Encountering a Roadblock

Time marched forward, and after several months, a momentous event was upon us – the birth of our new family members.

The day was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as we eagerly awaited mother's delivery. The air buzzed with both anxiety and hope, and even though Lilia was pregnant herself, she remained committed to assisting with the childbirth.

Under the unusual circumstances, an unexpected team formed to help with the delivery. Rudeus, father, and I took on the responsibility, guided by Lilia's expertise. We followed her instructions diligently, working together to navigate the complex process of childbirth.

The room was a whirlwind of activity as we followed Lilia's guidance. We quickly fetched towels, warmed water, and gathered the necessary tools for the delivery.

Tension hung thick in the air, each passing moment carrying a sense of anticipation. After what felt like an eternity of focused effort, the moment we had been working towards finally arrived.

With a triumphant cry, mother brought a healthy baby girl into the world. The sight of the tiny, delicate infant filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy. I was now an older sister, and the realization of this new role warmed my heart.

Amidst the celebration, the mood shifted once again as Lilia's discomfort became evident. The same woman who had assisted in the birth just moments before now needed our help.

However, a new challenge arose as there was no one experienced to guide Lilia through her own labor. The situation hung in uncertainty, wavering between determination and doubt. It was at this critical moment that I felt compelled to step up.

Without hesitation, I volunteered to take on the role of a midwife. While I had observed Lilia's actions earlier, I had no formal training in this area. Yet, with no other options available, I relied on my observations and absorbed knowledge.

Standing by Lilia's side, I summoned my courage and determination. I recalled her movements, her instructions, and her reassuring presence from the previous birth. Every action I took was guided by instinct and a hope for a positive outcome.

The room seemed to hold its breath as I navigated this unfamiliar territory, working to provide the support Lilia had given before. It was a moment of vulnerability and strength, a testament to the lengths we go for our family's well-being.

In the end, as Lilia's labor progressed and her cries turned into joyful ones, I felt an immense sense of achievement. Another new life had entered the world, and I had played a role in making it happen.

Looking at the newborn in Lilia's arms, a feeling of unity washed over me. The ties that bound our family were forged not just through blood but also through shared experiences, challenges, and successes.

Following the births, our mother named her child Norn, while Lilia chose the name Aisha for her own baby. Hearing these names filled me with a sense of responsibility as an older sister. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of this.

And so, our family embraced the arrival of these two precious new members, Norn Greyrat and Aisha Greyrat.

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With the arrival of our newborn siblings, our lives were infused with a vibrant energy. Norn and Aisha's presence brought boundless joy and warmth, and both Rudeus and I took genuine pleasure in caring for them.

Lilia, our father's second wife and a devoted household maid, gracefully balanced her dual roles. Her genuine care and dedication carved a special place for her in our hearts.

As weeks turned into months, Rudeus and I grew closer to Lilia. Our conversations deepened, revealing her personal history.

Through these talks, I uncovered her past. I learned that she and our father had undergone training together in their youth, but their shared history took a darker turn when he committed an assault towards her. This revelation shattered my previous perception of our father, exposing a troubling aspect of his character.

The man I had admired and respected was now revealed to have different sides. It was a disheartening realization that he didn't fully embody the principles and honor I had associated with him. This newfound understanding left me grappling with feelings of disappointment and even resentment.

Despite retaining some semblance of respect for our father, I now saw him as a flawed individual, challenging the qualities I had attributed to him. It was a sobering truth that I needed to come to terms with.

In light of this revelation, I found myself facing a dilemma regarding my trust in him, particularly concerning our training in the North God style.

Speaking of the North God style, my progress had been significant. I already master up to advanced rank, a testament to the hard work and dedication I poured into my training.

However, I had reached a crucial problem in my sword training, sensing that I was on the verge of hitting a plateau. I recognized the need for guidance beyond what our father could provide, as he himself was only an advanced swordsman.

As I pondered this situation, I was confronted with a challenging decision.

Should I approach our father about my need for a different mentor? Or should I continue to place my trust in him, given what I had learned?

These questions weighed heavily on my mind, contributing to an inner turmoil.

Navigating these complex emotions and uncertainties was no easy task. I stood at an unexpected crossroads, both in my training and in my relationship with our father, striving to find a path forward amidst the tangled web of revelations and decisions.

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Having wrestled with my inner turmoil, I finally gathered the courage to address the matter with my father. I spotted him in the front yard, engaging in a sword training session with Rudeus.

Observing their practice, I could sense that my brother was facing challenges in matching my level of swordsmanship. Unlike me, he seemed to struggle with the concept of using Touki and lacked the necessary strength to progress beyond an intermediate rank in the Sword God Style.

Approaching the two, I joined their training, studying their interactions. My presence caught their attention, prompting our father to pause and acknowledge my arrival.

"Hello, Reine. Do you need something?" he inquired, his tone attentive.

Summoning my resolve, I broached the subject that had been weighing on my mind. "Dad, I'd like to talk to you about my sword training."

"Sure, go ahead. I'm listening," he responded, his interest evident.

Carefully choosing my words, I conveyed my emotions and goals. "I truly appreciate all you've taught me, Dad. Your training has been invaluable. However, I've reached a point where seeking a new perspective, a different mentor, who might help me break through and achieve a higher rank."

