Farewells, Resolve, and a New Dawn

  The atmosphere of the Royal Dinner had turned into something akin to a cold war. Mony's brothers, Rek and Rex, had mistaken Arthur's calm demeanor for weakness. They were repeatedly provoking him, demanding a duel. Their voices echoed amidst the clinking of silver cutlery on the table.

  Suddenly, Edward Goldwyn intervened with his heavy voice. "Rek! Rex! Do you have no shame at all?" Edward's face was flushed with anger. "You both are trained Evolvers, and Arthur is currently an ordinary young man. For an Evolver to challenge a non-Evolver is not bravery; it is cowardice."

  Edward canceled the fight in stern words. "Listen clearly, as long as Arthur does not become an Evolver, none of you will lay a hand on him." Rek and Rex lowered their heads and slunk back into their chairs, silently swallowing the humiliation.

  Albert Goldwyn gave a silent smile at his younger brother's impartiality. Laila, Erathen's wife, who was sitting nearby, wanted to say a lot, but her speech was blocked by Edward's discipline. She looked at her husband Erathen with a sideways glance in anger, as if asking why he wasn't taking his children's side. Arthur saw all this, and in his heart, his respect for Edward grew. He realized that even in this palace of gold, there were some pure hearts.

  Meanwhile, Julia Star, John's wife, was very happy with her father-in-law Edward's decision. She never liked Laila's arrogant nature. She was a supporter of simplicity and justice.

  Then little Lucky broke the silence. "Grandpa!" he asked enthusiastically, looking at Albert, "Will Brother Arthur give the Entrance Exam at the Royal Academy tomorrow? Can I also go with him?"

  Albert coughed slightly and said with a smile, "Of course you can go, Lucky. But there is one condition: Arthur is new there, you have to introduce him to everything. Will you take this responsibility?"

  "Of course, Grandpa! Don't worry, I will be Brother's best guide!" Lucky said chirpily. He was extremely happy in his heart; he knew that if Arthur stayed with him, his cousins Rek and Rex would not dare to trouble him.

  On the other side of the table, Lily's parents were asking Catherine about her days of struggle. Just then, Silas Throne took advantage of the moment and said, "Albert, I have to return to my home tomorrow."

  Albert looked at Silas in surprise. "You just arrived, Silas, why are you talking about leaving so soon?"

  Silas replied politely, "It's not that I don't want to stay here. But I have been away from home for many days and my wife, the old lady, is alone at home. She is also a bit upset. I have sent her a message that Catherine's family has been found; she is very happy and is calling us home. Therefore, it is necessary for me to return tomorrow."

  Then Silas turned to Catherine and said emotionally, "Daughter, now you have found your parents. Always be happy now. And... the time has come for you to remove this 'Throne' surname and adopt your father's or husband's surname."

  Catherine looked at her father Albert for a moment. Albert wanted to stop Silas further, but seeing his compulsion, he gave in. Seeing the doubt in his daughter's eyes, Albert said softly, "Daughter, whatever decision you take, I am with you. Whatever the surname may be, it will not make any difference to our relationship."

  Catherine took a deep breath and said, "Father, I will use the 'Goldwyn' surname for now. When Arthur's father is found, he himself will change our surname." She wanted to use her husband's name, but she was afraid that it might bring some new danger to her children. Both Albert and Silas understood her wisdom and respected her decision.

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  Albert held Silas's hand and said, "Silas, I will always be grateful to you. Whatever I do for the love with which you have raised my daughter, it will be less." Silas began to shake his hand, feeling embarrassed, "Oh no, Albert, it was my good fortune."

  The dinner ended. For Annie and Arthur, this meal was like a magical experience; they enjoyed those rare delicacies to their heart's content. After this, Isabella took her daughter Catherine toward her villa. Mother and daughter had years of talk to share. Little Annie also went to Lily's room to play with her.

