After Harvey's family recovered from their shock, they closed down their shop and invited us to their home upstairs. Like the shop, Harvey's home was old but clean and well-maintained. It reminded me a little of the house that Leroy and I rented in the Icefall region, though this one was much larger.

Even upstairs, the smell of leather and oil permeated the air. In addition to a living space, Harvey's home also doubled as a cobbler's workshop. Or perhaps I should consider it an extension of the one downstairs. Regardless, there was an entire room filled with shoes and leather, along with the tools necessary to turn the latter into the former.

I looked around with curiosity. While I wore a lot of different kinds of shoes, I didn't know much about how they were made. I found it all fascinating.

Eustace invited us into her family's kitchen, which also served as the dining room. It was a neat and cozy space. Here, the scent of spices warred with the smell of leather and oil for supremacy. The kitchen was filled with common low quality enchanted items. They were Lumina's equivalent to kitchen appliances. A stove, a fridge, etc.

Off to the side stood a round wooden table, next to a small window that overlooked a small backyard. A crude glowstone lamp hung above the table. Eustace gestured for Father and I to sit down, before she hurried off to prepare refreshments. Father accepted, while I declined and stood behind him. While it was my idea to sponsor Harvey, as the head of House Sturm, it was Father's show. Right now, I was just a spectator.

While I stood there, I took a moment to observe Harvey's family. Eustace seemed nervous, but still managed to maintain her composure. Meanwhile, Harvey's father and brother, whose names I learned were Jesse and Isaac respectively, stood there and wrung their hands with worry. So that's where Harvey got his nervous disposition from.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Eustace returned with a tray of refreshments. It was humble fare, low quality tea and plain cookies, but it was the thought that counted. My father thought the same. He drank the tea and ate the cookies without complaint, even though he was used to much finer food.

"Now then," Eustace said, sitting across from Father, "you wished to discuss Harvey's future, Lord Sturm?"

The rest of Harvey's family, including Harvey himself, stood behind her. I guessed Eustace was the head of the family, or at least the face of it. That made sense to me, considering what I've observed of them so far. Despite her obvious nervousness, Eustace managed to face Father without flinching.

"Yes." Father said. "In short, I would like House Sturm to sponsor Harvey."

Harvey's family all looked at him in surprise. He shrank beneath their attention.

"I see." Eustace said, turning to face my father once again. "In that case, before we continue, can you prove you are who you say you are? I'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my son's future we're talking about. I don't want to agree to anything, only to regret it later on." She gestured to me. "As a father yourself, I'm sure you can understand."

That was brave of her. Still, I understood where she was coming from. She wasn't a House scion, so she had no idea what the members of House Sturm looked like. We could be con artists looking to take advantage of her family. Sure, our silvery-blue hair and eyes were famous. However, those could be faked.

Of course, any fool that pretended to be a Sturm would regret their actions sooner rather than later.

"I understand." Father said. "Your caution is warranted. Very well."

He made a gesture. I felt a massive amount of mana stirring. Through the small window, I watched as the sky above darkened. Black clouds brimming with lightning appeared out of nowhere, casting the entire neighborhood in shadow. A moment later, the sound of thunder rang out.

Father made another gesture. The brewing thunderstorm disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. The black clouds dissipated into nothingness, until the sky was clear once more. Moments later, it was as if the thunderstorm never existed in the first place.

"Will that suffice?" Father asked.

Harvey's family stared at him, frozen in fear. I held back a sigh. I knew Father hadn't intended to scare the wits out of them. To him, the thunderstorm was a casual display of power; a means to prove his identity. No more, no less.

However, to Harvey's family, it was terrifying. After all, they were regular people. The ability to summon thunderstorms on command was far outside their day to day experience. It was one thing to know that such magic existed. It was another to witness it firsthand.

Most of all, I didn't think Father realized what he had done.

"What's wrong?" He asked Harvey's family. "Are you alright?"

This time I sighed.

"Father," I said, "what is normal for us is extraordinary for others." I gestured to Harvey's family. "They're regular people, not Awakened."

Father stiffened as he realized his mistake.

