Point of View: ?????
The dust kicked up by Talhand's carriage had barely settled on the road. Paul was still standing there, waving goodbye.
The man stood by the camp gate, lazily smoking.
—And there he goes —he sighed, exhaling smoke. A mix of relief and frustration marked his face—. I guess I can't keep watching him anymore.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had tried to be discreet these last two weeks, but the boy was like he had eyes everywhere.
He kept trying to watch him and do something against him, but somehow Arthur always noticed. Luckily, he never caught him.
He quickly discarded the simple theories about Arthur's strength.
—I don't think he's with that Orsted. I guess the blessing is much more likely.
—I've been watching everything he's done since he arrived, and to me, that kid is way more talented than the Boss (Rudeus).
It puts me in a dilemma. That god… how does he expect me to kill him? I'm only good at deception and tracking. There's nothing I can do. I know you're watching this, Hitogami. Get someone else for that job.
His last communication with the Human God forced itself into his mind.
He was in the vast white landscape, without sky or ground. Hitogami appeared with his usual smile.
—I have a mission for you, my friend. Watch over this child who will arrive with Paul's family.
He gestured with his hand, and a flickering image of Arthur appeared.
—A child? Don't you think you're exaggerating?
Hitogami only stared at him, that smile empty of warmth.
—I want you to investigate whether he has any connection with Orsted.
—Oh, I think I see where this is going.
—You know, while I'm having fun with whatever Rudeus does —Hitogami's smile twisted into something cruel—, I don't want some fly buzzing around and bothering me in the future. So if you see he's connected to him… kill him!
—It'll get rid of whatever Orsted is planning.
—And if he's not…? —he had asked back then, tired and skeptical.
Hitogami tilted his head, as if the answer was obvious.
—If he's not, let him live his life. —His smile turned almost childlike, but his eyes stayed empty—. As long as he doesn't get in the way of my entertainment, I don't care what he does.
The god stepped closer.
A cold shiver went down his spine.
—But don't get confused —whispered Hitogami, his voice echoing in the white void—. Sometimes dangers don't come from what someone is today, but from what they may become.
An invisible finger touched his forehead.
—That child… has something strange. Something that bothers me. And if he grows without control… he might ruin interesting things.
The scene shattered like glass.
——
He snapped back to the present, gritting his teeth.
Yeah, sure… like it's that easy to predict who'll be a threat in the future, he thought, shaking the tension from his shoulders.
He bit the cigarette between his lips.
—And if he's not related… —he muttered, looking toward the road where the carriage had vanished— then good. I don't want trouble I don't need.
He took a deeper drag.
Sighed.
—Damn you, Hitogami… Sometimes I think you just enjoy messing up everyone's life.
He walked away from the camp gate with slow but steady steps.
....
Third Person
With Arthur
Days later
The sun was beginning to set over the Holy City of Millis when Talhand's carriage reached the outer gates. The capital was a testament to the power and faith of the Millis Church: paved streets, clean stone, and people wearing modest, neutral-colored clothes.
Talhand guided the carriage through the noble district. Arthur sensed something peculiar in the air.
—We've arrived —Talhand murmured—. Zenith's family is one of the oldest and most devoted in the Church. We'll need to be discreet.
The carriage stopped before a mansion. Tall white-stone walls guarded the complex. A gatekeeper in white-and-gold robes opened the iron gate, expression indifferent.
Guided by a maid, Arthur and the three girls entered the manor. Turning at a hallway, two maids stood by a door, opening it as soon as they approached.
Inside, an older blonde woman awaited.
She looked at them—first at Arthur, raising a brow.
Then at Norn, as if comparing her to someone in her mind. After that, she glanced at Lilia and Aisha with indifference.
Finally, she looked at Norn.
—So you are Norn, correct?
Norn nodded.
Claire frowned, then turned to Lilia.
—Hey, what happened to her? Why does she behave like that? Don't tell me you never taught her any proper manners.
Arthur immediately felt the tension.
When Norn timidly stepped forward, the woman frowned harder.
—Hey —she said, turning sharply to Lilia— what is this? Why does she behave like this? Tell me, haven't you taught her any education?
Lilia's eyes widened. Her hands trembled slightly, but she didn't bow her head.
—Lady Claire… the child is just nervous. She's traveled a long way and—
—Nervous —the woman cut in, letting out a dramatic sigh—. Such behavior is unworthy of the Latreia family.
Aisha pursed her lips, annoyed, but remained silent.
Arthur stepped forward without thinking.
—Norn behaved well the whole trip —he said calmly—. She acts like this because she's not used to this place.
Claire observed him… not with hostility, but with surprise.
Just a second, but Arthur felt she hadn't expected him—a child—to speak up.
—And you are…? —she asked with a hint of disdain.
—Arthur. And I'm currently their tutor —he answered with confidence.
—Tutor? —she repeated with a thin smile—. How convenient.
She looked at Lilia, expecting her to deny it, but Lilia only bowed respectfully.
