The guest room Vivianne had offered him was too soft, too perfumed, and frankly, too pretentious. So, Zaek had taken up residence in one of the vacant servant’s quarters downstairs.

  ?It was a tiny box of a room—just a closet, a stiff bed, and a single window. Perfect.

  ?He woke up yawning like a lion.

  ?“Haaah...” He stretched his arms wide, blinking up at the simple wooden ceiling.

  ?After a splash of cold water to the face, Zaek stepped outside. He did a quick morning routine—just enough movement to wake up his muscles, but not enough to look like he was trying.

  ?By the time breakfast was served, he was already seated in the Great Hall. The early sun streaked through the tall glass windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air.

  ?A small figure entered quietly.

  ?Aelira rubbed sleep from her silver eyes, escorted by her nanny.

  ?“Morning, kid,” Zaek said, his tone warm but casual.

  ?Aelira froze. She stared at him, seemingly processing his presence in the servant-like attire he wore, until Lassandra gently nudged her forward.

  ?“G-Good morning,” she whispered, taking her seat across from him.

  ?Moments later, the silence was shattered.

  ?“Good morning, everyone!”

  ?Celdric marched in with his wife and son. Lysric spotted Zaek instantly and rushed to his side like a puppy seeing its master.

  ?“Can you tell me stories? I heard you took down a High Demon! Did it have horns? Did it breathe fire?”

  ?“Morning,” Zaek replied, waving a hand lazily. “I might tell you... if you stop clinging to my arm. I don’t like sticky things.”

  ?He ruffled Lysric’s hair and pointed him toward a chair.

  ?Then came a softer voice. A woman with pale skin and sharp green eyes framed by black curls bowed slightly.

  ?“My apologies for missing dinner last night,” she said. “I was unwell. I am Elda Viremont. It’s an honor.”

  ?Zaek nodded respectfully. “The honor’s mine, Lady Viremont.”

  ?The table filled up. Finally, Sylas entered. Tall, imposing, yet oddly casual today. Everyone stood up immediately—except Zaek.

  ?He felt the weight of the room’s gaze on him.

  ?Right. Manners.

  ?He slowly stood up, blending in.

  ?“Seems we’re all here,” Sylas smirked, taking the head seat. “Let’s eat.”

  ?The meal was silent. Tense.

  ?What’s with this atmosphere? It’s just breakfast.

  ?Zaek chewed on a piece of bread, his eyes drifting to Aelira. She was eating awkwardly, focused entirely on not dropping her fork.

  ?Does this girl really know how to swing a sword? She looks like a strong wind would blow her away.

  ?He glanced at Vivianne and Wilkram. They ate with perfect, robotic poise.

  ?She doesn’t look spoiled. But she doesn’t look like a warrior either.

  ?“Oi, Zaek!” Sylas groaned, breaking his train of thought. “Come find me this afternoon. We have things to discuss.”

  ?“Why not now?” Zaek raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure you have enough free time to annoy me all day.”

  ?“Hahaha, maybe. But I need my rest. My old bones aren’t what they used to be.”

  ?“I’m old too, you know.”

  ?Sylas smirked. “I’m not the one with mana.”

  ?Zaek chuckled. It was common knowledge—those with high mana aged slower. And between the two of them, there was no debate about who was the monster.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  ?“Alright, alright. You win. Go nap, old man.”

  ?That suits me better anyway.

  ?After the meal, everyone dispersed. Aelira left with her nanny, casting one last curious glance back at him.

  ?Zaek leaned back in his chair, staring at the empty hall.

  ?“Right,” he muttered, standing up and grabbing his coat. “Time to kill.”

  ?He wandered the estate for a while, feeding an apple to a horse and scaring a few maids by popping out of corners. Finally, he checked the sun.

  ?It should be time.

  ?He followed the sounds he’d been waiting for—the rhythmic clack of wood on wood and the faint hum of mana.

  ?He arrived at a modest courtyard surrounded by high walls.

  ?Aelira stood in the center. She held a wooden sword in both hands, her feet set in a focused stance.

  ?Her stance isn’t bad. She knows the basics.

  ?Across from her, the instructor, Telgit, waited.

  ?Aelira rushed forward. Her blows were quick and determined, but they lacked weight. Telgit blocked them with a bored expression.

  ?Oh? Zaek leaned against a pillar, intrigued. She actually knows how to swing. Better than I thought.

  ?Then, he saw it.

  ?Telgit’s guard dropped for a fraction of a second. A hesitation only a veteran would notice.

  ?But Aelira paused, too. Her rhythm shifted instantly.

  ?She sensed it.

  ?Her body threw itself forward before her mind could even process it.

  ?Zaek’s eyes narrowed. That’s... instinct.

  ?Telgit, oblivious, simply grunted. “Defense, now.”

  ?Aelira obeyed. She raised her guard. But the difference was stark. Telgit’s attacks were heavy, punishing. She blocked two, barely, then crumbled into the dirt.

  ?Zaek’s expression didn’t change, but his interest spiked.

  ?He’s not really holding back, is he? No wonder they hired me.

  ?Aelira stood up with Lassandra’s help. Lysric stepped forward eagerly.