"I apologize." He said in a contrite tone, bowing his head to Harvey's family. "I hadn't intended to scare you. Using my magic was merely the fastest way to prove my identity."

Father's show of humility proved effective. While they still looked afraid, Harvey's family were no longer frozen.

"It's fine, Lord Sturm." Eustace said in a shaky voice. "We were just caught off guard by your… Display." She took a deep breath. When she continued speaking, her voice was much steadier. "You said that House Sturm wished to sponsor Harvey. What exactly does that mean?"

"In simple terms, House Sturm will take care of any expenses related to Harvey's education." Father said. "Food, clothing…" He gestured to Harvey's family. "… Transportation costs, and so on. We will also provide him with our backing."

That was probably the biggest benefit that Harvey gained from all this. From what I observed, Harvey's family was more than capable of providing for him while he attended the Solarian Imperial Academy. Harvey hadn't lived in comfort, but at least his needs were taken care of. His biggest problem had been bullying. However, House Sturm's backing would take care of that.

"And what would you get out of this?" Eustace said, giving Father a skeptical look. "Forgive me for doubting you, but there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. How would this arrangement benefit you and your House?"

"Simple." Father said. "After Harvey graduates from the Solarian Imperial Academy, I want him to work for House Sturm." He gestured to me. "Specifically, I want him to work for my son, Gabriel."

I gave Harvey's family a slight nod of the head.

"I plan on forming a collateral family within House Sturm." I told them. "For that, I'll need capable people by my side." I nodded to Harvey. "Your son has already proven his intelligence. That's more than enough for me."

I already discussed my plans with my parents. Mother agreed that having something like Harvey would benefit the future Clan Sturm. After he graduated, of course. I also discussed this with Harvey himself, though I hadn't mentioned anything about Murim and martial arts. I wanted to wait until after we met with his parents and started officially sponsoring him.

"Are you sure about this, Son?" Jesse, Harvey's father, asked. "Is this something you want to do?"

His tone implied a deeper meaning to his question. Was Jesse asking Harvey if we were forcing or coercing him somehow? I mean, it was a valid question. When dealing with commoners, House scions tended to command rather than ask. They were rather domineering like that. I imagined the Clans weren't much different.

"Yes, Dad." Harvey said, nodding. "I want to help Big Bro Gabriel. He's supporting my dream, so I want to support his."

Harvey's family stared at him, stunned.

"I hadn't realized you had gotten so close with Lord Gabriel, Harvey." Eustace said after she managed to find her voice again.

"Yes." I said. "We became fast friends after meeting at the Solarian Imperial Academy."

"You're a student as well?" Isaac, Harvey's brother, asked.

I shook my head.

"No." I said. "Harvey and I met when my family visited the Solarian Imperial Academy in order to pick up my younger sister, Kaylee."

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Isaac gave me a look that was equal parts skepticism and wariness. Not that I blamed him for being protective of his younger brother.

"So, you two have only known each other for a few days?" He asked.

I made a so-so gesture.

"A little over one week by this point." I said. "However, I should point out that my friendship with Harvey has no bearing on the sponsorship. House Sturm would've sponsored him regardless. Our friendship is an added bonus."

Father nodded in agreement.

"To be honest, Lord Sturm," Eustace said, "this is all overwhelming. Do you mind if we take a few days to think it over?"

"I don't mind at all." Father said. "This is a life changing decision. You shouldn't rush into it." He gave me a pointed look, which I ignored. "Once you've come to a decision, use this."

Father pulled out a token and held it towards Eustace.

"This entry pass will grant you access to the Sky District," he said. "Once you've come to a decision, come see us at the House Sturm townhouse."

Access to the Sky District was strictly regulated. Most of the time only House Scions, their vassals, and those on official House business were allowed entry.

"Thank you, Lord Sturm." Eustace said.

She took the entry pass, handling it as if it were some priceless treasure. I mean, in a way, it was. This was one of the few ways a commoner like her could visit the Sky District.

"We'll come visit if we don't hear from you in a few days." I said. "Just in case you can't find the time to visit the Sky District." I gestured to their shop downstairs. "I know you are rather busy."

