Chapter 17: Fire Dance’s Change

Night fell over the castle as David returned from the day's events.

Seeing him arrive, Leah quickly came to greet him.

"Missed me after just a day?" David teased, his tension easing as he saw his wife.

"Mm," Leah responded without hesitation, surprising him with her openness.

Seeing David still in the mood to joke, Leah relaxed, realizing everything was fine. Before she could say more, she suddenly found herself being lifted into the air.

Leah gasped in shock. They were still on the first floor of the castle, with so many people watching!

David paid no mind to their surroundings and carried her directly to the third floor, determined to make up for the training time he had lost that day.

Although the immediate threat had been dealt with—both the refugee crisis and the Blood Moon Mercenary Corps—he knew the danger was far from over. The Icebear family might escalate their actions, possibly sending a Tier 4 Earth Knight next time.

David resolved to push his strength to Tier 4 before winter ended. It wouldn't be easy, but he had no choice but to pour all his effort into training.

In the loft, Amy was quietly reading a book.

Seeing David return, she let out a visible sigh of relief.

David set Leah on the bed and scooped Amy up as well.

[You have completed a session of dual cultivation. Frostwolf Bloodline +63.]

[Frostwolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (3658/10000)]

[You have completed a session of dual cultivation. Ice Element Affinity +29.]

[Ice Element Affinity: Intermediate (623/10000)]

"Lord David…" Leah murmured with a hint of exhaustion.

David chuckled, affectionately stroking her head before pulling both women close, comforting them with a smile.

---

The next morning, David rose early as usual.

Opening the door, he found Fire Dance and Water Lotus waiting outside.

"Water Lotus, you'll help me dress today," David said.

Hearing this, Fire Dance stiffened slightly, a flicker of internal conflict flashing in her eyes.

While David had always been kind to them, his vigor and demands left her uneasy. She feared that one day, neither she nor her sister would be able to avoid his advances.

Determined to protect her younger sister for as long as possible, she quickly intervened.

"Lord David, let me assist you instead," she said, her voice slightly strained.

David raised an eyebrow but responded with a warm and understanding tone. "Very well, thank you."

They entered the dressing room, Fire Dance following closely behind.

"You're worried about your sister, aren't you?" David asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Fire Dance froze, momentarily flustered.

David smiled gently. "I think it's admirable."

Stepping closer, he looked her directly in the eyes. "I told you before—you can live like ordinary people. I truly mean that."

For a moment, Fire Dance was stunned.

She could sense the sincerity in his words, but the concept of living like an ordinary person felt distant and unfamiliar, like a dream long forgotten.

"Smile more," David added, patting her head lightly. "I think your smile would be beautiful."

Quickly dressing himself, he turned back to Fire Dance. "Take some time to learn how to read from Amy. Books can open up new worlds for you."

---

After breakfast, David headed to the garden to train.

His Frostwolf Bloodline had reached Tier 4, and with his intermediate Ice Element Affinity enhancing it, the icy power within his bloodline grew more potent each day, drawing him closer to the ancestral Frostwolf.

Although still a Tier 3 knight, David had already condensed Frost Aura and begun practicing the fourth stage of the Frostwolf Breathing Technique ahead of schedule.

Each exhale carried visible frost, and the surrounding air crystallized with ice as he trained.

Finishing his session, David noted the progress. Even a single round of practice now yielded better results than the Frostwolf Potions he had been using, suggesting that the current potions were no longer sufficient for his needs.

"I'll need to collect ingredients for a new batch of Frostwolf Potions," he mused. Producing them would be costly, especially with trade routes currently disrupted by the Icebear family's interference, but it was a necessary step.

David resolved to also draw upon the knowledge he had retained from his previous life. Beyond agriculture, there might be other innovations he could adapt to his advantage.

"Additionally, I need to study the methods for mage cultivation. According to the family records, wizards have specialized meditation techniques for advancing their power."

His ultimate goal was to become a Tier 7 wizard, surpassing Sky Knights in strength.

---

At lunch, David dined with Leah and Amy, enjoying the meal together. 

Afterward, while Leah rested and Amy read, an unexpected development occurred. Fire Dance approached Amy, asking to learn about books.

This marked a significant shift. Fire Dance, who had always been withdrawn and mechanical in her demeanor, was beginning to change.

Amy, delighted by the request, eagerly agreed.

Within the castle, aside from David, even Leah k

new only a handful of words. For Amy, finding someone else who shared her love of books was a rare joy.