'What's next?'
"I'll wait to see their response before moving forward."
Knowing my brothers, I can predict how they will respond. My father is the problem; in my prior life, I didn't spend much time with him. I therefore find it difficult to predict how he will respond when informed of my intention to learn swordsmanship. But I believe he will neglect me because I am the seventh son.
Even after my departure to the academy he didn't cause significant trouble. This time too he shouldn't cause much trouble, I hope.
Scene change------
As she glided down the hallway, her lithe figure moved with graceful fluidity, as if dancing to a melody only she could hear. The garden, with its riot of colourful blooms and iridescent butterflies, lay just beyond her reach, yet she paid it no heed, lost in her own thoughts.
Finally, she came to a stop in front of a closed door, her eyes darting around warily. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a pulse of mana through the air, scanning the area for any signs of abnormality. A small smile of relief played across her lips as she found nothing amiss.
Taking a deep breath, she raised a delicate hand and knocked softly on the door. As she waited for a response.
As Lisa stood outside the closed door, a muffled sob echoed through the closed room. Moments later, a dishevelled girl emerged, hastily adjusting her clothing and wiping away tears. Lisa's brow furrowed momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure as she entered the room. Though she knew what had occurred behind that door, but it was not her place to pry.
"You should have a good reason to interrupt me."
The voice inside the opulent room spoke, surprising Lisa. As she stepped inside, her eyes landed on a boy no more than fourteen, yet he exuded an air of legality far beyond his years. He sat atop a plush bed, eyeing her with a cool demeanour.
Lisa offered him a gentle smile. "Of course, Young Master Kael," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of respect. "I bring news about Young Master Ryan."
Kael's gaze sharpened, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. "Well then," he said, his tone measured. "Please, do tell."
Lisa answered with a smirk, "it appears that young master Ryan has failed to break through into the second circle. And, if I may be so bold, it seems that this is not the first time he has met with such disappointment. In fact, he has attempted these feat multiple times and each time, he has fallen short, judging from my interaction with him."
Kael furrowed his brow, recalling Lisa's earlier report that Ryan had been isolating himself in his room for days on end in order to study his spells. "If I remember correctly, you previously mentioned that he was dedicating himself to mastering spells for second circle mages. What changed? There seems to be more you want to tell me."
Lisa chuckled sardonically. "It seems that the young master has lost faith in his own abilities. He has grown weary of failure and has instead chosen to focus on the way of the sword."
Lisa relayed the information she had gathered to Kael, and the reaction that followed was expected. Kael's eyes widened in disbelief; his voice tinged with shock. "What?! Are you absolutely certain?" he exclaimed, as if unable to comprehend the news.
However, the shock quickly turned into amusement, and Kael erupted into laughter. It was as if the revelation was the most hilarious thing he had ever heard.
"That fool," he chortled, "couldn't even make it to the second circle, and now he chooses to wield a sword for protection. What does he plan to do with it? Cut a mage's hair who could strike him down from miles away?"
Lisa couldn't help but smile at Kael's reaction, as his laughter echoed through the room.