“Well… you were clearly angry. So you weren’t thinking straight. So you know. Luck had some play in this.” Bryson said cautiously to his crestfallen sister who lead the group over to the barracks in a catatonic state.

“I-I’m sorry. I was going a lot harder than you expected.” Kristel said meekly, feeling guilty seeing the expression on Sable’s face.

“Two months. I lost to someone with two months of training.” Sable mumbled to herself. Her eyes looked lifeless.

“Hey, Kristel is really good at this stuff. I’ve trained with her many times and I always have problems with her.” Lottie said.

“Yes. She already eclipses many others her age and older. Besides, she is a year older than you. She naturally has an advantage in mana production because of this.” Florence added.

“Have either of you lost to her?” Sable asked quietly.

“Uh…” Lottie looked away awkwardly.

“I am older than her by a year. So I have an advantage.” Florence said cautiously.

“So I’m the only one that lost to her.” Sable said in a stupor, “Bryson. What about you?”

“I, um. Never actually sparred with her before.” Bryson said awkwardly.

“Oh. I see.” Sable said with a small nod.

“Let’s just go see the people you’re training.” Bryson said quickly, “Keep your mind off this stuff.” Bryson said as he hurried his pace towards the barracks.

“I don’t know if I should be teaching these people.” Sable said dejectedly.

“You do. Don’t worry about it. This meant nothing. Let’s just go, besides Lord Bryson will be trying to teach them some magic.” Florence said guiding Sable. At the very least Sable seemed to follow them.

“Hey Bryson, do you know how to teach people?” Lottie asked.

“It’s Lord Bryson.” Bryson corrected.

“But you don’t seem to mind when I call you Bryson.”

“I don’t.” Bryson said while pausing and frowning, “Why do I allow you?” Bryson asked himself.

“Maybe it’s because you like me?” Lottie said with a grin.

“That doesn’t sound right.” Bryson said brushing her comment aside, “Anyways call me Lord Bryson when we’re in front of the recruits.”

“Aye, aye Captain.” She said giving a silly salute to him.

“Hmm.” Bryson said not quite sure that he believed her, “To answer your question, no I don’t really know how to teach people. This will be my first time. But the spells are simple enough and I know a few different methods to cast each spell so I’m hoping it won’t be a problem.”

“There are multiple ways to cast the same spell?”

“Yeah. People can be taught in different ways.” Bryson said as they reached the doors to the barracks.

“We ready?” Bryson asked turning around to look at his group.

Kristel nodded her head vehemently while following behind them was Sable and Florence. Florence’s face was neutral while Sable’s face still had defeat written all over it.

“Wait.” Lottie said before Bryson could open the door.

“What?”

“Maybe you should make a cool entrance.”

“Why?”

To show that you’re in charge!”

Bryson looked over to Florence who gave a nod of approval, “You are a Coldwater, a reputation should be maintained.” Florence said.

Eh, why not. Bryson thought as he used magic to send the doors swinging open. At the same time, he made sure to enhance the noise of the doors opening with a loud boom.

It had the desired effect as he had heard a few yelps of surprise and everyone turned to face him. Bryson gave a small adjustment of his collar before he strode in. He carefully scanned everyone around him, seeing who he was dealing with.

They all looked tired and weary staring at Bryson. Well they recognize me immediately. Bryson thought as he stood before everyone. Right, how would father address them. Hmm, no I need to give my own spin on this.

“You are the lot attempting to pass the next phase of recruitment process correct?” He asked.

“Yes…” One of them said quietly.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“And you all failed in your recent attempt correct?” Bryson asked and was responded with a few meek nods.

“Can you explain to me how you failed to cast ten basic spells?” Bryson asked staring hard at them. Silence was all he got from the people.

“I’m not saying this as a way to admonish you. I was told to improve the state of magic among you lot and I intend to do so. So inform me of any issues and I may be able to advise you through it.” Bryson said once he realized just how wary they were of him. He still got no real response.

“Do any of you know that some of these spells are easier to cast if done in a certain sequence?” Bryson asked and finally he got an emotion other than unease from the group, though it was mainly faces of confusion now looking at him.

“Anyone who wants to know follow me outside. You won’t need to do anything but take notes.” Bryson said with a sigh before heading back out.

As he moved out he turned to Florence, “Could you talk to her.” He asked quietly indicating to Sable who was still emulating an aura of gloom. Thankfully she was hidden in the corner and not everyone could see her.

“Of course.” Florence said giving a small nod.

Satisfied Bryson led the group outside. He waited for everyone to lineup, he saw that all the recruits had some way of taking down notes, whether they were using their Communicator or simply writing it down on a piece of paper. Kristel also stood near the group listening attentively to Bryson while Lottie climbed up a nearby tree to watch.

They want to learn at least. Bryson thought before speaking, “Let’s start with the most basic. Pyro and cryo magic. There are five different pyro spells, along with five different cryo spells. Do you know why these spells are listed here?”

