Book 1 Chapter 7
【7】6
“Ugh!”
Celia was groaning in one corner of the training ground.
Leo, unconcerned by her state, was wiping sweat and rehydrating himself in the shade.
'What kind of guy is he?'
Celia wore an expression of utter disgust at his demeanor.
Despite moving far more intensely than her, he was perfectly fine.
Pulling her trembling arms and legs, she sat down next to Leo.
She no longer had the luxury of putting on a show.
She focused on recovering as much stamina as possible during the break.
'Otherwise, I won't be able to keep up.'
Even if it was difficult, her pride wouldn't allow her to fall behind without even trying.
'He's got grit.'
Exceptional talent.
And a mindset that doesn't give up.
She looked forward to seeing what kind of hero he would become in the future.
As the two were resting, Jiss entered the training ground.
He stroked his chin as he looked at the trembling Celia.
'This will be a good experience for Celia.'
She had never been surpassed by anyone her age since birth.
Jiss, who had watched Celia train since she was young, was concerned about this aspect.
She hadn't become arrogant, but it was true that she was excessively proud.
Pride and arrogance.
Celia was standing on the boundary between them.
'It's not bad to have this kind of experience before entering Lumene.'
Being the best in Zerdringer doesn't guarantee being the best in Lumene.
There are many hero families outside of Zerdringer in the world.
Just in the Rodren Empire, there's the magical hero family, Rewalin.
'You can't always be the best.'
Before confidence turns into arrogance.
It's not bad to hit a wall once in a while.
Leo and Celia.
Objectively evaluating the two, their strengths were different.
'Leo hasn't learned Auric Arts, so he's no match for Celia in Aura. Conversely, Leo is far superior in physical ability.'
And the weakness Jiss was thinking of for Celia was also physical ability.
Of course, it's not that Celia's physical abilities are lacking.
As a sword wielder, physical training is basic.
By normal standards, Celia is also a possessor of immense strength and muscle power.
'But she hasn't transcended her limits. And her swordsmanship.'
Swordsmanship was also the reason Celia felt a strong sense of rivalry towards Leo.
She had never met anyone her age with swordsmanship skills equal to hers.
'But according to older sister, Leo is also superior in swordsmanship.'
In Jiss's eyes, Leo was the first wall Celia had encountered.
“Uncle, what brings you here?”
Celia asked, struggling to stand up.
“You look tired, sit and rest.”
Saying so, Jiss looked at Leo.
“Leo.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“I plan to speak to the head of the family so you can inherit ‘Phoenix Breath’.”
Celia was startled by the sudden remark.
“Phoenix Breath?”
An Auric Art that only recognized blood relatives could learn.
'Does this mean he'll officially become my cousin?'
Celia looked at Leo with a peculiar gaze.
“I don't think the Zerdringer family head will easily permit it.”
“So there’s a condition.”
“What is it?”
“Passing the Lumene entrance exam this year.”
“Uncle. The Lumene entrance exam is a real battle. He, who hasn’t even learned Aura! Ah, no. It’s too dangerous an exam for Master Leo.”
“Are you worried about me?”
Leo asked with a chuckle, and Celia replied gruffly.
“Hmph. I was just stating a fact.”
Sparring and real combat are different.
“Besides, Master Leo has no combat experience, right?”
Most Lumene applicants have combat experience.
Celia had also participated in monster subjugation and defeated monsters.
The presence or absence of combat experience makes a surprisingly large difference.
Leo chuckled at Celia’s words.
He was more familiar with battlefields where lives were at stake than with peaceful daily life.
“Leo. What do you think?”
“Did you ask Father and Mother?”
“They said they would follow your wishes.”
“Then I will take it.”
He had intended to persuade his parents to take the entrance exam this year anyway.
Jiss smiled as he watched Leo, who answered without hesitation.
“So you were planning to take the entrance exam this year, weren’t you?”
With a satisfied expression, he said as he turned to leave.
“Then I'll be looking forward to it.”
***
Delan Royal Academy was closed until the exam.
So Leo invested that time in training.
Celia desperately followed that schedule.
“Haha! Look, I… I did it? You damn bald kid! How… Ugh?!”
On the last day.
Celia, using the wooden sword as a cane, was returning to the mansion with her trembling arms and legs.
On the way back, she felt nauseous.
The exhausted girl's body was like rags.
Celia staggered to Leo's room and arrived.
Knock knock-
“Come in.”
The door creaked open, revealing Leo holding something in a basin.
“What is that?”
“A potion.”
“Don't tell me you were secretly using potions on me after saying you wouldn't?”
If she had only used recovery potions, the training wouldn't have been this grueling.
But Leo refused to use potions, citing that it would hinder his training.
Seeing that, Celia also refused to use potions out of competitive spirit.
“It’s basic to manage your condition the day before the exam.”
Celia’s body was already at its limit.
She had pushed herself by pacing her training over the week to avoid collapsing completely.
Of course, even with pacing, if she had lacked the will, she would have collapsed long ago.
At first, he intended to mess with her, but Leo was impressed by her grit in not giving up and following along.
“That’s true.”
“Roll up your sleeves and pants, lie face down on the bed. I’ll apply the potion.”
“I have plenty of potions too.”
Celia uses potions made by the best alchemists.
“This will be much more effective than what your family uses.”
“Hmm. I doubt it, but I’ll accept it as your kindness, Master.”
Celia rolled up her training uniform sleeves and lay down.
Her slender, white arms and legs were revealed.
Leo dipped a cloth in the potion in the basin and placed it on Celia's arm.
The cold sensation relieved the pain.
Celia's eyes widened at the soft scent.
