It's almost the time for your sixteenth birthday. I can't believe how fast time went by. Before I realized it, you have been gone for almost a year. Are you doing fine? Is it really true that you are working as a doctor? I find it hard to believe that people come to get treatment from you, someone who dissected dead animals to confirm the content of books.

Leaving the small talks aside, Brian is still not willing to write to you. He is hurt that you didn't accept his offer to continue your studies under Master. He cannot understand why you would turn down the offer when he was going to pay for you and all you had to do was work for his family for some years. I guess he probably feels betrayed. Brian is still a child inside even though he is older than you. I also cannot fathom why you had to be so stubborn about moving away from Istria.

The situation doesn't look too good for Esterin anymore. The Athos Theocracy and the Kingdom of Sefron have formed a military alliance to stand against the expanding Gadron Empire and Astein Dukedom. They hope to be another military superpower and are extending invitations to nearby realms in order to consolidate their power. Our Esterin Kingdom feels threatened by the alliance as we are in bad terms with the Kingdom of Sefron. Some of the major political powers from our nation seem to have received invitations from the Athos Theocracy as well. The relation between the n.o.bles of our kingdom has become very strained. The crown's authority has also been on the decline for a long time now.

Marquis Raven whom Brian's grandfather serves seems to have received an invitation as well. The neighboring n.o.bles are wary of the marquis. Everyone thought that the marquis was a thorough supporter of the crown, but with the addition of the invitation, the whole picture changes. Many people are doubting the marquis's loyalty and are pressuring him. Brian seems worried about his family since they are being ostracized by other knight households recently. He worries too much for his family and friends. He isn't making much progress in his wizardry recently as well. He seems very frustrated and depressed. Even master feels like he isn't in a good state and is worried for him. I am the same as well.

The only person I know who can cheer him up is you. I hope you are able to let go of your pride and visit him. You, of all people should be the one by his side as he is having a hard time. Though he may not say it, you are still the one he feels most comfortable with.

Make sure you write more often. You should also move to a more rural place if you really aren't planning on receiving any help. The conscription and enlistment should begin soon. If you want to avoid it, I suggest you either come here as soon as possible or move away immediately, specially since you have made a name for yourself as a doctor. The demands for doctors and medics skyrocket during wars and forcefully conscripting them is quite common.

Take care of yourself. I hope that you make the wiser choice and come to us right away.

Rachel Skylark"

Vincent put down the letter with a heavy expression. He hadn't parted with Brian in an amicable way. Brian had lost his father when he was twelve and the two boys had grown specially close since then. Brian had come to depend on Vincent for a lot of things and Vincent had become an emotional pillar for the other boy. They had become an inseparable pair through the years.

Vincent sighed as he sorted his chaotic thoughts. He hesitated for a long time before finally taking out a fresh paper and ink. His usually light and steady pair of hands felt heavy for some reason. Words didn't come to him as easily as they used to.

"Dear Brian

It has been a long time. I find it regrettable that this is the first time I am writing to you. I wanted to write to you much earlier but I could never bring myself to see it through.

I heard from Rachel that you aren't making much progress. I will probably advance to a wizard of second circle in the next month. I hope that you won't fall behind too far. I would find it shameful to call you my brother if you progressed as slowly as Rachel.

You don't have to worry about your family situation too much. Your grandfather has been a top tier silver warrior for almost a decade now. He could break through anytime and become a gold ranked warrior. When that happens, the importance and safety of your family will increase by a notch or two. Besides, everyone should be aware that the theocracy sent these invitations to sow discord among us.

The best you can do now is to focus on you training. A silver rank wizard would be a great a.s.set to your family. It would also put your mother's heart at ease.

I have run out of things to say. You should take better care of yourself. You said that you were going to be a hero who spread the name of the Ragebear household. I hope that I will hear the name of Brian Ragebear soon enough.

Yours truly,

Vincent Ember"

Vincent looked at the crudely written letter and put it in an envelope. Even he himself found his immature way of handling the situation laughable. But, this was the best he could do at the moment. He could only hope that his provocative words would fuel Brian and push him to work harder. He then trained like he always did. He tired himself until the insides of his body felt sore from exercising his mana. His stomach growled as it demanded food to replenish the energy used during the exercise. Dinner soon disappeared down his throat and he made his way to the bed.

His mind drifted off to an all too familiar village with beautiful flowers. A lovely woman accompanied him as he read stories to her. It was a rare dream for him since it didn't end up turning into a nightmare. The bliss lasted until sunrise and he went about his usual routine after delivering an envelope to a postman.