The gentle caress of a warm breeze glided along Felicia’s face as she languidly awoke from her slumber. Faded weariness dissipated from her body as a rising sense of energy within took her by surprise; hastening her senses from their rest.

Rising up and taking in her surroundings, unfamiliar wooden furniture and a soft cradling bed greeted her awareness. As the light from the sun shone through the curtains draping the rooms creamy walls in a soft amber glow painting everything in it’s noble beauty.

By reaction, she sniffed the air hoping to understand her location better; taking in the rooms history of past visitors as strict tension released upon recognizing the familiar scent of her mother. To which was further accompanied by the smells of the Haydsworth family, strongest of most being Leonard’s scent, causing a smile to creep onto her face.

Not wanting to remain in bed any longer despite its tempting comfort, she threw off the covers, skirting herself along the mattresses surface to its edges; carefully standing as she made contact with the carpeted flooring. She took in the rooms air once more, wanting to submerge herself in the familiar scents as fresh new ones attracted her attention.

Turning to her side, she noticed the well carved bedside table to her right, placed on top was a vase with a multitude of flowers comfortably rested within, freshly plucked as the strength and vitality of their smell brought morning freshness to her senses. She drew herself closer, realising there was a familiar scent emanating from them, yet, as she did, the door to the room opened and in walked Liarra along with Marie, clean clothes being held in the maids hands as the mother lead the way in.

“Felicia!”

Swiftly turning around, the image of her mother at the doors entrance came as a shock. Her embrace seconds later adding to her staggered reaction.

Confused and caught unawares, Felicia didn’t react instantly upon her mothers embrace, wondering why she had suddenly reacted the way she did. A slight bout of panic arose from within wondering if something terrible had happened.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?” Her daughters head held in her hands, Liarra inspected her over with intense worry, looking for signs of lingering weakness.

“Mother, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me a little.”

“I’m sorry.” She pulled her hands away from her face, moving them to her shoulders, keeping herself close, “Just seeing you up and moving all of a sudden made me lose myself for a moment.” Softly placating her daughters worry.

“Did something happen?”

Looking a little lost and unsure how to respond Liarra responded soothingly, “You awoke your core honey.” Gently stroking her face, an easing smile forming as she did. “It’s been five days since then, we’ve been staying at the Haydsworth household ever since it happened.”

Felicia felt lost, not quite following along with what her mother meant, she was about to question further until her stomachs growling rumbled through the room, distracting both mother and daughter from their current discussion.

“Did I miss breakfast?” Pleadingly looking upwards to her mother.

A curt and polite answer followed the young girls question as Marie spoke up, “If you wish, I can have Wesley prepare brunch for you lady Felicia.”

“Really?” Her response came before the realization of who it was she responded to. Standing against the wall near the rooms entrance, those dark eyes of hers captured Felicia’s attention as pale light skin and the strict uniform appearance empathized her professionalism. She felt pressured by her appearance yet, Leonard’s voice rose within her memory on how Marie was one of the most trusted people he knew.

Reservedly, she nodded, “Thank you.” Then an idea popped into her mind upon mentioning the cook, “Wait, do you think Wesley would let me watch?” A quiet question escaping her mouth.

Uncertain on how he would answer, Marie simply stated, “I’ll ask him for permission.” A slight smile curled up as she couldn’t help but add on, “Though, I’m sure he’ll agree once he hears you’ve awoken from your rest.”

Following that, she walked towards the bed placing the clothes she had brought on top of its covers, bowed forward and excused herself from the room to make her way downstairs into the kitchen.

“How about we get you cleaned up and properly dressed? Can’t have you running around the Haydsworth house in naught but your pyjama's.” Having observed the clothes being placed on the bedside.

“Mooom, I wouldn’t do something like that.”

“Good. Because you were raised a smart, well-mannered, young lady.” Light laughter was shared between the two as Liarra rubbed both of Felicia’s cheeks.

The playful banter carried on between the pair as Liarra helped her daughter get ready to eat, only to be broken as Liarra’s curiosity arose when she remembered her daughter leaning forward near the bedside.

“What were you doing when you woke up Felicia? It appeared as though you were looking for something.”

Sat on the bed Felicia stood in front of Liarra between her legs, as the feline mother gently combed through her daughters hair sorting out her messy bed head.

Gone was the white thick nightgown that overflowed past the young girls feet, now to be replaced by a faded cream white long dress with an overdress of dark blue accented by a patterned edge design. Continuing along with their more comfortable style of clothing.

