At least I'm Alive

Knowledge

The next day

"Alright sister! It's time to train your sword skills! I'll go easy on you since you're weak." Keith says

Hm, he's underestimating me but...it's true. All the abuse made my body small and thin.

Me and Keith are training with Sir Leo, the head knight of the dukedom.

He had navy blue hair with side burns  and he looked quite young... though I heard he'd pretty old.

"Alright, now hold your swords." Sir Leo instructs.

Wait how? I completely forgot.

I held my sword with two hands while Keith lazily holds his with one.

"Now, try to hit him Miss Abela." Sir Leo says.

I sway my sword to hit Keith's but he doesn't budge.

Keith tries hold back his laughter, while Sir Leo tells me the right form.

A few hours later, after training very hard, my legs became weak, and we went to rest.

"You still have a long way to go." Sir Leo sits beside me on the grass.

A maid gives me a glass of water
And before drinking it, I asked

"How old are you Sir Leo?" I drink my water.

"48" he casually says

I spit my water

48?! He looks like a 20 year old!

I wipe my mouth "4..48?" I reply.

He chuckles "I am quite old, when Keith becomes of age, I'll retire."

We look at Keith who's practicing by himself.

"I taught him since he was four, it's been 6 years since...and just by looking at him it looks like he's trying to impress you." He laughs.

"Impress me? You're exaggerating sir" I reply

"It's true, he always slacks off because he thinks he's good...but he really is. He excels in swordsmanship much more than Kai.

I also trained Kai who is also good, but he excelled more on politics." He finished off.

That's nice...Sir Leo seems to have lots of History with the two boys...

"Young miss! It's time for your lessons!" Sir Vincent shouts from afar.

I stand up, and bow to Sir Leo. I wave goodbye to brother Keith and run towards Sir Vincent.

"Ah, sir Vincent. Did you wait long?"
I ask

We walk together to the study room

"No, and please call me Vincent." He replies.

"Alright. You know, you and Ajax are the only people I can talk casually to." I say.

"That's true, since you are older than you actually are. Was it difficult to adjust when you were first reborn?" He asks.

"Definitely, don't even get me started" I joke off.

I then remembered "ah! Where's Ajax?"

"He's resting right now. Do you want me to call him?" Vincent asks.

I shook my head as we arrive to the study room

When we opened the door, I paused to see Kai leaning on the book shelf asleep.

"Ah, the young lord is here." Vincent says.

"Leave him, let's go inside he's sound asleep." I reply.

I approach Kai and remove my coat, and place it on him to keep him warm.

Though the coat is small, it's enough to atleast warm him up.

Me and Vincent sit on the same table as before, and start discussing about
Spirits.

"When the master of the spirit passes away, the spirit also dies. Because part of the blessing is the connection between the human and the spirit.

So, the sole purpose of a spirit is to protect it's master." He finishes off.

I see, Ajax would die if I die and that would be bad.

We then started talking about
he History of the Empire Nox Singuis.

After awhile, Vincent asked
"Young miss, in your past life were there also things like this?"

I chucked "not at all. Instead of an emperor, we had a President.

In my past life, I used to do very well with my studies, because studying was my stress reliever.

It hid me from my mad reality...

I was always deep in thought, making me forget I was being treated that way and all that crazy stuff." I finished off.

Vincent nods, and we hear a knock.

The door opens to reveal a maid saying

"Sir Vincent, the Archduke is calling for you."

Vincent stands up and excuses himself.

I was left alone with sleeping Kai...

I rest my chin in my hands and look out the window and mumble

"A life where I tried to forget reality...what a pitiful life.."

"So you remember?" A sudden voice spoke.

I flinch and look behind me to see Kai wide awake.

"You heard?" I ask.

He stood up with my coat on his arm.

He placed it on the desk and pulls the chair beside me.

He sits down, crosses his arms and says

"I thought you forgot?"

Ah...this is bad. I tried to avoid this, what should I do?

"Well, I just avoided mentioning it since it would cause unnecessary feelings, brother." I try to butter up.

"What unecessary feelings?" He replies.

Why are you so stubborn?! Just get the hint you 12 year old.

"Fine. If I tell you, would you believe me?" I ask.

"Everything about you is confusing. This wouldn't surprise me." He said in a cold tone.

I then briefly explained my life as Cleo, how I suffered, how I died, etc. I didn't mention my age because it would probably make trouble.

After explaining, Kai paused for awhile. Just looking at the table.

Ah, you said you weren't going to be surprised.

"How about you tell me about you brother?" I break the silence.

I have to build my relationship with this cold child.

"Why should I tell you?" He replied.

Excuse me? Only if you knew I could fly kick you!!! I see, let's play then.

"Okay...then don't tell me." I say giving him a pitiful look.

...he's staring hehe he's falling for it!

"I have nothing much to tell you. I have a female bear spirit named Odeda, she has the same features as Vincent but smaller and obviously more feminine.

I like books and helping dad when it comes to his work. I'm okay with swordsmanship but Keith does it better.

I'm kinda close with the crown prince and his spirit animal, but he's busy now-a-days so I don't see him that much...

That's it. Happy?!"

He said much more than expected...what a tsundere.

I giggle "Yes brother!"

I should butter up to brothers...it seems like they've accepted me, but liking is still not confirmed.

I need to work hard.