|| Chapter 15 || A Third Master Finds A Second Rat

Beads of sweat rolled down on Moulin's exhausted face as his chest rapidly lowers and rises. His lips parted and his lungs struggling to catch his breath. A ten-kilometer run around the whole training field, six-hour muscle strengthening for his arms and legs, and a number of different strenuous training methods. Moulin was absolutely certain that this type of training does not fit with his physique at all. His hands were faintly trembling, clutched on his knees. If it weren't for him possessing a mana core, he was sure he wouldn't last any longer than an hour. His situation was truly laughable.

The brawn captain knew that the boy was certainly not keen on strength but his speed and agility were definitely improving. Striding in front of the boy who wearily glanced at him, he came down to Moulin's level and spoke "Is your determination wavering? Just say the word, young master".

Moulin's fingers clenched tighter on his knees with a strength unknown to him. He was neither offended nor furious about the captain's words instead an amused laugh escaped from his mouth, loud enough for the two of them to hear. "What's next, Captain?"

Standing erect with his large hands settled on his waist, Sir Vidola gave out an unrestrained laugh. He was truly pleased with the youth's unexpected reply and fascinated by his pure determined look. It seems that he certainly wasn't jesting about his words. Of course, the first day of the week had just started. This was just the beginning of the training, like a warm-up for amateurs.

Grinning, the captain's smiling eyes gaze at the third young master with a delighted glare. "Two more laps!".

Moulin's body didn't even stagger as he moved forward. The weights stuck from his calves to his ankles like a curse as he took every step. His expression was neutral as he endured the creak of his bones and the feel of his muscles harden. Henceforth, he decided to eat as much as his stomach can take and intake as many nutrients as he can. There was no need to rush. If he desires to be strong, he needed as much time as possible. He already knew that gaining strength isn't as easy as saying it. Moreover, it was great to do something for a change.

Back in his previous life, he had almost spent all his time shut inside his room as if he was allergic to the sun. This time, he was willing to spend every day outside, training to be a person stronger than he was before.

•••••••••••••••••

Every day by the crack of dawn a solitary figure could be seen running around the estate and accompanied by a small white fox. Night Guards would catch Moulin's frame as he jogged with controlled breaths and his legs continuously moving as he ran on the gravel paved ground. Even servants would be startled by the sight of the third young master engaging in such a tiresome routine. Before the bell tower would signal for the first mealtime of the day Moulin had already washed and eaten as he strode out of the manor to train with the captain.

Moulin was a fast learner. His movements were a bit sluggish but in time they became sharper and more precise. Captain Vidola became more and more inclined to train Moulin to his limits. The youth's strength became really apparent as their training got fiercer. When three weeks had passed, Under his father's orders, Maxille worriedly came to visit Moulin's training only to be astounded by his youngest brother's advancement. A single kick broke a huge tree as thick as the pillars of the Elven Temples in half mercilessly. The white-headed youth cursed loudly at himself. He had unconsciously layered his body with mana, enhancing its strength into a whole new level.

Every night, he would cultivate his mana and soul and followed the voice's guide to nurture his body and mind. Easing himself, he began to decrease the amount of strength in his body to naturally train without the use of mana. Moulin was unaware of his elder brother who showered him with praise the moment he entered his father's office.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Moulin?..." A soft familiar voice called out after a few knocks on the double doors of Moulin's room. "It's mother"

Long white eyelashes fluttered open as Moulin awoke from his state of meditation. Setting his feet on the carpet floor, the big doors opened as his mother entered his room.

"I asked the captain to let you skip training today. We'll be having some guests to join us for lunch in the garden" Lady Maxiel's slender figure sat on the bed beside her youngest son. Her wavy hair was arranged in a sophisticated updo and a smile painted her lips as she gazed warmly at her son.

"You could have sent someone to inform me, Mother. You don't need to tire yourself" Moulin chuckled.

"What tired! I wanted to see my son for myself. You have been spending too much time outside. Too much to not even spare a single second for your mother! You're very fortunate there wasn't a single injury on your body or I would have locked you in your room and ban you from ever training again" She rasped in one breath.