“I was smelling the flowers on the bedside.” She turned her head around to face where she saw the vase on the desk.

Only for her mother to immediately take hold of her head and faced it back forwards as she chuckled, “Head straight, I’m nearly done.” Playfulness in her mothers voice.

Nodding in response to mother, earning her another chuckle, she went on, “They smelled lovely but I could smell something familiar about them too, so I was trying to figure out what it was.”

“Oh? Did it remind you of anything?” Liarra’s intrigue growing upon hearing this.

“I don’t know, it smelled comforting though and made me want to find out why…”

“I see.” A knowing smile grew on her mother’s face without Felicia realizing.

Finishing up on brushing her daughters hair, Liarra decided it was time to move on. “Let’s go get some food in you, lest we have the whole household hear your growling.”

“I-it wasn’t that loud.” She complained whisperingly.

Chuckling, she held her daughters hand and rose up from her seat from the bed. “It’s been only five days for me, staying here and it already feels like a second home.” Liarra spoke softly aloud. Leading Felicia out the room, both went off downstairs in the hopes Marie had good news about Felicia observing Wesley’s cooking skills up close.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun once blazing down upon the land below took refuge between the clouds, creating a temporary shelter from it’s heat; sparing the young boy currently training in the centre of his family’s garden. Within it’s wide open centre near an immaculately carved open windowed gazebo, was Leonard wielding a long wooden spear, repeating simple spear thrusts under the watchful eye of his newly established master, Emilia.

“It’s a short thrust, don’t over extend yourself! The centre Leonard! That’s the area your thrusts need to control!”

Commanding in her guidance, both her attitude and instruction were far more direct than they’d ever been through their past year in training together. He’d been repeating these same motions for over an hour now, sweat soaked through his clothing, as the weight of his arms increased with each successful thrust, his mind grew tired from fixating all his focus whilst his hands gripping the shaft burned from constantly changing his grip – wearing away the top layer of his skin.

Throughout this entire week since beginning training as her squire did she increase the intensity he was subjected to. Making no attempt to comment on why, just stating that this was to lay the groundwork for a solid foundation. One she made a promise they’d build upon to withstand any struggle later on.

He’d agreed willingly at the time, knowing no doubt that things were going to change, however, his expectations were dismantled just as he was right now after their first session ended. He remembers the soreness and the pain of that day, as he soaked in the baths waters while the heat smothered his aching body once it was all over, believing this was something of a baptism to their new relationship.

That thought ended the following day.

The intensity remained the same again and the same the following day, maintaining that exact intensity throughout the week, as today carried on like yesterday.

Struggling to keep his eyes open at this point, the sweat blocking his sight as the liquid irritated him. Whereas his legs felt close to buckling due to the constant strain of applying power through his lower body.

“Cease! Resting position!”

He near collapsed. Resting the shaft to his right using it almost as a crutch to maintain his standing, he fought to keep his back straight as he laboriously struggled to recover his breath.

Throughout the entire time Leonard had been repeating his teachers instructions, Emilia made sure to constantly circle the child, her attention on every detail of his movements; leaving no room for bad habits to form.

As she circled around to his front, it wasn’t just the attitude of their training which had changed but her apparel had too. Gone was the somewhat racy and evocative sense of style she normally wore, now she was dressed for combat. Long black leather boots rose up to her knees which covered grey brown trousers suitable for flexibility and movement. The white loose shirt was thin in material allowing for ease of breathing and the padded jacket on top was a dark rich red with floral patterns of gold lining downwards along the central sides – Somehow restraining her chest. Finalised with her hair tied into a tight ponytail above and the black leather gloves over her hands.

The first time Leonard witnessed her change in demeanour he knew instantly that she was going to take his position as her squire seriously. Despite how impressive she looked; nervousness took root within him. Not knowing just how difficult things were about to become.

“Have you gotten your breath back?” Her words firm and neutral.

“Mostly.” Tired and still desperate for breath he could only force out a single word answer. Struggling to hide his weakness and show Emilia’s faith in his growth wasn’t misplaced.

She didn’t respond, just focussed her eyes on him, roaming his entire body looking for any false sign as he stood at rest.

“Lying isn’t good Leonard. Your body is no doubt feeling the exertions of this past week. Why didn’t you tell the truth?” Her voice calm yet wielded silent strength.

Still regaining his breath, it allowed him a few seconds to further solidify his determination, “Because I can keep going.”

