**Chapter 3: THE BEGINNING OF YOUNG TRAINING**
The next day arrived with the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows. Ryota sat with Haruto with a curious look.
"Hey, Haruto," Ryota said.
"Huh?" Haruto responded, turning to face him.
"So, that girl… what's her name? Mika, right? Did she find anything about the Tanaka family?"
Embarrassingly, Haruto shook his head. "Not yet."
Shinji, who had been listening, chipped in. "I see. So, what now?"
Haruto sighed. "The investigation is still ongoing. We're not there yet."
On the other side:
Later that evening, after supper, Akirion felt himself growing sleepy. He yawned and decided it was time to go to bed.
Just as he was about to lie down, Eriolth spoke up. "Hey, Akie. Don't you want to hear a scary story tonight before you sleep?"
Akirion hesitated. "Huh? I'm feeling sleepy."
Eriolth smiled. "It's okay if you don't want to listen, but I thought you'd like it. It's about a knight."
Akirion's eyes widened instantly, and he lost his sleepiness in an instant. His curiosity flared.
"Oh, oh! Dad, tell me!"
Eriolth paused. "Wait, didn't you say you're—"
"Not anymore," Akirion cut him off hurriedly.
Eriolth chuckled. "That was quick. Alright then. I want you to listen very carefully. Do you hear that? Very close."
Akirion nodded. "Okay, Dad."
Eriolth cleared his throat and began. "Here goes the story. A long time ago, there was a man who dreamed of becoming a knight. He wanted nothing more than to join the army of the capital, Elysia. But he failed the combat test twice, and he felt terrible about it. So, he gave up training and focused on his future. After two months, he received a letter from the capital. He was shocked and hesitant to open it at first. But after some hours, he finally did. Do you want to know what he saw inside?"
"No Daddy! I'm all ears," Akirion said eagerly.
Eriolth grinned. "Alright. He took the letter and opened it, and his eyes widened as if he'd seen a ghost. Tears welled up—tears of joy. The letter said he was approved to be a knight. They promised to train him further and make him a strong one. He was so happy he couldn't wait to start. He headed to the capital and dedicated himself to training. He took on small missions—protecting citizens from robbers and more—and gradually grew stronger. Eventually, he joined the knight force, fighting alongside professionals to defend the city from invaders. One day, the ferocious Empire declared war on Elysia. The knight was part of the team fighting the Empire's army. It was a fierce battle, and many knights lost their lives. But, in the end, Elysia won—narrowly. The knight became a hero, celebrated as the savior who survived and defeated the Empire's forces. He rose to become the commander of the Elysian army. After some years, he retired and started a family. Now, he has a son, and he's telling him stories."
Akirion listened, eyes shining. "Wow. He was a great knight. I can't wait to become just like him… Wait, Dad, did you just say 'now' in the story?"
Eriolth looked a little taken aback. "Feels like I did."
Akirion's brow furrowed. "And that part—'he's telling his son stories'—that doesn't add up. But wait… that sword. It can't be just for decoration because it's so big, and that's the first time I've seen it. So, Dad!"
Eriolth nodded slowly. "Hmm."
Akirion's eyes sharpened. "You're that knight, aren't you?"
Eriolth smiled knowingly. "As expected from my investigator."
"So, you were a very well-trained knight," Akirion said with admiration.
Eriolth nodded again. "Yes."
"Then… May I train too?"
Eriolth hesitated briefly. "Very well."
"Yes!" Akirion exclaimed, practically bouncing.
Eriolth looked a little uncomfortable. "Huh? Wait, no…"
"Good night," Akirion said cheerfully, walking off with his hands in his pockets. "Training tomorrow morning."
Eriolth sighed. "He cheated me. Such a son."
Mirabel, who had been listening, clapped softly. "I didn't want to say this, but you're in deep trouble. And your story—" she clapped again "—was superb. Excellent, really."
Eriolth grumbled. "I thought maybe you would help me stop the unplanned Akirion's plans…"
Mirabel laughed. "Good night, honey. And good luck tomorrow morning."
Eriolth sighed again. "Ouch."
He followed Mirabel to their bedroom, seeking some rest.
In the morning, little did Eriolth know, Akirion was already awake. Early the next morning, the boy quietly slipped out of his room and started knocking on his parents' door.
"Goo-goo," came the muffled sound.
Mirabel groaned and pulled the pillow over her head. "Oh dear, you are doomed."
Eriolth lowered his voice. "Haaa, totally."
The knocking resumed. "Goo-goo, goo."
Eriolth sighed. "Coming."
"Hurry up, Dad! Before the sun rises," Akirion urged.
"Okay, okay. I'm coming. Do me a favor and go outside for a couple of warm-up runs around the yard. Two rounds would be perfect."
"Happily. Okay, Dad. See you outside," Akirion said eagerly.
Eriolth raised his voice. "Okay." Then, softer, "This kid is super energetic."
Mirabel finally removed the pillow from her face. "What do you expect from the son of the best Elysian knight?"
Eriolth grumbled. "Really? Is he supposed to be that energetic? I don't think I was this lively. Besides, I didn't want him to train with swords because I don't want him to be in danger like I was."
Mirabel nodded. "Same here, but it looks like he shares your interests."
Eriolth shook his head. "It's too risky. I saw it with my own eyes—dangerous."
"Alright, enough stories," Mirabel said gently. "He'll be back soon. And this time, he'll probably—"
Suddenly, Akirion's voice called out from the door. "Hey, Dad! I'm done. I'm coming in." He pushed the door open and saw his father already prepared. "Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Dad."
"Morning, sweetie," Mirabel replied.
"Dad, let's go," Akirion said.
"Like I said," Mirabel teased, "I told you so."
Eriolth sighed. "Alright, let's go."
They headed outside to begin their training. Eriolth looked at his son and smirked.
"Looks like the young training starts now," he said softly.
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