“Wait! Is this perhaps a potion made by elves?”
“I suppose so.”
“How did you get this?”
Elf potion!
It's a premium product classified as the highest grade among potions.
Only elves knew the recipe; other races couldn't imitate it.
She never imagined that a young master from a marquis family in such a rural kingdom would possess it.
“I bought it at a corner store.”
“A corner store? Where is that?”
“It's gone now. I bought it all.”
“Ugh. I see… Well, is it right to use something so precious for just muscle pain relief?”
“It’s my choice how to use it.”
In fact, this was a potion Leo had made himself.
The creator who taught him the recipe was [The Progenitor of the Nebula], Luna.
“Master, you're unexpectedly generous.”
Though she wore an expression of regret, Celia willingly allowed Leo to treat her.
A cloth soaked in potion was placed on her arms and legs one by one.
She felt the terrible muscle pain disappear as if by magic.
“Master.”
“Yes.”
“I won’t lose tomorrow.”
Celia revealed her competitive spirit.
Observing Leo over the week of training together, she realized he was not an opponent to be underestimated.
'He might even pass the exam.'
“I won’t be careless like last time.”
Celia smirked.
“So, if you happen to meet me and lose, don’t blame me.”
“What nonsense are you spouting.”
Leo, who was about to place the cloth on Celia’s thigh, gripped her thigh tightly.
*Thump-!*
“Ah! Hey! It hurts!”
“What? Hey? Are you still a maid? Act like a maid if you're a maid.”
“You’re joking! Just watch! I’ll get revenge for this humiliation tomorrow! If we meet, I’ll smash you to pieces…!”
*Squeeze!*
“Ah! It hurts! D-don't! I won’t act up! I won’t act up! Ah! Master!”
Celia’s scream echoed through the mansion.
***
The next morning.
A large crowd was gathered in the central training hall of Delan Royal Academy.
People watching the entrance exam.
Among them was the King of Delod.
Celia, having shed her maid uniform after a week, swept her hair back.
“Hmph! Those annoying Rewalin bastards still haven't shown up.”
“They're a hero family from the same country, why are you speaking so harshly?”
“Master, you'll understand why I say this when you meet them.”
“Really? By the way, wouldn't it be better to fix your way of speaking?”
“Oops!”
Celia hurriedly covered her mouth.
It seemed to have become a habit over the week.
Meanwhile, other examinees in the distance glanced at Celia.
“Is that Celia Zerdringer?”
“They say she's one of the top candidates from the western region, she certainly seems relaxed.”
“Wanna bet? Whether the top spot will go to Rewalin or Zerdringer.”
Leo chuckled at the whispers of other examinees.
“You're famous.”
“Hmph, of course.”
“So, your way of speaking…”
“Ugh?”
'This has become a complete habit!'
As she blushed and covered her mouth, someone called out.
“Celia!”
“Hmm? Leo Flob. Why are you here?”
The approaching Gallivan frowned.
“I'm here to take the Lumene entrance exam.”
“What? You? Taking the Lumene entrance exam? Hahahaha!”
Gallivan burst into laughter.
“Are you trying to die? You, who can't even wield Aura, are taking the Lumene entrance exam? Please, don't bring shame to the country.”
Ignoring Leo, he stood in front of Celia.
“Celia, let's do our best this time.”
At his words, Celia narrowed her brows.
“Sorry, do I know you?”
“What?”
“I have a bad memory for faces.”
“We met a week ago at Delan Royal Academy. I am Gallivan Tradin, the school's representative Gallivan.”
“Ah. That happened. Yes. Let’s do our best.”
“Yes? Ah… Yes.”
Celia gave a bright, professional smile.
Gallivan's face softened at the smile.
At that moment, a commotion arose from one side of the training hall.
Celia glanced in that direction.
“Doly… No, Leo. Come with me.”
“Why me?”
“Oh, come on! Just follow me if I tell you to!”
Celia grabbed Leo's wrist and headed towards the commotion.
'Tsk! Acting friendly with Celia!'
Flames shot from Gallivan's eyes.
It was already known that the Zerdringer family had stayed at the Flob family's residence.
Leo being Celia's cousin was a secret.
Therefore, Gallivan couldn't understand the reason.
'Just you wait, I'll show you my skills in the exam!'
Meanwhile, Leo, who had followed Celia, met two men and women with light sky-blue hair and eyes.
“It’s been a while, Celia.”
“Hello. Abad Rewalin.”
Abad Rewalin smiled gently.
Leo muttered inwardly as he saw it.
'He smiles a bit too effeminately.'
“Celia. Did you prepare well for the exam?”
“Of course! Becoming the top student is no problem.”
“Heh, really? But what a shame. It looks like the top spot will be mine?”
“Oh my? Imagination is free. Hohoho!”
As expected of families who had vied for the title of the empire's greatest family for hundreds of years, their verbal sparring was sharp.
“Let’s go, Chelsea.”
“Yes, brother.”
Abad, having ended the verbal sparring, left with Chelsea.
Celia glared.
“Annoying, isn't he?”
“He's effeminate, but I don't know about annoying?”
“No. Just look at him. He's a completely arrogant guy.”
Celia clenched her fist tightly.
“Hoohoohoo- I'll turn him into butter on a hot pan, you effeminate butter bastard.”
Celia, with a deadly smile, burned with fighting spirit and glared at Leo.
“Absolutely do not lose to those guys! Zerdringer cannot afford to lose to Rewalin!”
“I’m not Zerdringer yet.”
“Prepare yourself! Rewalin! Leo and I will make mincemeat out of you!”
Leo replied indifferently, but Celia didn't hear him.
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