In an instant, she rose from her seat, dropped to her knees, and pulled him into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around him with the kind of love that needed no words. Kael froze for a second, then slowly returned the hug, burying his face in her shoulder.
"Sister, you're back!" Kael said, his voice muffled as he was nearly suffocated in Leona's enthusiastic embrace.
"Dear, you're going to suffocate your brother," Lyra chuckled from the side, covering her mouth with her hand.
Leona gasped slightly and quickly pulled back. "Oops! Sorry! I just missed you so much." She looked down at Kael with sparkling eyes. "So tell me, how is my baby brother doing?"
Kael grinned up at her. "I'm fine, Sister! I was learning swordsmanship from Father today!" He swung his arms in the air clumsily, mimicking the movements of the earlier fight. "Like this! I even almost dodged one of his real strikes!"
Leona joined her hands together in excitement. "Oh my, is Kael planning to become a swordsman?"
Kael nodded proudly. "Yes, Sister! I love swords. I want to become strong like Father!"
"Well then," Leona said, standing up and placing her hands on her hips, "no need to worry! Your amazing sister is here now, and I'll teach you all about mana!"
Before Kael could react, Lyra's voice cut in sharply. "No, Leona. Absolutely not. If you try to teach him how to manipulate mana at such a young age, you risk corrupting his core."
Alaric, who had been standing quietly with arms crossed, also stepped in. "She's right. Kael will learn mana control when the time is right. There's no need to rush it."
Leona puffed her cheeks in protest, clearly displeased. "But he can already sense it! That's rare, isn't it?"
Alaric shook his head firmly. "That's exactly why we must be cautious. Talent should be nurtured, not rushed. A damaged core at this age could ruin his future."
Leona sighed dramatically, folding her arms. "Fine, fine. I get it…" Then she suddenly glanced at Kael and gave him a playful wink, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
Kael couldn't help but grin back. He understood that look—it meant his sister wasn't going to stop teasing, and that maybe, just maybe, she would sneak in a lesson or two when no one was watching.
Lyra stood up, turning towards the kitchen. "You three talk. I'll go prepare something delicious for us."
With that, she disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Alaric, Leona, and Kael seated around the wooden table.
"So," Alaric said, arms resting on the table, "how was your journey home?"
Leona leaned back with a tired but pleased sigh. "Long. But I missed home too much to complain. The academy's been intense lately. They have introduced new combat modules, and they're stricter than ever."
Kael listened with wide eyes, absorbing every word. "Do you get to fight with magic?"
Leona smiled at him, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Of course. Not just with magic, but with real weapons too. It's tough, but it makes you stronger."
"Woah…" Kael whispered, eyes sparkling.
Alaric chuckled, watching his children with quiet pride. "Maybe one day, you'll be training there too, Kael. But for now, listen to your mother and take your time."
Kael nodded obediently, though he couldn't stop himself from glancing at Leona with admiration. Just sitting beside her made the dream feel a little more real.
Kael's eyes locked onto the gleaming badge pinned to Leona's chest. "Sister, what's that on your chest?" he asked curiously, pointing at it.
Leona followed his gaze, then puffed out her chest with pride. "This? This means I'm the top student of my class, Kael."
Kael tilted his head, brows furrowed. "What's the use of it?"
Leona leaned forward, her tone turning slightly more serious but still brimming with excitement.
"You stay in the academy for seven years. The first three are basic foundation years, mainly for those who haven't awakened their mana or still lack talent. If you're good enough—really good—you can take a special test. Pass it, and you skip straight into the advanced curriculum for the next four years. That's where the real training begins."
Kael's mouth formed a small 'o' of wonder.
"And in those years," she continued, "each grade has one top student. Only one. If you keep your position until graduation, you can directly enter the Royal Army of Ernia. No extra exams. No waiting. These badges," she tapped the star on her chest, "are proof. Only the best get them."