Two days passed swiftly.
Kai maintained his usual routine—morning training, afternoons spent reading, and evenings dedicated to practicing magic. But lately, he had not returned to the training grounds. His control over frost magic was slowly improving, yet the pain still stubbornly lingered.
"I wonder when I'll finally get rid of this stupid curse," he murmured softly to himself, staring at his trembling hands. His fingers were red and raw from the relentless burning of frost magic, but he refused to stop practicing. Never giving up, never surrendering.
That morning, the estate was quieter than usual—an unusual stillness that carried an undercurrent of anticipation. Servants moved more hurriedly, whispers circulating among them.
"He's arriving today."
"Who?"
"The one the patriarch mentioned."
"I heard he's the patriarch's closest friend, and he's here for Kai."
Kai caught every word, standing silently by the window, feeling a strange mixture of curiosity and unease.
"So he's finally here," he thought.
"The one father spoke about."
At the main entrance, a carriage came to a halt, dust swirling in the air. The door opened, and a tall figure stepped out.
He had slightly messy blue hair that caught the sunlight and sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see through everything.
"Finally." He stretched, groaning softly from the travel fatigue.
"This place is colder than ever. Nothing's changed, even after all these years." He took a slow glance around the mansion, observing every detail with a faint smirk.
"But... it's not bad, I suppose."
A servant hurried forward, bowing politely.
"Welcome. The patriarch is waiting."
The man waved casually, a relaxed smile on his face.
"Yeah, yeah... lead the way."
He followed the servants inside, the grand halls echoing with quiet footsteps, until they reached the patriarch's office.
As soon as the door swung open, Lucien Glacius sat waiting, his gaze calm yet commanding.
"Yo… how have you been?"
The man stepped in, offering a grin.
"Long time no see, Lucien."
Lucien's eyes flickered with recognition.
"You haven't changed, Darius."
"And you—still the same cold person I knew."
"Well, let's get straight to the point." Darius's tone turned serious.
"You know why I've come."
Lucien nodded, his expression becoming more composed.
"I read your letter. I was quite surprised to learn about your son's condition."
"Yes," Lucien replied. "He's a rare case—something entirely unprecedented in our family history."
Darius stepped closer, his voice low.
"I need you to teach him, observe him, and—if possible—find a way to fix his problem."
Lucien regarded him thoughtfully.
"I can do that." Darius's gaze sharpened.
"Remember your promise."
"Of course," Lucien replied with a small smirk.
"I'll give you my family's secret technique."
Lucien's expression grew serious.
"But you must take care of him until he turns twelve. Before I send him to the capital's academy."
"I'll provide everything you need during your stay."
Darius chuckled softly.
"That's better."
Lucien gestured toward a nearby servant.
"I've already informed my son about your arrival. He should be standing outside."
"Come in!"
The door swung open, and Kai stepped in, bowing politely. Darius turned to him with a warm smile.
"Hello there," Darius said, extending a hand.
Kai hesitated briefly before introducing himself.
"My name is Kai."
Darius studied him with a keen eye.
"Interesting..." he murmured.
"I can feel your core—it's unusually warm for an ice mage."
Kai remained silent, listening intently.
"Kai..." Lucien's voice broke the moment.
"He is the mentor I told you about. From now on, you must follow and obey everything he instructs."
"Yes, Father." Kai nodded obediently.
Darius stepped forward, glancing at Lucien.
"Why don't you go rest for today, you must be tired from the long journey. You can start training with Kai tomorrow."
"Sure." Darius stretched casually.
"And by the way—can you ask someone to bring me some good alcohol to my room?"
Lucien tapped his head thoughtfully.
"Of course. The maids will show you to your room."
"Alright. Bye." Darius nodded and exited.
Turning to Kai, Lucien's expression softened slightly.
"Father, shall I also take my leave?" Kai asked.
"No, stay here." Lucien opened a drawer and pulled out a small box, handing it to Kai.
"Open it."
Kai carefully lifted the lid. Inside were a pair of gloves—dark blue with faint silver lines resembling frozen cracks.
"What are these?" he asked, eyes wide.
"Wear them," Lucien instructed.
Kai hesitated, then decided to trust his father. He slipped on the gloves. They felt light, adjusting to his tiny hands instantly. A faint chill spread across his skin—harmless, yet invigorating.
The inner lining was smooth, designed to insulate his skin from direct contact with ice. Thin layers of mana-woven material suppressed and contained the frost, reducing damage while amplifying mana usage—allowing him to cast more diverse spells.
"These are the Frost Guard Gloves," Lucien explained.
"They'll assist your training, but don't rely on them too much. It's only a temporary solution."
Kai's face lit with a mixture of gratitude and excitement.
"Thank you, Father. I won't forget this."
"Good," Lucien said with a faint smile.
"Now go, rest well. Tomorrow, your real training begins."
Finally will I be able to use those other types of magic I've read? Kai thought while smirking thinking how he'll be able to cast other types of spells other than frost. since all this time he could only use only frost and even a basic level spell like that hurt like hell, imagine how the other non-basic spells would be.
Inside the office, Lucien watched him go, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
"Oh, Darius," he thought quietly. "Just don't teach him anything foolish."
Back in Kai's room, he placed the gloves carefully on his bed, took a bath, changed then headed to find his mother.
Mara sat in her room, sipping tea, her gaze soft with anticipation. She sensed her son's arrival was near.
Mara Glacius carried a quiet warmth that stood in contrast to the cold, disciplined nature of the Glacius family.
Her long, silver-white hair flowed softly down her back, smooth like freshly fallen snow, often tied loosely behind her shoulders. Her eyes—gentle and icy blue—held none of the sharpness typical of her bloodline. Instead, they were filled with kindness, patience, and an unspoken tenderness.
Her features were soft and elegant, her presence calm and comforting rather than imposing. Where others of the Glacius family radiated cold authority, Mara brought a sense of warmth that softened even the harshest atmosphere.
She dressed simply for a noble—flowing white and pale blue garments that reflected her lineage, yet lacked the rigid formality of the others.
But what defined her most was not her appearance—
It was the way she looked at her son.
As if he was the most important thing in her world.
As if nothing else mattered.
Kai entered gently.
"Mother," he said, rushing to her side.
She stood up, pulling him into a warm hug.
"I heard about the new trainer—right?" she asked softly.
Kai nodded.
"Yes, Mother. He's here for my training."
She stroked his hair lovingly.
"Be careful, alright? Don't push yourself too hard."
"I wish I could do more to help you..."
"It's okay, Mother," Kai said softly. "Father gave me something for it."
"What is it?" Mara's eyes widened.
"The Frost Guard Gloves," Kai replied. "He said they'll help with my training."
Mara smiled gently.
"Your father cares more than he shows, you know."
"Yes, Mother," Kai whispered.
"I'll work hard, study hard, and train hard. But I promise—I won't push myself to the point of harm."
She nodded, tears of pride welling in her eyes.
"My dear, you really are smart...aren't you?"
They shared quiet, loving moments—mother and son—until darkness fell, wrapping them in warmth and hope.