It had been three days since Ren returned home, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to relax.
He’d spent time preparing for his eventual engagement and meeting with Lilith and now that it was over, he was quite pleased with what he’d been able to achieve.
He’d changed her perspective of her powers and had built a genuine connection with her. Now, all that was left was for him to help her interact with others and become an emotionally well rounded person.
But that would have to wait until he could go back to the Underwood estate. Or better yet, he could try through their letters.
And that was how he found himself his desk, parchment laid out in front of him.
It was time to write his first letter to Lilith.
He’d promised he would write, and though he knew she would be expecting it, he still hesitated for a moment before putting ink to paper.
What tone should he use? Serious or playful? Was there anything he needed to address through the letter or should this just be like an introductory letter?
He’d already said everything he needed to set her on the path leading away from being a Calamity. Or What could he say that she hadn’t already convinced herself of?
Lilith’s mind worked in ways he was beginning to understand, but he also knew that anything less than consistency from him would only make her restless. And he had no intention of letting that happen.
He scratched out on the parchment.
I hope you’ve been training as much as you said you would. It would be a shame if, by the time I return, you’re still too slow to land a hit on me. I’ll be disappointed.
He nodded to himself. That was playful enough without being too playful.
I’ve spent the past week settling back into my home, though it doesn’t feel quite the same. I suspect it won’t again. Things are different now. You and I both know that.
A nod to their shared experience.
This was the part he wasn’t sure of as he hadn’t actually broached the topic with his father but he was sure the man would allow it.
I’ll be leaving soon, heading to the border. I need to grow stronger, and that’s the best way to do it. I know you understand that more than anyone.
Stay out of trouble, and don’t burn down your training grounds.
He let the ink dry, sealing the letter before handing it off to one of the Ross family messengers. They’d make sure the letter got to its destination safely.
With that done, he turned his attention to the next step.
It was time to get stronger.
He made his way to his father’s study, where the man sat behind his desk, his presence as unshakable as ever.
But this time, even though he had his usual sternness on his face, there was something almost approving in the way he looked at Ren.
"Ah, yes. Terence. Welcome." He nodded at his son, setting aside a report.
"I received a letter from Lord Underwood. I’ve heard the details of what happened. You left an impression. That is good."
Ren inclined his head. "I did what I believed was right."
Lord Ross gave a sharp nod. "And that is what I want to see from you going forward."
"You understand what is expected of you, Terence. You are no longer a boy content to hide behind the skirt of his mother. You have made yourself known."
Ren saw his opportunity. "I intend to make our family proud, Father. Which is why I wish to go to the border."
His father frowned slightly, though not with disapproval but with calculation. "You wish to throw yourself into the blood and filth of the borderlands? Why?"
"To grow stronger." Ren answered without hesitation. "The border is where true warriors are forged. I will not be content with noble training and controlled spars. I need real battles, real experience."
Lord Ross studied him, tapping his fingers against the wood of his desk. "You’ve been to the border. You understand that life there is not like life here. It is relentless, merciless. The weak do not survive."
"Then I will not be weak."
A silence stretched between them, then Lord Ross let out a short breath, something between a scoff and approval. "Very well. You will go."
Ren’s chest tightened in anticipation. "Thank you, father." This was the best path forward.
His father continued, "I will arrange for you to be received as a normal Knight and not as a Lord. You will train, you will fight, and you will prove yourself."
He held his son’s gaze. "Do not mistake this as an opportunity to fail, Terence. You will come back stronger, or you will not come back at all."
Ren met his father’s gaze and nodded. "I understand, father. And I will return worthy of the Ross name."
"Good." Lord Ross dismissed him with a final glance, and Ren left.
He had what he wanted. All that was left was the final piece.
He made his way to the training yard, where Thorn was predictably sharpening a blade, his back resting against a stack of training dummies.
The moment Thorn spotted Ren approaching, he smirked. "That was fast. Let me guess, you convinced your father to send you off somewhere to fight actual battles instead of wasting away here?"
Ren stopped in front of him, arms crossed. "We’re going to the border."
Thorn whistled, setting his blade down. "We? I don’t remember volunteering for this suicidal idea."
Ren smirked. "I assumed you’d be coming. Or do you plan to stay behind and train with the castle knights?"
Thorn shuddered. "Gods, no. They’re insufferable."
He stretched, rolling his shoulders. "So, the border, huh? You do realize that means we’re going to be fighting not just the barbarians but occasionally, actual monsters, right? The kind that don’t politely bow before they try to kill you?"
"That’s the point." Ren said. "This is how we get stronger. Real battles, real stakes. No second chances."
Thorn considered it, then let out a slow sigh. "Well, I was hoping for a few more peaceful months before my eventual untimely death, but I suppose I’d rather not let you get yourself killed alone."
Ren grinned. "So you’re in?"
Thorn held out his hand. "I’m in. But if we die, I’m blaming you."
Ren clasped his hand firmly. "Noted."
And with that, their path was set.