  ?“My turn!”

  ?His strikes were fast and hard. Telgit actually had to move his feet this time.

  ?This one is no good, Zaek thought. He’s strong, but he’s just swinging a stick. No technique.

  ?“Defense.”

  ?Lysric responded instantly. Solid footwork. Sharp parries.

  ?Ohh? He’s actually good at defense. Who would have thought?

  ?Lysric was cautious, calculating. He blocked three strikes in a row, earning applause from the few maids watching.

  ?Zaek grinned. He pushed off the pillar.

  ?“That won’t work.”

  ?The voice cut through the applause. All heads turned as Zaek stepped casually into the yard.

  ?The air shifted. Gravity seemed to double. Even Telgit straightened his spine, sensing the predator in the room.

  ?“Oh, don’t mind me,” Zaek said, strolling in. “Just thought I’d join the fun.”

  ?“Uwahhh! The Hero wants to train with us?!” Lysric looked like he might explode with joy.

  ?“It’s an honor, sir,” Telgit said, bowing. “I am Telgit.”

  ?“Zaek Evarard.” He looked around the yard. “Let’s skip the pleasantries. I want the three of you to come at me.”

  ?“The... three of us?” Telgit blinked.

  ?“Yes. All of you. At once.”

  ?“It would be an honor.” Telgit nodded, gripping his sword.

  ?Zaek turned to the children. “Well?”

  ?“Of course!” Lysric cheered.

  ?Zaek’s eyes shifted to Aelira.

  ?“I... I’ll do my best,” she said firmly, though her hands trembled.

  ?“Alright. Touch me once—you win. If you can’t, I win. I promise to go easy.”

  ?He drew his weathered katana, keeping it sheathed. “Come.”

  ?Lysric and Telgit exchanged a glance.

  ?“Here I come!”

  ?Zaek dashed toward Telgit first. The instructor tried to block, but Zaek simply stepped inside his guard and slammed the sheath into his gut.

  ?Thud.

  ?Telgit flew into the wall and slid down. Out cold.

  ?Lysric and Aelira stared, mouths open.

  ?“Scared already? You can back out.”

  ?Lysric laughed—a nervous, excited sound. “No way!”

  ?He charged.

  ?Zaek blocked him effortlessly with one hand and flicked him away with a light kick. “Think before you charge headfirst.”

  ?Aelira rushed in from the side. Zaek dodged, expecting her to retreat. But she didn’t. She pulled back, waiting.

  ?Then Lysric returned from behind.

  ?Was she waiting for him? Baiting him?

  ?Zaek shifted his focus to the boy. “Quick learner.” He swept Lysric’s legs, sending him tumbling.

  ?Immediately, Aelira lunged.

  ?No... she’s definitely baiting him.

  ?Zaek parried her blows. They were weak, slow—but her timing was impeccable. She struck exactly when he moved to counter Lysric.

  ?Suddenly, Telgit groaned. He stumbled to his feet, face red with anger.

  ?“You’re awake? Time flies.”

  ?Zaek gently knocked Aelira back and turned to face the charging instructor. Their blades clashed—faster now. Sharper.

  ?Zaek weaved through the swings like smoke. “Not bad.”

  ?“Arrgghh!” Telgit shouted, swinging a massive overhead strike.

  ?It connected. Telgit grinned.

  ?But his sword passed through empty air.

  ?“An illusion,” Zaek whispered from behind him. “This’ll sting.”

  ?He raised his sheath to strike—

  ??!

  ?Movement. Silent. Fast.

  ?In the split second Zaek focused on Telgit, Aelira leapt from the instructor's blind spot. She had used Telgit's massive body to hide her approach.

  ?She was mid-air, aiming for his exposed side.

  ?Zaek reacted on pure instinct.

  ?His leg lashed out—harder than he intended.

  ?Thwack!

  ?“Shit—!”

  ?Aelira flew backward, hitting the sand hard.

  ?Zaek winced. Where did she come from?!

  ?Before he could check on her, Telgit swung again. Zaek ducked, swept the man’s legs, and slammed him into the ground for good.

  ?“Oi, wait—!”

  ?Lysric charged again, screaming. Zaek disarmed him and knocked him out with a chop to the neck.

  ?Silence fell over the yard.

  ?Zaek turned frantically. “Kid?!”

  ?Aelira stood up.

  ?Dust covered her face. Her lip was bleeding. Her legs shook.

  ?But her silver eyes were burning.

  ?There was no fear. Only fire.

  ?Without a word, she charged again.

  ??!

  ?She’s... stronger than before? No—she’s desperate.

  ?He parried. She struck. Again. And again. Her wooden sword flew out of her hands in the final clash.

  ?“It’s over,” Zaek said, lowering his guard.

  ?But she wasn’t done.

  ?She didn’t stop. She threw her small body forward.

  ?She’s really stubborn...

  ?He saw the fist coming. He could have dodged. He could have stopped it with a finger.

  ?I think I’ll let this one go.

  ?Thud.

  ?Her tiny fist hit his stomach.

  ?It barely hurt. It felt like a kitten tapping him.

  ?But the sheer intent behind it... that lingered in the air long after she collapsed.