Three days had passed since Alice woke up. Initially overwhelmed by tears and confusion, she gradually came to grips with reality through medical examinations and explanations.

Alice's vision had been lost due to the curse of the Shadow Dragon, and like her Grand Uncle, she could no longer wield magic. The shock of this realization was immense for her, but she faced it with the composure and resilience of someone far older than six.

"This is already a miracle—to have survived such a calamity," she had said, demonstrating her strength, so unlike my own. Despite the somber truths, life in the mansion was slowly regaining its former vitality.

"Where should I take this!?"
"Wait, where’s Miss Kanna?"
"Hey, lend me a hand over here!"

The once heavy atmosphere was dissipating. Everyone—my parents, Grand Uncle, and the servants—seemed more at ease. Even my own anxiety had lessened, and my heart no longer raced with the same restless urgency as before.

But I couldn’t allow myself to relax. I had made a promise in front of her: to kill the Shadow Dragon—the cause of Alice’s and my Grand Uncle’s curses. With that goal in mind, there was no room for complacency.

After completing my morning training under Kanna’s watchful eye, I headed to the dining room and encountered Alice along the way.

"Good morning, Alice."
"Oh! Good morning, Brother!"

Hearing my voice, she turned her head in my direction with careful movements.

"Are you alright? Let’s go to the dining room together."
"Thank you."

I walked over to her, taking her hand in place of the maid to ensure she didn’t stumble. As we made our way, Alice started speaking cheerfully.

"Brother, listen to this!"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"This morning, I—"

Even though it had only been three days since she lost her sight, she was doing her best. She was working hard to adjust to her new life and behaving as if everything were normal so as not to worry anyone.

—She’s such a strong child.

Every time I saw her determination, I felt something swell within me. I suppressed the emotion and interacted with her as naturally as I could. When we reached the dining room, Father and Mother were already seated, welcoming us with relief evident in their expressions.

"Good morning!"
"Ah, good morning, Alice."
"Good morning, Alice dear."

As expected, Grand Uncle wasn’t there. Since Alice had woken up, he had been even busier than before. It was understandable, but the contrast with his previous constant presence was jarring.

"Uncle isn’t here again today, is he…"
"Well, if anything, he’s been around too much until now."

I reassured the disappointed Alice as we took our seats. Honestly, I also felt his absence keenly—his help had been invaluable.

As if he’d read my thoughts, the old soldier suddenly appeared during my afternoon training.

"Hey, you’re working hard as always, Clay!"
"It’s rare to see you at this time. What’s up, Grand Uncle?"

I paused my practice and looked at him. Until recently, he’d seemed like a lifeless shell, his haggardness worsening by the day. But lately, his complexion had improved, and he was starting to resemble his usual self.

However, he’d been so preoccupied with the Shadow Dragon and the knights that he hadn’t visited my training in a while. His sudden appearance today piqued my curiosity.

—What’s brought this on?

Though puzzled, I saw an opportunity to ask him some questions, so I approached him. But before I could speak, he declared something completely unexpected.

"Clay, I need to talk to you."
"What is it?"
"I quit the knights."
"…What?"

Caught off guard by his unusually serious demeanor, I couldn’t process his words. Seeing my reaction, the old man repeated himself.

"I said, I’ve quit the knights."
"WHAT!?"

Once the meaning of his words sank in, I couldn’t help but raise my voice in shock. I stepped closer, demanding answers.

"You quit…? What the hell? Why!?"
"Ha! Great reaction."

Unbothered by my outburst, the old man laughed heartily. Realizing he was enjoying this, I shot him an exasperated glare, prompting him to explain himself.

"It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it out to be. Honestly, it’s only natural. I’m no longer of any use to the knights, so I stepped down."
"That’s not true—"
"It is. A one-armed old man who can barely use magic has no place instructing knights anymore. Others are more suited to the task."

"…"

His explanation, though logical, carried a tinge of melancholy. It was clear that this decision hadn’t come easily.

"Besides, I’ve found something else I want to focus on."
"Something else?"

I tilted my head, and he pointed at me.

"You, Clay. You’re planning to kill that dragon, aren’t you? Then, as your master, I need to be just as resolved."
"Wha—?"

I was stunned. I had never mentioned the Shadow Dragon to him, yet it felt as though he had peered into my thoughts.

"I can see it plain as day on your face. That’s why I’ve decided to devote what’s left of this miserable life to training you."

His unwavering attitude was oddly nostalgic. Once he decided to do something, he never backed down.

—This man is always so sudden.

Quitting the knights without consulting anyone, and for the reason of training me, a disciple he had taken on a whim—

"You’re seriously out of your mind…"
"Hah! Compliments won’t get you anywhere, boy!"
—It wasn’t a compliment.

I didn’t bother arguing; it was too exhausting. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself. That’s when his demeanor shifted, becoming serious again.

"Still, I understand what you’re thinking, Clay."
"Huh?"
"You’re skeptical about being trained by an old cripple like me, aren’t you?"
"No, that’s not—"
"I get it! Even I’d think twice about learning from a washed-up geezer who can’t use magic!"

Despite my attempts to correct him, he continued to speak as if he knew everything.

—This man never listens…

It wasn’t new behavior, but it still made me question his sanity.

"So, I’ve decided to prove myself!"
"Prove what?"
"That I’m still stronger than you and worthy of being your master!"

With a triumphant proclamation, he made his intentions clear.

"In other words, you want a duel."
"Exactly!"

He wanted to settle this with a fight, leaving no doubt about his abilities.

"…"

This man was always abrupt and unreasonable. Yet I couldn’t refuse. I had been wondering myself—

How much stronger had I become compared to him?