21: A New Path, A New Teacher
A Quiet Farewell
The morning air was crisp, the faint scent of pine lingering in the wind.
I stood before Elowen in the training field, the same place where I had spent the past two years learning under her guidance.
Today was our last lesson.
"You've grown." Her sharp blue eyes studied me, a rare softness hidden behind them. "Your control over Spirit Synchronization has stabilized. You can switch between spirits mid-battle, and your endurance has improved."
I nodded, gripping my hands tightly.
Two years ago, I could barely stand without feeling my mana spiral out of control. Now, I could fight, move, and last longer in synchronization.
But I still wasn't strong enough.
Elowen seemed to sense my thoughts and sighed. "Do not chase strength blindly, Averis. Power comes with time, not impatience."
I looked up at her. "Then when will I be strong enough?"
She hesitated, then reached into her coat. A small, smooth stone glowed faintly in her palm—an Enchanted Spirit Core.
"A gift," she said. "This core will refine your spirit energy when meditating. It won't make you stronger instantly, but it will help stabilize your connection with your spirits."
I took it carefully. A warmth pulsed from within, almost as if my spirits recognized it.
"…Thank you."
Elowen gave me one last look, then turned away.
"Continue training. Don't disappoint me."
And just like that, she was gone.
A gust of wind passed through the field. The Frost Raven materialized beside me, its crystalline eyes glinting.
"She was a good teacher," it murmured. "But your journey has only begun."
I clenched the core in my palm.
I knew.
And I would not stop here.
---
Baron Lucien Valmont – The Scholar of Nobility
The study room was filled with bookshelves reaching the ceiling. Sunlight filtered through large windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor.
I sat at the center, hands resting on my lap, waiting.
Then the door opened.
A tall man entered, his presence commanding yet refined.
His black hair was neatly combed back, sharp green eyes piercing as they landed on me. He wore a dark blue noble's coat, silver embroidery lining its edges.
"Averis Ravenshade, the Heir of the North." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind it.
I met his gaze. "Baron Lucien Valmont."
He nodded slightly. "It seems your etiquette is not completely lacking."
Without another word, he placed a thick leather-bound book on the desk.
[ The Hierarchy of Nobility: An In-Depth Study ]
The book was easily thicker than my hand.
My fingers twitched slightly.
Lucien caught it and smirked. "Knowledge is a noble's greatest weapon, second only to strength. You will learn history, status, and etiquette, not just to know them but to embody them."
I nodded slowly.
This would be… different from my previous training.
---
Lesson One – Understanding Nobility
Lucien paced before the grand study table, his tone even yet authoritative.
"The nobility is divided into ranks, each with responsibilities and privileges."
He turned to the blackboard and wrote swiftly.
[ Royal Family ] – The highest authority, ruling over the entire kingdom.
[ Grand Dukes & Dukes ] – Rulers of major territories. Only four exist, and you are heir to one.
[ Marquesses ] – Defenders of border regions, holding military authority.
[ Counts ] – Administrators of large cities and regions within duchies.
[ Viscounts & Barons ] – Local lords governing smaller territories.
Lucien's gaze flickered to me. "As the heir of House Ravenshade, you are expected to understand these ranks intimately."
I took a deep breath. It was a lot to take in, but… I could handle it.
Then Lucien's lips curled slightly. "Now, recite them back to me."
My eye twitched.
This was going to be a long lesson.
---
Baroness Danica Valmont – The Dance of Nobility
Sunday arrived sooner than expected.
Unlike the heavy atmosphere of history lessons, today's class was held in a grand ballroom, its marble floors polished to a perfect shine.
I stood stiffly near the center, staring at my new instructor.
Baroness Danica Valmont—the wife of Baron Lucien and an expert in noble etiquette.
She was elegant yet sharp, her chestnut-brown hair tied in a neat bun, and her emerald-green dress flowing gracefully as she moved.
She was beautiful, but there was something terrifying about the way she studied me.
"Your posture is too stiff. Relax."
I forced my shoulders down slightly.
"Not like that." She stepped forward, adjusting my arms and stance with swift precision. "A noble does not merely walk. He carries presence. Grace."
She took a step back. "Again. Walk towards me."
I obeyed.
My steps were careful, deliberate—
"Stop."
I froze.
Danica sighed, rubbing her temples. "You walk like a knight going to war. A noble moves with refinement, not aggression."
I frowned slightly. "Then how do I—"
She raised her hand.
Music began playing in the background.
A soft, graceful waltz.
"Feel the rhythm," she instructed. "Your movements should flow with it."
I took a deep breath and tried again.
This time, I followed the beat.
One step. Then another.
It felt… unnatural, but slightly better.
Danica gave a small nod. "A decent start. But we have much to work on."
I exhaled.
Dancing. Posture. Banquet etiquette.
This was going to be harder than combat training.
---
A New Phase Begins
The week passed quickly.
Every day, I spent two hours under Lucien's rigorous history lessons, memorizing noble ranks, traditions, and politics.
And every Sunday, I was forced to endure Danica's merciless etiquette training—where even a single misstep earned me a sharp correction.
It was exhausting.
But I was learning.
Slowly, I was growing not just as a warrior, but as a noble.
And this was only the beginning.
---
End of Chapter 21