After breakfast, Alex decided it was time to confer the title of his personal maid to his wet nurse, Cecilia Hans. He wanted to meet her personally and express his gratitude. He still remembered how difficult it had been to get the Duke's permission—it was against the rules.
Flashback:
"Hmm… hmm," the Duke hummed thoughtfully.
"Please, Father, just tell me if I am allowed or not," Alex urged.
"Well, it is not allowed, but this is the first time I've seen you ask for something without ego getting in the way. I will grant your request," the Duke finally said.
"Thank you, Father. I'm not egoistical—I prefer to handle my problems myself," Alex replied.
Alex left the Duke's office, feeling a mix of relief and awkwardness.
End of Flashback
---
Alex was led by his butler into a courtyard at the far end of the east wing. A woman, apparently in her late thirties, was watering the garden using water mana. Alex was surprised—water affinity was rare in Rosetta, where fire mana was common.
> Note: People can marry or live in a Dukedom not matching their Mana affinity, but they retain connections to their place of origin, preserving their heritage.
"You're here, my son," Cecilia greeted warmly, brushing her fingers lightly against Alex's cheeks.
"I tried many times to convince the Duke to make me your nanny so I could care for you, but he refused. Now I am finally your personal maid, and I can keep the promise I made to your mother," she said.
"I missed you too, Nana," Alex replied with a smile.
"I know you must be cold. Let me make you some tea," Cecilia said happily.
The three of them walked into the small hut and sat down with hot tea.
"I'm sure that witch is responsible for the destruction of your mana pillars. I knew from the moment the Duke married her that she was no good," Cecilia complained bitterly.
"You're right, Cecilia. I tried to protect him as much as I could, but I didn't see it coming," the butler replied.
"I know you did. Thank you for always being there for him," Cecilia said.
The butler nodded. "I just pity her son. Poor child, having to be nursed and trained by such a mother. It's like soiling clean clothes," Cecilia said, shaking her head in disappointment.
"You don't need to worry, Nana. I will make sure my brother Louis does not become like her. That I promise," Alex reassured her.
"I trust you, my son. You have my support, no matter what," she said.
"I think it's about time I return to my courtyard. I'll expect you at sunrise tomorrow, Nana," Alex announced.
"I will definitely be there," she reaffirmed.
"Good. I'll make sure I'm awake to welcome you," he added.
---
At the entrance to his courtyard, Alex found his younger brother Louis thrashing and crying, demanding to see him. Alex quickly picked him up, trying to calm him.
"Don't you know you're a handsome gentleman? You shouldn't cry and thrash like a baby," Alex said sternly, though teasing.
"I am not a baby. I am a gentleman," Louis said in a raspy, tearful voice.
"Good! Now, may I know what made you cry?" Alex inquired.
"I've been trying to see you, but they wouldn't let me. They'd promise 'later,' and that 'later' never came," Louis complained.
"You don't have to worry. From now on, you may see me anytime—as long as you attend your lessons," Alex promised.
"Okay, brother! I promise!" Louis said excitedly.
"Now you may go. Tomorrow I'll expect you once your work is done," Alex instructed.
"I will make sure to do my work well," Louis replied.
"Now that is a gentleman," Alex praised.
Louis left with his butler and personal maid. Alex could have sworn he heard a "thank you" from James Coney, the new Duchess's butler and long-time rival of Luke Anderson. Though James had risen in rank, Alex knew his loyal supporters—Luke, Cecilia, and even Louis—would never suffer injustice.
---
After lunch, Alex visited the Rosetta Mansion library, hoping to find information on rebuilding his mana. He went alone—he didn't want his butler to know about his plan until he was confident it would succeed.
At the library, the bookkeeper nodded politely. Alex headed straight for the section on mana: its types, acquisition, and enhancement. He selected several books and, after checking with the bookkeeper, returned to his room.
Back in his room, he stored the books in his bedside drawer, prepared for a night of study, and lit candles to guide him through the evening.
---
The Next Morning
Alex looked exhausted. Puffy eyes and a half-awake expression showed the toll of reading all night, but it was worth it.
He had learned about mana types across the Dukedoms, the gods who created them, and how mana connects with nature. Meditation, magic plants, seeds, and energy stones could all boost mana capacity.
Meditation Process:
Mana can be found in the environment, especially at sunrise, when it's purest.
Energy stones, magic plants, and seeds can amplify the effect.
Cultivation Process:
Prolonged meditation that continues until the practitioner levels up.
With this knowledge, Alex planned to buy 150 energy stones, 100 magic plants and seeds, and a burning chimney as a natural source of fire mana. He would risk everything to rebuild his mana core.
> Author's Note:
Yes, a burning chimney! For fire affinity, a natural source is essential. Other affinities have different ideal sources:
Water: large river or lake
Air: open space
Earth: fertile soil
Light/Dark: special elements
---
Readers might wonder when the male lead will appear. For now, the focus is on Alex's journey to become the strongest mana caster in Hensville.
---
Author's Note:
Please comment, like, vote, and follow! Polite corrections are welcome. Following me helps you get updates and announcements. Thank you all for supporting this story—I'm excited to continue sharing Alex's journey with you.😘
© Hen456rietta 2025. All rights reserved.
All characters, storylines, and content in this work are original and created by the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or published elsewhere without the author's permission