Training

After our visit to Kai's "Elysium of Petals," I decide to let the boys, Valendor and Haroun, have some autonomy in their schedules. However, I make it non-negotiable that 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 that 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 and know each other better.

I sit them down in the cozy living room of the villa, explaining the schedule with a firm yet gentle tone.

"I know this might seem strict, but trust me, it's for the best," I assure them, trying to ease their concerns.

"Any questions?" I ask, looking between the two of them.

Valendor shakes his head, so do Nikolai and Haroun.

With that settled, I dismiss them for the day, watching as they head to their respective rooms. As I sit alone in the living room, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions—hope for their future, concern for the challenges ahead, and a sense of responsibility for their well-being.

But amidst it all, there's 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?

*

Madam Briggs strikes my back with the whip once more, eliciting snickers from Nikolai and Valendor. "Mr. Haroun, it's a slight bow, graceful and simple, not so stiff and grand!" she yells, clearly frustrated with my awkward attempts at proper etiquette.

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 in this as well.

Glaring at Nikolai and Valendor, who seem to have mastered the posture and grace required, I steel myself for the next lesson—art of pouring and making tea. Who knew there was a specific way to pour tea?

Madam Briggs, our etiquette teacher, explains the intricacies of pouring tea with meticulous detail, emphasizing the importance of every movement and gesture. I try to follow her instructions, pouring the tea with a steady hand and making sure to maintain the correct posture.

"Excellent, Mr. Nikolai," Madam Briggs praises as he gracefully pours the tea into the delicate china cups. Valendor follows suit, his movements smooth and practiced.

And then there's me, struggling to pour without spilling a drop and 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 can't help but curse the nobles and their obsession with these formalities. But I remind myself that this is all part of the process 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 for the day. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling mentally and physically drained.

*

Inside the mage tower, my heart races with excitement as 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, knowing that even some nobles couldn't gain entry to this prestigious place.

"Nikolai. Follow me," a man in his 20s instructs, and I eagerly comply. This is my chance, and I'm not going to waste it.

I'm introduced to my teacher, a 6-star mage. I've heard that he's one of only five 6-star mages in the entire empire. The tower master, a 7-star mage, is on par with the emperor himself. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, realizing the magnitude of where I am.

"Head to the library and gather some basic mage books. Study diligently, as I will quiz you randomly. You are also expected to accompany me everywhere," Master Corvus instructs, his robes billowing behind him as he turns. It's a curious sight, considering 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 and begin this incredible journey into the world of magic.

*

Knight training is a grueling affair, 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.

As I swing my wooden sword, I can't help but snicker internally at the thought of how surprised my former comrades from the underground arena would be 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 man, our instructor, snaps me out of my thoughts.

"60 laps right now!!!" he yells, his face red with anger. I drop my wooden sword and start to run, feeling the burn in my legs. This man seems to have it out for me ever since I joined the training academy during the academic year, instead of at the beginning like everyone else.

His punishments may be tough, but I can't help but find them almost amusing in their severity. It's a small price to pay for the opportunity to become a knight, and I push myself harder, determined to prove myself despite the challenges.

*

"That's it, hold that feeling," Kai says, observing me with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

I'm currently focused on growing a seed in a small potted plant. It's been three hours of careful concentration and finally, the seed has sprouted. 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. Finally, a small bud pops up from beneath the soil, and I sigh with exhaustion. It's a rewarding feeling to see the result of my efforts.

"Good job," Kai acknowledges, nodding in approval before he leaves to sit by the balcony, his gaze lost in the horizon. Sometimes, he plays a haunting tune on his flute, the melody drifting 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 33, 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, and the food here is divine. I've been learning from the best, and each day I improve my skills.

As I prepare ingredients for a new recipe, I can't help but 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.

*

Sitting at a small wooden table in the kitchen, I take a bite of the delicious pastry Stacy managed to sneak from the kitchen for me. The flaky layers of dough melt in my mouth, and 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.