The next morning, Alan came across Kayden before going to the training grounds.

He asked the question that plagued his mind the entire night. "Do all nobles train at the grounds?"

From the books he read in the previous life, he knew nobles provided their children with the best resources they could afford and hired private tutors.

"No." Seeing the unasked question in Alan’s eyes, Kayden elaborated. "The first three levels of knight training are the same for everyone. Since you will be using recovery medicines, it doesn’t make any sense to hire a private tutor.”

"I know most of the people at the training grounds are commoners, don't look down on them. There are some talented and hardworking ones present among them. Both your mother and I underwent training in the same way and made some very good friends." A wistful expression appeared on his face as he reminisced about past events. “Back then, our little clique was unstoppable.”

Shaking off his distracted thoughts, he sternly reminded Alan. “No matter how strong you are, you cannot do everything alone. Get along with the others and make some nice friends."

The serious expression on Alan’s face made him burst into laughter. Unable to help himself, he kissed his son’s cheek. “Come on. You shouldn’t be late on the first day. Discipline is one of the most important lessons you will learn in your life.”

Alaya was waiting for them near the carriage with a bunch of guards.

Noticing the change in Alan’s expression, she hurriedly said, "Don't worry, they won't be following you."

He relaxed after hearing that. While she won't leave him unprotected, he didn't mind it as long as he didn’t have a procession following him.

"He is your new butler Arlo Duncan. If you need anything, you can ask him."

Alan scrutinized the man standing in front of him. He was in his mid-fifties and did not have any noteworthy features. Arlo did not look special in any way, but Alan felt like he was looking at a terrifying beast.

Arlo politely smiled. "Shall we be on our way Lord Alan?"

Alan sat in the carriage alongside his butler and proceeded towards the camp.

Alaya stared at the departing coach.

"Protect him well," she said and entered the castle alongside Kayden.

Alan looked back at Maetrine castle. It represented the seat of power in Perdo city which was the capital of the Amaris duchy. Four walls divided the city into the outer, middle, core, and castle regions.

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The outer region had the highest population and was home to the common people and bottom-tier guilds. Most of the well-established guilds and merchants lived in the middle region. Only the nobles and the richest merchants could afford the houses in the core region.

Alan eagerly peered out of the window taking in the sights. It was the first time he looked at the city after reincarnating.

The large amount of the area occupied by the warrior training grounds made it difficult to establish it in either the core or the middle region, so he had to travel to the outer zone. It gave him the chance to take in every part of the city.

His carriage was one of the many that moved along the well-maintained road. It didn’t attract any attention as it wasn’t marked with the family crest.

When he moved to the middle region, the sights surprised him. He expected the zone to be unruly and undisciplined. Contrary to his expectations, the roads were well structured, and the guards properly patrolled the area. Even the taverns and other establishments did not look rowdy.

Alan previously believed that the world started industrialization. Weird-looking lights with no apparent power source illuminated the castle, and water towers automatically transported water. He didn't think he would see similar structures in the middle and even the outer region.

Alan wondered if the duchy was rich enough to afford such upkeep. The size of the gigantic training grounds intensified his doubts. It was so immense, it could fit eight football fields inside it, and it was only one of the seven located in the outer region.

He voiced out his thoughts without thinking it through. "How can the duchy afford so many soldiers and provide these services to everyone in the city? Where does all the money come from?"

The question impressed Arlo. "I did not know that you understood such subjects at a young age."

Alan knew he messed up and gave an excuse. "Mother and father discuss these topics at length. I don’t understand a lot, but I did pick up a few important points."

"It is good to have an inquisitive mind." Arlo thought for a second before replying. "The development started 327 years ago when the first Maker of Miracles, Lord Damian Gallaher invented a method to mass-produce magic items.

"He changed the way society functioned. This doesn't answer your question, but it was the starting point. Understanding the complete picture needs you to have an understanding of items, mana, mana structure, channels, and many other topics. Why don't you withhold your questions for a little while? I am sure the Lord Duke and Lady Duchess have planned the lessons for you."

I wonder what forms of energy ki and mana are, and I want to know what makes this world so different. Who knows what else exists here, Alan thought while following Arlo into the training grounds.

A one-eyed burly man whose entire body was covered in scars received them. Alan found it impossible to imagine the stranger’s original face.

The one-eyed man hesitantly sized up Alan while Arlo introduced each other. "Young lord, this is your instructor, Maur."

"Do you think he is up for it?" From the expression on his face, Maur seemed to think otherwise, but Arlo just nodded. "Master Kayden thinks so."

Maur hesitantly nodded.

"Take care young master. I will come to pick you up in a month." Arlo bowed and left.

"Bye, Arlo," Alan said and followed instructor Maur into the training grounds.

The butler’s words registered in his mind after some time. A month? I will be going back to the castle this evening. I have other classes scheduled. Maybe I misheard it.

He glanced at the instructor who had a devious grin on his face. Alan suddenly had a sick feeling in his stomach.