Count Royl Wolsk, who was my father in this world, had long hair and the same features as my brothers. Besides that, he was quite handsome and had a scar on one of his cheeks. His presence alone felt very intimidating. When he sat down, we began to eat the food on the table, which consisted of bread, goat's milk, butter, cheese, and pieces of roasted meat. I wasn't expecting this, as we don't usually have such a hearty breakfast, especially not in the winter season. This means we are celebrating a special occasion.

Now I think this life isn't so bad. Although the food is a bit bland, it is delicious, and breakfast is much better than just having coffee and a couple of cookies every day like I did in my previous life.

As we had eaten half of the food served, Father said in a very solemn voice, "Ziom, spring is just around the corner." I was confused by what he said and why he mentioned me specifically. I looked at my brother Riun to see if he had a clue about what was happening because I don't recall there being any special date.

But Riun just gave me a smile and ignored my look. I waited for Father to continue explaining what was going on.

Father took a bite of bread using a fork and, after swallowing, continued speaking.

"As you know, all your brothers have a family contract with a wolf, and you have turned six years old, so it is time for you to start your archery training and choose your primary weapon once you have established your contract with one of the wild wolves in the forest."

A contract with a wolf? I thought the wolves belonging to my father and brothers were just hunting dogs of some wolf-dog breed.

"What do you mean by signing a contract with a wolf?" I asked ingenuously, not remembering anything related to this. But upon hearing my question, Father looked at Mother and my siblings, who seemed a bit embarrassed, before asking them.

"Has he not received any education about our family yet?" Mother, still looking a little embarrassed, tried to explain.

"Dear, we have tried to teach Ziom about the family history, but no matter how strict we are with him, whenever we try to teach him or when one of the servants tries, he falls asleep in the middle of the lesson, escapes, or hides somewhere in the castle or outside to sleep."

I felt nervous hearing what Mother said because I had vague memories of my actions.

But instead of scolding me, Father just laughed in a somewhat rough manner.

"Haha, as expected from one of our children. They are always very rebellious at that age." He didn't seem to take it too seriously.

Despite Father's laughter, I still felt puzzled, and when he finished laughing, he continued explaining.

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"Ziom, the contract with a wolf is an important ritual in our family. It is more than just a relationship with a hunting animal. Our bloodline allows us to establish a very deep connection with them. Once the contract is established, we share a special bond that strengthens us both, improves our health, and extends their lifespan to match ours. And if we do not make the contract in childhood, our bloodline will not manifest or be inherited by our descendants."

I remained silent, trying to imagine myself hunting with a wolf by my side, wielding a bow and a sword. In my previous life, I had never done anything remotely similar. However, the idea of having a wolf companion and learning to use weapons sparked a sense of excitement within me.

"Ziom, once the snow begins to melt and spring comes, I will take you to the forest. There you will find your wolf," Father said firmly.

The rest of the breakfast was spent in thoughtful silence for me. My siblings chatted animatedly among themselves, and Mother watched with a serene smile. After we finished, when Father got up and left, we all did the same. I felt the need to be alone and reflect on what I had just learned.

When I reached my room, I went to the window made entirely of wood with carved figures. I opened it and watched the snow cover the landscape, and as I did, a wave of cold hit my face. At least it felt very cold.

I ignored the cold and kept observing. The castle was immense, but it did not compare at all to a skyscraper, so it wasn't too surprising compared to my previous life. A large town could be seen in the distance and a forest that seemed endless in the opposite direction from the town, but the distance from the castle was quite considerable.

I must plan how I will live from now on and set goals. I will never get the chance to reclaim my childhood again, so it will be a relaxing experience to live without too many worries for several years. I don't know if I will get used to this kind of life, but I don't have another option. I heard a knock on the door that interrupted my thoughts.

Riun entered, and he wasn't alone. He was accompanied by his wolf Strom, who was not too big. He sat on the bed, and his wolf came over to me to be petted, which I did because he seemed very cute, especially with how his tail wagged with excitement. "You know, Ziom, when I had to make my contract, I was also scared," he said softly.

"Really?" I didn't know where he got the idea that I was scared, but I asked out of curiosity about how the contract was established.

"Yes. Walking through the great forest for a long time was very exhausting, and my feet started to hurt a lot, but then something incredible happened that scared me. But Father told me not to be afraid and filled me with courage."

"What was that incredible thing that appeared?" He just shook his head and said nothing.

I leaned in and started to say, "Big brother, you're so cool, so please tell me, I want to know what that incredible thing was." He just smiled and said, "No, if I told you, it would ruin the surprise, and don't think about asking our sisters because they won't tell you anything either."

I just sighed before feeling a bit of relief because it doesn't sound too dangerous. Maybe this new world wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Thanks, Riun," I said with a small smile.

He looked happy to hear my response and said, "You're welcome, little brother. Now, how about we go to the training courtyard? I'll show you a basic archery demonstration," he suggested, getting up.

"Sure, that sounds great," I said. He seemed surprised by my response and said with excitement,

"Really? Aren't you going to fall asleep?" Seeing his reaction made me doubt if I was acting as I should.

I nodded my head and we left my room, as I followed him enthusiastically along with Strom, so I can explore the surroundings of the castle. There is much to learn and little time before spring arrives, I can take advantage of this.