—Yes, Lady Claire. Young Arthur is tutor to both Aisha and Norn.
The atmosphere hardened.
Claire had not expected that. Especially from Lilia.
—I see… —she muttered—. Paul was always a fool, but at least he had some pride. Hiring a child as a tutor… unbelievable.
And according to you, you think you're better than the tutors I'm going to hire?
Arthur didn't answer immediately. Instead, he smiled softly, stepped forward, and lifted a hand.
The air trembled.
In a blink, a sphere of water, a steady flame, a small whirlwind, a floating stone fragment, and even a spark of lightning appeared, swirling above his palm. No chant.
Aisha's eyes widened in shock, and Norn gasped softly. She had never seen Arthur use magic like that.
Lilia held her stance, smiling.
Even the servants were stunned.
Claire wondered "Magic without chant? And he's using multiple elements at once." She frowned.
—That should answer your question —Arthur said calmly, making the orbs vanish with a soft snap.
Claire recovered her composure in seconds.
—What a surprise —she replied, though her voice had lost some confidence—. But magic isn't everything. Norn needs discipline, manners, and proper education.
Arthur bowed slightly.
—And that's exactly what I intend to teach them. Magic, education, discipline… and support.
Claire narrowed her eyes, evaluating him.
—Fine. You may stay. But if I see Norn doesn't improve, I won't hesitate to send you back to wherever you came from.
And so began the stay of Arthur, Lilia, Aisha, and Norn in the Latreia Mansion. The first days and weeks were a constant challenge. The mansion felt like a cage.
Arthur adjusted his routine. Physical training was limited to discreet exercises in the servants' pavilion. Magic classes took place in the small formal garden, always at risk of being interrupted.
For some reason, Lady Latreia began looking at Aisha with particular disdain, though she never expressed it openly.
Whenever Arthur had time alone with the girls for lessons, Claire would stare from a balcony or window—a silent observer.
During these lessons, the difference in pace was painful for Norn. Aisha, with months of practice, could already cast intermediate spells (like Stone Cannon) without chant. Meanwhile, Norn struggled to focus enough for intermediate magic.
This infuriated Claire.
"Impossible! How can Zenith's daughter be inferior to the servant's child?"
Driven by this, Claire scolded Norn while teaching her about the Millis Church, constantly comparing her with Aisha.
—Look at your sister. That bastard child. How can she be superior to you? You should be ashamed, Norn. Stop being so… slow
Arthur felt a cold anger.
"So this is how Norn ended up like that," he thought.
He couldn't confront Claire directly. That would get him expelled. But he could defend Norn during lessons.
—Norn —Arthur said, ignoring Claire's presence at the window—. I've heard what your grandmother says about you.
Norn froze
—Don't listen to her —he added, resting a hand on her head with a warm smile.
You don't need to compare yourself with anyone. Everyone learns differently. And I think you're already very good despite what others say.
Norn raised her gaze slightly — her green eyes trembling.
Arthur withdrew his hand gently, giving her space.
—And you know —he added softly— I trained Aisha. She's talented, yes… but so are you. You just need to believe in yourself.
Norn pressed her lips together.
Arthur saw her throat move as she tried to hold back tears.
—I… —her voice barely came out— I'm not good… like Aisha.
Arthur shook his head.
—You don't need to be like her. You'll be good in your own way.
Norn blinked — "In my own way?"
Claire watched with crossed arms, rigid expression, but her eyes wider than before.
"This boy… what is he trying to do?"
Arthur stepped back and extended a hand.
—Come. Let's practice a little.
Norn hesitated. She looked at the window.
Claire was still there.
Aisha, from a corner, frowned at Norn's hesitation.
"Hmm… just for today, I'll let you have Arthur." she thought with a pout.
Arthur spoke before Norn backed away.
—Don't do it for your grandmother, or for me.
Do it for yourself.
Slowly, Norn stepped forward.
Her small trembling hand rested on Arthur's.
Arthur smiled.
—That's it. That's all we need to start again.
Norn lowered her gaze, but for the first time since arriving…
her expression wasn't fear.
It was determination.
...
From that day on, Norn worked hard. She still had moments where Claire's words weighed on her, but Arthur always managed to lift her spirits before she sank too deep.
Months passed.
Lessons became routine: basic studies in the morning, magic in the afternoon, and Arthur's training at night. Each progressed at her own pace: Aisha, naturally gifted, reached advanced magic—though she still couldn't use it without chanting—while Norn, through constant discipline, finally reached intermediate magic without enchantments.
Arthur was proud of both.
But what he didn't notice at first… was that something was shifting between them.
When Arthur praised Norn, Aisha tightened her lips for a second.
When Arthur spent more time helping Aisha with a spell, Norn watched with a mix of discomfort and frustration.
When they trained together, each tried to surpass the other, even in small ways.
And so, without Arthur realizing it…
the rivalry between Aisha and Norn quietly began to take shape...
End of chapter.