The clinking of forks and spoons was the only sound echoing around the table as the family ate in stiff silence.

  It’s so quiet it’s making me sick… For god’s sake, someone say something! Wilkram screamed internally, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

  “So, how is the training progressing, Lysric?” Vivianne finally broke the silence, pausing mid-chew.

  Yes! That’s my beautiful wife! Wilkram thought with relief.

  Lysric’s eyes briefly flashed with irritation toward her, but he maintained his composure. “There’s nothing for you to worry about, Aunt.”

  “…I see. That’s good to hear.” She took a slow, deliberate sip of her tea.

  Across from Aelira, Lucien looked dreadful. His hands trembled noticeably, and he barely touched his food, his eyes fixed rigidly on his plate.

  “Are you okay, Uncle?” Aelira asked softly.

  “Y-Yes, Aelira. Thank you for asking,” he replied, lifting his cup with a shaking hand and managing a small sip.

  Zaek, sitting to Aelira’s right, stared intently at Lucien without uttering a word. Aelira glanced between the two men, confused by the palpable, unspoken tension.

  “I believe that’s enough for tonight, Father. The mood is clearly strained,” Celdric eventually spoke up.

  Sylas glanced around the table, noting the half-eaten meals, and sighed. “You’re right. Let’s end it here.” He stood, signaling for dismissal.

  “Throw the rest to the dogs or something. Don’t waste it,” he instructed the butler curtly on his way out.

  Phew… finally, Wilkram thought, attempting to continue eating as the others began to leave. But the sharp stare he felt drilling into his back quickly killed his appetite, and he hastily departed as well.

  Watching her parents leave, Aelira wondered, Why is everyone acting so strangely lately? She glanced toward her grumpy sensei, who had remained mostly silent throughout the meal, and quietly followed him out into the garden for more training.

  Lysric, who had remained seated, finally pushed himself up.

  “See you later, little brother,” Cassian called over his shoulder with a disarming smile and a wave.

  “Y-Yes… see you later, brother,” Lysric stammered.

  “Did something happen with him again?” Lucien asked quietly, watching Lysric depart.

  “Who knows?” Cassian replied cheerfully. “Let’s go.”

  ***

  “Did something happen between you and Uncle Lucien?” Aelira asked, sensing Zaek’s lingering irritation.

  Zaek let out a noncommittal grunt. Seeing Aelira’s slightly surprised expression, he sighed. “It’s nothing you need to worry about. Just a small matter—one that will be handled.”

  “…Is that so?”

  “Yes. Now, let’s focus on you. I want to see how you handle basic magic today.”

  “Okay!”

  “As you know,” Zaek began, “all the spells I’ve taught you so far—Fireball, Ice Pillar, Wind Cut, Water Bomb—are called ‘basic’ not just because they’re easy to learn, but because trying to excessively power them up is pointless.”

  “Yes… because their structure is too simple. Forcing more mana in doesn’t improve the spell—it just gets stuck,” Aelira recited.

  “Exactly.” He pointed to a nearby tree. “Now, show me what you’ve got. Light up that tree.”

  Aelira nodded, closed her eyes, held out her left hand, and aimed. Fire began to coalesce before her palm. After a moment’s concentration, she commanded:

  “|Fireball|.”

  A small orb of flame burst forward, striking the tree with a modest impact that left a fresh burn mark. Opening her eyes, she turned to Zaek expectantly.

  “Hm. Better than last time,” he conceded. “Keep practicing like that, and you might eventually bring that tree down.”

  She clenched her small fists, celebrating the small success internally.

  Zaek smirked from where he sat. “Don’t stop now—try Water Bomb.”

  “Gah!” Her brief moment of happiness vanished.

  “Don’t be shy now,” Zaek prompted.

  “Okay.” She looked at Zaek, took a deep breath, and stood again. Water Bomb… okay, I can do this. Focus, Aelira, focus. She readied her stance, bracing one hand with the other as she gathered mana.

  “|Water Bomb|.”

  As the spell formed, her hands trembled under its unstable force. Barely maintaining control, she finally released it. A small sphere of water shot out and splashed weakly against the tree with a soft pop.

