Klaus's heart felt heavy as the reality of the passing days sunk in. The transformation he had undergone in the last fifteen days had been nothing short of extraordinary, and he was on the precipice of reaching new heights in his training. However, the prospect of leaving his training ground and returning to the annex estate with his mother, Elisabeth, was difficult to accept. He knew that once he did, his intense training would have to be put on hold, making him feel like a caged bird yearning for the skies.
"Come, let's go," Elisabeth urged, attempting to pull Klaus away from the place that had become his sanctuary. But Klaus, although deeply moved by his mother's concern, had a reason compelling enough to resist.
"Sorry, Mom," he said with a gentle yet determined tone, exerting a slight resistance as he pulled his arm away.
Elisabeth looked into Klaus's eyes, her own wellsprings of maternal concern. Klaus could see in her eyes his own weakness, the vulnerability that came from a lifetime of being nurtured by her warmth. He couldn't bear the thought of causing her any more pain, for she had always been ready to sacrifice everything for his well-being.
With a soft voice, Klaus began to articulate his plea, "Mom, I have only two weeks left before I join the other children of the house for basic training. I'll be starting three years later than them, so I need every day to prepare myself properly, to avoid falling too far behind."
Klaus's heartfelt words moved Elisabeth. She understood that Klaus bore no resentment towards her for his late enrollment in the mandatory training program. She felt a deep sense of guilt for the delay, but she had acted out of a mother's love and concern.
"I'm sorry that you were late to join the others, all because of me," Elisabeth admitted, her voice tinged with regret. Her concern for her son had always taken precedence over everything else.
Klaus was quick to reassure her, "I'm not blaming you, Mom. I know you had your reasons, and I'm grateful. But now I feel better."
Elisabeth looked at her son's transformed physique, her eyes glistening with pride. Klaus was no longer the frail child she had once feared for. "Yes, you look much stronger now. You can continue your training at home, and I promise that I or the maids won't interrupt you."
However, Klaus knew that he couldn't reveal the full extent of his training to Elisabeth or the maids. If they were to witness the rigorous regime he had undertaken, they would undoubtedly stop him in his tracks, unaware of the role of magic in strengthening his body and alleviating the physical strain.
"Mom, I really want to stay here," Klaus explained diplomatically, his eyes pleading. "I believe it's the perfect place for me to train. I know that I can make my body even 'healthier' if I continue here."
Elisabeth ultimately conceded, having already witnessed her son's miraculous transformation in just fifteen days. She had seen how Klaus's body had changed from frailty to newfound strength. "Alright, but make sure you return at least one day before your scheduled enrollment."
Klaus readily agreed, sealing their promise with an endearing pinky swear. With heartfelt embraces, they reaffirmed the bond between mother and son.
As Elisabeth and Lina began to depart, Klaus found himself alone with Ludovic, who had been observing the exchange. Ludovic, unsure of what to say, approached Klaus and spoke, "It appears you've nearly depleted all the supplies I left for you." A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he gestured with his hand. A ring on his middle finger glowed, conjuring forth a fresh array of supplies.
"I hope this will suffice," Ludovic stated, his melancholic blue eyes focused on Klaus.
Klaus expressed his gratitude with a nod and a heartfelt thank you. "Yes, thank you once again."
Ludovic inquired, "Is there anything else you require?"
Klaus, deep in thought, replied, "Actually, I've been wondering if someone could bring me the sword I selected during my Sword Selection Ceremony." He hadn't had the opportunity to examine the sword closely since that day.
Ludovic, curious about the need for a real sword when wooden practice swords were available, questioned, "Why do you need a real sword when we have plenty of practice weapons?"
Klaus, however, had a unique method in mind for rapidly forming his mana core, a method that would be too much for wooden swords to handle. "Thanks to the books in your library, I've discovered a unique way to expedite the formation of my mana core," he explained. "A wooden sword wouldn't be able to withstand the method I plan to use."
Ludovic, understanding Klaus's request, promised to have the sword delivered to him shortly. As he turned to leave the training ground, Klaus looked at his well-defined back, reminded of his past life, the tremendous effort he had devoted to his family, and the profound consequences that had unfolded when his mana circuit shattered, similar to Ludovic current situation.
Unwittingly, Klaus called out to Ludovic.
"Father!"
Ludovic halted, his back still turned to Klaus.
"I will make you proud."
Klaus's heartfelt declaration breathed new life into Ludovic's melancholy eyes, and a small smile played upon his lips. Without turning around, he whispered the response that meant the world to Klaus, "I know you will."
The emotional exchange between father and son held a special meaning, a promise of growth and achievement that transcended words. Klaus watched Ludovic's retreating figure, his eyes alight with determination.