Eustace gave me a smile

"I doubt that will be necessary, Lord Gabriel," she said, "but thank you."

Father stood up.

"My son and I will now take our leave." He said. "We don't wish to take up any more of your time, and you have much to discuss amongst yourselves." He looked at Harvey. "Don't worry about your luggage. I'll have it sent here after we return. It should arrive before evening."

"Thank you, Lord Sturm." Harvey said. "I much appreciate it."

A few moments later, Father and I were on our way back to the House Sturm townhouse.

"What is your opinion?" Father asked. "Do you think Harvey's family will say yes?"

I mulled it over.

"Receiving a House's sponsorship is a rare opportunity," I said. "However, Harvey's family is wary of us. His older brother, in particular. I think they'll say yes, but there is a small chance that they'll say no."

Father nodded.

"I believe so as well." He said.

I frowned.

"However, I'm a bit worried. House Montgomery showed interest in Harvey. What if they attempt something?"

Father looked thoughtful.

"While I doubt House Montgomery would go so far, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious. I'll assign someone to keep watch over Harvey's family."

I smiled at him.

"Thank you, Father." I said. "And thank you for indulging in my whim. I know it was rather sudden and impulsive of me."

Father chuckled.

"Well, this whim of yours is beneficial for House Sturm." He said. "However, even if it wasn't, your mother and I would've still supported you."

I gave him a questioning look.

"Why?" I asked.

Father looked out the window with a pensive expression on his face.

"Part of it is guilt, I suppose." He said. "The Incident, as you call it, was a wakeup call for me. After giving it much thought, I realized how little I had done for you."

I gave him a sardonic look.

"Oh no," I said in a dry tone, "you provided me with a life of luxury and comfort. What a terrible father you are."

A smirk flashed across Father's face.

"Cheeky brat." He said, before the smirk faded away. "That may be true, but I never made much time for you. After almost losing you, I realized how much I regretted that fact. You are my first born son, but I always prioritized other things over you. House business, Kaylee, and so on." He sighed. "Helping you with your endeavors is my way of making it up to you." He turned away from the window and looked at me. "Your mother feels the same way, which is part of the reason why she wants to found Clan Sturm."

I felt a lump in my throat and looked away from Father.

"You may come to regret that decision." I said in a joking tone. "What if you end up spoiling me?"

That sounded ridiculous, now that I thought about it. A grown man being spoiled by his parents? Still, I didn't hate the sound of that.

Gods, it was as if the older I got, the less mature I became.

"There are worse outcomes." Father said in a fond voice.

I snorted, but didn't respond. Neither one of us said anything for the rest of the journey back to the House Sturm townhouse.

The next day, I found myself in a situation I had never wanted to be in again: shopping with my mother. The day started well enough. My family and I ate breakfast, just the four of us this time, enjoying a quiet morning together. It was a bright and sunny day.

Kaylee kept giving me odd looks, which I found endlessly amusing. I assumed Mother told her about my impending engagement with Lady Annabelle. Again, I wish I had been there to see Kaylee's reaction.

However, things took a turn when Kaylee gave me a mischievous grin. It filled me with a sense of foreboding when I saw it, but I paid it no mind.

A foolish decision on my part.

"Mother," Kaylee said, "Can you show me this… Murim you told me about?"

Oh, right. Mother must have explained that as well. While the current Kaylee knew about martial arts and Murim, the past Kaylee would have had no idea.

"Hmm, very well." Mother said with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Would you like to see your mother spar with Caitlyn?" She wore a proud smile. "It's been a while since I've showed off my skills."

I paused at that. Actually, that sounded interesting. While I had a rough idea of Mother's level of mastery, that was from several months ago. I wondered how much she had improved since then. The same for Caitlyn. However, just as I opened my mouth to voice my agreement, Kaylee spoke up first.

"Perhaps later." She said. "However, I was more interested in the undercity beneath Sunheart. I find it difficult to believe that such a thing exists."

