Chapter 31
The next day, the large wall clock struck exactly five in the afternoon.
The deep chime echoed through the mansion's hallways as reddish-orange sunlight streamed through the gaps in the corridor curtains, bathing the walls and polished floors in the warm colors of early evening. Outside, the day was slowly beginning to fade, and the gentle glow of the setting sun cast long shadows across the estate.
Unlike yesterday, when every step had felt unbearably heavy, Damnern's footsteps were noticeably lighter today.
The exhaustion that had plagued him for days was finally gone.
A full night's rest had done wonders for both his body and mind.
His silver hair, which was usually left slightly disheveled after countless hours buried beneath mountains of paperwork, had been carefully combed back. The dark circles beneath his eyes had faded considerably, and there was a healthy energy in his movements that had been absent for quite some time.
For once, he looked less like the overworked head of a noble family and more like a father simply eager to spend time with his children.
He had even left his formal coat hanging in his office.
Instead, he wore a loose set of training clothes that allowed him to move freely. The simple outfit felt far more comfortable than the restrictive noble attire he usually wore throughout the day.
Today, I can't disappoint my children again.
The thought surfaced in his mind as he walked down the corridor.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Yesterday's memory was still fresh in his mind—the look of concern on Eldern's face and Elyra's expression when they saw how exhausted he was.
His chest warmed slightly at the thought.
Those two had genuinely been worried about him, and knowing that filled him with a quiet sense of happiness.
Because of that, he was even more determined not to let them down.
After all, he was finally going to fulfill the promise he had made—the promise to teach them.
Especially Elyra.
Ever since she had recovered, she had shown an unusual interest in training. Although she rarely spoke about it directly, Damnern could see the excitement hidden behind her calm expression.
The image made his smile widen slightly.
As he continued down the hallway, the anticipation in his heart grew stronger with every step.
For the first time in a long while, he found himself genuinely looking forward to something that had nothing to do with work, politics, or family responsibilities.
He was simply looking forward to spending time with his children. With that thought in mind, he made his way through the quiet mansion and eventually arrived outside Eldern's room.
The wooden door stood silently before him. Damnern paused for a brief moment, taking a slow breath as the distant sounds of the mansion gradually faded into the background. A faint smile appeared on his face before he raised his hand and knocked lightly.
Knock. Knock.
A second later, he wrapped his fingers around the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.
"Eldern, Elyra—"
Before he could finish speaking, the door swung open.
Eldern and Elyra were standing directly in front of it, as if they had been waiting there the entire time.
"Yes, Papa!" they answered in perfect unison.
Finally...
Elyra gripped the miniature wooden sword in her hand.
Damnern's eyes immediately landed on it, and his heart nearly exploded with happiness.
She's finally using my gift...
And I made it myself!
He screamed internally.
Trying his best to remain calm, he cleared his throat.
"So...?"
He pointed toward the sword.
"Do you like it, Elyra?"
"E-Eh..."
For a brief moment, Elyra hesitated.
Then she looked away.
"Y-Yes..."
Her cheeks turned slightly red.
"Tank yu."
The words came out quietly.
It was the very first time she had ever thanked him.
Damnern froze.
His heart took critical damage.
"It's really light, Papa!" Eldern exclaimed excitedly.
"It's perfect for Elyra!"
For some reason, Elyra felt slightly offended after hearing that.
Why does that sound like an insult?
She narrowed her eyes at him. Eldern remained completely unaware.
A short while later, the three of them arrived at the backyard. The evening air was cool and pleasant, and a gentle breeze drifted across the training grounds while the lowering sun cast long shadows over the grass. For a brief moment, the surroundings felt calm and peaceful.
Damnern stepped forward and crossed his arms as his gaze swept over the two children standing before him.
"Alright."
His voice became slightly more serious.
"As usual... two laps around the yard."
Then he glanced toward Elyra.
"...Except for Elyra."
Elyra immediately looked up.
"You'll only do half a lap."
"Yes, Papa," the siblings replied together.
Half a lap...
Elyra suppressed a sigh. Part of her felt dissatisfied.
Half a lap sounded far too easy.
As though everyone still viewed her as fragile.
But...
It's better than not training at all.
"Go!" Damnern ordered.
Without complaint, Elyra began running alongside Eldern.
Twenty minutes later, both children returned from their warm-up.
Elyra's breathing was slightly heavy, but it was far steadier than before her illness.
"Good."
Damnern approached them carrying a long wooden container. Inside were several practice swords. That afternoon's lesson focused on the fundamental sword techniques of the Solv Family.
It was a hereditary style passed down through generations—a swordsmanship system that emphasized balance, precision, and efficient control of energy rather than brute force.
"Hold it properly."
Damnern gently adjusted Elyra's grip.
"Don't be too stiff."
Every movement was carefully observed, and every mistake was patiently corrected. Beside her, Eldern practiced enthusiastically, swinging his wooden sword with far more energy than technique. Meanwhile, Elyra trained quietly. And for the first time in a very long time, she didn't feel pressured.
No shouting.
No punishment.
No fear.
Only guidance.
Only warmth.
Even if this is incredibly easy...
A small smile unknowingly formed on her face.
This isn't bad at all.
Her sword cut through the air again and again.
I...
I never knew training could feel this enjoyable.
In her previous life, training had never been enjoyable. Training meant survival—running, escaping, fighting, and dying. Every lesson had been soaked in blood, pain, and fear.
But here, things felt different. This wasn't training for survival. This was training for growth. For the first time, she wasn't becoming stronger alone. She was becoming stronger together with others.
Slowly, the sun sank beyond the horizon. Golden-orange light covered the training grounds one final time before fading into dusk.
"That's enough for today," Damnern announced.
The training session came to an end. Elyra looked down at the miniature wooden sword resting in her hands, staring at it in silence for several seconds before tightening her grip.
A new feeling had begun to grow within her—not hatred, not anger, not revenge, but desire: a desire to keep moving forward, to become stronger, and to continue walking this path.
That night, around eight o'clock, Sasha helped prepare Elyra before they left the mansion, carefully adjusting Elyra's clothes before stepping back with a bright smile.
"Wah~ Young Lady looks absolutely adorable."
Elyra blinked.
"T-Tank yu..."
Her cheeks immediately turned pink from embarrassment.
Still...
I-I really am adorable in this body.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror. A tiny blonde-haired girl with soft features stared back at her. Seeing her reaction, Sasha couldn't help laughing softly.
A few moments later, Elina appeared at the doorway.
"Is she ready?" she asked.
"Yes, Countess," Sasha replied.
Elina nodded before extending her hand.
"Come, Elyra."
Without protest, Elyra took it.
Together, they descended the stairs, where Damnern and Eldern were already waiting. Although she still had no idea where they were going, Elyra simply followed along.
Soon, the entire family climbed into a carriage, and the horses began moving.
The mansion slowly disappeared behind them as they headed toward Willowess City beneath the evening sky.
End of Chapter 31