Emilia raised an eyebrow at his answer as she walked forward, standing in front of him, her body overshadowing his – forcing him to look up. “Stubbornness? Now that’s new. I might be working you harder than usual Leonard, but that doesn’t mean you can let your emotions get the better of you.”

Her steel grey eyes met with his, “When you are in combat, you will never be at your full strength. At times we are tired, oft it will affect our mindset. Ignorant on matters of import whereas subjects of insignificance cloud our judgement, leading to mistakes or panic. The world doesn’t allow us the benefit of the doubt that things will simply go our way, no matter how tranquil life might be in moments like these.” As she spoke, she took a step back, circling him again once more as each step took held as much purpose as each of her words did.

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“But I think you’ve misunderstood my reasoning for why.”

Again to the front. Her eyes bored deeper into his own this time. Eager anticipation awaiting his response to why she was working him like this.

“Why it is that I’ve actually been pushing you so hard this past week, and why have I said nothing regarding my reasons whatsoever. Go on, tell me. What do you think my reasoning is?”

As his breathing began to normalise, his thoughts too started feeling more at ease, allowing his minds clarity to return as he looked back throughout the week. Only for things to be so simplistic he felt like an idiot upon realising her intent.

“You’re testing me.” He said in defeat, his face looking downwards as he announced further. “Not just my fitness but also my mental fortitude too.”

He didn’t see it, but a smile grew on Emilia’s face from his response as she moved back another step and continued to slowly circle around him.

“Good. You’ve finally caught on.”

Although she praised him for his answer, he still felt undeserving of it given his childish impulse for proving himself, feeling he allowed himself to get swallowed up in his status as her squire.

“Very little growth is obtained through ones endurance or strength, it’s achieved through mistakes and acknowledgement. This past year I’ve come to realize how your maturity is as much a blessing as it is a crux in relation to that.”

Continuing her encirclement, she made sure he couldn’t escape as she marked out her perimeter, guaranteeing her words embedded themselves within him for all angles.

“You needed to learn this lesson, that not even you are exempt from being blind to the obvious or even misunderstandings for that matter. It’s a vital lesson to learn now because as you grow older – especially when you reach the royal academy. You’ll understand that there are people out there solely for their own intentions; willing to throw anyone to the side in hopes of achieving them.”

The severity in her speech sharpened her words, embedding them deeper into Leonards core.

“Because you. My squire. Will be the most attractive pawn to any of those people intending to achieve their ambitions. Young yet mature, smart and strong, charming and thoughtful. All of these traits describe you. And as you grow older, they’ll only make you stand out more as a person of interest should you not change.”

She labelled off his characteristics more as warnings than compliments. Trying to awaken him to the realization that he was naive in his thoughts on life so far.

“My name doesn’t offer you absolute protection, there are people who will work around it hoping to get to you. So I can’t just leave you as you are. You can’t just be smart Leonard, you need to be cunning. Not just strong in combat but trickery too. Charm is wonderful for setting impressions, but you must be calculative with who and how your relationships are forged.”

Words of scheming and conniving fell ill on his ears, hating the idea that he’d have to embrace such matters in this life; the life he wanted to live so freely and joyfully.

“Why must I become like this? Is it so wrong that I want to cherish the bonds I forge with the people around me? Do you really consider it living if I’m looking over my shoulder constantly because of paranoia in my relationships?”

His questions more a desperate plead for understanding as he struggled with accepting such a false existence. He’d lived that way before. Nobody he could trust at his side. Those he once loved having left him. The memories caused his breathing to turn ragged once more as the rawest display of emotion Emilia had ever witnessed broke out, causing her to stop her circling.

“What you need to understand Leonard, is that people and connections can change. Like a piece of metal taken from life’s furnace the shape they take is forged through the interactions you experience with them; defining that relationship. Time will temper that relationship, yet life doesn’t wait for anyone. Being placed once more into the furnace that is life, their previous shape will change and take on an entirely new form.”

“What should I do then?” A whispered question of frustration and sadness as his eyes bored into her own; lost in his own confusion.

A smile returned to Emilia’s face which he hadn’t seen in a long time, the genuine smile. She closed the distance between the two of them as she cupped his cheek, pulling his head up so she could look him square in the eyes.

“You leave a lasting impression. If you don’t want to follow my suggestion and you choose to cherish those relationships that you form, then make the interactions shared between one another matter. Their shape may change once placed back in the furnace, but that shape will be influenced by the people and events they’ve experienced within their lifetime. So, even if you dislike my suggestion of being cautious in your relationships, make sure the ones you choose to forge are strengthened and tempered with the moments you share together.”

