Ch-07 Shock of Evan.

The moment Evan heard that Ignis had started training, he moved swiftly toward the training grounds, Alenna following closely behind.

When they arrived, they saw Ignis back at practice, his movements sharp and precise despite his short rest. Evan's eyes narrowed as he watched his son wield the sword with surprising fluidity. For a child who had just begun his training, this level of skill was far from ordinary.

Even Alenna, though a Magician, could recognize that much. While she didn't specialize in swordplay, she had seen enough Knights train to know that Ignis's progress was anything but typical.

Tristan, noticing Evan's arrival, immediately stepped forward. He placed a fist over his chest and bowed. "Lord."

Evan gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.

Straightening, Tristan spoke with an enthusiasm he rarely displayed. "My Lord, the Young Lord is a genius. He claims he only learned by watching the trainee Knights practice, yet his technique is far beyond that. This isn't just talent—it's something greater. I dare say he is a born Knight."

Evan's gaze remained fixed on his son, his expression unreadable. "I can see that," he murmured.

A rare swell of pride surged within him as he observed Ignis's movements. His son—his six-year-old son—was displaying swordsmanship that even seasoned trainees struggled to master. This was beyond promising; it was exhilarating.

But excitement soon gave way to calculation. Evan's expression darkened slightly as he weighed the consequences of such exceptional talent being revealed too soon. He turned to Tristan, his voice calm but firm.

"Dismiss the other trainees for today," he ordered. "Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange a separate place for Ignis to train."

Tristan's brows furrowed slightly. "My Lord, do you not wish for the Count to—"

"No," Evan interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't want Count Aleric to know about this. Not yet."

He let out a slow breath before continuing, "Genius is good—but a genius who shines too brightly at the wrong time can invite trouble. Until Ignis grows stronger, I don't want unnecessary attention on him. Make sure the trainee Knights don't become suspicious. Tell them something—anything—to explain away his skill. We must ensure that his talent remains unnoticed for now."

Tristan hesitated for only a moment before nodding in understanding. "As you command, my Lord."

Evan's gaze shifted back to his son, who continued training, unaware of the weight of the decision being made on his behalf. The pride in Evan's heart remained, but so did a lingering sense of caution.

For now, it was best to keep Ignis's brilliance hidden in the shadows—until the time was right for him to step into the light.

Evan turned to the maid accompanying him and Alenna. "Stay here," he instructed. "As soon as Ignis finishes his training, bring him to see us."

The maid bowed respectfully. "As you command, my Lord."

With that, Evan and Alenna left the training grounds.

Ignis had noticed their arrival earlier, but since they hadn't called for him, he continued his training undisturbed. For two more hours, he pushed himself, each strike of his sword honed with precision and discipline. His muscles burned, his breaths grew heavier, and sweat clung to his skin, but he persisted.

Finally, when his body reached its limit, he stopped. I can't push any further, he thought, wiping the sweat from his brow. Overtraining might leave lasting repercussions, which would only hinder my progress in the long run.

Satisfied with his efforts for the day, Ignis exited the training grounds. The moment he stepped out, the waiting maid approached him with a graceful bow.

"Young Lord," she said, "the Lord and Lady are expecting you in the parlor."

Ignis gave a slight nod before glancing down at himself—his clothes were damp with sweat, and his body ached from exertion. Meeting his parents in this state was out of the question.

"I'll go," he replied, "but I need to bathe first. I can't meet them like this."

The maid bowed again. "Of course, Young Lord."

Without another word, she followed him toward his chambers, her silent footsteps trailing behind as Ignis prepared himself for what was to come.

----

A Few Minutes Earlier – Training Ground

Tristan stood before the gathered trainee Knights, his gaze steady as he pointed toward Ignis's departing figure. "You all saw the Young Lord today," he said, his voice firm. "In just a month, under Lord Evan's personal guidance, he has already reached this level of sword mastery in the basics. That kind of progress doesn't come easily—it is the result of relentless effort, discipline, and of course, his natural talent. Let this be a motivation to move forward and work hard. With dedication and perseverance, you can all reach the same heights as the Young Lord, a level at which you will be worthy of following in his footsteps."

The trainees exchanged glances, the weight of Tristan's words settling over them. Then, as one, they straightened and responded in unison. "Yes, Sir!"

Tristan nodded in approval. The training session had come to an end, and with a commanding tone, he dismissed them. "You're all dismissed."

As the trainees dispersed, Tristan allowed himself a small sigh of relief. He had done exactly as Lord Evan had instructed—spinning the narrative that Ignis had already been training under his father for a month. This way, the boy would still be seen as a prodigy, but not to an extent that would draw too much attention.

It was a clever deception—one that ensured Ignis's extraordinary potential remained hidden just enough to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.

With his task complete, Tristan took one last look at the empty training ground before turning on his heel and leaving as well.

----

After taking a refreshing bath, Ignis made his way to the parlor, where his parents were waiting eagerly for him.

Evan gestured toward a chair. "Come, take a seat," he said.

Ignis did as instructed, settling into the chair while the maids served tea and an assortment of snacks. The air was thick with anticipation, but neither Evan nor Alenna spoke until the maids had finished their duties.

Once everything was set, Alenna turned to the servants and said calmly, "You may all leave. We have private matters to discuss with Ignis."

The maids bowed in silent acknowledgment before swiftly exiting the room, leaving the family alone.

The moment the door closed, Evan, who had been holding back his emotions, stood up abruptly. He strode over to Ignis and placed a firm, proud hand on his son's shoulder.

"Son," he said, his voice brimming with pride, "you are a genius. You've made me—no, us—very proud." He glanced at Alenna, including her in his words.

Ignis met his father's gaze and nodded with a small smile, accepting the praise with quiet confidence.

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