With Norton having made significant strides in magic, completing all intermediate educational courses at the academy, it was crucial to keep him engaged. As Triss suggested, other disciplines beneficial to enhancing Norton’s "taste" and "elegance" were gradually incorporated into his educational schedule.
Music, dance, painting, literature, philosophy, court etiquette, heraldry, appreciation, wine tasting—alongside these cultural pursuits, Lady Windsor taught him the essentials of rulership. Translated, this was the art of governance, though among vampires, it was elegantly phrased as how noble vampires represent the fundamental interests of all vampires.
Admittedly, Lady Windsor herself hadn’t mastered these skills, meaning Norton had to be self-motivated in his studies. This barrage of courses left Norton overwhelmed, a stark contrast to his effortless mastery of magic. Each day left him exhausted, and his academic performance didn’t always meet expectations.
These disciplines couldn’t be taught by Triss alone. While she excelled in music, dance, painting, and court etiquette, literature and philosophy were outside her expertise, prompting Lady Windsor to enlist another tutor for Norton.
Enter Elson von Carstein, the most renowned writer, author, and historian of the von Carstein family, compiler of the "Chronicles of Sylvannia," now 3,724 years old.
As a professor of history, literature, and philosophy at the von Carstein Count's Academy, he participated in two comprehensive conquests of the Old World by Sylvannia—essentially a living relic of those wars. Norton’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all received education from this elder, and now it was Norton’s turn.
Due to the elder's distinguished status, Lady Windsor felt it improper to have him visit their home, so instead, Norton visited Elson's abode. It was conveniently located within the count’s territory, just a ten-minute carriage ride to a quaint, independent little estate.
Meeting Elson for the first time, Norton was awed by the wisdom in his eyes and the latent power within his being. Simultaneously, the elder wore a look of appreciation, pleased with Norton’s achievements at his young age.
"You’ve done well, young man. Sit down."
Norton obediently complied, listening intently as the elder—appearing thirty but with an age a hundred times that—taught him. As Lady Windsor requested, the lessons covered the artistic value of literary works, the rhetoric and techniques of writing, philosophical ideas from various schools, and life philosophies gained over millennia.
In the elder’s presence, Norton was uncharacteristically docile, avoiding any disrespectful behavior despite Elson’s gentle and approachable nature.
Initially, Norton hoped to learn some magic from Professor Elson. However, as time passed, he abandoned that idea, realizing the life lessons he gained were far more valuable than any spell or martial skill.
If Norton’s initial wariness of the elder was due to his power, over time, it shifted to admiration for his sagacity.
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"You see, some educators of various races rigorously select students based on youth, talent, or physique, acting as if it’s of paramount importance.
Yet, during their instruction, they only teach the art of killing, neglecting the principles of living harmoniously. The result? They produce merciless killers—what a tragic outcome!
Look at those human institutions. They go even further. Their curriculums are filled with magic and martial arts. It’s all about killing. Even when they offer courses in literature or art, they're often neglected. Students learn poorly, and teachers teach half-heartedly, focusing on killing as a path to success. Don’t follow in their footsteps."
Elson’s words made Norton blush. Indeed, he had been focusing only on learning how to kill, disregarding other knowledge. He attended classes halfheartedly, occasionally causing trouble, like deliberately stepping on Triss's toes during dance.
"Remember, boy. Progress doesn’t stem solely from the ability to kill. In fact, the more killers, the more chaos ensues. Armies and force are crucial to a nation’s survival and expansion but should never be the means of governance. True governance and social progress rely on philosophical guidance, cultural enrichment, and technological advancement—not killing!"
Elson's philosophy deeply resonated with Norton, enlightening him. He became more conscientious in his studies, avoiding past missteps like stepping on Triss's foot. His dedication and learning efficiency increased significantly, cultivating the demeanor of a mature vampire noble. Sometimes, Lady Windsor, seeing him, would experience a momentary illusion of her late husband’s presence.
Two years passed, and Norton gained a wealth of knowledge, reaching the age of eight—time to attend the academy for further education. Despite his educational advancement surpassing the academy's curriculum considerably.
At dinner, Lady Windsor announced this, to which Norton responded calmly, "Alright," without further comment. Juana was thrilled, as Norton’s school attendance meant more time together.
Vampires were scarce in Sylvannia, and child vampires rarer still. Only a few were his age, so none of the count’s academies had fixed start dates. As soon as a child vampire turned eight, they could enroll, following a courtesy notification.
Thus, a few days after Norton’s eighth birthday, following his affirmative response to Lady Windsor's inquiry about attending school, she visited the academy to inform Dean Asta. Norton would start school the next day.
On that day, accompanied only by his maid Maya, Norton took a ghostly carriage to visit Grandpa Elson and Teacher Triss, to inform them of the situation and to thank them for their dedicated teaching over the past two years.
First, he visited Elson's home. After explaining his intentions, the elder nodded and expressed approval of Norton’s plan to study at the academy, remarking, "Interacting with peers is good. One shouldn’t study alone all the time." He gifted Norton two of his treasured books: "Summary of Old World Poetry and Literature" and "The Art of Language and Behavior."
Next was Teacher Triss’s house. Unlike Elson’s secluded estate, she lived in the academy’s residential faculty area—a charming villa district, elegantly designed, reflecting the investment vampires made in such aesthetics.
However, few teachers resided here, often living in other estates and castles within the count's territory. Only single teachers like Triss lived here.
Inside the academy, Norton asked for directions and proceeded to the residential area. Being a Sunday, the academy was quiet, with students scarce, many having gone home. Norton met no one along the way.
Upon reaching Triss’s villa, Norton alighted from the carriage with his maid Maya. The nameplate indicated it was indeed Miss von Ayoun, Triss’s family name. She had mentioned before that her family was no longer alive, so she was the sole user of the name—no mistake there.
Confirmed, Norton gently pulled the doorbell. The villa resonated with a melodious chime carried by the winds of magic.