Those grey cold steel eyes were juxtaposed to the warmth and comfort she expressed through her words. She rarely, if ever tried to soothe him, often doing her best to push his limits. Yet, she understood him in this moment. That should she force trying to change his point of view, it could very well break something vital within him.

That soothing smile soon changed to one of amusement, as she let go of her students face and stepped back. Letting time flow between the two as the sound of hurried footsteps reached their location, slightly excited in their arrival.

Feeling a sense of deja vu. Leonard looked behind; half expecting his sister to suddenly grab him in her arms and squeeze him. As he did, the clouds once shielding the sun from shining down on the land below soon parted, lighting up the entire garden and the rainbow of flowerbeds throughout the pathways in its splendour. Only to realize that it was Felicia who he was seeing. Having fully woken up from her slumber after recovering from her mana core awakening.

“Felicia?!” Gasping out in surprise.

Slowing her steps after closing the distance, Felicia’s face was lit up with an eager shine in her eyes as she saw Leonard for the first time since she collapsed in their house. The memory of the event escaped her, but whilst she was eating her first proper meal since that day, her mother described how it was Leonard who caught before she fell down.

“Leonard!” She spoke with confidence, her own eyes meeting his as she wanted to say the words that first came to her mind when she heard about how he and his siblings to care of her,

“Thank you!” She was loud and exuberant in her thanks as she performed the sharpest bow she could muster. Raising herself back up, she commented, “Mother told me about how you, Illiana and Ashton helped me when my core awoke… I don’t really remember anything of what happened when I passed out but I wanted to still thank you.”

Looking at the girl who’s complexion had now fully returned along with the energy brimming through her actions, alleviated an unknown amount of tension Leonard held within him. Thoughts having traced back to how the previous Leonard had lost his life during his awakening, the fear that a similar scenario would happen to Felicia haunted him.

“You don’t have to thank me for anything. Just knowing you’re safe and feeling better is enough for me.” His small smile withholding the torrent of relief and joy in knowing his fears hadn’t come true.

“A-Hum.”

Clearing her throat, making herself known in the two’s conversation, Emilia at this point walked up to the two friends, Leonard not missing the side eye of amusement his master held.

“It’s great to see you up and about Felicia. I have to say, the constitution of a beastkin never ceases to amaze me.” Standing in front of the young feline girl the tall duellist garbed elf took in the sights of her new student. Leaning herself down closer so she could look at the girl from all angles as she circled around her similar to Leonard.

Feeling like an item on display, anxiousness clouded over Felicia’s previously happy exterior as she stood stiff.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little rude?” Leonard’s annoyance injected itself into disrupting his masters self interest.

Ignoring his complaints, she ceased her impromptu inspection and introduced herself matter of factly. “I am Emilia Sylphwood, you’re future teacher in both academics, mana development and so on and so forth…” Losing interest at the very start of her introduction.

“Do it properly!”

“It’s fine. A proper introduction will take place when lessons fully begin. I’ve already learnt plenty from her mother this past week on Felicia. To which I’ll will say, I’m looking forward to having her be involved in our lessons.” The hint of smug amusement only elevated Leonard’s annoyance which she no doubt mentioned on purpose to get a rise out of him.

“But don’t worry, that’ll be for a proper time and place. The weekend begins tomorrow and lessons are on the first day of the beginning of the week.”

Meanwhile, throughout this exchange Felicia remained still; watching the two interact with one another as Leonard ignored showing any signs of respect to someone considered a teacher.

“So. I’m calling lessons to an end now.” She turned to look to Leonard, “You need to recover, it’s not just the physical and mental aspects of you that were overworked today it seems.” She then turned slightly towards Felicia. “She’ll help with that third aspect you’ve worn out.” A teasing wink sent his way.

Leonard could only groan out a response as he buried his face in his hands.

Leaving the two alone, Emilia walked off towards the Haydsworth household and likely to head on back to her own home for the day.

“I’m sorry about that.” Leonard decided to speak up first, “I know she was very abrupt in her speech and actions, but she at least makes up for it in her intelligence and experience.” Walking up to Felicia hoping to ease that stiffness in her stance.

“I… I didn’t get to tell her thank you, after she helped me as well.” Ears slightly flattened upon realising she missed her chance.

“It’s fine, you can share your gratefulness when lessons begin. I’m guessing you’ve been told what the plan is going forward between the three of us regarding lessons?”

