"Brother Austin is right. At that age, we didn't force ourselves to train. So, just enjoy your time for now before hell arrives," said Alvian.
Michael smiled with hope, "Then, can I join training with you guys?"
"Do you really want to experience hell that badly? … At least two more years, then we'll allow you to train with us. Isn't that right, father?"
In his heart, Michael said,
Looks like I managed to soften their hearts. With this, I've reduced my enemies and gained support to become stronger.
Michael's words were easily accepted because he was still small, so everything he said sounded sincere. And also because Austin's hatred toward him was not too great at this moment.
If he were to let Austin's treatment toward him continue for the next few years, who knew what would happen to him.
"Yup, that's right. You also began swordsmanship training at that age."
Marquis Alex continued, "Your spirit to help the family is good, Michael. But you must also pay attention to your condition. Father and mother would be sad to lose you, you know."
Hearing that, Michael felt a slight guilt in his heart.
"That's right, dear. Then you must promise not to train too hard, okay?" Michelle said while stretching out her pinky finger to Michael.
"Promise, mother," said Michael, reaching his pinky to link with hers.
"You'd better not break it, okay!"
Michael nodded in understanding at his mother's firm words.
"Well then, let's head inside. Mother brought cake for us to eat together," said Michelle with a cheerful tone, unable to wait to eat the cake she had brought.
On the way inside the house, Marquis Alex asked, "Was there any trouble while father was away, Austin?"
"No serious trouble, father. Last week a monster attacked, but the damage wasn't too bad. Just like it usually happens."
"Hmm, I see. Then have you gotten used to your duties as a noble, Austin?"
"Yes, father. At first it was complicated, but little by little it feels easier."
"I was also helped by Sebas if there was something I didn't understand," Austin added.
"Oh, that's good then. You truly are a smart boy," said Marquis Alex while patting Austin's head.
"Then how about your training? Are you all doing well? … Especially you, Alvian."
"I've slowly started mastering my Talent, father. I can maintain my form longer now."
"And, I can also retain my sanity when my Talent is active, father."
Alvian's talent was called "The Bloody Knight," a talent focused on enhancing combat ability by sacrificing sanity.
To enter The Bloody Knight form, Alvian had to sacrifice blood. The blood could come from himself, others, or monsters. The more blood Alvian received, the stronger he would become.
In addition, The Bloody Knight had regenerative ability if its user was injured, as long as blood was present around him.
"That's good then. You've been working really hard too, my boy," said Marquis Alex as he rubbed Alvian's head.
"Hahaha, thank you, father."
"How about you, Austin? Is your training going well?"
"The same, father. My training is going smoothly, and I can control my power properly."
Austin's Talent, named Iron Colossus, was a talent that allowed its user to borrow power from the giant race that lived thousands of years ago, called the Colossus.
The Colossus race was divided into three types: Iron Colossus, Platinum Colossus, and Golden Colossus. Their differences lay only in characteristics, while their strength was not too far apart.
Their height reached hundreds of meters, and they possessed immense power. Wherever they walked, destruction was bound to follow. Yet despite their overwhelming destructive force, they went extinct thousands of years ago.
That was because they had been involved in the battle between the Hero and the Demon King.
And now, Austin possessed their power.
That power was truly immense and required very high control.
For example, when he was 8 years old, just after awakening his Talent.
A few months after obtaining Iron Colossus, while training, he once lost control of his power and almost destroyed the city they lived in if Marquis Alex hadn't intervened to stop him.
The difference between Austin's and Alvian's powers lay in Brute Strength and Snowball Effect. Austin relied on destructive strength, while Alvian relied on exploiting his opponent's recklessness to dominate battle.
"Good work for you as well, Austin," Marquis Alex replied.
Their journey toward the mansion's interior took quite some time. That was because the Marquis' estate was extremely vast.
On their way, both sides were lined with wide gardens and fountains on each side. At the fountains stood statues that poured the flowing water. And nearby, there was a luxurious gazebo often used for relaxing or drinking tea, either alone or with other nobles.
After walking for a while, they finally reached the mansion. The mansion had four floors if the basement was included.
Each floor had its own function.
The basement floor had several rooms.
The first room was the food storage, used to store harvests and food supplies.
The second room was for storing drinks like wine, beer, and the like.
And lastly, there was the inventory room, used to store war equipment such as armor, swords, spears, and more. This room also kept rare items gained from war spoils or from slaying monsters.
On the first floor where they currently stood, there was the Great Hall, which could be used to welcome nobles, host banquets, performances, and certain ceremonies. On this floor, there was also a reception room for guests to wait for the host.
Their destination right now was the second floor, where the family dining room was located.
Actually, the first floor also had a dining hall, but it was not suitable for family meals and was only used when other nobles visited.
The room they headed to was the family dining room, simple—at least by noble standards.
Entering the room, they were greeted by a rectangular table, 4 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.
The table was carved with unique patterns in blue and gold. On each side except one, there were two chairs, so in total there were six chairs.
They immediately filled all the chairs except one. The empty chair beside Michael belonged to his elder sister, Maria Vallerstein.
Or perhaps now, she was better addressed as Countess Maria Ashford?
Around a year ago, Maria had left the house and married Count Edward Ashford. They now lived in the capital of Ferrum, Veyrandel.
The servants quickly prepared the drinks and cake that Michelle had brought earlier, placing them on the table.
The delicious cake was sliced into small pieces and served to each person. Everyone received an equal portion, except Michelle.
A happy, eager expression shone on Michelle's face.
Seeing his wife's adorable behavior, Alex couldn't help but comment, "You really love cake, don't you, dear?"
"Of course! Cake takes away my stress after working so hard."
Michelle continued proudly, "As long as there's cake, I feel like I can do anything."
Marquis Alex could only smile happily at his wife's cute antics.
"Father, how was your expedition this time? Did it go smoothly?" Austin asked.
"Smoothly, son. We didn't face any serious trouble. Well, we did encounter a strong monster, but we defeated it."
Hearing that, Michael couldn't hold back his curiosity.
"A strong monster? Please tell us the story, father, about your battle against it!"
"You seem quite interested in strong monsters, my boy."
"Very well, while we eat I shall tell you the story."