A certain line 

Elowyn climbed down from the tree where she was sitting. Ashan looked at her and smiled, but Elowyn covered her mouth in shock. His body was covered in fresh wounds, and his clothes were tattered from the intense duel.

"Why? Are you scared?" Ashan asked, standing in front of her with a faint smirk.

Elowyn reached out and touched his arm, her fingers trembling as they traced the shallow cuts.

"You're injured everywhere... L-Let's treat them. Let's go."

"It's alright, Elowyn." Ashan exhaled, relaxing his posture. "It's bearable."

"How is it bearable? Those wounds must hurt a lot! Don't pretend you're not in pain. I'll treat them."

Without waiting for his response, Elowyn took his hand and began dragging him toward the mansion.

Since when did she start caring about me like this?

Ashan wondered, but he didn't resist.

Elowyn rushed inside to retrieve the first aid box. Ashan, left alone, sat on a bench in the garden. He peeled off his ruined shirt, revealing his toned, battle-worn body. A cold breeze swept across his skin, easing the burning sensation from his injuries.

That was a good fight. I feel like I've awakened something new within my body. Even though he said he'd adjust to my level, Grandfather kept pushing the intensity. Then again, limiting oneself in battle isn't easy. When a sword becomes an extension of the body, instinct takes over, pushing a swordsman to their limits.

He absentmindedly pressed a wound on his arm, feeling the slow but steady healing process.

I could heal this instantly without tapping into my dragon core, but I need to let them mend naturally. If I recover too quickly, Grandfather might start asking questions.

He tilted his head back and gazed at the sky, lost in thought.

Things are just as messy as before. The current Dragon King keeps bestowing the 'Dragon Vessel' title on random Dragorian princes, just like his predecessors. Back in my previous life, I opposed this. There are people in Dragoria who see dragons as a threat. If the Dragon King chooses the wrong successor, it could lead to political chaos. I warned the previous Dragon King about this… but it seems my words were ignored.

And what's with this 'God of Swordsmanship' nonsense? Based on what Grandfather described, it sounds a lot like the 'Ultimate Sword' title from my past life. Did people just change the name over time? I wonder what kind of person holds that title now. He's supposed to guide swordsmen and maintain peace... Is he even fulfilling that duty? I'll find out when the time comes.

His thoughts were interrupted as Elowyn returned, carrying a wooden box in her hands. She paused for a moment, her face turning red when she noticed Ashan sitting there, shirtless.

"Why?" Ashan chuckled. "It's not your first time seeing me like this. If it bothers you, you can leave the first aid kit here, and I'll handle it myself."

Elowyn shook her head quickly. "No, it's alright. I'll do it."

She sat beside him and opened the box.

"By the way, Elowyn, do you actually know how to give first aid? Or are you just pretending?"

Elowyn huffed. "What do you take me for? Of course, I can! I watched your mother do it and learned from her."

She began applying oil to his wounds, but her hands fumbled slightly, missing steps and making mistakes.

Puff...

Ashan smiled warmly, watching her struggle. Elowyn blushed furiously.

"D-Don't laugh! This is my first time treating someone!"

Elowyn looked up at his face. The moment their eyes met, her heart pounded in her chest. Her face turned a deeper shade of red.

"You should see your face right now." Ashan smirked. "You look like a red mango."

Elowyn gasped and quickly covered her face.

"D-Don't look at me! It's embarrassing!"

Ashan gently pulled her hands away.

"Alright, alright. I won't laugh. I won't look. Let's do it together. I'll teach you."

She nodded hesitantly. Ashan guided her hands, showing her the correct way to apply the medicine. Elowyn wasn't focusing on the treatment at all. The warmth of his hand against hers sent tingles through her body. Her breath hitched as she unconsciously reached out toward Ashan's face.

"What are you doing?"

Ashan turned to her. Elowyn flinched, realizing what she had just done. Her mind went blank.

"I-I thought I saw a scar on your face. I was going to check..."

Ashan touched his cheek. "There are no scars. You must have imagined it."

"O-Oh… I see." Elowyn quickly moved away, flustered.

"It's noon, Elowyn. You should go have lunch. My treatment is almost done, so you go ahead. I'll join you later."

Elowyn nodded quickly and hurried back to the mansion. Ashan's face darkened as he watched her leave.

This isn't good… My 'animal attraction' ability is becoming a problem again. No matter how many times I reincarnate, I can't get rid of it because it's already became a part of me, and it's affecting Elowyn too.

He clenched his fists.

She doesn't even realize what's happening to her. Her emotions dulled, her consciousness wavered, and she almost lost control just now. If I hadn't stopped her, she might have hugged me. She's too young, too naïve to understand. If this continues, she'll mistake this attraction for real feelings.

Ashan stood up.

I won't let that happen. She deserves real, genuine relationships—with her own people. Not with me. I need to distance myself… for her sake.

...

Everyone gathered at the main table for lunch. Ashan had put on a fresh shirt and chose to sit next to Maria instead of his usual spot near Elowyn. Maria took note of the change, glancing between them with a knowing smile.

"Why, son? Are you not going to sit next to her today?"

Ashan smiled faintly. "Nothing much. Just wanted a change."

Elowyn returned his smile but felt uneasy.

Maria suddenly noticed the bandages on Ashan's hands. She frowned and grabbed his wrist.

"Son, what happened?"

"Ah… Grandfather and I sparred a bit this morning. Just got some minor injuries."

Maria turned to Boris. "Father, aren't you being too hard on him? Look how badly he's hurt!"

Boris cleared his throat. "Injuries are part of sword training. It's normal. And I wasn't going hard on him—I started light."

"Light?! If this is light, then please go even lighter, father."

Boris shook his head. "I can't do that, Maria. Hard training is necessary. A little pain now will make him stronger in the future. I trained his father the same way, and look at him now. Right, son?"

Boris turned to Leone. Maria did the same.

Poor Leone found himself trapped. His father was right, but if he agreed, his wife would be upset. He needed a way out.

"Father, I understand your point… but please try to minimize the injuries."

Boris smirked. "Alright. If you say so, I'll try."

Suddenly, a servant approached the table.

"Forgive the interruption, my lord, but this letter just arrived. It bears an 'urgent' seal."

Leone opened it and read carefully. His face darkened.

"What is it, son?" Boris asked.

Without a word, Leone handed him the letter.

Boris sighed. "So… it has begun."

To be continued...