Moulin felt a chill ran down his spine as he feared his mother's protectiveness. She was like a calm and gentle cloud with a storm silently brewing inside her. As if one word could break her chains and let loose a more dangerous creature. That was how father and Maxille feared her. Clearing his throat he gave out a bright smile as he got off the bed to change into something appropriate for the lunch "I will change into something more presentable then, Mother"

He paused when he caught a hint of excitement in his mother's eyes. A stream of cautiousness poured down his skin making him unconsciously want to brace himself for one of his mother's usual weird attacks.

"I'll help you dress then. It has been a long time since you spent time with your mother and how I missed our time together. Come now, we must hurry!" Without waiting for his son's reply, she dragged the dumbfounded Moulin into his dressing room.

Within the vast garden behind the manor, Inside a large glamorous gazebo, a long table was filled with a variety of delicious food served carefully by maids. Gem-like flowers surrounded the gazebo like colorful stars and the landscaped gardens we're elegantly made. The harmonized songs of birds can be heard around the area and the relaxing scent of nature carefully blended with the mouthwatering scent of the food on the table.

The head of the household conventionally sat at his end of the table as he waited for his wife and his youngest son, Moulin. Maxille was seated beside his mother's seat and Emlen followed after him. The second young master gave an expressionless glanced at the empty seat next to him not paying attention to the person sitting at his opposite.

The Fraunces Family was a Grand Noble family. Lord Dontae Emilian Fraunces, was the Head Lord of the Main Fraunces Household and so his sibling's families were branches from the main Family.

The family visiting him was the Lord's brother. Emlen never really paid attention to these occasions even if it was just merely a family visit, it wasn't a big deal. Their uncle, Lord Deilin, and his wife, Lady Ether, sat at his father's left side of the table, casually conversing about things that could leave him sleeping for millennia. They had also brought their children with them. Their first child, Kleian, their second child, Ydris. Thankfully, Kleian was decent, however, Ydris was annoyingly irritating. Tilting his head with narrowed eyes he tediously watched the haughty cousin sitting in front of him.

"Where is Lady Maxiel?" Lord Deilin asked his brother, patiently glancing at her empty seat.

"She was never late to attend our lunches. Where could she have gone?" Lady Ether had a troubled look, gazing at the scenery around them.

"She went to fetch our third brother, Uncle" Maxille replied with his usual stern gaze.

"I heard third cousin came back. Is he alright?" Kleian asked. His tone was calm and soothing.

Maxille nodded "He is alright"

"Moulin really is fortunate to have first cousin, he could've experienced worse if first cousin didn't save him" quipped Ydris. "Moulin doesn't really have many understandings outside the manor what if he had any traumas after what happened to him in the mountains?".

Emlen rolled his eyes at his sentences. He caught two figures making their way towards the gazebo at a leisure pace. A smile broke from his annoyed face "Finally..."

All their attention shifted towards the approaching people. What met their eyes were two people dressed in matching colors of blue. Lady Maxiel was smiling brightly with great satisfaction emitting around her. She wore a dazzling blue dress, looking very beautiful and elegant with her arm around Moulin. The latter had red ears as he walked together with his mother. His long hair was gracefully braided down his back, revealing a clean forehead and his beautiful features very similar to his mother.

His navy waist pants hugged his waist down to his ankles, his curves bold and appealing. A loose high neck shirt, gathered sleeves, and long tight cuffs. Definitely, something Moulin didn't choose himself. His sapphire earrings glistened against the light making him look very noble.

The astonishing white hair and silver eyes once again caught everyone's attention inside the gazebo, especially four guests. The pair of mother and son finally took their seats at the table with identical grace.

"Your clothes..." Emlen caught sight of his brother's red ears.

"Mother..." Moulin replied, sighing. "I couldn't stop her"

"No one can" Emlen chuckled at him.

"M-Moulin...I almost didn't recognize you" Lady Ether tightened her grasped on her utensils as she gaped at Moulin's charm. Moulin really was a work of art.

