With a clearer mind after the run, Kael headed back to the manor as the morning sky stretched over the horizon. The cool air was brushing against his skin.
He went straight to his room, took a hot shower, and dressed in a black shirt and comfortable trousers. After grabbing his high-collared jacket, he left the room.
The manor was quiet except for the distant sounds of clinking dishes and muffled voices from the dining hall. As he approached the dining hall, the scent of bread and roasted meat grew richer.
It was time for breakfast, and for the first time since receiving Lucas's memories, he was meeting his family.
The dining hall was spacious, a long wooden table sat at the center of the hall. A large fireplace filled the room with a warm, flickering light, adding to the comfort of the early morning.
At the head of the table sat Lord Alvian Veldris, his father. Lord Alvian Veldris had the sharp, weathered features of a man who had seen his share of battles. His black hair was touched with silver, a quiet reminder of the years behind him. A short beard covered his face, slightly untamed but well-kept. He had a calm yet powerful and commanding presence.
Beside him sat Lady Elysia, his mother. Her beauty was striking, with sharp features and a calm, composed expression. Her presence, shaped by years of handling the family's dealings, was calm and steady.
Cassian's seat was empty, ever since he turned eighteen, he had been away more often, his duties keeping him from home. He was the oldest of his siblings.
Kael sat down at the table, still feeling the lightness from his run. As he started filling his plate, Lucian raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him.
"You skipped the sword training this morning, huh?" Lucian's voice was casual, with a hint of curiosity. "That's unusual for you."
Aurelia leaned in, listening intently. She shot a glance at Kael, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Kael gave a casual shrug, as he spread butter on his bread. "I guess I just needed a break. I'll head out to train after breakfast."
Lucian leaned back in his chair, a teasing grin on his face. "I'll join you for training later. It will be interesting to see if you can keep up."
Kael gave a light smirk, grateful for Lucian's offer. He knew Lucian's skills were far beyond his own, and the chance to train with him was something Kael appreciated more than he let on.
"I'll try not to slow you down," he replied, knowing this was a rare opportunity to improve.
Aurelia, her eyes wide with anticipation, glanced between them, clearly excited to tease them during training.
Lady Elysia's gaze shifted to Kael. Her voice was soft, yet there was clear concern in her eyes. "Kael, are you feeling any better? Do you still have a headache?"
Kael looked up from his plate, meeting his mother's concerned gaze. "It's fine mom, really. Much better now," he said, offering a reassuring smile.
Kael turned to his father, who had been quietly observing the exchange. There was something he'd been meaning to mention to his father.
"Father. I finally managed to pass the first step toward awakening," Kael said, his voice steady, though there was a hint of pride behind it. "Sir Dorian said I'm not too far off from awakening."
Lord Alvian studied Kael closely for a moment before a faint smile of approval appeared on his face. "Good work, Kael."
"Good work, Kael," Lord Alvian said, his voice steady. He studied his son for a moment, his expression softening slightly. "I know you've been delayed, but you've made it through the first step."
He couldn't help but smile, a feeling of accomplishment swelling inside him.
"Thanks, Father," Kael said, his voice steady, though his eyes betrayed a hint of emotion." He quickly looked down at his plate, trying to mask it.
Lord Alvian nodded, his gaze lingering on Kael for a moment before he returned to his meal.
As breakfast continued, the sounds of clinking dishes and quiet conversation filled the room.
...
The sun was high in the sky as Kael, Lucian, and Aurelia gathered in the training field.
Lucian was already stretching, his movements smooth and deliberate. He glanced over at Kael, a teasing grin on his face. "Let's get started," he said, tossing a training sword towards Kael.
Kael took a deep breath, his muscles still warm from his earlier run. Kael caught the wooden training sword with ease and nodded.
Aurelia, standing off to the side with her arms crossed, watched them with a curious look. "Try not to embarrass yourself, Kael," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kael chuckled, adjusting his stance as he faced Lucian. They had trained together countless times.
"Alright, let's see what you've got," Lucian said, his voice serious now. He raised his sword in a stance, eyes locked on Kael.
Kael took a deep breath and lunged forward, testing Lucian's defense. Lucian easily parried the strike, the sound of their swords ringing through the air. Kael, grinning, pressed forward with determination, refusing to give up. Each strike was sharper, and every movement was more confident.
Aurelia watched with a mix of amusement and pride. "Not bad, Kael," she called out. "You're getting faster!"
Lucian, ever the teacher, didn't hold back. With a swift movement, he disarmed Kael, knocking the sword from his hand. "Better, but you still have a ways to go."
He stepped forward, tapping Kael lightly on his head. "First off, your stance is too narrow. Your feet need to be wider, with your weight centered, so your body can move fluidly without losing balance. If your base isn't strong, any opponent can easily knock you off your feet."
Kael picked up his sword with a grunt, brushing dirt from his sleeve.
"Second, you're telegraphing your strikes. When you prepare to strike, your movements are too obvious. Your body shifts, and your focus shows your strike before you even move. If your opponent can predict your moves, they'll have no trouble countering them."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, offering a small smirk. "And third, stop holding your breath. You'll pass out before your opponent even lands a hit. Focus, but remember to breathe."
"Got it," he said, gripping the hilt of the sword tighter in his hands. Then he stepped back into position, his eyes shining. "Let's go again."
...
The training continued for what felt like hours. Strike after strike, Kael pushed himself further, giving all he had. Each movement felt like hell, but he wasn't ready to quit. Lucian didn't make it easier, and Kael didn't ask him to. He wanted this. Needed it.
His muscles burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, and sweat clung to his skin. Each movement grew heavier, and slower, until finally, his legs buckled slightly under him.
Lucian stepped back, lowering his sword. "That's enough for today."
Kael nodded, too tired to speak. His sword slipped from his fingers, hitting the ground with a dull thud.
"Not bad," Lucian added, patting him on the shoulder. "You lasted longer this time."
Kael managed a tired grin. "Barely."
Aurelia, who had stayed to watch most of the training, offered him a water flask. "You're a mess," she said with a smirk, though there was a hint of pride in her voice.
"Thanks," he muttered, taking a long drink.
As the clouds began to cover the sun, Kael made his way back toward the manor, each step feeling heavier than the last. His limbs ached, his body sore, but there was a strange satisfaction in it all.
He reached his room, pushed the door open, and didn't even bother with a shower. Kael collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion weighing down on him. His eyes fluttered shut as he let himself relax, the fatigue finally catching up to him.