...
{Ember Pov}
I nocked three arrows on the bowstring and carefully aimed at the moving targets before releasing the string.
The arrows whizzed through the air with precise speed—two of them struck the targets dead-on, while the third one narrowly missed.
"That was wonderful, Your Highness!" Remia exclaimed, clapping her hands with genuine excitement.
My instructor nodded approvingly.
"Indeed, to think that Your Highness can shoot multiple arrows with such accuracy at the age of twelve is nothing short of mind-boggling," he said, his tone filled with both admiration and disbelief.
Mind-boggling, huh?
I thought to myself.
Considering my young age, I suppose that assessment was acceptable.
But I knew very well that my success was not magic—it had been earned through countless hours of hard work, sweat, and relentless effort.
For the last five years, I had been following a strict daily routine: waking up early, having breakfast, reading books for three hours, taking a light supper, then training in Archery for two hours.
After a short rest for lunch, I resumed training again, continuing rigorously until nightfall.
Of course, I allowed myself occasional breaks between these sessions, for any purpose required—resting, eating, or simply letting my mind relax.
Maintaining such a rigid schedule robotically would have been impossible otherwise.
Yet, I still managed to spend hours each day honing my Archery skills.
If it weren't for my intelligence and academic genius, I highly doubted my parents would have permitted me to maintain such a demanding routine, especially since it barely allowed time for other lessons like etiquette or social skills.
Over the years, I had also learned to use different types of bows, mastering not just the standard techniques, but also advanced strategies.
I gained the capability to hit moving targets with precision, even multiple targets simultaneously.
I had even pushed my skills further by learning to shoot multiple arrows from a bow that was technically designed for single-arrow use.
And now, just moments ago, I had successfully hit two fast-moving targets using that very technique—a skill that required perfect timing, control, and concentration.
"Your Highness, here, let me wipe away your sweat," Remia said softly, stepping forward with a cloth in her hand and gently wiping the perspiration from my brow.
I glanced at my bow as she worked, my mind wandering to future plans.
'I am twelve now. My goal is to leave Alf's Forest when I am between sixteen and eighteen, I thought to myself.
'I have already learned everything about Alf's Forest—its geography, its inhabitants, and all the knowledge available in the library about the world outside. By the time I leave, I want to be completely prepared for whatever lies beyond these woods.'
I had read books related to magic, but only a handful of them, and there were still many others I hadn't touched yet.
However, it wasn't necessary to read everything.
I didn't need to become some all-knowing sage or saint; my goal was far more practical.
I only needed to learn and master what was essential.
My plans included gaining a solid understanding of herbs and plants, geography, a bit of history, archery, swordsmanship, magic, and spear techniques.
However, looking at the time and resources I had, I realized I would likely have to abandon my idea of learning the spear or lance for now.
For the moment, I would have to focus on swords and magic.
I had already acquired substantial knowledge of herbs, and as Royalty, I had the privilege of verifying this knowledge by inspecting actual specimens stored in the Royal treasury, brought in from all corners of the world.
My basic survival knowledge was sound, but I still needed to gain real combat proficiency.
My Archery skills, while impressive, were still far from the level I wanted to reach.
I had yet to hunt real targets in a real-world environment, which was necessary if I wanted to survive outside the forest where monsters roamed freely.
To prepare for that, I would need at least some combat skills, ideally equivalent to a Level 1 fighter.
While I was lost in these deep thoughts, Remia's voice interrupted my focus, pulling me out of my trance.
"Your Highness! Is something the matter?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine concern.
I looked at her, noticing the worry etched on her face.
"You haven't been responding. Is something troubling you, Your Highness?" she inquired again, her eyes searching mine for an answer. I nodded, gathering my resolve, and turned toward my instructor.
"Sir Noel," I declared firmly, "I would like to learn swordsmanship."
My voice carried determination, leaving no room for negotiation.
If not for the excellent treatment and care I received, attempting to endure such a grueling lifestyle would have been impossible.
But I had no intention of wasting my time.
I needed to elevate my combat skills to a respectable level.
"You want to learn swordsmanship?" Noel asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Your Highness, I think it might still be a bit early for you to delve into the art of swords. Perhaps we could start a year from now?" His reasoning was sound, but I had no desire to delay.
"Sir Noel," I said with unwavering confidence, "please. I need to learn swordsmanship now. I've already reached the limit of how much I can improve my archery through training alone."
He regarded me silently for a moment, then sighed, realizing that my determination was genuine and unwavering.
"Very well, Your Majesty," he said at last.
"If that is truly what you wish, I will gladly teach you the basics of swordsmanship. Today we can begin your instruction, but for further training, we will need His Majesty's permission."
I nodded without hesitation, determined to convince my father no matter what.