Pausing, I assessed his reaction. He remained contemplative, allowing me to continue.

"I've reached a plateau in my training, and I believe that seeking guidance from someone with more experience could be the key to overcoming it," I explained, earnestly sharing my desire for growth. "I hope you understand, dad."

His expression shifted, a blend of thoughtfulness and understanding crossing his features. "Reine, I appreciate your honesty in this matter. Your growth is important, and I respect your dedication. While it's not easy for me to step back from being your primary mentor, ultimately, I want to support your advancement."

Hearing his words brought a mixture of relief and a touch of melancholy. It was reassuring to know he supported my decision, even if it meant a shift in our training dynamic.

"If you believe that a different mentor could accelerate your progress, then I trust your judgment. In fact, I've been considering this too, and I have someone in mind who might be able to take on that role," he continued, his tone reassuring.

Intrigued by his response, I couldn't help but ask, "Really, Dad? Who are you thinking of?"

"This person was once a party member of my adventuring group, a true Sword King in their own right," he responded, a proud smile played on his lips.

My eyes widened in amazement as I inquired, "A Sword King? That's incredible. Who is this person?"

Father's grin grew wider, and he playfully pressed a finger to his lips. "That's a secret for now. Meanwhile, I'll see if I can contact my friend and discuss your request."

The idea of our father reaching out to this mysterious Sword King filled me with anticipation, despite my slight annoyance at his secrecy.

Regardless, the prospect of learning from such a skilled mentor rekindled my motivation, igniting a renewed eagerness to embark on the next phase of my training journey.

Beside me, Rudeus chimed in, his voice a mix of curiosity and encouragement. "It sounds exciting, Reine. Imagine the things you could learn from a Sword King."

I nodded, a sense of enthusiasm building within me. "Absolutely, brother. This could be a significant turning point in my training."

With a shared sense of anticipation, we resumed our training session, energized by the potential ahead and the prospect of learning from a mentor of the Sword God Style.

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While the resolution to my training situation was underway, my brother Rudeus faced his own dilemma concerning his magical abilities.

Just like me, he had encountered a roadblock. His magical prowess had plateaued at the Advanced rank in most elements, with the exception of the Saint rank in the water element.

During one of our sword training sessions, father suggested that Rudeus and I should consider attending a school. However, he quickly retracted the idea upon realizing that we were already proficient in reading and writing.

Hearing father's suggestion triggered an idea in brother's mind – the notion of seeking a place to further expand his magical knowledge.

It was an intriguing proposition, one that held the potential for significant growth. Yet, a small but significant obstacle loomed in the way – Sylphiette.

Earlier that morning, the three of us had gathered atop the familiar hill, engaging in practice sessions with both magic and swordsmanship.

The atmosphere was light, and our camaraderie was evident as we exchanged tips and encouraged each other. The sun bathed us in its warm embrace, creating the perfect setting for training.

In the midst of our practice, Rudeus and I sat beneath a tree, watching Sylphiette hone her sword skills. She had been making remarkable progress in her training.

"Seems like Sylphy's swordsmanship is really coming along, brother," I remarked, impressed by her dedication and improvement.

Rudeus nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and her magical abilities have been flourishing too."

As he spoke, I detected a hint of melancholy in his voice, suggesting that he was grappling with a deeper concern.

It must be his problem with the stagnation of his magic skills.

Amid our conversation, Sylphiette approached us, her graceful strides were a reflection of the progress she had made since we first met her.

She was wearing her usual white hoodie and a cute dress, and her hair had slightly lengthened – a subtle change, seemingly made to impress Rudeus, as per my previous advice.

"Hello, you two," she greeted us, a warm smile lighting up her face.

Returning her smile, I greeted her. "Hi, Sylphy."

Rudeus acknowledged her with a nod, his gaze reflecting a mix of affection and contemplation. Yet, he also let out a sigh, capturing Sylphiette's attention.

"Is something bothering you, Rudy? You seem a bit down," she observed, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"Well, I've been facing a challenge with my magic. It's been stagnant for the past two years, and I haven't actively sought a solution," Rudeus admitted, conjuring a water ball to illustrate his point.

Sylphiette's brow furrowed, clearly worried by his words. "But you're already amazing, right, Reine?"

"Sure, that's true, but my brother wants to find a way to improve his magic. And honestly, I also want to enhance my swordsmanship, but my mentor situation is still pending," I explained, waving my wooden sword for emphasis.

Her expression darkened as she processed our words. "Are you both planning to leave me?"

"Perhaps, but it won't be for an extended period. Right, brother?" I reassured her.

Rudeus nodded, his agreement aimed at comforting her. "Absolutely. We won't be gone for long. We will just- Whoa!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Sylphiette's sudden embrace took us by surprise, enveloping us in her tight hold. But it wasn't just the hug that caught my attention – her body trembled slightly, and soft whimpers escaped her lips.

She lifted her head, tears streaming from her eyes. "Please... Don't leave me... I'm begging you both... I... Bwaaah!"

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Sylphiette began to cry, clinging to us fervently and refusing to release her grip.

Rudeus and I did our best to console her, and it took hours before her tears subsided.

In moments like this, I realized that there were people who refused to let us go, despite our reassurances, and we had no choice but to protect and support them.