Ears perking up once hearing this, she nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah. Mother told me all about it whilst I was eating, also Wesley mentioned something things about what happened throughout the week too.”

Confusion showing on his face Leonard could only question, “Wesley? Was he with you when you were eating?”

A slight giggle followed his question, “No, I asked if I could watch him as he was making my food and he said he was more than happy to let me.” Her excitement gradually growing, “He even told me we could still do the biscuit idea if we’re still interested.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.” He smiled in response to her enthusiasm.

Felicia matched his smile with her own, only as she took a closer look at Leonard she noticed just how worn out he looked.

“Are you okay? You look really tired Leonard.” Audible concern in her question.

“I’m fine don’t worry. This past week was just more intense than usual regarding my training.” He hesitated. Conflicting feelings rose as Emilia’s words resurfaced in his mind, about trusting people so easily. He saw the concern on Felicia’s face – pure and genuine in her worry. Squashing whatever suspicions were growing within his subconscious, Leonard decided this would be the first step onto proving he wouldn’t let doubt direct his way of interacting with people.

“Emilia… Asked me to become her squire. Ever since she did, the training I’ve undergone has been much harder and a lot more diverse. So don’t worry, I’ll get accustomed to it in no time.” He did his best to make himself look confident and alleviate a little of her concern.

“Is being a squire special? I’ve not heard about it before.”

“I think it is. My mother was very surprised when she heard Emilia make the offer. Apparently, I’m the first ever squire she’s had throughout her entire time teaching. Though apparently she has the title of master, claiming teacher is merely a profession of hers.”

“Will I be doing the same intensity as you?” Her worry switching from Leonard to herself upon seeing him more lively.

“No. And if she did I’d object immediately. Ideally what she’ll do will be similar to me where she made me work hard till I tired out and then make a plan from there.”

Hearing Leonard’s reassurance eased Felicia’s worry. “Then I’ll it first. I’m looking forward to our upcoming lessons together Leonard!” Her smile rivalled the suns with how bright it looked. In turn Leonard returned her smile with his own though much more subdued. That lingering struggle of doubt in informing Felicia about everything still staining his mind.

Not two seconds later however, another voice intervened in the conversation. “I see you’ve found him with no problems Felicia.” Appearing from the direction of the gardens entrance from the household. Now it was Liarra’s turn to tease the younger generation, gaining the attention of both soon to be classmates.

“You ran off quite fast when Marie mentioned Leonard’s location after you finished eating earlier…”

“Mom…” Whining in front of her mother as she revealed Felicia’s eagerness openly, Leonard could only watch the both parent and child interact with one another. Immersing himself in their own little atmosphere.

Deciding to ease on her daughters embarrassment, Liarra looked towards Leonard, this time a glimmer of humour directed his way, “I nearly forgot to mention how much Felicia appreciated your gifts this past week Leonard. She was admiring them very closely when she woke up today.”

“Gifts?” “Gifts?”

Both confused about what Liarra was referencing until the realisation clicked for Leonard.

“Oh…” He slightly looked away, not sure how to respond,

Noticing Leonard’s reaction, Felicia grew curious and chased after his retreating investment in the conversation, “What gifts Leonard?”

“I- errr… that is…” He directed a look of wrongness immediately in Liarra’s direction which in turn was responded with an amused smile as the young boy struggled against Felicia’s questioning. Despite enjoying the moment, Liarra chose to speak up for the poor boy she put under her daughters scrutiny.

“It was Leonard who placed the flowers on your bedside. He’d swap them out each day making sure they were fresh on the off chance you woke up and could smell them.” She smiled tenderly in the young boys direction.

Eyes widening upon hearing her mothers words, understanding on why there was such a familiar scent embedded within the flowers she was smelling soon made sense. It was Leonard’s scent.

“You picked me flowers?”

Innocent in her questioning, he curiosity winning out over showing her gratefulness which unknown to her had her mother frowning slightly to the side.

As for Leonard, he could only nod slightly hiding his face to the side feeling uncomfortable in being so upfront about his actions. He didn’t know why it felt hard for him to express himself in this moment, simply putting it down to his conflicting personas at this time.

“Yeah… I… When you visited last time, you wanted to visit the flowerbeds which you missed last time. Yet, when I decided to introduce you to my brother and sister, you never got to go to the flowers you missed.” He struggled towards the end, something winding tightly within him, refusing him to let his voice out.

