Trial (4)

Riding on a white carriage with golden lining on its edges that was being pulled by a white horse, the main family together with the butler were on their way toward the venue of the last trial. 

Behind them was the white carriage of Don, being pulled by a white horse too. Though their carriage was rather bland as there was no expensive lining on it. 

Next to them was the white carriage of Arthur's family that was unusual as it was being carried by a petite brown horse. These carriages were seemingly a sign of the family's wealth. 

On the leading carriage, Lucina was seated beside Arthur, facing the butler on the opposite chair. 

"Where is the Headmaster? Why doesn't he attend this trial?" Lucina spoke as she fanned herself with her furry fan. 

The butler heaved a sigh first before answering.

"Pardon Mrs. Hean, Headmaster is currently preparing for their subjugation of A-grade battleground for the next month"

*hmmp*

Lucina tilted her head towards the window upon hearing the butler's answer. She knew that as the Headmaster, he would be occupied most of the time, but…

"Can't he even spare some time to attend this trial? Do his works matter more than his son?", she whimpered 

She always felt unease seeing the branch family, Don, attending the trial with her husband. Their presence alone could uplift the mood of Claire by high leap. 

More so, seeing the expressions of Arthur that had lost his parents, as he might have hidden his dismay from his little sisters but this wouldn't go unnoticed by the adults like Lucina. 

She saw Arthur clutching his hand every time Don wailed in support of Claire.

He must have felt envious. 

If that was the case with Arthur, then, wouldn't Edward feel the same somehow? Lucina felt her heart ache each moment that Don's husband was to cheer for Claire. If not for the fact that she had to keep her elegance as the Headmaster's wife, she would have clogged this man's mouth by now. 

'Ohh, benevolent god, please let that man lose his voice even just for this day', Lucina thought in prayer

Moments later, they finally reached the last venue.

A dark forest where fog lingered around it, greeted their eyes as they left the carriage. 

The forest was barricaded with a transparent bluish layer that encompassed the entire forest like a dome. This layer was a protective spell cast by the greatest wizard 'Barbaro'. It constricted the monsters inside the battlegroundound, giving them no chance to leave. 

The only small opening was the 10×10 opening on the entrance. On top of it was a signage 'Skeleton Battle Ground (F-Grade)'. 

"The trial of skill will be conducted in this F grade battleground. You only have to kill 10 undead skeletons to pass the trial. You will be graded based on the speed and usage of skills you've shown" 

The butler then handed out a scroll and a wristwatch to each of them. The white scroll had a golden seal on it. It was the returning scroll that can be used to leave the battleground in instant. 

The wristwatch could be used to track heartbeats and also rate the candidate's performance in real-time. 

After wearing the watch and placing the scroll in their pockets, the butler nodded his head.

"I will give you 1 minute to prepare for the next trial", he said, then moved closer to the entrance of the portal where an F+ grade wizard was standing. The protective layer also restricted the rank that could enter, in such, only wizards within F grade could enter the Skeleton battleground. 

The butler was a B grade, thus, they had to invite another F rank wizard in case of emergency. 

The place immediately had a change in its ambiance. Even if it was just an F- Grade,  crises could still happen inside. 

Lucina wiped the sweat in her arms as it was the first time that Edward was to enter a battleground, she couldn't help but feel nervous. 

"Baby, please be sure to stay safe, okay? I would remain here praying for your safety", she uttered in worry 

The same went for Don and her husband, they embraced Claire and the latter blushed a little. 

"When things get hard, be sure to use the returning scroll, okay, honey? Your safety matters the most, screw this trial", uttered Don. 

Looking at the two families exchanging sweet moments, a watery substance started forming around Arthur's eyes. His heart constricted more and more as his breathing turned heavier. He felt envious. He wished his parents were still there 

"Fighting, Brother! I know you can do it!"

"Brother, purify those monsters, okay?", said his little sisters who were oblivious of the risks inside the portal. They thought that purifying undead was as simple as breathing, which was reasonable for their age. 

Arthur just released a small smile before patting their heads a little then started walking away. 

Turning his back towards his sisters, he felt his tears on the verge of escaping his eyes. He got to do well on this last trial… but, he also had to ensure his safety as he was the only one that his sisters could rely on.

'This time, I should do well…', he thought as he clutched his hands. 

As he was nearing the entrance of the battleground, it was at this moment that two modest voices greeted his ears…

"Arthur, baby"

"Honey"

It was voices of two elegant mothers, Lucina and Don. Arthur titled his head, revealing his teary eyes. 

He didn't know just why would they call him, but, at the moment he looked back, he seemed to see an image of his mother from these two, who used to cheer him up in each of his competitions…

"Be sure to do well, okay, baby?" 

"I know you can do it, honey! And… stay safe, will you?"

Said, Lucina and Don. 

Hearing this, Arthur couldn't contain his emotions anymore as tears excitedly vacated his eyes. He was crying his heart out. 

"M--- mother!" 

*smile*

The two mothers of different families with different backgrounds waked towards Arthur who had dropped on his knee. He was wailing. 

As they reached him, they extended their arms and patted his back... like Arthur's real mother. 

"It's fine now, Arthur", they both said, releasing their warmest smile.