New training regimen

The passing weeks since my breakthrough to the second circle had brought about significant changes.

It seemed that my failure had not gone unnoticed. The maids that had been assigned to spy on me confirmed my shortcomings and dutifully reported back to their respective masters.

However, it seemed that the news of my failure had spread far beyond the intended ears. Rumours about me began to circulate throughout the Wishmyth mansion, causing a stir amongst its inhabitants.

Many were shocked by my apparent lack of ability and skill and sought me out to verify the rumours for themselves.

But it wasn't just my failure to break through to the second circle of magic that had them talking. To their minds, the most perplexing thing was my choice to pursue the path of the sword.

To them, it was inconceivable that anyone would choose the way of the sword over the power of magic.

In their eyes, even a first-circle magician was superior to any swordsman. The idea of using a sword to defend oneself was seen as a primitive and foolish notion, something only the uneducated and unenlightened would consider.

Even the gatekeepers stationed outside my accommodation area were not immune to the rumours that had spread like wildfire throughout the Wishmyth mansion.

They spoke in hushed tones about my past accomplishments as a young prodigy, marvelling at my remarkable learning abilities as a kid and lamenting my current misfortune.

But as the rumours continued to circulate, it became increasingly clear that there was more at play than mere idle gossip.

Someone had deliberately spread the fire, and I suspected that it was none other than Brother Kael or Brother Draven, sixth son of Wishmyth House.

Eldest brother had no time to concern himself with such trivial matters, and the other brothers were not even present in the Wishmyth County. It seemed that these two were the only ones with the motive and opportunity to orchestrate such a scheme.

The rumours about my supposed failure had both positive and negative consequences.

On one hand, it gave me a reprieve from the constant scrutiny and surveillance of my brothers. I was finally able to train and move about the estate freely without worrying about their prying eyes.

However, the other side of the coin was a much more bitter pill to swallow. The rumours had spread beyond the walls of the Wishmyth mansion, and soon enough, I became a laughing stock among the other noble houses and even the common folk residing within the estate.

Despite the potential consequences of the rumours, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as the surveillance from my brothers seemed to wane. Finally, I was able to train without the constant worry of being caught.

For the past few days, I had been following the physical exercise regimen given to me by none other than the Dragon Queen herself.

It was a humbling experience. However, without a mana reserve of a third circle mage, I was unable to receive her sword training methods just yet.

As I delved deeper into Galadriel's training regimen, I found myself facing some rather unconventional exercises.

These movements focused on stretching and balancing the body in ways I never thought possible. In some ways, they reminded me of the ancient practice of yoga from my previous world, though Galadriel's techniques were far more complex and intense.

At times, the exercises left my bones groaning and my muscles burning. But when I tried to complain, she told me that flexibility and balance were far more important for a swordsman than raw muscle.