The impromptu standing buffet party apparently lasted until late at night. "Apparently," because after carrying Freesia, who had drunk herself unconscious, to her room, I returned to my own and went straight to sleep.

“Young master! We’re making such a ruckus here that a bit of loud noise won’t be an issue!!”

“Hey! Even if we’re letting loose, that’s still going too far!!”

“Haha… I don’t mind, so it’s fine. Also, that’s definitely not happening.”

As I left the dining hall carrying Freesia, people around me said whatever they pleased, but we slept in separate rooms. Of course.

After all, even if we are "engaged," we haven’t actually married yet. Doing anything improper would be a betrayal of her father, Duke Ivern’s trust—completely out of the question. If anything, I could be sentenced to the harshest punishment. Besides, even if such a thing were permitted, she was so dead drunk that it was never going to happen.

──── I feel utterly exhausted…

And so, after a thoroughly decent night, the next day arrived.

Since I had returned home, there were plenty of things I wanted to do. Over the past month, I had managed to finish just one book about dragons, and I wanted to test the knowledge and information I had gained. I also wanted to go into town with Alice for the first time in a while. On top of that, I wanted to focus on training…

“Well, summer break has only just begun. There’s no need to rush.”

In the end, what I have to do hasn’t changed. Generally speaking, "vacation" is meant to give people time to recover both physically and mentally from daily fatigue. But my understanding is entirely different.

Since childhood, to me, "vacation" has meant "spare time dedicated to intensive training." Just because it’s a break doesn’t mean I laze around. My day always starts with early morning practice swings. That hasn’t changed for the past six and a half years—it’s an ingrained routine.

Gripping my practice sword, I step into the backyard, where the morning dew still lingers. I don’t force my disciple, Weiss, into such madness. Given everything that happened yesterday, the brave warrior is skipping this morning’s training. He’s probably still sound asleep, exhausted from last night.

──── It’s only been three months, yet it feels strangely nostalgic…

The backyard I haven’t stepped into for a while feels slightly smaller than I remember. It’s an odd sensation. The academy’s training grounds are absurdly vast, and I had grown accustomed to that scale over the past three months. Just three months, and yet three months. This backyard, which now feels nostalgic, naturally has someone there waiting.

“Oh, as usual. Looks like going to the academy hasn’t made you soft.”

That’s the first thing out of his mouth. This damn old man never changes. Not that I’d ever say it aloud, but that very consistency is oddly reassuring. Life is always changing, yet some things remain the same.

“Shouldn’t you be struggling just to wake up every morning at your age?”

“Hah! Don’t be ridiculous. I’m in my prime till I die.”

“Figures.”

Even if he lost an arm or his ability to use magic, this veteran warrior would still choose the sword and wield it. In fact, even now, right before my eyes, he’s preparing to do exactly that. If he, with all his limitations, still takes up the sword, there’s no way I, with my body intact, wouldn’t.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yeah.”

And so, as always, we face each other and start our practice swings.

Despite having only one arm and being unable to use magic, the veteran warrior before me generates an overwhelming gust with each swing. I try to match him, refraining from using Blood Flow Control or magical body enhancement, but I still can’t quite match his swings.

──── If I used Blood Flow Control, I could replicate it…

I’ve long since known that with magic, I could surpass this old soldier. But that’s meaningless. If he could still use magic, I wouldn’t stand a chance. There’s no pride in a victory that’s only due to his handicap.

──── That wouldn’t mean anything at all.

“Haa…”

I take a deep breath, activating my blood flow and magic circulation. My stubborn pride only lasts for the first few swings. After that, I train properly as usual.

“You’ve certainly…”

Suddenly, the veteran warrior halts his swings and gives me a piercing look.

Whenever he stops like this, it’s because he’s noticed a flaw in my movements or magic control. So, I instinctively brace myself.

──── Did I make some mistake in controlling my magic flow? No, I didn’t feel anything off…

Nothing seems wrong. But from his perspective, there must be something worth noting. Before he continues speaking, I try to predict his critique, running through countless possibilities in my mind.

“You’ve clearly crossed a deadly threshold in these past few months. Your magic density is vastly different.”

His words are unexpected.

“Really? …Well, I did fight one of the Five Heavenly Swords, so I’d hope I’ve improved somewhat…”

I didn’t expect straightforward praise, and it catches me off guard.

Now that I think about it, this might be the first time he’s ever complimented me. It momentarily stuns me, but he continues speaking as if it’s nothing.

“And Freesia’s magic has also blended well into yours. You can use it without issue, right?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah… Wait, hold on a second.”

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

He tilts his head in confusion. But no, the real question is—

“Did I ever explain that to you?”

“No, but I don’t need to ask. Just looking at you, it’s obvious. You drank her blood, didn’t you?”

“……”

He’s been like this ever since that day.

As if he had seen everything firsthand, he immediately noticed my changes and spoke about them as if they were obvious. Even without magic, his perception is as sharp as ever. Just by looking, this seasoned hero sees right through me. It’s almost ridiculous to be surprised at this point.

“Haa…”

I take another deep breath, steadying myself. At this point, I might as well be upfront. If anything, it’s convenient. After all, there were things I couldn’t ask yesterday that I now know I can discuss with him.

──── Well, of course.

He’s my blood relative. Not only that, but a former Seven Peerless Swords member. It’s only natural that he’s familiar with our family affairs—including what happened to me… the Vampiric Impulse.