The first few days of that two-week countdown didn't change much about life at the mansion.
Kael continued training.
The nameless man continued working.
Seraphine continued researching the journey north without officially turning it into a trip.
And the former Reference continued checking the coastal flowers every morning, even after everyone explained that observing them more frequently wouldn't make them bloom any faster.
On the first day of five-hour training sessions, Sylphie didn't simply increase the duration.
She divided the session differently.
The first hour remained technical. The second and third brought in the soldiers. The fourth was devoted entirely to Heavenly Step, and during the final hour, Kael had to repeat some of the exercises without using mana.
When Sylphie explained, he stared at her.
"You're doing this on purpose."
"Yes."
"Finally, a direct answer."