If necessary, I would even use my cuteness to get my mother on my side to support my cause.
A small sacrifice to pay for the greater good.
After receiving Noel's agreement to train me, I took a short break and had a light supper to regain some energy.
Then, Noel led me to a different training area and handed me a wooden sword.
"Today, we will focus on the basics," he explained.
"First, I will teach you how to properly hold a sword, the fundamental sword movements, basic footwork, and other essential knowledge."
I listened carefully, nodding in understanding.
He then introduced me to different types of swords.
The one he handed me was a simple, beginner-friendly sword, ideal for starting my training.
He patiently showed me how to grip it correctly, how to position my body in the proper stance, and then demonstrated the three core movements: the lunge, the attack, and the parry.
I spent the rest of the day practicing these three moves repeatedly, honing my technique until I was exhausted.
Thanks to my already rigorous schedule and the stamina I had developed over the years, I was able to endure the training without giving up.
Nevertheless, by the end of the day, I was thoroughly drained, my body aching, but my mind satisfied knowing I had taken the first steps toward mastering swordsmanship.
In the end, with Remia's assistance, I was escorted to my personal bathroom, where I took a long, refreshing bath before joining the evening dinner.
This time, however, Remia obviously did not join me in the bath, as I had now grown old enough to bathe independently.
Amusingly, she had expressed a great deal of sadness and mild protest about two years ago when I had firmly refused her company during my baths.
At that time, I wanted to enjoy the leisure and privacy that my position afforded me, and I knew it was unavoidable that I would eventually have to become independent if I intended to achieve the ambitious plans I had set for myself.
Once I reached an age where bathing by myself was necessary, I began doing so regularly.
Technically, Remia could have continued assisting me until I was fourteen, and even beyond that, I could have hired a butler to handle the task.
However, I preferred to embrace my independence, as it was a small yet meaningful step in achieving the discipline required for my long-term goals.
Finally, I arrived at the dining room, where an elaborate spread of dishes had been laid out across the table, each one so visually appealing that it made my mouth water.
I quickly took my seat, struggling to contain my eagerness to dig in immediately.
Instead, I looked around, observing my sister and father, noting that my mother was absent this time, having left for some pressing matter elsewhere.
"Ember! My brother! Give your sister a hug!" my sister exclaimed as she approached me, wrapping me in a warm, tight embrace.
Internally, I thought, 'Sister! I am twelve years old! Stop this now! It's embarrassing!'
Yet I didn't say anything.
I knew that once I left, it might be decades before I could see her again, so I decided to let her indulge in spoiling me without complaint.
I smiled as she pressed her cheek against my head.
Then, without warning, she pressed me firmly against her chest, taking me by surprise, and hugged me even more tightly.
I looked at her with deadpan eyes, trying not to react outwardly, while she smiled and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
"How about it? Your sister has grown, right?" she asked in a teasing tone.
Not wanting to be outdone, I nodded and replied, "Indeed, sister, you have grown up a lot, especially here," blatantly acknowledging her chest.
Her face flushed bright red at my words and the casual touch of my hands, yet she did not break the hug.
"You are getting naughty!" she said, but I simply chuckled, amused by the situation.
"Enough!" Our father suddenly ordered, his voice cold and authoritative.
My sister looked at him with a pout.
"You both should dine instead of performing such a disgraceful act in front of your king!" he reprimanded sharply.
"Father! My brother is always holed up in his archery training and various other tasks! I am busy the entire day as well! So what's wrong with spoiling my little brother, even if it's just for a brief moment after a long day?" she countered, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration and exasperation.
"Riveria! Give up these childish acts! You may be young, but you are no longer a child! And Ember! I can expect her to act brazenly, but why do you always go along with her antics?!" he scolded both of us.
To be honest, his constant rants were irritating.
While we understood the expectations placed upon us as members of the Royal Family, being treated as if we were graceful, flawless robots was honestly exhausting and suffocating.
"Hmph!" my sister snorted, clearly displeased but knowing she could not continue her rebellion without consequences.
After planting another soft kiss on my forehead, she said gently, "Ember, you must be hungry. Go and eat your food."
I nodded, understanding her reasoning.
She knew that if we continued defying our father, his anger would only intensify, so she wisely decided to curtail her playful antics for the evening.
I quickly began eating, my hunger far outweighing my patience.
The food looked and smelled so enticing that it was very difficult to resist the urge to eat with my bare hands, though I managed to maintain a semblance of decorum.
Some habits just don't die, I guess.
Once I had finished my dinner, my father turned to me with a serious expression and asked, "Ember, I hear that you want to start practicing swordsmanship?"
I looked up at him, nodded firmly, and replied, "Yes, Father. Not only swordsmanship, but I also want to start learning Magic as well."
