Chapter 20 - The Knight's Path
The days passed by quickly for Seraphina as she settled into her new routine. Every morning, she would travel from her mansion to the main house, where she would spend time diving into the vast library to which her father had granted her access.
A lot of the books were ones she had already read from her own library; however, a vast amount more were books she had never even seen. There were simply so many books that comparing it to her little library would be a disgrace.
There were even more books on the topic of knights, mages, and cultivation. However, they didn't have much more useful information for her to work with.
She would spend hours immersed in the books, touching a large variety of them while also taking her time to read some as a cover. Her mental space had expanded so much that it was incomparable to how it was at the start; it now looked like a grand library.
When she wasn't reading, she spent her free time with Hayley and Louie, growing closer to her younger siblings. Their joyful laughter and innocent youth were a refreshing break from her studies and worries.
She enjoyed spending time with them—and their mother, Telphina—because it gave her a sense of familial belonging she had been missing in this life.
As for Daisie, while they crossed paths a few more times, they never interacted beyond that. Daisie chose to ignore the girl's existence, and Seraphina didn't care enough to interact with her if she didn't want to try.
That was how the last few days had gone for Seraphina—and this morning was no different.
While making her way down the now-familiar halls towards the library, she saw a figure waiting for her at the library door. Her father, Duke Davian, standing near the entrance with his imposing presence that commanded attention.
"Father."
Seraphina greeted him with a hint of surprise in her voice—she hadn't run into him at all aside from her first visit, so she assumed he had been very busy.
Davian smiled warmly the second his eyes fell on her, a mixture of pride and worry swirled in his silver eyes.
"Seraphina, you've been working hard. How are you feeling?"
Seraphina sighed at the worrisome father and only replied with a smile.
"I'm feeling much better, Father. The knowledge here is invaluable, and I wish to learn as much as I can. I've also been able to spend time with Hayley and Louie."
Davian nodded, pleased with her response. He had already known all this from the reports of the servants, but he wanted to confirm it from her above all.
"That's good to hear; I'm glad you can spend time with your siblings."
He paused for a moment as if contemplating his next course of action.
"Today, I have something important to discuss with you. Follow me to my office."
He motioned for her to follow him, and she did without asking any questions, but she was naturally curious.
They made their way down a series of twisting hallways that the girl had never taken before, finally arriving before a pair of grand wooden doors with two knights stationed outside to guard it.
Seeing the Duke, they saluted but did not move from their positions. Motioning them off, the Duke entered the room with Seraphina and closed the door behind him.
Inside the room was a simplistic office with a few bookshelves, a desk with a chair on both sides, and rows of paper scattered about. The place was quite messy, but that wasn't what drew the girl's attention.
There was another person in the room—a male with short brownish hair and a rough build. He wore black armor with a sword that hung to his side—Seraphina instantly noticed the family's emblem on his armor and could guess he was a knight of the family.
The man was honestly not very outstanding, aside from his above-average looks—his presence in the room was what drew her attention.
"Father, who is this?"
She voiced as she looked at the man, but her father did not answer her. Instead, he made his way over to his desk and took a seat; turning to face her, he finally spoke.
"Seraphina, I promised you a knight training method when you asked for one, and I've found one that will suit you well."
Upon hearing her father's words, Seraphina's heart instantly shot up and began to race—a knight training method, something she had been longing for in order to gain strength.
"I know you said you wished for the common method used by the armies; however, that method is flawed, and I can not allow you to practice it. This is a proper noble family's training method."
Seraphina's eyes widened in surprise at her father's words. She knew just how difficult it would be to get a noble family's training method—each family treated them like treasures.
They would never easily give one up, not willingly.
"How did you manage to obtain it, Father?"
Davian's expression grew serious at her question, and he replied with an off-handed method.
"The details are not important. Just know that I went to great lengths to secure this for you. I believe in your potential, and I want to ensure you have the best tools to succeed."
He placed a box on the table and opened it, revealing a beautifully bound book with an intricate design on the cover. The title was carved in bold letters, reading 'Shinster Knight Training Method.'
"This method is from the Shinster family; they were one of the most respected knight families in the Empire a long time ago. However, they fell from grace during the war. It is a rigorous and demanding method, but I believe you have the strength and determination to master it."
Seraphina carefully took the book from the box; the second her fingers touched the book, she felt a piercing pain shoot through her head, causing her to almost stumble.
But she tried her best to maintain her balance so that her father wouldn't notice.
"Thank you, Father. I promise I won't let you down."
Davian stood up and walked over to the girl. Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, he looked down to her and spoke.
"Nothing you do will let me down, Seraphina. To help you with your training, I've also assigned you a knight who will guide you through the process."
As if on cue, the tall man who stood silent to the side all the time finally spoke up; his voice was stern and hoarse, as if he hadn't drunk water in days.
"Yes, Sir."
Switching her attention from her father, she observed the man once more, her violet hues glancing over his figure thoroughly.
"Seraphina, this is Sir Aldric. He is my third in command, and he will be your mentor."
Sir Aldric bowed slightly at the two of them and spoke.
"It is an honor to serve you, Lady Seraphina."
Seraphina returned the greeting with a slight bow—not as deeply as the man's.
"Thank you, Sir Aldric. I look forward to learning from you. Please take care of me."
Davian watched the exchange with satisfaction.
"Sir Aldric is one of our finest knights. He will ensure you receive the best training possible and that nothing happens to you during it."
Taking this as his cue to explain the process he was going to train her in—the man stepped forward and spoke in a calm but authoritative voice.
"Lady Seraphina, we will begin with the basics and gradually increase the intensity of your training. I will tailor the program to suit your abilities and conditions, ensuring you progress steadily."
Seraphina nodded, her determination shining in her eyes for all to see.
"I understand. I'm ready to begin; when will we?"
"We will begin today, I will show you the basics of aura training first."
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