Chapter 1: Determination

Early morning, at the Steelguard Residence.

Beep! Beep! Beep!...

I was woken up by my biological clock alarm...

Usually people still sleep with warm blankets wrapped around their bodies, but in the Steelguard Family the hierarchy is never based on age, but based on talent and strength.

Following what father said last night, I started my training...

***

"Huff! Huff! Huff!..."

My first exercise was around the field.

Honestly I thought this would be young but...

"Huff! Huff! Huff!..."

Actually, I'm exhausted. even though it's only been one round,

I'm already mentally exhausted!!

My breathing was irregular, my heart was beating fast, my head felt very dizzy.

It turned out to be harder than I thought!

"There are four rounds left!!" The voice came from the instructor who was watching me.

In the middle of me running, there was another person watching me, he was the current head of the family and was my father (Gergsius Steelguard).

"Huff! Huff! Huff! ... What!! It's... It's done?!"

It feels like my heart is going to explode!

Of course, right? What crazy person would order ten laps around the field, let alone a disabled person like me.

"Huff! Huff! Huff!..." I fell limply on the ground

"Y-Yes... young master" he looked... Afraid? Is it because father is here?

...

My father is the current head of the family, and is the executive of the empire.

According to the story, he once served as the emperor's commander. Hmm, is it possible that his meeting with mother also started there?!

"...!!!"

He (my father) looked at me. Suddenly it surprised me. From here you can clearly see the expression of disappointment on his face.

Of course, what does he expect from a weakling like me?

After a short silence, he spoke.

"Increase the portion of exercise, if necessary reduce the rest time"

"M-master... Isn't that too much for young master?!"

So true!!! Isn't that too much for me? Even others may not train that hard.

"...That's what he needs, if he still wants to stay in this family"

"Yes sir"

After that, father left the field.

"I'm sorry, young master. Say-"

His head is facing downwards.

"-It's okay, instructor. It's not your fault anyway."

"But, Mr. Grey's current condition..."

Hearing him talk like that. Apparently, he didn't want to force me.

But if I want to stay here, I have to be strong, who can protect the people closest to me.

"Instructor..." I stood up, closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Hpppssshh! Fuuu...

"Okay!!" His resolve had gathered. Is this his time to shine?!

I walked slowly towards the Instructor, while saying...

"It's okay, Instructor..."

Instructor Raised his fist slowly.

"Mr. Gray say-"

His words stopped suddenly.

"...So,...what kind of training do we do next?"

"...?!! " Seeing Gray's face full of enthusiasm and determination, it made the instructor surprised.

"Instructor?"

"Ah! Ah?!... OK, Next..."

***

After completing the exercise given, I just realized that the sky was already night.

I still don't understand the purpose

"Ughh... My body is covered in sweat, I think I'll wash my body for a while before returning to the villa"

My house is separate from the Main Residence. Why?, of course, because they don't want rumors to spread about me, and... that would ruin this family's reputation.

Didn't you stay at the Main Residence last night? Of course not, last night was Greeg's birthday, so we were invited to eat together.

Honestly, being in the villa is more comfortable for me. The atmosphere was not as tense as being in the main residence.

Besides, who would feel at home living there? if only the atmosphere was very tense.

After washing my body, I quickly rushed home, because if mom gets angry she will be really scary, you know?!

...

Crack! The sound of the door opening "I'm home~" ...Hmm? no answer. Maybe mom is outside?

"Very good~" He smiled a little.

"Mother probably won't know if I come home late today."

"Ara~ really?!" The voice came from behind me.

"Jleb! What did you say?!"

"M-Mother... Since when-.. Adudu has been sick"

My ears were pulled, I see my ears are red now.

When I want to talk.

"Mother!!"

He, Hugs me.

Excited! Excited! Excited! Excited!...

His hug felt comfortable, warm, and... calming.

I think I want to continue like this...

"You're not forcing yourself, are you?" He held my cheek.

"No, mother, I didn't force myself. Sorry for making you worry."

"...." Mom glared at me, it seemed like you confirmed my words!"

"... Hah~ OK, then take a shower first, then let's eat together!"

"Okay mom!"