Frustrated with such an annoying restraint on his thoughts, Leonard punched through whatever mental blockade, defiant in letting his own childishness ruin his interactions with people.

“Because it was me who suggested it, I realised I was being a little selfish when you were visiting. So I thought maybe bringing the flowers to you would help with your recovery if you could smell new and fresh ones everyday…” His honesty and thoughtfulness flowing freely after whatever internal struggles were washed away.

There was no response from Felicia. For Leonard, that moment of silence lead to insecurity rising once more as Emilia’s warnings started to peak over the horizon only to be immediately smothered from the immense embrace his body was subjected to.

Acting on pure instinct, Felicia jumped forward, hugging Leonard tight as she voiced her gratefulness simple and clear. “Thank you.” Nothing more was said and following her words did Leonard’s worry vanish. Feeling foolish for ever possibly doubting that this girl could possibly hurt him when they were both in such uncertain positions together regarding friendships.

As she hugged Leonard, his scent from training was more prominent compared to anywhere else in the household, making it more recognizable when she compared it to that time she smelled the flowers he delivered. Once she realised what she was doing however, she pushed herself immediately from the young boy, looking very red and unsure of how she should proceed from here, squeaking out, “Sorry.” As she did so.

Laughter was all that was returned as the momentary shock passed as the sudden return of deja vu hit Leonard. Being pushed away once more from a hug just as Illiana had done so. He received looks of confusion from both Felicia and Liarra following his sudden outburst, “I’m sorry. I just had a very similar situation like this happen before with my sister when she hugged me from one of my training sessions ending.”

He smiled fondly at the nostalgic memory, “Apparently I get very smelly when I’m done training.” Sounding amusingly helpless in his explanation.

“You don’t smell that bad!” Felicia’s voice breaking through faster than she could stop herself. Attempting to soon burrow inside herself once she realised that the response was purely instinctual rather than controlled.

Seeing the young girl struggling so much, Leonard ceased his laughter and smiled fondly at her, “Thank you, I’ll not be so conscientious of it now if it’s coming from you.” His smile soothing her discomfort.

“Well aren’t you two precious. Leonard I’ll have to keep my eye on you if you’re going to be so considerate towards my daughter from now on.” Deciding it was time to interrupt the two children from their own little world, Liarra realised she came out here for a reasons besides ensuring her daughter was okay.

“I passed by Marie on my out here, she mentioned Emilia had finished your lessons earlier than usual today. Thus she’s gone to prepare a bath for you.” She looked between the young boy and her daughter once more, “Perhaps you might feel more comfortable conversing with one another if you were to clean yourself up a little?”

Caught off guard, Leonards response a little delayed, “I- I mean, yes. Sorry, thank you. I don’t know why Marie would have you pass on a message for her when you’re supposed to be our guest.” He bowed slightly in forgiveness for Marie’s transgression.

Laughing in response herself this time, Liarra found the moment all too much fun. “It’s fine Leonard. Like I told Felicia, I’ve come to consider this house something of a second home almost after these past few days.” Eyes matching his own.

He couldn’t understand why but Leonard felt that she was hinting at something more than just the idea of his home being somewhat more welcoming. Despite his concerns, he still accepted her compliments, “I’m grateful to hear you think so. And again, thank you for passing on Marie’s message.”

Starting to feel slightly uncomfortable with his clothing now beginning to somewhat dry, Leonard took the lead in heading off into the house hoping that he wouldn’t earn Marie’s ire in arriving late. Until his hand was grasped from the side once he started moving and noticed it was Felicia trying to get his attention.

“Leonard… When you’re done, do you think you could help me get a little caught up on some of the things Emilia’s been teaching you so far?”

Internally complimenting her eagerness to get ahead of her lessons, Marie’s words still held strong within his heart about not overworking himself. Deciding he’d take a similar approach, “Sure, but we won’t go over too much. We’ll keep it simple and easy to digest. That way Emilia can cover any of the matters you have concerns over yourself when lessons begin.”

Nodding at his answer, she let go of his hand, taking the lead back into the house to which he followed slightly behind, noticing her tail swaying excitedly as she did.

As for Liarra, she watched on as her daughter went off with Leonard. Committing the scene to memory as her daughters happiness displayed itself strongly, ignorant to any on lookers should they witness her. A warmth blossomed in her heart from realising how grateful she was that things worked out so well between their two families.

With a shadow of a possibility that this blossoming bond could grow into something further taking a small place within the back of her mind. Acknowledging that should it happen, only her daughter would have the right to choose pursuing it.