"Lia, using magic is against the rules."
"Eh~ Isn't it fine as long as I win?"
Lia, thinking she had won, cheerfully approached her brother Robert for a reward, only to be doused with cold water.
"We were just sparring with swordsmanship; using magic changes the nature of it entirely."
"Master Belius only focused on Defense Flow from beginning to end. If he had counterattacked, it would have been over long ago."
"You absolutely must not get carried away because of this. Especially your last move, the charging action was full of openings, and you got so close to him. By common sense, that's practically a suicidal act."
"Ugh~"
Ah, now is not the time to be stunned by Lia's performance.
"Alright, alright, it's my fault for not making it clear at the beginning. I admit I lost."
"Master Belius…"
"Lia, did you just cover your blade in Magic? Can you explain it to me?"
"That was Lia's water-attribute Auxillary Magic. It allows her to move her weapon in an irregular arc according to her will. I was also very surprised the first time I saw her use this move."
Has she even learned Water-attribute Auxiliary Magic. Combining it with swordsmanship to achieve such a thing is indeed possible.
At least, it is much more acceptable than Lia being able to use normal Magic in combination.
And she also had shortcomings. Just as Robert said, she's too defenseless while charging. You just need to preempt her before she uses her Flowing Water Sword.
"Was this magic taught to her by a teacher in this house?"
"No, Lia researched it herself. Lia's talent in magic is also top-notch. Lord Darian, who once visited our home, tested Lia's magical potential and gave her a high score of 99."
Researched it herself. I suddenly wished to withdraw my previous evaluation.
"99 points! Is that Lord Darian Santerstin, the Court Mage?!"
"Yes."
I instantly understood why Marquis Bahod would choose Lia. Her magic potential is much much higher than Robert and her chances of stepping into that legendary Realm is almost 100%. Robert might need luck and hardwork but she will not because her Potential is simply too big.
The Anglus Family of this generation is simply blessed by God. Two monsters with such potentials have appeared in this family.
This little girl and Robert will definitely become legendary figures in the future.
"Brother Robert…"
However, Lia herself was completely unaware of this. Right now, she was just a younger sister who wanted to dote on her older brother. She tugged at Robert's sleeve, lowering her head shyly, her thoughts unspoken.
Robert hesitated for a moment, but finally gently placed his hand on Lia's head.
"Indeed, I only asked you to spar with Master. It doesn't matter whether you win or lose. You worked hard, Lia."
"Mm."
Lia showed the sweetest smile she had ever given, an angelic smile belonging only to an innocent girl.
I watched the harmonious siblings with relief, yet an inexplicable question arose in my heart.
"Lia, that was splendid! Uncle will reward you too."
I had intended to pat her head while she was in a good mood, but upon noticing my intention, she immediately hid behind Robert, glaring at me like a wary wildcat.
"I don't like Uncle."
Ah, my heart was bleeding.
"Lia, that's very rude. Apologize to Lord Belius at once."
"I just don't like him!"
Even when reprimanded by Robert, Lia stubbornly refused to apologize, then turned and swiftly fled the backyard.
"Hey, Lia! This child, really… I'm terribly sorry, Lord Belius. She's not usually like this with guests. I don't know why she's so resistant to you. I'll have a good talk with her later."
"Ah, I don't mind. Please don't blame Lia too much."
It's precisely because I know the reason that I understand this is simply unavoidable.
…
"Alright, that's enough for today."
"Already? I can still continue."
Indeed, it was still early before dark, but I had other things to arrange.
"I've taught you everything I can about Defense Flow swordsmanship. My guidance can no longer help you. Now it's up to you to break through the introductory stage."
"…Alright. Thank you, Lord Belius, for your guidance until now."
That's right, after today, I probably won't be coming to Anglus Family for a long time. Our master-disciple training will temporarily come to an end. As for the reason…
"By the way, Robert, you're 12 this year, you're going to Noble School soon, aren't you?"
"Yes, I'm leaving in 3 days."
"As a memento of these past few years, I'll give you a reward."
"Master… you're going to give me a reward?"
"Yes. Over these years, you've proven to be an excellent disciple. If I, as your master, don't reward you at all, I'll probably be laughed to death. Let's go to the city together later. You just need to change into simple clothes. I'll pay for everything."
"Go… to the city…"
Hmm? I felt an unnatural pause in Robert's words. Could it be that he actually doesn't want to go?
"Have you never been to the city before?"
"…Yes, I've never been."
Should I say, as expected of a young master from a noble family? He never goes out at all. It's normal to feel uneasy, perhaps?
"Ah, I just thought you'd be able to buy things more suitable for you if you went yourself. If you don't want to go, I won't force you. I can go alone too."
"…No, please take me. I want to go to the city."
