Chapter 6: Ties and Revelations

Chapter 6: Ties and Revelation

The years passed quickly in the Eisenhart mansion. Since their first meeting, the relationship between Leonhardt and Freya had changed drastically. What began as a bond of companionship had turned into an unbreakable friendship. Freya, who was initially shy and reserved, now showed her true character: curious, competitive, and sometimes overwhelming for Leonhardt.

In these two years, both had grown significantly in both skill and character. Leonhardt had secretly improved his mana control and had become a competent apprentice in blacksmithing under his father's supervision. Freya, on the other hand, had proven to be a natural fighter with surprising agility, along with her fire magic, which she had perfected under Leonhardt's guid

The Duel in the Courtyard

"Come on, Leo! Fight seriously!" F

Leonhardt was suspicious. He knew that when Freya called him "Leo," it meant she was especially excited. Holding his own staff, he took a defensiv

"I have no intention of hurting you," he sai

"Oh, please! As if you could beat me without trying," Freya teased before launching her attack.

Leonhardt barely had time to react when she spun skillfully, attempting to strike his side. He blocked the attack, but Freya's strength was greater than he expected. Over the past few months, she had become faster and more aggressive in combat.

"Damn…!" Leonhardt muttered, stepping back.

Freya grinned, showing her sharp canines.

"Got you!" she declared, launching a low kick.

Leonhardt jumped back just in time, but in midair, Freya spun and threw her staff like a spear. He barely dodged it, feeling the wind cut against his cheek.

"That was dangerous!" he protested.

"Why didn't you use magic?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Leonhardt sighed and let his staff drop.

"Because I don't want anyone to know I can use it, not even you."

Freya frowned.

"You need to trust me more, Leo. I won't tell anyone."

He looked at her seriously.

"I know… but I'm not ready yet."

Freya clicked her tongue and picked up her staff.

"One day, you'll trust me enough. I know it."

Leonhardt didn't respond, but deep down, he felt that Freya was right.

Preparations for the Birthday Festival

Days before his birthday, the city of Eisenhart came to life. Leonhardt's family celebrated his special day with a grand festival in the central plaza, and this year would be no exception. Freya was especially excited since she had never had a birthday of her own.

"Are we going to get presents?" she asked, her eyes sparkling as she helped decorate the mansion.

"I suppose," Leonhardt replied, focusing on polishing a small sword his father had assigned him.

"I'm going to ask for something amazing! Maybe light armor… or a magic sword…" Freya murmured enthusiastically.

Leonhardt glanced at her.

"Wouldn't you prefer something more… normal? Like a dress or jewelry?"

She stopped and looked at him with disdain.

"Do I look like a girl who gets excited over dresses?"

"Well… yeah," he answered with a teasing smile.

Freya grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at his face.

"Idiot!" she shouted as Leonhardt laughed.

That was their usual dynamic: arguments, games, and moments where their bond seemed stronger than anything else.

The Revelation

On the night of the festival, the city streets were illuminated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Freya wore a new outfit—a red tunic with gold details, a gift from Elizabeth. Leonhardt, on the other hand, wore a black shirt and comfortable pants for easy movement.

After hours of enjoying food and games, the two drifted away from the crowd. They sat at the edge of a fountain, watching the fireworks light up the sky.

"It's been a good day," Freya said, swinging her legs.

"Yeah…" Leonhardt responded, glancing at her.

For some reason, he felt there was something he needed to say but didn't know how to put it into words. Freya turned to him with a playful smile.

"You know? Before I met you, I never thought I could be happy."

Leonhardt felt a knot in his stomach.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because… I had nothing. No family, no home. And now I have this. I have the Eisenharts… and I have you."

Leonhardt's heartbeat quickened.

"Freya…"

She looked at him intently.

"Have you ever thought about what we are?" she asked softly.

Leonhardt swallowed hard. Suddenly, he understood what she was trying to say. He realized that Freya saw him differently than he saw her.

She was waiting for an answer.

And Leonhardt had it.

"Freya… you are my family."

Freya blinked, surprised.

"Family…?"

"Yes. To me, you're like a sister."

The silence between them was overwhelming. Freya lowered her gaze, her fox ears trembling slightly.

"I see…" she murmured.

Leonhardt felt guilty, but he knew he couldn't lie to her. He didn't want any confusion between them.

Freya sighed and stood up.

"Then…" She forced a smile. "I guess that means we'll always be together, right?"

Leonhardt looked at her seriously and nodded.

"Yes. Always."

Freya lightly punched his shoulder.

"You're an idiot, you know that?"

He smiled.

"Yeah… but I'm your idiot."

She laughed, and for the first time that night, she seemed at peace with his answer.

As fireworks continued to explode in the sky, Leonhardt wondered if things would ever change between them. But for now, he was sure of one thing—no matter what happened, Freya would always be a part of his life.

Leonhardt Eisenhart's Status Panel

Name: Leonhardt Eisenhart

Age: 12 years

Class: Blacksmith (Hidden Mage)

Level: 8

Stats:

Strength: 18

Dexterity: 15

Endurance: 20

Intelligence: 25

Mana: 80

Skills:

Intermediate Blacksmithing

Fire Magic (Lv. 3)

Water Magic (Lv. 3)

Earth Magic (Lv. 2)

Advanced ReadingBasic

Sword Combat