  Edward left with his family. Albert called Arthur close and explained the entrance process of the Royal Academy and the nuances there in detail. Silas, who was tired, went to his room to get enough sleep.

  When Arthur came back to his room after talking to his grandfather, it was quite late at night. He threw himself onto that velvety bed. The room was quiet, but his mind was full of a storm of thoughts. He began to introspect while looking at the ceiling:

  Genex Corporation: Those who tortured his mother and him so much, the account with them was still pending.

  Father's Mystery: After all, who are they and where are they? Why is Mom afraid to even take his name?

  Evolver: He had to become a powerful Evolver at all costs so that he could protect himself.

  Childhood Accident: Those hazy memories, fire, and screams... what was that?

  Cosmic Egg: That infinite power present inside his body, parts of which he felt from time to time.

  "Some things are to be avenged... and some are yet to be understood," Arthur whispered and closed his eyes.

  Thinking thus, he fell into a deep sleep.

  The next morning, the first ray of the sun coming through the window woke Arthur. Today was a new chapter in his life. Arthur got out of bed and went to take a bath. The shower of cold water washed away all his fatigue and doubt. Coming out, he wore the special academy attire. On the breakfast table today was light but energy-rich food. Arthur had his breakfast with a calm mind.

  "Ready, Brother?" Lucky asked, knocking on the door. He also looked completely ready and excited.

  Arthur took a deep breath, felt the energy within him, and said firmly, "Yes, let's go."

  Arthur and Lucky both went to meet Grandpa Silas. Silas had already packed his belongings.

  "Are you leaving, Grandpa?" There was a slight sadness in Arthur's voice.

  Silas turned and placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder. There was a father-like glow in his eyes. "Son, when a bird grows up, it has to build its own nest. You are now the heir to a great empire, but remember—never forget your simplicity and your roots. The dust of Luna City and that hard work is your real strength."

  Arthur touched Silas's feet. Silas hugged him and slowly walked out of the villa. Arthur watched him go until his car disappeared. Catherine, with tears in her eyes, was watching her father leave.

  Love and tears were clearly visible in Annie's eyes.

  Albert, handling everyone, said, "Oh, don't be sad everyone. Silas has promised everyone that after a few days, both husband and wife will come for a visit, so everyone should be happy. Okay?"

  Albert had deep respect for Silas in his eyes. He said in a low but firm voice, "Victor, Silas Throne is no ordinary person. He supported my daughter at a time when the whole world had abandoned her. He is the kind of person who, even if I give him millions in property, would reject it as greed. His self-respect is his true jewel."

  Victor bowed his head and asked, "What is your order, Master?"

  Albert handed an envelope to Victor and said, "Silas will never accept any help directly. Therefore, we have to take care of his family in a secret way. I have found out that when Catherine and her children disappeared, Silas's entire family had put all their savings and strength into finding them. Even his grandchildren had scoured the streets."

  Albert's voice became a bit heavy, "Whatever debt is on his family in Silas's village, finish it immediately. Arrange respectable jobs in the best companies of the city for his grandchildren, but they should not know that this help is from my side. Keep sending regular money to their bank accounts in the name of 'Government Aid' or 'Old Insurance Amount'."

  Victor noted the order. Albert further said, "His family should get every happiness they deserve. Silas Throne has returned my daughter and grandson to me; in return, I will give him a future where his family will never need to stretch out their hands before anyone. This work should be done so cleanly that not even a slight scratch comes to Silas's self-respect."

  Victor nodded in agreement and disappeared into the darkness. Albert took a breath of relief. He knew that debt could not be paid with money, but by making the old age of a noble person like Silas pleasant, he could lighten the burden of his heart a little.

  Arthur and Lucky boarded a state-of-the-art 'Anti-Gravity Maglev' car. This vehicle was floating a few feet above the ground and its speed was as fast as lightning. As soon as they reached the main road of 'Sun City', Arthur's eyes widened.

  The view outside the window was like a world from the future.