Master Ezra

"Did you hear about master Ezra? He has excellent scores and become the best graduate,"

"Of course I heard about master Ezra. Who wouldn't know about him? he's the Coordinator,"

"You're right. I'm just excited because he's going to have his social debut next week,"

"Me too,"

The hottest gossip that's been spiraling in the circle is regarding young master Ezra Conover. The Coordinator, who has graduated from school. After his social debut that will be held next week, Ezra will officially become part of the community. And also fulfill his duties as a Coordinator. Protecting the nation is his primary objective. Meaning that he will have to jump into battle sooner or later.

"I wonder if he's single," A young lady gossiped to her female friend. Her friend simply giggled.

"I heard he's already taken,"

"Oh my? Who is his lover?"

⊱

⊱

⊱

"My own property?"

I blinked at my father who nodded his head after stating that the Emperor will provide me a property. Not just a property, it's the biggest mansion up in the north. The property is connected to the capital, to the palace, my home, and the city.

But it seems so sudden. I just got back here yesterday, but I have to live in my own place?

"Yes,"

Father replied.

What should I feel about this?

It's not like I can decline the Emperor's request. But it felt, weird. Maybe this what my brothers felt. Raphael, Christopher, Sylvester, they all have their own properties. The twins are still here but it won't take long until they have their own houses.

"..."

Father glanced up to me.

Our eyes met.

And father... of course, he's gotten older. His wrinkles, his hair slightly turned gray. Nothing lasts forever. But it still made me so sad.

"I understand," I finally replied. Father didn't respond, but he nodded his eyes.

"... It's alright, Ezra,"

"!"

I looked at Father. There's a warm smile on his face. "We're always with you,"

"... Yes,"

Ah, the tears. I almost cried. I smiled at my old man to reassure him.

"You'll be moving into your new house in two days,"

"Alright,"

That's right. We're not children anymore. I can't hang out with my brothers daily. They have work, they have their own dreams to achieve.

And I'm going to achieve mine.

... Hm, do I have a dream?

I walked out of my father's chambers and idly wander in the hallway. This hallway is very nostalgic. This house, this hallway. All of the events that occurred when I'm just a baby. It all happened here. I softly put my hand on a giant picture frame.

I stared at my mother's eyes. Then glanced at my tiny brothers, father, then myself as a baby on mother's arms.

"... Heh," I couldn't help but laugh.

Time passed fast.

I'm sixteen already when it feels like I'm only a helpless baby yesterday.

Then my thought started to wander again while staring at the picture.

A dream.

My brothers have their own dreams. But I don't even know mine yet.

"Boo,"

"Waugh?!"

It was a subtle "boo", but it was so close and I'm too focused on reminiscing. I turned around quickly. I widen my eyes when I saw those pair of golden orbs piercing through me. That usual mischievous yet gentle smile that's plastered on his gorgeous face. My cheeks have gotten warm when I admitted how much I've missed him.

"A-Arden,"