So now I was finally an F-ranker. In a few more days, I could probably reach F rank proper. At today's dinner, I planned to ask Mother for permission to enter a low-rank dungeon to gain real combat experience.
I looked at Astrid and said with a smile,
"My sword mastery improved a lot, and my mana control became better too. I gained many insights about the sword thanks to your training."
Astrid simply smiled.
"You've worked hard, little Gray. The rest is up to your own efforts."
I nodded and sat beside Amy, waiting for her training to finish.
Astrid gave instructions to Amy while occasionally talking with me, but after today's intense training, I was exhausted. First mana training, then sword training.
I slumped against the chair and closed my eyes.
Listening to the rhythm of Amy's sword swings.
Her mastery was far beyond mine.
Yet there was something strangely pleasant about it.
Like a melody.
Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
⸻
About an hour later, Amy finally finished her training.
She turned around and noticed me sleeping peacefully on the chair.
Seeing that, she instinctively softened her movements and signaled to Astrid to remain quiet.
Taking a seat beside me, she quietly studied my sleeping face.
Then she smiled.
"His face is peaceful, isn't it?" she asked softly.
Astrid paused before nodding.
"Yes, Young Lady. Young Master has always been adorable. And ever since he was little, he has always been kind."
Amy nodded.
"But he changed a little after that accident."
"He became more attached to Mother and me."
"He spends every moment with us."
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"His cheerful personality makes it impossible not to enjoy being around him."
"But I know why he seeks power now."
"He's afraid."
"Afraid that one day he'll become a burden to us."
Her eyes softened.
"He was always cheerful and carefree before."
"But after the accident, he started thinking that if he remained weak, he would only burden others."
"I don't like him thinking that way…"
"But it also helped him mature."
"That's why Mother and I quietly support him."
"I'm becoming stronger too."
"So that I can protect him if anything happens."
She looked at my sleeping face with affection.
"He's the most precious person in my life."
"The best brother anyone could ask for."
"No schemes."
"No manipulation."
"No malice."
"He only wants affection."
"How could anyone not love someone like him?"
Astrid remained silent and listened to every word.
Looking at my peaceful face, she nodded.
"Young Master feels deeply."
"When he cares for someone, he cares with all his heart."
"That is both his strength and his weakness."
"If he places his trust in the wrong person, he'll suffer because of it."
"But Young Master understands that."
"That's why he chooses carefully whom he trusts."
Amy nodded before saying,
"Astrid, he looks really tired."
"Can you carry him to his room? Let him sleep as much as he wants."
Astrid smiled.
"Of course."
She carefully lifted me into her arms, making sure not to wake me.
Amy followed beside her in silence.
As they walked through the mansion, the maids quietly moved aside.
None of them made a sound.
They weren't afraid.
Nor was it merely respect.
It was affection.
Many of them had worked in other noble households before.
Places where servants had to walk on eggshells.
Places where children of nobles treated maids like toys or disposable tools.
When they first entered the Starlight household, they expected the same.
After all, the Starlight Family was known as one of the most terrifying powers on the continent.
But to their surprise, they were treated like human beings.
Neither the Matriarch nor her children looked down on them.
They were respected.
Cared for.
Over time, the servants themselves developed affection for the family.
Especially for the two children.
Though they never crossed the line between master and servant, many of them treated the siblings like their own children.
And because they were treated kindly, none of them took it for granted.
Instead, their loyalty and love only grew stronger.
Soon, Astrid arrived in front of my room.
Before she could even say anything, a nearby maid quietly stepped forward and opened the door for her.
Astrid entered without a word.
The room was spotless.
Decorated with charcoal gray and white colors, elegant without unnecessary decorations.
Pictures of the Matriarch, Amy, and Gray could be seen on the walls.
The room felt peaceful.
Home.
Amy pulled back the blanket.
And Astrid gently placed me onto the bed, careful not to wake me.
Amy covered me with the blanket and looked at my sleeping face one last time.
Seeing that peaceful expression, she unconsciously smiled.
Then the two quietly left the room.
Leaving me to enjoy my well-earned rest.
I'll keep your events and just polish the writing and emotions.
After leaving my room, Amy and Astrid headed to the kitchen.
Amy informed the head chef to delay lunch.
"Gray is still sleeping. Please keep the food warm and don't prepare lunch until he wakes up."
Since Mother rarely joined us for lunch because of her work, Amy had the authority to decide such things, and the chefs simply nodded respectfully.
After that, she returned to Astrid's side.
"Do you want something to drink? I'm going to have some grape juice," Amy asked.
Astrid smiled slightly.
"Hmm… I'll have some grape wine."
Amy shrugged.
"Then you'll have to get it yourself or ask a maid. Gray and I usually prepare our drinks before training, so it's easier for us."
Astrid chuckled softly.
"You two really have your little routines."
Then the two sat together, drinking while chatting about various things.
During that time, Amy filled Astrid in on everything that had happened during her absence.
—
An hour later, I finally woke up.
I blinked in confusion and looked around.
"…My room?"
After thinking for a moment, I remembered what had happened.
After training, I had waited for Amy to finish, but I had fallen asleep on the chair.
Looking at the blanket covering me, I immediately guessed who brought me here.
"It must've been Astrid."
I looked down and saw that I was still wearing my training clothes, covered in sweat.
Without hesitation, I headed to the bathroom and took a refreshing shower before changing into clean clothes.
After that, I left my room.
My stomach was already protesting from hunger.
But before eating, I wanted to know if Amy had already eaten.
I asked one of the maids.
"Where's Amy?"
The maid bowed politely.
"Young Lady is in her room, Young Master. She hasn't eaten yet. She said she would wait for you to wake up."
I couldn't help smiling.
"Thank you."
Then I headed straight to Amy's room.
Knock.
"Come in."
The moment I entered, Amy looked up and smiled mischievously.
"Oh? Sleeping Prince finally woke up."
"Did you meet a beautiful princess in your dreams?"
I gave her an annoyed look.
"What princess? I just slept."
"And sorry for making you wait. How about we go eat? I'm starving."
Amy giggled at my expression.
"Oh, it's fine. I had drinks with Astrid, so I wasn't very hungry."
She stood up.
"And I'm ready too."
Today, she was wearing a simple yet elegant dress.
Even though it wasn't extravagant, it only highlighted her beauty even more.
At this point, I doubted anything could hide her beauty.
Seeing that, an unpleasant thought flashed through my mind.
That protagonist bastard.
No matter what, I wasn't going to let Amy become just another member of his harem.
If that ever happened…
I would personally kill that bastard.
Even if the world suffered a little, it wouldn't end.
So it was worth it.
Soon, the two of us headed to the dining room and enjoyed lunch together.
While eating, we chatted about our training.
I told her about the new spell I was trying to create and explained the theory behind it.
Amy listened carefully, occasionally asking questions and giving me suggestions based on her own experience with elemental control.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Just like always.
And honestly…
Moments like this were exactly why I wanted to become stronger.
Not to become a hero.
Not to save the world.
But to protect these peaceful moments with the people I loved.