Chapter 14
Lucina
After our visit to Kai's "Elysium of Petals," I decide to let the boys have some autonomy in their schedules.
But I make it non-negotiable: they must spend weekends with me.
Mondays are reserved for etiquette lessons. A crucial skill they'll need to navigate the world of nobility.
As for the rest of the week, I insist they spend at least one free day together. Building camaraderie and trust among themselves is just as important as their individual growth. They need to learn to rely on each other.
I sit them down in the cozy living room of the villa. I explain the schedule with a firm yet gentle tone.
"I know this might seem strict. But trust me—it's for the best."
I try to ease their concerns.
"Any questions?"
Valendor shakes his head. Nikolai shakes his. Haroun shakes his.
With that settled, I dismiss them for the day. I watch as they head to their respective rooms.
I sit alone in the living room. A mix of emotions washes over me:
· Hope for their future
· Concern for the challenges ahead
· A sense of responsibility for their well-being
But amidst it all, a glimmer of excitement.
These boys may have been slaves. But they are also full of potential. With the right guidance and support, who knows what they can achieve?
I really might be a mother hen.
***
Haroun
Madam Briggs strikes my back with the whip once more.
Snickers come from Nikolai and Valendor.
"Mr. Haroun!" Madam Briggs yells, clearly frustrated. "It's a slight bow. Graceful and simple. Not so stiff and grand!"
I would much rather be honing my sword skills or training my body. But this etiquette training feels like a form of torture.
Nevertheless, I am determined to excel.
I glare at Nikolai and Valendor. They seem to have mastered the posture and grace required.
I steel myself for the next lesson: the art of pouring and making tea.
Who knew there was a specific way to pour tea?
*
Madam Briggs explains the intricacies of pouring tea with meticulous detail. She emphasizes the importance of every movement and gesture.
I try to follow her instructions. Steady hand. Correct posture.
"Excellent, Mr. Nikolai." Madam Briggs praises him as he gracefully pours tea into the delicate china cups.
Valendor follows suit. His movements are smooth and practiced.
And then there's me. Struggling to pour without spilling a drop. Feeling utterly out of place.
The tea ceremony feels more like a test of endurance than a refined art.
As we continue with the lesson, I curse the nobles and their obsession with formalities. But I remind myself: this is all part of adapting to our new lives.
If I want to succeed in this world of nobility, I must endure these tedious lessons.
After what feels like an eternity, Madam Briggs finally dismisses us.
I let out a sigh of relief. Mentally and physically drained.
***
Nikolai
Inside the mage tower, my heart races with excitement.
I try to contain my elation. I offer a silent thanks to the princess for this incredible opportunity.
As a slave, I never dared to dream of such a chance. I know that even some nobles can't gain entry to this prestigious place.
"Nikolai. Follow me."
A man in his twenties instructs. I eagerly comply.
This is my chance. I won't waste it.
I am introduced to my teacher—a six-star mage. I've heard he is one of only five six-star mages in the entire empire.
The tower master is a seven-star mage, on par with the emperor himself.
The thought sends a shiver down my spine. I realize the magnitude of where I am.
"Head to the library and gather some basic mage books. Study diligently. I will quiz you randomly." Master Corvus's robes billow behind him as he turns.
"You are also expected to accompany me everywhere."
It's a curious sight. The robes move despite the lack of any apparent breeze inside the tower.
With newfound determination and excitement, I rush off to the library in my mage robes.
Eager to absorb all the knowledge I can. Eager to begin this incredible journey into the world of magic.
***
Haroun
Knight training is grueling.
But compared to my days as a gladiator, it's honestly more manageable. I'm excited to finally learn proper fighting methods. Even though the training sessions leave me sore and exhausted.
I swing my wooden sword. I snicker internally at the thought of my former comrades from the underground arena.
If they knew I was now a knight in training...
It's a far cry from the brutal battles and constant struggle for survival.
"Haroun!!!"
The sharp voice of the balding instructor snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Sixty laps right now!!!"
His face is red with anger.
I drop my wooden sword and start to run. The burn spreads through my legs.
This man seems to have it out for me ever since I joined during the academic year instead of at the beginning like everyone else.
His punishments may be tough. But I find them almost amusing in their severity.
It's a small price to pay for the opportunity to become a knight.
I push myself harder, determined to prove myself despite the challenges.
***
Valendor
"That's it. Hold that feeling."
Kai observes me with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
I focus on growing a seed in a small potted plant. Three hours of careful concentration.
Finally, the seed sprouts.
As an elf, our source of power is nature itself. Our close connection with Mother Earth and the World Tree grants us the ability to manipulate and nurture plants effortlessly. It's why the flowers in the 'Elysium of Petals' are always in full bloom.
A testament to our innate abilities.
I continue to coax the plant, pouring my energy and focus into it.
A small bud pops up from beneath the soil.
I sigh with exhaustion. A rewarding feeling.
"Good job."
Kai nods in approval. He leaves to sit by the balcony, his gaze lost in the horizon. Sometimes, he plays a haunting tune on his flute—a melody that drifts through the air like a whisper of magic.
I leave my master to his thoughts.
Despite appearing to be in his early twenties, Kai is actually thirty-three. A testament to the longevity of elven genes.
I make my way down the familiar pathway to the kitchens.
Kai allows me to explore my interest in cooking and baking. The food here is divine. I've been learning from the best. Each day, I improve my skills.
I prepare ingredients for a new recipe. I hum to myself, thinking about the princess tasting my pastries.
The thought of her enjoyment is motivation enough to strive for perfection in every dish I create.
***
Lucina
I sit at a small wooden table in the kitchen.
I take a bite of the delicious pastry Stacy managed to sneak from the palace kitchen for me. The flaky layers of dough melt in my mouth. The sweet filling tantalizes my taste buds.
As I savor the treat, my mind wanders to thoughts of the boys.
I wonder how Nikolai, Haroun, and Valendor are doing in their respective training.