As Abner walked to the town plaza with his family, a thought suddenly came to his mind
“Hey dad,do u think uncle Jeph would be the fabled Promised Flame?”
The Promised Flame was a renowned fable in Kaigran. Legend has it that he/she would hail from Kaigran and inherit extraordinary powers from the first Contractor Kaigran, Issuhcus Chivesker. The Promised Flame is also said to be the saviour that will save the world from doom in the future. Issuhcus also stated that a noticeable mark of the Promised Flame was the symbol of transcendence on the person’s body. However, many centuries have passed and the prophecy soon turned into a famous old folklore in Kaigran.
“Haha, he might be. Uncle Jeph is definitely more capable than dad at home” joked Eiya.
“Hmm…maybe I should check his ass next time for a mark…” His children gave him an awkward stare as soon as Largin said that.
The three of them soon entered the grand hall in the Trinity. The place was glamorously decorated with majestic fabric and dazzling lights. Largin scanned the hall for Jeph and found him on the central stage wearing his Head Contractor’s robe. He started waving to him as the three of them walked towards Jeph.
“Hey Jeph, you seem pretty tense. Haha no worries, it’ll be over soon before you know it!” Largin gave Jeph a pat on the back, trying to relief him from the tension.
“Heh, can’t help but worry… Oh yes, someone needs your assistance regarding some formal papers u gotta sign Largin.”
“Well, you kids heard your uncle. I’ll be making my way over there to help out. You two keep your uncle company.”
“Kay dad” replied Abner and Eiya unanimously. Largin then started to make his way into a room that Jeph had directed him to go.
“Uncle Jeph, Congratulations on becoming the next Head Contractor! I’m sure you’ll have no troubles succeeding my dad’s role. “ exclaimed Eiya as she eagerly gave Jeph her best wishes.
“Haha thanks for the wishes Eiya. But in all honesty, your dad was probably one of the most reputable and strongest Head Contractor in Kaigran history. I’m just trying my best to continue his legacy. I mean, he was already the renowned hero in the last war for the core of the land” said Jeph as he tried to force a smile.
“Well, I think you’re just being too modest uncle Jeph. Don’t go assuming that my dad is perfect in every way. He has many flaws as well. Anyways, have the Council members arrived?” asked Abner as he looked around the huge hall.
“Oh yes, they are already here. We are only missing Tyson, who appears to be out on a mission at the moment. Zevra, Jared and Zephyr are all already seated over there.”
It was a rare sight to see most of the members of the Council to be gathered in one place. Zevra was quietly reading her book as she waited for the event to start. She was a slender woman with light brown hair donned in fancy gown for the occasion. Seated next to her was Jared who was snoring away, clearly uninterested in anything before the event. He was a man with unkept hair with a long fringe covering his left eye. On the right of Jared was Zephyr, who was also the Head Master for Cress Academy. He had a dignified composure and spoke with confidence as a staff member approached him for enquiries. The three of them were highly respected by citizens of Kaigran and Abner noticed that there were times where some of the audience stared at them in admiration.
“So Abner! I’ve heard from your dad that you are still reluctant on signing up for Cress Academy. Something discouraging you to do so?”
“Heh…I’m aware of his real excuse. He’s just trying to run away from Cress’ tough and hectic curriculum. He doesn’t like taking up responsibilities” joked Eiya as she gave Abner a playful nudge to his sides.
“Oww….hey! Well, you aren’t wrong about that. But jokes aside, Cress Academy is the national institute that will groom the future leaders of Kaigran. People with no ambition like myself should not be thinking of enrolling in Cress. Regardless, Eiya would always be a better candidate than me as a Council member in the future. “said Abner as he tried to hide the dejected look on his face after realizing how much more inferior than his sister he seemed to be.
“Brother, Stop degrading yourself! You know very well that me, as well as dad and mom treasure you more than that!” it could easily be seen on Eiya’s face that she was crossed at her brother’s negative thoughts about himself. Secretly, she had always looked up to her brother since young and couldn’t help but to stop Abner from underestimating himself.
“ O-Ok! I get it, just stop hitting me!” said Abner as he tried to avoid his sister’s furious glares.
“Haha, well who knows Eiya, maybe he’ll stumble on something in the future that may change his mind. Well, it was nice catching up with you two but I guess it’s time for me to get prepared for the coronation. We’ll continue our conversation again after the coronation yea?”
With a cheerful smile, Jeph hurriedly walked backstage as he was called over again by a few from the staff.
And so, the coronation begins…
