The Dragons Heir

Arc 2/part 5:Dragon knight vs Shadow Lion

FOUR DAYS LATER

ALEX

The last few days passed in a whirlwind, each blending seamlessly into the next. Alex found comfort in his routine, which began each morning at seven o'clock when he trained rigorously, honing his skills until breakfast. The sun would rise higher in the sky as he practiced, the sounds of his exertion echoing in the training grounds.

After finishing his workout, he would head to the library, a quiet sanctuary filled with the smell of aged parchment and leather-bound books. There, he immersed himself in a range of subjects: from the intricate nuances of elemental magic to the rich and complex history of the kingdom. To enhance his language skills, he often lost himself in storybooks, captivated by their tales and the elegance of their prose.

Lunch was a brief interlude, after which he would make his way to Arlem village, a lively area where children played and laughed. He delighted in spending his afternoons with them, sharing stories and games that brought joy to both the children and himself.

As evening approached, Alex transitioned from his structured day to a more relaxed atmosphere. He cherished these moments, either enjoying profound conversations with Emilia, who always seemed to understand him, or laughing and joking with Beatrice, whose vibrant spirit lifted his mood. Each evening wound down with a sense of contentment, marking the end of yet another fulfilling day.

On the fifth day, a change of pace greeted Alex as he joined Rem on her shopping trip to Arlem. The duo strolled down the dusty dirt road, flanked by tall grass swaying gently in the morning breeze. An uncomfortable silence hung between them, prompting Alex to break the calm. "So, how are you this morning, Rem?" he asked, attempting to dissolve the tension.

Rem glanced sideways at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I am doing quite alright, Alex-sama." His brow furrowed slightly as he reached out to flick her forehead playfully. "I've told both you and Ram to drop the formalities when it's just us," he reminded her.

She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well, Alex."

As they continued along the path, vibrant market stalls came into view, and the cheerful sounds of bustling villagers filled the air. They soon reached the lively heart of the village, where laughter and chatter mingled with the scent of fresh produce. Suddenly, a bright voice cut through the noise. "Sir Alex!" cried Petras, her tone brimming with excitement. "You're very early today! Have you come to play already?"

Alex couldn't help but smile, the warmth of her enthusiasm warming the pit of his stomach. He ruffled her hair affectionately, the playful gesture eliciting a giggle. "Not yet, kiddo. I need to help Rem with groceries right now," he explained, his voice gentle yet firm. He noticed a fleeting shadow of disappointment cross her face and quickly added, "But don't worry, I'll be back in the afternoon, just like always."

Petra's face lit up with a broad smile, excitement bubbling inside her as she processed the news. "Alright! I'll make sure to tell the others as well!" she exclaimed enthusiastically before dashing off to gather her friends.

Meanwhile, he turned to follow Rem, who was leading the way toward the bustling vegetable stall. The air was filled with the earthy scent of fresh produce as they approached. They selected a variety of spices—each in vibrant shades of color—a few fragrant herbs, and a generous bag of potatoes among other essential ingredients.

With the weight of the bags resting in his hands, he stayed close behind Rem as she carefully chose all the items they needed for the mansion's kitchen. As she inspected each product with a discerning eye, he admired her ability to make decisions so quickly, knowing these supplies would contribute to their next meal at the mansion.