The following day I spent my time regaining my strength. I felt as if I was new to this body. I don’t want to say this isn’t my body as it clearly is but, when looking at photos I don’t remember being taken it is hard. The whole estate seemed to be full of stuff like this I swear I had never seen before. I sat on my bed looking through photos my mom gave me. My first day with my academic tutor, learning how to fight with a sword and with magic.

Even a photo of my dad holding me when I was about three or four. I didn’t remember him or the boy in the photo. I or he looked happy, I just don’t remember even having a dad. I looked up as I heard someone knock at the door twice.

“Yes?” I said my voice was shaky, someone knocking at the door scared me more than I had realized. The door opened and one of the catkin maids spoke.

“Mao-kun, it is time for your fencing lesson.”

I nodded and rose from my bed to follow her. The estate staff need to escort me around so I don’t get lost. I hated feeling like I was a lost puppy being led around. She led me to an open courtyard in the estate garden.

Waiting for us was a stern looking catkin man. He had short silver white hair wearing battle armor. My eyes went to his partial exposed torso as we approached. He must be a confident fighter to have so much of his lower abdomen exposed. His skin was tanner than anyone else in the manor. Looking up I met his eyes. Oh no did he notice me staring at him like that? I turned away trying to play it off. The man clapped his hand together once loudly, snapping me out of it.

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He then knelt down so he was sitting on his own heels. I mimicked him as best I could but I wasn’t used to sitting this way.

“You seem uncomfortable.” He spoke for the first time. His voice was kind of monotone and gravely.

“Sorry I am just not used to sitting this way.” I apologized.

“You should be used to it, we always start this way.” he rubbed his chin thinking. “You are likely still sore from being in bed for so long.”

“Yeah I guess so.” I said sheepishly. I hate coming off so unsure but I wasn’t sure of anything really.

“Are you questioning your teacher?” the man barked at me.

“No sorry.” I said back in reflex.

“Sorry sir.” he retorted coldly.

“Sir?” I said back.

“That is how you should address your teacher kitten.” He said as I looked down. So many social rules I seemed lost on. It was so embarrassing to have to constantly explain the whole world to me. Everyone is expecting me to just know stuff I don’t know. After a long sigh I rose my head again.

“I am Lord Banji, I am a high warrior who served the Mao Clan and I have done so since your mother was your age.” After introducing himself to me he stood up and motioned for me to do the same. He handed me a wooden sword.

“Come at me with all you got, let’s see if you remember anything I taught you.” He commanded.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice cracking as I said the word sure.

"I am the master. Everything about combat you learned is from me, you can’t hurt me even if you really wanted to."

I nodded at him and raised my sword into a position that felt comfortable. I rushed toward him and tried to strike upwards towards him. He easily parried my wooden blade with his own. He then struck at me and without thinking I blocked it! I stopped back and he struck again. I block again effortlessly. I could actually sword fight! We danced like this until my breath started to become labored. He closed the distance between us and with the back of his sword struck my forehead ending the mock duel. I started to stumble backwards and Lord Banji grabbed my jacket stopping me from falling. He pulled me back onto my feet.

“You did great, even if your mind is weak your muscle memory is still strong.” He said as he patted me on the head. “I am honored that you are my student again.”