  “Well… that was rather cute, wasn’t it?” Zaek commented dryly.

  “…” Aelira looked down, disappointment clear on her face.

  This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

  “No need for sulking,” Zaek said, his tone softening slightly. “I’ve told you a thousand times—you can’t excel at every element. Just because you’re adept with ice doesn’t guarantee proficiency with water.”

  “And just because I’m good with ice doesn’t mean I’ll be bad at fire, I know…” Aelira mumbled.

  “It’s just hard to accept.”

  “Exactly. But even so, practicing water magic improves your overall mana control, so don’t skip it.”

  “Yes… I understand.”

  “That’s all for today. I’m going to go have a word with your uncle.”

  “O-Okay.”

  As he turned to leave, he felt a small tug on his cloak.

  “Hm? What is it?”

  “…Just be nice to him, please?” Aelira asked quietly.

  Zaek paused, surprised. Then a small smile touched his lips, and he patted her head. “Of course, I will. What do you take me for?”

  She watched him walk away with his usual confident stride, then brushed her hair back into place. Well… at least his mood seems better now.

  Zaek, meanwhile, muttered to himself as he walked, “She’s clever—already grasped mana forms conceptually. So why is body enchantment proving so difficult for her?”

  His thoughts were interrupted as he spotted a familiar figure ahead. Cassian? What’s he doing here? Don’t tell me…

  “Hello, Lord Zaek,” Cassian greeted smoothly, stepping into his path. “This is the second time we’ve met. I apologize for stopping you, but I believe we need to talk.”

  “…Hello. And what exactly do we need to discuss?” Zaek asked warily.

  “Well, I was sent by my grandfather—to request that you stop harassing Uncle Lucien.”

  Knew it. Zaek allowed a smirk. “So why are you the one delivering this message?”

  “Because I believe it’s merely a misunderstanding,” Cassian replied, his expression earnest. “Didn’t my grandfather already explain the situation to you?” He watched Zaek closely. “There’s nothing more to it than what he said. If you continue pressing Uncle Lucien—especially in his current condition—you might very well break him.”

  “‘Break him’? That’s an odd way to describe a person,” Zaek countered, his smile turning cold.

  Cassian kept his eyes closed, maintaining his placid smile. “Don’t worry—I’ve already taken note of his mental state. But that only serves to make me more suspicious, you know.”

  “You’re sharp,” Cassian acknowledged. “But still, I cannot permit you to keep pushing him.”

  “This isn’t just about your grandfather’s request, is it?” Zaek probed.

  Cassian’s eyes snapped open, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

  “Bingo,” Zaek said, smirking. “Think I’ve lived this long for nothing?”

  “I can’t say I’m not impressed,” Cassian admitted, his composure quickly returning.

  “You’re correct—I actually wanted to ask for your help.”

  “…My help?” Zaek raised an eyebrow.

  “Please, help my uncle!” Cassian suddenly exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.

  “What?” Zaek seemed genuinely taken aback.

  Cassian took a deep breath and then abruptly dropped to his knees before Zaek.

  “If necessary, I will beg you, Lord Zaek!”

  “Oi, cut it out—” Zaek started, flustered.

  “Please! I’m begging you!” Cassian implored, looking up earnestly. “My uncle may be weak-minded, but with someone strong to support him, I truly believe he can become the hero he’s meant to be!”

  Glancing around nervously, worried they might be seen, Zaek looked down at Cassian’s desperate expression and felt a wave of resignation.

  “…Tch. Alright, alright! Damn it… fine, I’ll do it.”

  “Truly? Oh, I’m so grateful, I don’t have the words, Lord Zaek!” Cassian exclaimed, grabbing Zaek’s hand tightly.

  “I get it—now let go of my hand, will you?” Zaek grumbled.

  “Of course!” Cassian sprang to his feet quickly.

  “So, what exactly do you want me to do?” Zaek asked, rubbing his hand.

  “Nothing extraordinary. Just… hearing a few words of encouragement or praise from the legendary Hero Zaek Evarard—that alone will bolster his confidence more than you can imagine.”

