To deal with the aftermath of the terrorist attack, classes had been postponed. Normally, I would be pissed and count the nickels I got each time the chance of training was ripped away from my grasp by this cold-hearted universe. But… after two near-death experiences in a short time, both involving explosions weirdly enough, I was sorta in need of an actual break.

The problem was, what was I supposed to do now?

Lazing about in my beds sounded like the best thing I could think of right now, but being a couch potato for a whole week was the last thing I wanna do.

I should know by now how dangerous this world truly was. From bandits to magic, I had nearly lost my lives twice now. Four times if you counted each body separately. I even died once if you count my previous life too. That wasn’t exactly a streak I wanted to keep.

I was just relaxing, enjoying the chill air, the distant parting clouds, and the sound of servants running about the mansion. Having gotten used to all this sensory overload, I was able to find someplace in my mind to think things through. But, I ended up with nothing.

Trying to find something to do was hard, and the double brains ain’t helping.

Man, I kinda wish training started again.

I know, I know. I just said I needed that rest. But what else was I supposed to wish for? I needed to get stronger for my own sakes.

But was I that desperate to train that I would throw away my well-deserved week-long rest? It wasn’t like the classes were open anyway. Father was busy with the copious amount of paperwork, and Mother was busy “talking” with the culprits of the attack. I even heard she caught a stalker or something.

Still, I was in a hard place. No instructors meant no training. Simple as that. But then, it clicked.

All this time, every single training I did, was directed by someone else.

For Feyt, it was Fray and Anton with their brutish training methods.

For Carine, it was Father and Mother with their tight schedules and strict rules.

Not once had I actually trained to strengthen myself on my own. Not even once. Sure, there was that time when I was learning how to control both of my bodies, but that’s beside the point!

I rose from my beds briskly, eyes glaring forward. I couldn’t believe I didn’t realize it until now. The answer was right under my nose all along.

This week-long break was my perfect chance!

The chance to train at my own pace!

Just as I was about to hop off my beds all determined, a knock caught my attention.

“Lady Carine? May I come in?” A feminine voice said.

“Ah, yes,” I said, fixing my nightgown and clearing my throat. “Come in.”

A maid entered. She was one of the many maids working in this estate.

“Shall I help you dress, Lady Carine?”

It was a normal morning routine before heading to breakfast, as usual. Now, you might be wondering where Leila was and why was a random maid attending to me. Well, Mother stayed true to her words and granted Leila a week-long break.

Honestly, I was starting to miss Leila. The maid right now was too… mellow. She always tried her best not to talk to me outside of work. Well, Leila was more or less the same, I guess… But it’s just different, alright?

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Anyway, I was just glad she wasn’t all that hurt. I was sure she was ecstatic about the break as much as I was, so I wanted her to have a week without work so she could freshen up herself up.

I’m sure she’ll be back more energetic than ever.

Once I was finished with my morning routine, assisted by the maid, she and I walked towards the dining room, where Mother and Father would be. Despite how busy they were lately, they still made sure to at least be there for breakfast, which I found endearing.

Breakfast was like usual as well. A soft yet solid bread, a bit bland yet fresh salad, a very creamy and flavorful soup, and a really nice cup of tea. Wouldn’t mind having this for future breakfasts.

Though I couldn’t help but notice. Both Mother and Father looked different.

Father was starting to grow eyebags, he must’ve worked on his papers late into the night. I wondered if this was going to be a permanent thing or not. I hoped not, it probably wasn’t healthy for him.

Mother, on the other hand, looked distressed. She always had an ice-cold look even when staring at food. Normally I could actually imagine she had some sort of grudge against the bowl of soup with the way she glared at it. Now, she looked too tired to even care. Were the interrogations really that spiritually taxing?

I felt bad for enjoying my break like this, which meant I really needed to get that training in. Who knows, maybe I could help them out with a few things here and there.

I was a secretary in my past life, I could probably help Father with his paperwork. As for Mother, well I decided to just be there to support her whenever she was around. Like hell I could help with the interrogations, not that I wanted to look at her methods, anyway.

If she’s already a demon to her students and me, what terror could she instill in those culprits?

The breakfast started in silence and ended with silence. But as we all rose and said our thanks for the food, I decided I should be the one to speak up.

“Mother, Father…”

Both of them stopped in their tracks, glancing at me.

“What is it, dear?” Mother asked, her gaze not as soul-piercing as it used to be.

“Was the food not to your liking today, Carine?” Father said.

“No, that’s not it.” I shook my head. Then, I stepped forward and looked them straight in the face. “If there’s anything I could do to help, please, let me know.”

Both of them blinked and stood there silently for a few seconds. I began to wonder if I had overstepped the line of being an obedient daughter… but then, both of them chuckled.

Father walked up to me and placed his calloused hand on my head. He ruffled my hair gently, enough to avoid messing up my hairdo yet still be playful.

“You’re already helping more than you realize, Carine,” he said, his voice warm. “Seeing you every morning is enough to give me the energy to keep on working.”

Mother, meanwhile, let out a silent sigh. She shook her head slightly as she flashed a rare warm smile. “You should focus on rest, dear. But… your concerns are noted.” Mother’s eyes softened for just a moment. “But, you can leave this matter to us. You need not burden yourself with this.”

I opened my mouth, ready to argue, but Father gave my head one final pat before pulling away.

“Listen to your mother, Carine. Enjoy your day off!” he said with a hearty smile. “Although we’ll be away for a long time, Feyt should be free to talk with!”

I froze for a moment.

Why did you bring up that name right now??

I snuck a glance at Mother, expecting her to berate Father for even suggesting the idea that I should hang around myself.

But… it never came. She just let out an even longer silent sigh. I… couldn’t see any disdain in her, it felt more like she was relenting.

Don’t tell me… Has she gotten tolerant of Feyt? Damn, didn’t think hell would freeze over this fast.

“Now then, I must head back to my office,” Father said. “Those papers aren’t going to do themselves, unfortunately. After that, I still had to talk with those officers at the castle again, hmm…” he grumbled that last part mostly to himself.

“I believe it’s time for me to leave as well. The carriage is waiting for me.” Mother turned on her heels and headed for the exit.

Father followed suit. But before they left, they glanced at me with warm smiles. I responded with the best smile I could manage, a very slight smile that somehow didn’t twitch. Deep inside, I wished them safe journeys and hoped to see them again soon.

The doors closed with a click and I was left in the dining room with the servants. They hadn’t started cleaning the tables just yet, they were probably waiting for me to leave.

Well, no point in dawdling here. Best to leave the servants to their work.

Besides, it was time. Time for me to finally train at my own pace.

Finally, no more instructors breathing down my necks, and no more strict schedules to tie me down. Just me, myself, and I.

There was only one problem left to tackle.

How do I train myself?

----------------------------------------

image [https://i.imgur.com/RdC5Gde.png]