Of course. What happened last night will not leave this room."

She looked back at me with twinkling eyes.

"Julian, I have a proposition for you."

I tensed up. "Yes, my lady?"

"Enter Aethel academy admissions, under my house’s sponsorship."

"...!"

"...?"

What could possibly be going through her mind? Is this the source of Diana’s craziness?

Being sponsored by a high-ranking household is equal to being a medical student attending Harvard with a full scholarship.

She must understand the significance of this, but why choose me, of all people?

Lady Ophelia’s lips curved into a gentle smile at my bewildered expression.

"I can see you’re surprised, Julian. But I assure you, this is no jest."

I glanced back at my mother, searching for guidance, but her face was a mask of shock that mirrored my own.

"Mrs. Florence, I... I’m honored, truly. But I don’t understand. Why would you offer such an opportunity to someone like me?"

Lady Ophelia’s amber eyes softened.

"Someone like you? Julian, do you truly not see the potential you possess?"

I shifted uncomfortably, averting my gaze.

"I’m just... I’m just a village boy, my lady. I don’t have any special talents or—"

"Nonsense," she interrupted, her voice firm but kind. "What you did last night... it wasn’t just bravery, Julian. It was extraordinary. The ability to see and manipulate mana at your age, with no formal training? That’s a rare gift."

Her words made my heart race. I know I was different, but to hear it spoken aloud by someone of Lady Ophelia’s standing was overwhelming.

"But, surely there are others more deserving—"

"There are many deserving students, yes," Lady Ophelia conceded. "But few with your innate talent for healing magic. Do you know how valuable skilled medical mages are, Julian? How many lives they can save?"

I shook my head, still struggling to process her words.

"Mom?" I turned to my mother, seeking her input.

My mother’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

"Julian, this is... this is an incredible opportunity. Of course, you’d have to pass the admissions exam first, but Ophelia herself was one of the top graduates from Aethel Academy’s honors program. So, I trust that what she’s saying is truly genuine and worth considering."

Lady Ophelia nodded.

"Erica, your son has a gift. At Aethel, he could learn to harness it, to become a healer of renown. And under our family’s sponsorship, he would want for nothing."

"But... but what about my mother? I can’t leave her alone."

Lady Ophelia’s expression softened further.

"Your mother’s position here is secure, Julian. And I give you my word that she will be well cared for in your absence."

I know that it’s a lot to take in, but I’m not simply going to take this offer just for saving a person’s life.

If anything, I felt guilty for considering the thought of just not doing anything at all.

CREAKK…

Then just in the middle of our conversation.

This content is taken from fгeewebnovёl.com.

Diana opened the doors to the room.

"What’s going on here?"