Huh. That was another good point. When Leroy and I first arrived at Icefall City, he mentioned that almost every city in the Solarian Empire had an undercity. According to him, the largest one rivaled Sunheart in size. While he never outright stated it, I assumed this meant that the largest undercity was beneath Sunheart itself. However, it didn't matter even if it wasn't. I still wanted to visit Sunheart Undercity.

"That might be more difficult." Mother said with a hesitant expression on her face. "I already explained to you about my circumstances. If we visit Sunheart Undercity, we will face trouble from the Martial Arts Alliance. They expelled me from Murim."

"You said that was because of your former Clan." Kaylee pointed out. "With Gabriel marrying Lady Annabelle of Hous-Clan Thorne, wouldn't that change things?"

"Lady Annabelle and I aren't getting married yet." I said. "We're just getting engaged."

Kaylee glanced at the choker around my neck, before raising an eyebrow at me. It was impossible to miss the implication of her look.

"Regardless, your sister has a point, Gabriel." Mother said. "Your engagement to Lady Annabelle would help me regain entry into Murim. Clan Thorne is as influential as Clan Leone, if not more so." She frowned. "However, I don't know if they would be willing to help me."

"We won't know until we try." Kaylee said. "In fact, why don't we bring them a gift when we meet with them? As a way to show our sincerity?" She gave me another mischievous smile. "We could say that it is a gift from Gabriel to his future bride."

The sense of foreboding from earlier returned.

"Excellent idea!" Mother said. "We could kill two birds with one stone and search for a suitable gift while visiting Sunheart Undercity."

I opened my mouth to protest. If I didn't speak up now, I'd be stuck shopping with Mother. Last time, it was a painfully boring experience. I doubted it would be any better this time around.

"Indeed," Kaylee said, cutting me off. "I'm sure Lady Annabelle would love to receive a gift from Gabriel." She gave me a sly smile. "Especially one that he picked out himself."

My protest died in my throat. Damn it! While I knew I was playing into Kaylee's hands, that didn't mean I could do anything about it. The idea of getting a gift for Anna and witnessing her reaction filled me with anticipation. I'd be willing to do almost anything to see that happen, even if it meant… Going shopping with Mother.

"What do you think, Bryce?" Mother asked.

Father, who hadn't said a word this entire time, set down his utensils and gave Mother a smile. I looked at him with hopeful anticipation. If he came along, at least I wouldn't be alone. Misery loved company and all that.

"I think it's a wonderful idea." He said. "However, I have some business to attend to, so I won't be able to join you."

My face fell. A sense of betrayal filled me. Father, how could you abandon your son like this? I glared at him, but he pretended to ignore me.

"Aw." Mother said, pouting in disappointment. "Oh well. At least this will give me a chance to spend time alone with our children."

After seeing her excitement, I just sighed. It looked like my fate was sealed in stone. I glared at Kaylee, who gave me a triumphant smirk.

Later on, as we readied for our trip to Sunheart Undercity, I managed to corner Kaylee and ask her why she did this to me.

"Consider this revenge for not telling me about your upcoming engagement with Anna," she said.

"I thought you already knew!" I asked.

Kaylee rolled her eyes.

"I'm not a mind reader." She said. "There are some things I won't know if you don't tell me." She narrowed her eyes at me. "You also failed to inform me that Anna was also a regressor like me. Mother told me that you two met in the Icefall region, something that never happened in the First Timeline." She crossed her arms. "Once we get the chance, you and I are going to have a long discussion about what exactly happened in the Icefall region."

I took a deep breath. Fine. Kaylee had a point. There were a lot of things I forgot to tell her about, including my relationship with Anna. I shouldn't have let her find out like this.

"Even so," I said, "shopping with Mother? Really? Couldn't you have gotten your revenge some other way?"

Kaylee chuckled.

"And miss out on watching you suffer?" she asked. "Never."

I wanted to throttle her.

"Now come along, Dear Brother." Kaylee said in a saccharine tone. "We mustn't keep Mother waiting."

Kaylee walked off. I swore, right then and there, that I would get my revenge for this. I didn't know how or when, but I would.

However, I needed to survive the shopping trip with Mother first.

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