Once more silence, Bryson in turn began to get annoyed, “Someone answer me!” He said using his magic to amplify his voice.

“Uh! There are the basic spells taught to all wizards?” Someone replied in panic.

“Partially correct. These spells are taught to beginners as they lead directly to each other. You cast one you can cast another.” Bryson said as he began to pace around the recruits.

“Let me guess. You have all been casting spells from the list that you think sound easy correct?” Bryson asked and got a reply with a few sheepish nods.

“That will work. Only if you already have a steady grasp of magic. Do you know why the fire and ice spells are together in the first section? Because they are the easiest. If you are to be royal guards, this should not need to be explained to you.” Bryson lectured.

“Now I will only give you this one lesson on how to cast the five pyro spells. You will need to figure out the cryo spells later. You want to impress? Then after this lesson find your own methods to cast said spells.” Bryson said he noted how intently everyone was listening to him now.

“Good. Now let’s start with the first spell.”

***

As Bryson was busy giving advice to the royal guards in training Florence and Sable stayed within the barracks simply staring at one another in silence. Sable was actually no longer gloomy and just feeling a bit uneasy as Florence seemed to stare straight into her soul.

“W-what?” Sable said after a long agonizing period of silence.

“I have been told by Lord Bryson among others that I am not the best at expressing myself.” Florence said deadpan.

“Yes. I would agree with that statement. What are you trying say?” Sable said narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

“I don’t plan on changing that.” Florence stated, “But, just because I hide my emotions better than most doesn’t mean I can’t read others.”

“What do you mean by that?” Sable asked defences now raised.

“You’re jealous.” Florence said as she spotted and empty pot and gently placed the Ashen Ginseng into it.

“Wh-wh-what?!” Sable sputtered, “Of what? Who? Why?”

“You are jealous that Kristel is spending personal time with Lord Bryson. You are jealous that he is being nice to her.”

“No I’m not!” Sable said face getting red.

“Mmm.” Florence grunted studying her, “I have been working for Lord Bryson for less than two years.”

“You mean you’ve worked for the Coldwater for less than two years.”

“No. Both his and her Grace told me personally that as long as I am here. I am Lord Bryson’s.” Florence said calmly.

“As Bryson’s what?” Sable seethed.

“You’re jealous that I have this special personal relationship with Lord Bryson.”

“Stop calling it a personal relationship!”

“You are only helping my case.” Florence pointed out and Sable went wide-eyed.

“Okay… so you have a point.” Sable said after a moment to collect herself, “I might be feeling a bit uncomfortable over all these people my brother is concerning himself with.”

“May I inquire as to why?”

“I never got a gift from Bryson before.” Sable said quietly.

“I beg pardon?” Florence said blinking once in disbelief.

“I mean… I’ve never given him anything either, none of our siblings bother with this, our parents take care of all of that, so I understand that I’m being a bit ridiculous but… he personally had a magical sword commissioned for her! It just doesn’t seem right.” Sable complained.

Florence internally wondered if she should mention how much of her uniform and Lottie’s gear were procured in part by Bryson. Also how Lottie’s older sister Lila’s bracelet was personally repaired and enchanted by Bryson. Florence quickly thought better of it.

“From what I understand, if Kristel does win the duel and stay then she will be Bryson’s personal security. Thus it is only natural that Bryson makes sure that she is capable of doing her job.” Florence said instead.

“Another girl surrounding him? How in the world does that keep happening?” Sable muttered.

“Perhaps he’s more charming than we give him credit for.” Florence said in a deadpan voice with a hint of jovialness behind it.

“Him? That gloomy emo kid? Please.” Sable said with a laugh.

“Nevertheless. You are his family Lady Sable. He won’t forget about you. Give Kristel some slack, she can prove to be a good ally.”

“Yeah, I get it. You don’t need to defend the girl.” Sable said remembering how frail Kristel looked the first time she saw her. It was rather petty for her to act like this. Besides it might be useful to know Kristel if she is to stay for more than a year, “Come on, let’s go check on how his class is going.” Sable said and as the two headed out the door Sable asked, “So how do you feel about him?”

Florence quickly walked ahead and exited the door in response.

“Silence is also an answer!” Sable said chasing her.

As the two exited out the room, Bryson was still giving his lecture, “Now once the first spell is cast there will be remnant mana around you from firing the spell. Grab that mana and use it for the next spell. Don’t forget, the next spell is connected to the previous so the process of conversion will be easier.” Bryson said as he noticed them exit. Florence simply gave him a nod and Bryson was satisfied that whatever occurred had been sorted out.

Sable quietly approached Kristel who looked at her wearily.

“You got lucky this time. I won’t give you a chance next time, so you better get better if you don’t want to be crushed next time.” Sable said calmly.

Kristel looked at Sable in surprise before fervently nodding her head in response, “Yes, I would be honoured to be trained by you.” She thanked.

“Good. I’ll see you next week.” Sable said with a grin.