Morning light stretched across the Crownoval estate, illuminating its towering walls and sprawling courtyards.
From his window, Klein watched in silence.
The estate was far larger than he had first assumed. What he initially thought was a single mansion was, in truth, a collection of structures - training grounds, gardens, servant quarters, and auxiliary halls -
all enclosed within high stone walls guarded at every entrance.
It was less a residence and more a small fortress.
Which made sense.
This was the home of a ducal house.
Klein rested his chin lightly against his hand, his gaze drifting across the distant training yard.
Several figures moved below, their motions sharp and controlled. Even from afar, he could tell they were trained fighters, most likely knights. Their movements were precise, their strikes measured, and their discipline evident in every action.
Power.
It was everywhere in this world.
Not just in magic, but in strength, status, and influence.
And the Crownoval family possessed all three.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," Klein said calmly.
The door opened without delay.
Sebastian stepped inside.
The butler's posture was as impeccable as ever, his movements precise and quiet. His gray hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes immediately settled on Klein.
"Young Master, breakfast has been prepared," he said, his tone respectful yet measured.
Klein turned slightly, acknowledging him with a small nod.
"I'll be there shortly."
Sebastian lingered for a brief moment, as if considering something, before speaking again.
"You seem... different these past few days."
The words were carefully chosen.
Not accusatory.
But observant.
Klein met his gaze.
There was no point in pretending nothing had changed. Even someone without keen perception would have noticed the difference.
"I've simply been thinking," Klein replied.
Sebastian studied him for a moment longer, then inclined his head slightly.
"As you wish, Young Master."
He did not press further.
But Klein could tell - The man had noticed more than he let on.
The dining hall was vast, its high ceilings supported by carved pillars that spoke of age and craftsmanship. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, reflecting off polished surfaces and casting a quiet elegance over the room.
Several figures were already seated when Klein entered.
His mother, Lady Elenora, sat gracefully at one side of the table, her expression soft as she noticed him.
"You're up early today," she said, her voice warm.
Klein offered a small nod as he took his seat.
"I couldn't sleep."
Across from him sat Adrian.
The resemblance between them was clear, though Adrian carried himself with a confidence that Klein lacked - at least, outwardly.
"You've been spending a lot of time in your room," Adrian said, his tone casual but attentive. "Reading, I assume?"
Klein met his gaze briefly.
"Yes."
Adrian studied him for a moment, then gave a faint nod, as if that answer satisfied him.
Unlike others in the household, there was no mockery in his expression.
Only quiet curiosity.
A heavier presence filled the room soon after.
The door opened once more.
And Duke Vivian Crownoval entered.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Even the servants seemed to move more carefully, more precisely.
The Duke's presence was not overwhelming in the way one might expect. He did not radiate obvious hostility or dominance.
But there was a weight to him.
A quiet authority that demanded respect without needing to announce itself.
His dark blue hair and black eyes mirrored Klein's own, though there was a sharpness in his gaze that spoke of experience.
Power.
Not just political.
But personal.
Klein observed him silently.
Seventh strongest in the kingdom...
The thought carried weight.
This was not just a noble.
This was someone who stood near the peak of power in Melros.
Vivian took his seat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping across those present before settling briefly on Klein.
There was no warmth in it.
But neither was there disdain.
Only evaluation.
Breakfast began in silence.
The quiet was not uncomfortable, but it carried an unspoken tension.
A reflection of hierarchy.
After some time, Vivian spoke.
"The royal academy will begin its next term soon."
His voice was calm, steady, and measured.
Adrian straightened slightly.
"I'm aware."
Vivian's gaze shifted to him.
"You will attend, as planned."
"Of course."
Then his eyes moved to Klein.
A brief pause followed.
Subtle, but noticeable.
"You will remain here," Vivian said.
The meaning was clear.
Klein was not expected to attend.
A quiet silence settled over the table.
Elenora's expression softened slightly, but she said nothing.
Adrian's gaze flickered briefly toward Klein, though he did not speak either.
Klein remained calm.
"I understand."
And he did.
From their perspective, it made perfect sense. Why send someone who could not properly use mana to a place meant for training mages? It would only invite ridicule.
Vivian watched him for a moment longer, as if expecting a reaction.
But Klein gave none.
"See that you make use of your time," the Duke said.
Klein inclined his head slightly.
"I will."
The conversation ended there.
But something had shifted.
Later that day, Klein found himself in the estate library.
The room was vast, lined with shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. Countless books filled the space, covering history, politics, magic, and warfare.
It was one of the most valuable places in the entire estate.
Klein moved slowly through the aisles, his eyes scanning the titles.
He selected a book.
"The Kingdom of Melros: A Historical Overview."
He opened it and began to read.
Melros was one of the largest human kingdoms on the continent. Its strength lay not only in its military, but in its mastery of magic.
Noble families played a central role in maintaining that power. Each house contributed in its own way, whether through military strength, magical expertise, or political influence.
At the center stood the royal family.
Above all others.
Klein turned the page.
The structure of power became clearer.
The king ruled.
Below him stood the royal archmage and the strongest generals.
Then came the great noble houses - dukes, marquesses, and counts.
The Crownoval family was among the ducal houses.
Which placed them near the top.
Another page.
Magic ranks were listed.
Initiate.
Adept.
Master.
Grandmaster.
And beyond that -
Legendary.
Klein's eyes lingered on the final term.
Few ever reached that level.
Those who did were no longer bound by ordinary limits.
They shaped the world itself.
He closed the book slowly.
This world was structured.
Layered.
Defined by power at every level.
And he -
Currently -
Had none.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"That can be changed."
His gaze shifted toward another section of the library, where books on mana and magical theory were neatly arranged.
There was much to learn.
And now, he had a starting point.
Klein stepped forward and reached for another book.
Because if this world ran on power -
Then he would understand it.
Master it.
And eventually -
Surpass it.
To be continued...