The Dragons Heir

Interlude 1/Memory snow

ALEX

It has been several days since the Mabeast attack—almost a week, to be precise. During this time, life in the mansion has gradually settled back into its familiar, tranquil rhythm. My daily routine has remained steadfast: I rise early each morning to practice my swordsmanship, honing my skills with each swing of the blade. Afterwards, I head into the nearby village, where I cherish my moments spent with the children, sharing stories and laughter while also remaining vigilant for any signs of danger lurking in the surrounding forest.

In keeping with my promise, I've devoted more time to Beatrice. Over the past few days, we've developed a mutual respect for one another, exchanging insights and experiences that have brought us closer together. Our conversations have grown deeper, revealing the strength we each possess in this tumultuous world.

Today, however, felt notably different. For the first time since my arrival, I allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in, relishing the comfort of the warm blankets enveloping me. When I finally stirred from my slumber, sunlight was streaming through the window, casting a golden hue in the room, and I realised I had only an hour left before breakfast. Rushing to get dressed in my usual attire—a sturdy outfit that balances practicality with comfort—I made my way to the door. With a quiet resolve, I closed it gently behind me, ready to face the day ahead.

As I made my way down the grand staircase, the familiar creak of the wooden steps echoed softly in the spacious hallway. I glanced toward the kitchen and noticed Rem, the blue-haired maid, stepping out with an unusual expression of panic etched on her face. Normally so composed and serene, she seemed out of sorts, her eyes darting nervously as she approached the corridor.

Just as she was about to walk past , she caught sight of me. Hesitating for a moment, she walked up to me, her uncertainty palpable in the air.

"Alex, you don't happen to be good at cooking, do you?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation as she reached him, fidgeting with the hem of her apron.

Alex paused, gazing thoughtfully into the distance as if searching for the right words in the jumble of his thoughts. "Hmmm, well, I do know how to prepare some traditional dishes from my homeland," he replied slowly, a slight smile forming as he recalled his favourites. "I can whip up a few desserts too, but that's about the extent of my skills."

He noticed Rem's worried expression and quickly added, "However, if you need a hand, I could help you prepare the ingredients." His tone was reassuring, aiming to alleviate her anxiety as he stepped closer, ready to assist in any way he could.

"But wouldn't Ram usually help you with the cooking preparations?" I inquired, my gaze fixated on her. She lifted her eyes momentarily before diverting them, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "W-well, normally, yes," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, "but Rem's nee-sama isn't used to the cold weather, so she decided to sleep in today..."

Her explanation left him looking puzzled, eyebrows knitted in confusion. "What do you mean? It isn't any colder than usual," I interjected, my own bewilderment growing as I glanced around.

Now it was Rem's turn to seem bewildered. She tilted her head slightly, a quizzical expression overtaking her delicate features. "Rem is confused by Alex-Kun's comment; it is icy today," she remarked, as if the notion should have been as apparent as the sun shining in a clear sky.

I blinked, the clarity of her confusion mirrored in my own. My thoughts began to swirl as I pondered the strange disparity between us. 'Could my servant physique grant me greater resilience to harsh climates? Or perhaps it's something related to my race...' The questions raced through my mind, each one more perplexing than the last, as I lost myself in contemplation.