All this time I've been too conceited of my strength, this is what I've come realise after seeing the monstrously talented Young Mistress, Sapphire Swordwick. She's a Reincarnated Individual who knows a thing or two about science, she has both magical and martial talent that is above her peers, meaning her rate of growth is abnormal as well. She has great mental flexibility and fortitude. She has good judgement both in and out of battle. No matter how I see her, she's perfect, she's one who's potential is limitless.
Is it wrong to feel inferiority towards her? Yes it is! How can I be thinking like this, didn't I make a vow? What would my brothers think from beyond the grave? A man of the battlefield is getting scared of former hysterical woman? Such a thing is laughable.
I need to change my plans. Now is the best time to increase my training program. I need to make notes, so that I can sort out the knowledge that can be applied in this world, and most importantly is that I need to make sure I improve my arsenal of military arms.
The current weapons I made may be able to work against other humans, but those Outsiders father told me about can't be injured so easily, especially since their bodies are normally many times stronger than a normal human body. Now that I've realised how laid back I was, my eyes opened up to countless possibilities, but I need some privacy in order to properly grow.
"You lost the match on purpose?" My father asks with a complex expression on his face. He was probably unable to understand why I would purposely lose even after showing off my unique magic. He knows personally of what I'm capable of, adding the fact that I had that magic, it should have been easy for me to beat her senseless.
"Why...?" My mother couldn't help but ask as well. She knew of the effort I put into training my skills, all for this one moment, to enter an good academy that can educate me in Sphera's ways of combat. It wasn't like my parents couldn't substitute as teachers for my education in Arts and Spells, but the reason an academy could bring up stronger students were because of the resources they use to train students.
"Let's go back first." I say while looking around me. Only Duke Swordwick and the Young Mistress were left congratulating Aaron's achievement in combat. The rest of the servants already went back to work. Since both my parents have free time today, there is a chance to have a family meeting to discuss my future, so I took them back to their room so I could explain myself.
"I've decided that I'm going to leave the Swordwick Household to train myself and improve while seeing the wide world around me." I say determinedly.
"We refuse to let you go." My father refuses without a shred of hesitation.
"Why do you want to leave the Swordwick Household? Did they say anything to you in secret? Is it because the Young Mistress injured you? Please calm down, accidents happen, it can't be helped." My mother asks a series of questions in succession as she tried to console me. Sphera's way of conduct is rather similar to some kind of warriors code. A match is fought honourably and those who lose have no right to complain. It is a system that preys on the weak, excluding those who would are mediocre whilst helping those that have both strength and influence.
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It's just like how they acted after I was injured. They didn't come forward to show their worry, because Sphera's tradition of combat has rules that allows no interference, it would have been a disrespect to the Duke who was also not interfering as well. What a savage world. The parents of those youths who had been knocked out by the Young Mistresses sword were unable to even check on their children.
However, it's understandable. The world outside the mansion isn't as peaceful as Earths, it is a dangerous place where one could die from being robbed by bandits on a road, which is why I'm determined to not stay in the mansion. I do not want to be sheltered from the outside world, if I stay here in this mansion, then I'll only become weaker due to my conceited thoughts.
"I don't want to be sheltered. Even if I have to go through countless hardships, even if I have to climb a mountain of swords, I will keep my promise. I will grow stronger to protect both my parents and little sister." I declare determinedly. My parents look at my stern expression and looked lost in thoughts. Then, after they carefully deliberated over my suggestion, they simultaneously smiled at each other.
"Do you know why your mother and I even work as servants at the Dukes noble household?" My father suddenly sat down on his bed and asks. He didn't wait for me to answer and continued.
"Twelve years ago, both of us were mercenary Magic Swordsman that travelled the world outside the the lands of the Drakeyol Kingdom, but after being critically injured in a ambush put down by bandits we were unable to continue our dangerous lifestyle. Duke Swordwick took us in when we had nowhere to go, so I can only repay this dept by fighting for his cause, in the end I found someone precious to my heart and stayed here as a Head Butler ever since." My father says emotionally in reminiscence.
"You're father and I want to serve the Swordwick Household of our own violation, since this place has already become our home. However, if you don't want to become a servant of the household, the only choice we can give you is this." My mother says as she pulled out that magical book I used to test my Mana attributes. I was unable to understand what she was hinting.
"Merilin has extremely Spell Control talent and her swordsmanship is not bad, so we decided that she would be sent to your grandmother to train in a few years." My mother says with a mysterious smile. I still don't get her point but nod my head. I remember that grandmother was a very strong Archmage. So my little sister would be able to learn a lot more from grandmother than anyone else, but I feel I'm forgetting something, what is it? Why do I feel a sense of foreboding?
"The reason we even came to the Drakeyol Kingdom in the first place was to visit you grandmother. We were ecstatic when we found that Merilin had Rank A Spell Control, and we wanted to send her to train with your grandmother earlier, but she refused so that she could stay here with you a little longer. If you want to leave the Swordwick Household, this is your only chance: Go with your sister and accompany her as she trains. With your grandmothers help, even if she doesn't specialise in Arts, she will definitely be able to help your growth." My father adds after regaining his senses.
"But what does this have to do with that book?" I ask curiously.
"We're just giving a warning you that your grandmother was the one who wrote this magical book." My father continued with amusement. F*ck! You mean she's THAT eccentric?! Didn't I vow to break her leg? I usually never go back on my promises, but this time, it's best that I retreat. I don't want to go!