The next day arrived quietly.
But for Kai, it didn't feel like a normal day. He had been summoned by his father—the patriarch, Lucien Glacius.
Nervous yet composed, Kai moved through a mixture of anticipation and calm.
"I wonder why he called for me," he thought quietly.
"But I should just go... He probably wants to check on me."
As he made his way toward the center of the mansion, where the patriarch's office was located, memories from his past life drifted through his mind.
His father in that previous life—despite Kai being bedridden—rarely had time for him. Always working, always busy.
But now, he understood—everything had been for his sake, to provide for him as best he could in his remaining years.
Back in the present—
Kai walked down the long corridors. The halls were grand, cold, and silent. Servants moved aside as he passed, greeting him quietly without a word. No one spoke —only respectful nods and bows.
At last, he stopped before a massive door.
"So this is where he usually is."
Two guards stood on each side.
"Young master..." one spoke softly.
"The patriarch is waiting."
Kai nodded silently, then pushed open the door.
Inside was a vast, chilly room. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and documents. The air was crisp and still.
At the far end—Lucien Glacius stood near the window, his back facing Kai. He didn't turn immediately.
"You're late..."
Kai hesitated.
"I came as soon as training ended."
Lucien turned slowly, his gaze settling on Kai.
For a moment, Kai felt the7⁷ weight of Lucien's cold pressure, like a winter wind pressing against him.
"I've come as you summoned me, father..." he said softly, showing respect.
Lucien took his seat.
"Come here."
Kai stepped forward.
"Show me what you've been learning these past few days."
Lucien didn't waste any time he was direct and on point.
"Father... but..." Kai hesitated.
"It's fine. I've prepared everything."
He took a deep breath.
"...Okay then."
Raising his hand, Kai focused and drew mana from his core. Thin frost formed in his palm—stable, yet painful. This time, he endured it. The frost held longer, but the burning sensation grew worse. His palm turned red, and he had to stop.
"Again." Lucien's voice was calm but firm.
"Sorry... but, Father..." Kai hesitated, reluctant to continue, feeling the burning pain piercing through his skin.
"Do you want me to repeat myself?" Lucien's tone grew more direct.
"...Yes, Father."
Kai repeated the process. Once again, frost appeared, followed by pain and burning.
The cycle repeated—frost, pain, burn.
"Stop."
But Kai didn't stop this time. It wasn't that he couldn't—he simply couldn't control it. The frost spread further up his arm.
He shouted in agony.
Without hesitation, Lucien stepped forward, grabbing Kai's arm. The frost disappeared as if it was absorbed.
His arm was red and burned, the pain sharper than before.
Lucien handed Kai a healing potion. He drank it, and the pain dulled immediately, but the redness remained.
"Your core... I could feel it," Lucien said quietly.
"It's unusually warm."
"That's not how it's supposed to be."
"I know, but what can I do?" Kai replied, frustration evident.
"I was born like this."
Lucien stared at him thoughtfully, as if examining him.
"Have you tried using spells other than Frost?"
"No, this is the only one I can use right now."
Lucien paused, then spoke.
"Just continue with what you've been doing every day. You don't need to go to the training ground if you don't want to."
"Until then, I'll find a way to deal with your condition."
Kai was surprised—he hadn't expected this.
Lucien rarely involved himself directly. He usually remained in his office, busy with his affairs, leaving everything else to others.
"Thank you, Father."
"Soon, I will assign a special mentor for your magic training. You will do exactly as he says."
Hearing this, Kai's curiosity piqued.
"Huh? Who will that be, Father?"
Lucien's smile was faint but confident.
"You'll meet him in two days. I've specially hired him for you, so he should arrive then."
"Until then, continue with your physical training as usual."
Kai didn't expect that.
"...You knew?"
"I know everything that happens in this estate."
Kai nodded.
Lucien stepped back.
"One more thing," he added.
"Don't do anything reckless—something that might harm you. Otherwise, your mother will worry."
At that moment, Kai understood immediately.
"...Okay." He smiled softly and turned to leave.
The door closed behind him.
Lucien remained standing where he was, pulling open a drawer. Inside was a small box—something was inside it. He reached for it.
"...Should I give this to him?"
Elsewhere—
Kai returned to his room. It was time to spend some moments with his mother. He took a bath, changed his clothes—wearing a long-sleeved shirt to hide the redness on his arm, ensuring she wouldn't notice.
Mara was a loving, doting mother. Kai, being her only son, was spoiled beyond words. She never allowed Kai to use magic until she was certain she could find a way to fix him.
Meanwhile, far from the Glacius estate, a carriage moved along a dense, winding road toward the mansion. Inside, a man sat alone, taking a nap.
Suddenly, the carriage hit a bump, jolting him awake.
"Ughh... The road here is pretty terrible," he muttered.
"Are we there yet?" he asked the driver.
"Not yet, but we're close—less than two days away."
He leaned back, closed his eyes again.
"Might as well take a long nap while I still can," he said, relaxing as the carriage continued onward, heading toward the Glacius estate.