  “I’m not a damn therapist…” Zaek muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “But fine. I’ll talk to him, as you asked.”

  “Wonderful! Thank you, Lord Zaek. I truly appreciate your kindness.”

  ***

  No matter how many times I try, it always ends the same way, Aelira thought, frustration mounting as her mana pulsed erratically through her body. She sat cross-legged on the cold ground, trying to focus on body enchantment.

  After a few minutes, her breathing grew heavier, her head spinning until she lost control and slumped forward despite being seated. She braced her head with her hands, waiting for the dizziness to pass. I have to try something different.

  “Hey!” A familiar young man’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

  “Lysric…” she murmured, looking up.

  They regarded each other for a moment before she asked hesitantly, “W-Why did you come here?”

  “Hm? Isn’t it obvious?” Lysric replied with a touch of his old arrogance. “I saw you struggling, so I came to help.”

  “You… wanted to help me?” Aelira asked skeptically.

  “Yes. Why are you taking so long to figure out something so simple? Aren’t you the same girl who identified her mana affinity on the first day?” he scoffed.

  “…Are you here just to mock me?” she asked flatly.

  “No, not at all,” Lysric insisted, though his tone wasn’t entirely convincing. “But if you keep struggling like this, I won’t be able to prove myself properly when I defeat you.”

  Aelira tilted her head slightly, then straightened. “So, you’re telling me to get better… just so you can look better?”

  “Exactly! You’re not so slow after all,” he confirmed with a grin.

  “You seem awfully sure of yourself,” she observed.

  “Well, isn’t it obvious?”

  “…”

  He waved a hand dismissively. “Come on, cousin, don’t be like that. I have an idea that can solve both our problems.” He placed a hand on his chest proudly.

  “What is it?” Aelira asked cautiously.

  “We’re going to hunt a bear.”

  “A bear?” she repeated, surprised. “Why would we hunt a bear?”

  “For glory, of course!” Lysric declared. “Imagine it—returning after taking down Isengrim, one of the biggest threats in Isen. Everyone will be impressed!”

  A fleeting image of her mother praising her flashed through Aelira’s mind. “Why bring me along?” she asked.

  “I already told you, didn’t I?” Lysric said impatiently. “Afterwards, I’ll defeat you in our duel. That way, I’ll prove I’m qualified to be a hero, with or without the family sword.”

  “If that’s the case, why don’t we just fight now?” Aelira challenged, gesturing with her practice sword.

  “W—wh, What would be the point?” Lysric retorted haughtily. “Defeating a mere child who can’t even control her mana properly? Such a victory would mean nothing.”

  “…” Aelira slowly lowered her sword.

  “So, what’s your answer?” Lysric pressed.

  “No,” she stated firmly. “It’s too dangerous. Why would I risk my life for such a flimsy reason?”

  Huh? What’s wrong with her? Lysric thought, surprised. Normally, she’d jump at the chance to prove herself. Taking a deep breath, he wondered, What would brother do to convince her?

  Visualizing his older brother’s smooth tactics, Lysric adopted a regretful tone. “Is that so? That’s truly unfortunate. This could have been your chance to finally master body enhancement—and maybe even quiet the family arguments for a while… But if you don’t want to, I certainly can’t force you.”

  “How would hunting a bear help me master mana enchantment?” Aelira asked, intrigued despite herself.

  “Hm? Isn’t it obvious?” Lysric feigned surprise. “Real combat experience, of course!”

  “Real combat experience?..” Aelira murmured, thoughtful.

  Her sensei’s words echoed in her mind: You learn more in real fights than you ever will in training. You train to survive those fights. Once you face death and overcome it, you’ll emerge much stronger than before.

  Her first real combat experience… Her gaze locked onto Lysric, and she decisively closed the distance between them.

  “Oi?!” Lysric instinctively took a few steps back.

  “Deal,” Aelira said, her voice firm. “I’ll help you with the bear—but—”

  “But?”

  “I will win the duel.”

  “Huh?” A competitive fire ignited within Lysric. He stepped closer again, matching her intensity. “Fine. Bring it on.”

  They stared into each other’s eyes, the air around them seeming to crackle with tension.