Why did it sound like he was making a huge resolution when he said that? It's not like we're going to war. With me accompanying him, he surely wouldn't be afraid of any mishaps. Or does he dislike places where commoners gather? No, from my observations over these years, this boy isn't that kind of person.
Forget it, since he said he wants to go, I'll take him.
About ten minutes later, I walked towards the mansion's main gate with Robert.
"Is Lord Belius going out? Have a safe trip."
The gate guard greeted me kindly.
"Oh, I'm taking your young master with me. Is that alright?"
"Huh? Young Master Robert too?!"
The soldier's expression was very surprised, which also made me feel at a loss.
"What's wrong? Is there something amiss?"
"Ah, no, no problem at all. With Lord Belius accompanying him, it's definitely foolproof."
Ah, isn't that stating the obvious? Is he really that jumpy?
In any case, I stepped out of the gate first, but after only a few steps, I noticed Robert hadn't followed. I turned around; he was still standing at the doorway, seemingly hesitating on how to take the first step.
What's wrong? Does he really not want to go after all?
"Robert? What are you doing? I'm going to leave you behind, you know."
"Young Master Robert…"
The soldier beside him also looked at Robert worriedly, as if there was some inside story that only I didn't know.
But Robert himself didn't seem to have any abnormalities, at least on the surface.
"Sorry, Lord Belius. I'm just a little nervous because I've never been out. I'm fine now."
Under my and the soldier's gaze, Robert finally stepped out of the gate.
Step by step, neither fast nor slow, his steps were straight and steady, as if filled with confidence.
I turned around and decided to continue walking forward, not looking at Robert following behind me.
However, I couldn't help but glance at him out of the corner of my eye, and what I saw was a completely different sight.
His knees were trembling, his hands were shaking, his head was bowed low, and his breathing inexplicably became erratic. Only one word could describe his current state, but I wouldn't point it out, because I vaguely felt it would trample on his resolve. At the same time, I once again realised the hidden scars in his heart might be more than I imagined.
I took a deep breath, scratched my head, and decided to remain silent until Robert composed himself and spoke first.
"Master Belius, do you often go to the city?"
"Sort of."
"Then do you know where there's a doll shop?"
"I don't know that. I'll have to ask someone. What's wrong? Do you want to buy a gift for your sister?"
"Yes, I'm going to Royal Academy, and Lia will probably feel lonely. So I want to take this opportunity to buy her a gift. I wonder if she'll like it?"
"As long as it's from you, she'll like anything. I can guarantee that."
"That's good then."
I've wanted to say this for a long time: Is Robert spoiling Lia too much? Of course, an older brother doting on his younger sister is perfectly normal, but their relationship at Anglus Family is unusually good. Not only Lia, but even Aisha. The three siblings are almost too close to each other. So close that it's almost abnormal.
"Actually, I've always been a little worried that a rift might form between you and Lia."
"Eh? Why would you think that?"
"Your Sister Lia is simply too outstanding. In noble families, outstanding children are a source of jealousy. I've told you this before. Just taking the current situation as an example, her Magic Potential is higher yours and her Swordsmanship Talent is also higher. In the future, the Sword Technique you take long time mastering will take much less time and effort for her and her strength will grow rapidly." "
"With such dual genius of magic and swordsmanship right beside you, the sense of frustration must be self-evident. Yet, you not only show no jealousy towards your sister's performance, but you also dote on her immensely. Your relationship is so good that I find it incredible. So Robert, I'll be direct. My biggest current speculation is, are you perhaps planning to control Lia through this gentle approach?"
Generally speaking, a 12-year-old child couldn't possibly harbor such cunning. But Robert sometimes gives me an impression that doesn't match his age, leading me to conclude that it wouldn't be surprising if he really had such intentions.
Based on my understanding of Robert, even if I were to lay it all out like this, such a malicious conjecture itself could very well break our relationship, but I don't think he would get angry.
"That's understandable. To outsiders, our relationship must indeed be hard to comprehend. It's normal for Lord Belius to think that way."
"Isn't it?"
"No, it's not. The reason why I'm so good to Lia is very simple…"
I couldn't see Robert's expression now, so I could only judge whether he was lying by his tone. The fact was that he had been in that state just now, but I couldn't detect a hint of trembling in Robert's words now.
"Lia and Sister Aisha are my only family. That's all."
"…I see."
Only family.
I dared not dwell on the deeper meaning of Robert's words.
But as a reason, it was indeed convincing.
If this was spoken based on his acting, then even if I were ultimately deceived, I could only say it was unavoidable.
So, I still chose to believe.
To believe that such a pure relationship could truly exist in the Anglus household.
"By the way, Master Belius, what exactly are you planning to reward me with?"
"Hmm? It's a secret for now. Of course, if there's anything else you want, I can buy it for you."
"Eh? Won't Master's wallet go bankrupt? I didn't bring a single penny."
"Are you planning to buy so many things that my wallet will go bankrupt?!"