My words seemed to surprise both my father and my sister.
"Eh? Aren't you too young, Ember?! Even I didn't start learning swordsmanship until I was fourteen!" Riveria exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.
"Yes, it might be the case, Sister," I said calmly, "but I have already reached the limit of what I can improve with archery alone, and it won't improve further unless I gain real experience. Combat is always dangerous, so I would like to begin learning swordsmanship as soon as possible. Additionally, I am very eager to start learning Elven Magic as well."
I spoke with determination, and though my sister frowned for a brief moment, in the end, she simply gave up trying to dissuade me.
My father studied me carefully for a few moments, his sharp gaze piercing yet contemplative.
Finally, he said, "Ember, if you promise that you won't fall behind in your etiquette and academics, I will allow you to start your training."
(A/N: If you continue getting A's in exam, I will allow you to go to football lessons)
Hearing those words, a surge of joy coursed through me.
My father could be quite strict and arrogant at times, but he was still my father, and I knew that my mother was always nearby to keep him in check if he overstepped his limits.
Feeling immense gratitude, I thanked him sincerely and then excused myself to go to my room, my mind racing with excitement at the thought of beginning swordsmanship training.
Once I arrived in my room, I waited for Remia to leave before closing the door behind me.
With the door shut, I hurried over to my bed and bent down to retrieve a luxurious box I had requested from my mother.
The box was exquisitely crafted and equipped with a complex lock mechanism that would incinerate anything inside if someone attempted to open it forcefully.
The key to the box hung around my neck inside a small, delicate locket.
I quickly opened the locket, retrieved the key, and unlocked the box.
Inside lay a book I had been eagerly anticipating.
I carefully took it out and placed it on the table, then flipped open the cover to examine its contents.
As I read the first page, I let out a small sigh.
The paragraphs were written in multiple languages: English, Hindi, and French, each line densely packed with information, making it clear that this was no ordinary book—it would require careful attention to fully understand its contents.
This book was where I had meticulously recorded all my accumulated knowledge about Danmachi.
I made it a habit to go through it once or twice a week to ensure that I wouldn't forget any of the details.
To keep my most precious secret—my reincarnation—completely safe, I had implemented multiple layers of security and precaution.
Firstly, I had written absolutely nothing about my reincarnation in the book itself.
The content was purely focused on the plot, the events, and all the necessary details of the world.
To further complicate things for anyone attempting to decipher it, I had written the book in multiple languages, and within individual paragraphs, I combined sentences from several languages I knew, creating a mix that would be extremely difficult for anyone to read without careful attention.
The combinations varied widely.
Some paragraphs included a minimum of two languages, while others incorporated all the languages I was familiar with, blended seamlessly into a single passage.
I had used Hindi, English, a mixture I called Hindlish, and French.
In certain places, I had even sprinkled in small phrases from Bengali, which I knew only partially.
Anyone—even someone fluent in all the languages—would be confused unless they read the text extremely carefully.
To add another layer of obfuscation, my handwriting was far from neat or elegant, making it even harder for a casual reader to make sense of the contents.
That was the first barrier I had created to protect my secret.
The second was the sturdy, reinforced box I had received from my mother.
This wasn't an ordinary storage container.
It had an advanced lock mechanism, and in the event someone attempted to force it open, it would trigger a chemical reaction combined with stored acid, instantly burning the book into ashes.
Even if the mechanism failed to completely destroy the book, the partial damage would still ensure that my secret remained safe from prying eyes.
The third layer of protection was the key itself.
I had two keys in total: one safely hidden in a secret location unknown to anyone else, and the second key I kept within my locket around my neck, ensuring that I always had immediate access to the book while keeping it secure.
Finally, there was my personal practice.
I made it a point to read the book regularly, keeping my memories of the plot sharp and current.
This practice ensured that if the book were ever damaged or destroyed, I wouldn't be left with only vague, hazy recollections of the story.
My knowledge would remain intact, ready for use at any moment.
I had done everything within my power to safeguard my secret.
If this plan failed, there would be nothing more I could do to protect it.
However, I had little doubt that my precautions would succeed.
Satisfied, I opened the book and began reading, immersing myself in the intricate details and planning of the plot.
After spending over an hour deeply focused, I carefully returned the book to its protective box, locked it securely, and placed it beneath my bed.
I then returned the key to my locket, ensuring it remained within my possession at all times.
With the book safely stored and my thoughts filled with anticipation for the days to come, I finally settled into bed, closing my eyes.
The excitement of learning something new tomorrow filled me with energy, and I drifted into sleep with a sense of accomplishment and eagerness for the challenges and discoveries that awaited me.
To be continued…
(A/N:
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