"Hello, Aunty" A smile as gentle as the sea breeze tickled Lady Ether's heart. Moulin greeted his uncle, Kleian, and Ydris with the same soft smile.

Ydris' small hands tightened on his fork so much it almost bent. He forced a smile at Moulin but he was mentally stabbing Moulin's face with the fork. Moulin had great wealth, is doted rotten by his family, had the most beautiful face, and had once escaped death. He was too fortunate that all Ydris wildly desired was his downfall. And yet the even the Gods was seduced by him to give him a second chance to live.

"How are you cousin?" He forced out the words, feigning a worried look.

"Oh, I'm perfectly fine" Replied Moulin, sensing the malice in his eyes. Ydris' smiling eyes reminded Moulin so much of a particular red-head maid that he almost forgot, Viana. She's probably having the time if her life being punished by the head maid.

"Your hair and eyes..." A deep voice spoke almost like a whisper.

"Oh, this?" Fiddling with a strand of his hair, Moulin spoke with a chuckle "It's a long story..."

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑. Kleian nodded faintly. This version of Moulin was quite pleasing and attractive. He had changed so much since the last time they came to visit. Before, he was too unruly and would always pick a fight with Ydris. Now, he's like a different person.

The two families continued to dine inside the gazebo. They talked, ate, and admired the scenery around them. Moulin was getting bored, wishing to just proceed with his training as soon as possible. He also wondered how Snow doing, sleeping on his bed like a baby. Just when he was about to excuse himself a villain spoke.

"It must've been hard for you, Moulin. I wonder about the person who supported you back in the mountains. It must have been miserable without their help" Ydris furrowed his eyebrows out of worry. No matter how lucky you are, your terrible temperament always drags you down.

𝑇𝑠𝑘, 𝑤ℎ𝑦 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡? Could there be nothing better to do than trying to piss him off?

Moulin shook his head "Actually there was no other person. To survive, I learned to do everything I can to keep myself breathing. From making fires, catching fish, and killing animals if I have to. I even have to sharpen rocks with freezing fingers just so I could skin animal fur off their corpses." He lowered his head and added "I realized that nothing ever comes free if you want to stay alive. So I think my sufferings in the mountains were a remarkable lesson in my life".

...

"...Really?" Kleian could not believe what he had heard. His head whipped to seek confirmation from Maxille but his head was lowered as if he was in deep thought. The rest of the Main Fraunces family were in a trance.

Suddenly, a sharp disturbing laugh broke their thoughts making them stare at Ydris who wiped a tear off his eye as he gazed at Moulin. Laughing as if what he heard was one of the greatest jokes he had ever heard in his life.

"Forgive me, I couldn't help myself" He calmed himself down with a grin still plastered on his face. "That was a good one, dear cousin. I was almost fooled. I didn't know you could jest that good".

Moulin also laughed, freezing the grin on Ydris' face "I didn't know I could too". A bright smile painted his lips as he suddenly went silent and ate. His look softened until a depressed expression faintly shaped his beautiful face as he chewed the food in his mouth as if it was reminding him of his solitary life back in the mountains.

Moulin's unexpected reaction left Ydris dumbfounded. He was awaiting a loud outburst from Moulin causing a scene. But now he seemed to look like a bully picking on the weak.

The Lady and the Lord of the house frowned unpleasantly. Even Maxille had openly glared at Ydris in front of his uncle and aunt. Insulting Moulin was like insulting themselves. This small relative sitting with them made Moulin unhappy for the first time since he had returned.

"F-forgive, my son. Children sometimes forget their manners" Lady Either lamented. He quickly gestured Ydris to apologize sincerely to Moulin.

As if he was choked, Ydris met with his father's intense gaze and softly apologized to Moulin. His stomach felt like he had the urge to vomit as he lowered his head, forgetting his pride. His fingers clenched so much by his sides as he apologized.

Moulin quickly waved his hands with a worried look. His smile was like magic slowly recovering the pleasant mood on the table. "No, It's fine. You don't need to apologize. We are family after all".

His gentle gaze fixed on Ydris as he said the last sentence. As if he was conjuring a curse at his second cousin, silently.

Its really annoying to entertain rats...