The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation-Chapter 34 - 33 — Essentials

The next day came by quickly. As the morning sun fell over him, Zephyrion opened his eyes and released a slow breath.

’I feel better.’

Compared to yesterday, the aftereffects of the elixir had faded. His body felt light and steady, as though he could run an entire marathon without rest.

’Let’s see.’

Entering his metal space, he focused on the metal rune.

’Less than a quarter left.’

Zephyrion couldn’t help but think how unfortunate it was that he couldn’t simply grasp the portion that had already been freed.

One could think of the marks of elemental runes as full sentences within a passage. Learning half a sentence would never reveal its meaning. He had tried, more than once, but even with his high resonance, it had led to nothing but failure.

Leaving his mental space, Zephyrion lifted his gaze to the rising morning sun.

’It’s time.’

He reached out and nudged Lumi, who was curled up beside him. Her face scrunched slightly as she turned away, weakly waving him off.

Zephyrion frowned.

’How careless.’

What sort of woman slept so comfortably on a man’s bed? The maids had tried countless times, yet none had succeeded in getting Lumi to sleep in her own room.

Muttering under his breath, Zephyrion nudged her again, this time with more force.

"Get up. It’s time for training."

Lumi stretched her fingers lazily before pulling the blanket over her head.

"We don’t have five minutes. We’ll be late."

Moments later, after having to drag Lumi away from the bed, Zephyrion stepped out of his room to find Tobias already waiting outside.

The ward immediately bowed upon seeing Zephyrion.

"My lord! You’re finally out..."

Zephyrion looked at him. Tobias was holding a set of pure black light armor in one hand, with a large backpack strapped to his back.

"You were waiting for me?"

"Yes, my lord. You said you’d be joining training today, so I brought your armor..."

"...And the backpack?"

Tobias smiled, clearing his throat lightly.

"Ah—yes. Just... things you might need during training, my lord."

Zephyrion glanced at the backpack again. It was massive, its length and width exceeding his own height and breadth.

From the way the straps dug into Tobias’ shoulders, there was no doubt it was heavy. Yet, the ward stood there smiling as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

"...All of that is necessary?"

"Yes, my lord!"

"What’s in it?"

"Ah—just the essentials, my lord. Spare bandages, antiseptic solution, a full set of training wraps, two changes of clothes in case of damage, water, dried rations, a compact toolkit, a sharpening kit, extra straps for armor adjustments, a small blanket, emergency flares, just in case... and..."

He hesitated briefly, then added,

"...some sweets."

"..."

Zephyrion stared at him.

"...Alright."

Zephyrion turned away.

Moments later, he stood before the bedroom mirror, his gaze resting on his reflection.

’A perfect fit.’

He hadn’t given the ward his measurements. He must have judged it with his eyes alone.

Before long, Lumi stepped out of the bathroom, having also put on the armor. It was armless, fitting closely around her petite frame.

As she approached him, Lumi fidgeted with her fingers, her gaze fixed on him with a hint of nervousness.

Zephyrion nodded once.

"It looks good. A perfect fit."

Her eyes brightened instantly, and she smiled, nodding repeatedly.

Zephyrion stared at her for a moment. The armor fit perfectly, that was the only reason he had said it.

...Yet that alone was enough to make her this happy.

Shaking his head, he chose not to dwell on it. A moment later, they stepped out of the room together.

"Let’s go."

The eager ward nodded quickly.

"Yes!"

...

Caldralth Mountain was located at the summit of a high and massive mountain, far above the clouds. The summit itself was a vast stretch of land, easily able to contain the massive estate that was House Calderalth.

As Zephyrion moved through the estate, memories of his childhood surfaced in his mind. In the seven years he had been absent, nothing had changed.

The grand buildings still stood high and imposing, bearing the banner of House Calderalth. The floors remained neatly paved on all sides. A towering statue of the Iron Father rose into the sky from the center of the estate.

Though many maids and guards stared at him with widened eyes, whispering among themselves, they still bowed and greeted him as he passed.

Eventually, they reached the western edge of the mountain, where a massive gate loomed ahead. Above it hung a large sign bearing the words:

Strength Through Tempering.

There was something about those words that made the air feel heavy.

Unfazed, Zephyrion passed through the gates and into a large circular space.

The thundering shouts reached him instantly.

"You stinking maggots! I’ve seen drunkards fight straighter than you lot! Is this all you’ve got? If this is Calderalth’s future, we might as well end it here and slit our own throats!"

Above a tall platform stood a burly man whose face was swallowed by a thick black beard, roaring at the trainees gathered below him.

At the sound of the creaking gate, all eyes turned toward Zephyrion almost instantly, widening in the next moment.

"That’s him..."

"No way... he’s actually back?"

"Why is he in armor...?"

"Don’t tell me he’s joining us..."

The trainees stared at him in shock and disbelief as he walked into the training grounds.

’Hmm.’

Ingrid’s image briefly flashed through his mind. Considering her actions during their meeting days ago, he had expected a different reaction from the trainees.

’She didn’t spread it.’

Zephyrion ignored the stares and whispers, fixing his gaze on the burly man above the platform, whose eyes had already narrowed on him.

"Enough!"

The man waved a thick arm, and the whispers among the trainees died down instantly.

"Remember what I said and work harder. Calderalth does not tolerate weakness. Get out of my sight!"

"Yes, head trainer!"

As the trainees began to disperse, Zephyrion moved toward the platform with Lumi.

The thick stench of alcohol hit his nose, but he showed no reaction, having already expected it.

Above, the head trainer fixed him with a heavy, piercing gaze.

"Why are you here?"