Disclaimer: Noblesse isn't mine.

Coming of Age (Part 1)

"Regis, you have a letter." Frankenstein tossed the envelope to him and pulled another letter from the stack of mail. This one he set on a tray and placed the tray on the coffee table. "Master, one came for you as well."

"This is from my clan leader." Regis unfolded the paper carefully. "It's about my coming of age ceremony."

"Honestly, he could have called." Frankenstein slid his glasses from his face and tucked them into his left breast pocket. "Although, I have no desire to speak to him, it would have been much more efficient and much less difficult than transporting a letter. Especially over something like this. You must return to Lukedonia three days before your 200th birthday, correct?"

"Yes, that is, he did mention that, but that's not why he wrote."

"What is it, then?"

"He is concerned about the enhanced humans attending... and you."

"What?" The pressure in the room dropped sharply as Frankenstein's powers seeped into the atmosphere. "One's coming of age ceremony is a prestigious event. All of Lukedonia attends, even the lord and the clan leaders! Of course the Noblesse must attend. Gejutel has refused to invite my master? After the recent trouble he caused, does he intend to insult us?"

"Frankenstein."

"Yes, Master?" He immediately withdrew his powers, returning the room to a much more comfortable level.

"I have received an invitation."

"Master?"

"Then, does that mean only the three of us and the boss are not invited?" Tao whispered, attempting to read the letter over Regis' shoulder. "I wasn't expecting to be invited but being told not to attend..."

"The coming of age ceremony, that's when you become an adult right?" Takeo, equally as curious, appeared beside Tao. "I would have liked to see that."

"Yes, I will be considered an adult and will be given my first assignment by the lord." Regis offered them the letter, and Tao happily snatched it from his hand. "I inquired of my clan leader if it would be appropriate for you to come, since you had been to Lukedonia before, but his response was unfavorable."

"Heh."

Immediately on edge, Regis glared across the room. "What do you want to say?"

"Me?" M-21 smirked. "I have nothing to say to you."

"You laughed. I heard you."

"Um, guys?" Tao motioned for their attention.

"What do you want me to say? Happy Birthday?" He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. "After you tell us you're not inviting us to your birthday party?"

"That's not what I meant!" Regis shouted, angrily leaping from his chair.

"Hey, guys." Tao repeated a little more strongly this time.

"Yeah, then what did you mean?" M-21 narrowed his eyes. "Upset just because your grandpa told you no? How elegant of you."

"That's not it! I just wanted you there!"

"Enough."

Everyone fell silent at Frankenstein's interruption.

"Hahaha," Tao laughed nervously with his hand behind his head and quickly scurried over to M-21. "I was trying to tell you that I think this ceremony is kind of important to the boss."

M-21 didn't take his eyes from Regis. Was the kid actually upset about it?

"One's coming of age ceremony is extremely important." Seira confirmed without a change of expression. "It begins with a period of time in the human world, followed by an inquiry of what one has learned during that time, and concluding with the ceremony. I believe human's refer to it as a rights of passage. All are permitted to attend the concluding ceremony but receiving an invitation is a special honor."

"And, often, a political maneuver." Frankenstein frowned, still frustrated by Gejutel's response. "The child's clan leader controls the invitations and uses this to create alliances with those in power. Those invited are a strong statement of the kind of leader the child is expected to become. As you can imagine, my master has received countless invitations whereas Seira likely has not received any."

"What? Seira is that true?" Tao asked, tilting forward to see her around Regis. "But wouldn't she receive one this time since she's a clan leader?"

"I have not been invited."

"But you're close to Regis and his grandpa."

"Like I said, this is political." Frankenstein continued. "Seira has only recently become a clan leader."

"It is true. An alliance with me would be unprofitable for Regis."

"Then why would you even consider inviting us?"

Regis looked at Tao then down at his hands. "You do not have to receive a formal invitation to attend. I thought it would be considerate since I received your help, and I had hoped since the ceremony completes my time in the human world..."

"Then that means..." M-21 clenched his fists tightly at his sides. "You're leaving?"

CoA

A/N: CoA=Coming of Age

This is my 3rd Noblesse fanfic. I had every intention to stop writing after this one, but I couldn't leave it unfinished. The response I received motivated me, and as you can see, I didn't end up quitting. So, this fic is special to me in that sense.