Chapter 7 – The Baron's Teacher
I had just finished skimming through another advanced theory on mana control when I heard footsteps approaching.
Yuki.
Without hesitation, I slid the book beneath a stack of fairy tales and leaned back as if I had just finished a harmless story.
He entered with his usual gentle smile.
"Young Master," he said, bowing slightly, "your father has requested your presence."
I stood and walked beside him through the hallway.
"I heard you possess talent in fire magic," he added casually.
"Are you excited to learn how to cast spells?"
I widened my eyes, letting them sparkle with childish enthusiasm.
"Mm! Aiden wants to learn magic!"
He chuckled warmly. "Do your best. I will cheer you on while you practice."
So he plans to observe me as well.
Interesting.
For a brief moment, suspicion flickered in my mind.
Yuki was too attentive. Too present.
But I pushed the thought aside.
Speculation without evidence is inefficient.
As we entered Father's study, I saw her.
Black hair neatly tied back.
Thin-framed glasses.
A posture that radiated discipline rather than pride.
Her expression was stern, serious — but not arrogant.
So this is my instructor.
Good.
I prefer professionalism.
Yuki excused himself, promising to return shortly, and I turned my full attention to her.
She adjusted her glasses with deliberate calm.
"I will be your teacher from now on," she said. "My name is Eleanor Valehart. I come from a Baron family… but I am confident in my ability to instruct you."
Her gaze sharpened slightly, as though anticipating a reaction.
Disappointment? Hesitation? Disrespect?
I tilted my head in mild confusion.
Why would her family rank matter?
If she is competent, that is sufficient.
After a brief silence, she nodded once and began.
"Mana," she said evenly, "is a force that corresponds to one's personality, disposition, and innate affinity.
Before we proceed to structured spells, we will begin with manifestation."
Without chanting, without visible preparation, she snapped her fingers.
The world shifted.
The study vanished, replaced by a private training ground enclosed by stone walls.
Spatial displacement.
Instantaneous.
I stared at her, genuine admiration slipping through my composure.
How powerful.
"First," she continued calmly, as if teleportation were trivial, "imagine the mana within you. Feel its presence. Then guide it outward. Do not force it. Allow it to respond."
Unlike the instructors I had read about in novels, she did not shout. She did not exaggerate. She explained.
Precisely.
I followed her instructions carefully, channeling only a controlled stream of fire mana. Just enough to satisfy expectations.
She observed silently.
I asked questions.
Specific ones.
"How does emotional fluctuation affect mana stability?"
"Is compression more efficient than expansion during early-stage casting?"
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
She answered every question without hesitation.
After a prolonged session, I allowed my shoulders to slump.
I steadied my breathing.
At my age, exhaustion would be expected.
My reserves were barely half-drained, but appearances mattered.
She studied me for a moment.
Then—
A faint smile.
"Impressive, Aiden," she said quietly. "I look forward to our next lesson."
There was no exaggerated praise.
No unnecessary flattery.
Just acknowledgment.
She bowed with professional grace before leaving the training grounds.
As the space shifted back to Father's study, I remained still.
Another interesting variable has entered the equation.
Eleanor Valehart.
Competent.
Disciplined.
Undervalued.
And—most importantly—someone worth listening to.
I felt a small, genuine anticipation stir within me.
This world is Truly fascinating.