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“Hot!”

The Heart Count Family, responsible for the western border of the Empire.

Even in the deepest part of their estate, where only the direct lineage of the Heart Count Family could access, the training grounds were filled with shouts early in the morning.

Though there were only two people in the training grounds, the atmosphere felt overwhelmingly intense.

The one creating this atmosphere was the youngest of the Heart Count Family, Dorothy Flamma Heart.

Originally, Dorothy had aimed to become a knight like Briana and Seraphina. With a master to learn from and ample support, she had been steadily taking steps toward becoming a knight.

However, after returning to the estate following the academy attack incident, Dorothy’s training methods took a 180-degree turn. Instead of the systematic training she had been following, she began an intense, grueling regimen that pushed her body to its limits, without missing a single day.

Anna, her personal maid, worried that Dorothy might injure herself and tried to stop her, but Dorothy remained unmoved. She repeated her training day after day, as if this was the only way she could become a knight.

Today was no different. After extreme physical training, she had been repeating basic swordsmanship drills for two hours. Sweat poured down like rain, and her arms trembled, but her gaze remained as sharp as when she had started.

One more time.

Dorothy steadied her trembling arm and swung her sword from above. Seeing the tip of her sword waver, she bit her lip and shouted again. The reason she had started such extreme training was none other than her eldest brother, Gilbert.

Dorothy, who had always looked down on Gilbert for his reckless lifestyle, had recently realized a lot after seeing how much he had changed. Especially the image of Gilbert training before he left was still deeply etched in her mind.

The grueling physical training that felt like torture and the repetitive basic drills—all of which were fundamental to becoming a knight—he had stubbornly continued.

Only after seeing his training did Dorothy understand how he had achieved such unbelievable control skills and swordsmanship, enough to become Briana’s personal disciple.

It was a shock, a ripple, and an epiphany.

A master to learn from? Ample support?

That wasn’t what mattered. In the end, it was Dorothy herself who had to embrace it all.

The Briana she so admired had stepped onto the battlefield at a young age. Could she have had a master to learn from there? Or received ample support?

Dorothy shook her head. While Briana might have had natural talent, it was her relentless effort that had made her the Empire’s greatest swordsman.

It was only after seeing Gilbert that Dorothy realized this obvious and clear truth.

“Phew…”

“You’ve worked hard, Miss. Here, have some water.”

As Dorothy finally collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, Anna, who had been standing by, brought her a towel and water. Too exhausted to even respond, Dorothy tried to steady her breathing and gulped down the water.

Normally, Anna would have scolded her for being unrefined, but not today. She knew Dorothy wasn’t in any state to be nagged after such grueling training.

Moreover, Dorothy had recently become obsessed with following in her brother’s footsteps. In crude terms, she was almost insane about it. She had started mimicking his training methods and became interested in every little thing he did.

It was similar to how she had once followed Briana’s footsteps. Anna, who had watched Dorothy since she was a child, was certain of one thing: Dorothy, who had once treated her brother like a bug, now saw him as an idol.

From her recent reactions when subtly asked about him, it was clear. Though Dorothy herself would never admit it.

Anna smiled inwardly at her mistress’s adorable behavior and brought up the news she had received from the main house.

“By the way, Miss. The eldest young master is returning soon.”

“Huh? My eldest brother?”

Though she had been gasping for breath just moments ago, Dorothy’s face lit up at the mention of Gilbert. She tried to act indifferent, but her eyes urged Anna to continue.

Seeing her cute reaction, Anna considered teasing her a bit. She thought about making Dorothy wait, but quickly dismissed the idea.

If she did, she’d be pestered all day. Knowing Dorothy’s stubborn personality, Anna decided to share the news about Gilbert.

“He’s returning to the estate during Demia Academy’s break. He sent a message a while ago saying he’d be back soon.”

“Hmm. Just that one line?”

“Yes, just that one line.”

“Typical of him. I can almost hear his voice. ‘I’m coming back.’ That’s how it goes, right?”

Dorothy mimicked Gilbert’s voice and giggled.

“You seem happy. Are you glad the eldest young master is returning?”

“Me? Anna, are you feeling okay? Why would I be happy about that good-for-nothing coming back? I’m not happy at all.”

Dorothy’s face stiffened as if she hadn’t been laughing just moments ago. She wanted to show that Gilbert’s return was anything but welcome, but it had the opposite effect.

Anna didn’t point it out and simply nodded with a smile.

“Of course, Miss.”

“Anna, you know that smile is really annoying, right?”

“It’s just your imagination, Miss.”

As Dorothy and Anna exchanged banter, someone rushed into the training grounds. It was James, a servant who usually announced visitors.

“Miss Dorothy! You need to come out quickly!”

“James? What’s going on?”

“He’s here!”

“Who’s here? You’re not making any sense. Explain properly.”

Dorothy tried to calm James down as he gasped for breath. Normally, a servant acting like this would be scolded by the head butler or maid, but James’s expression suggested it was urgent.

After taking several deep breaths, James finally managed to shout his purpose.

“The eldest young master, Lord Gilbert, has just returned!”

At that moment, Dorothy and Anna’s expressions froze.

Of course, he had to return in the most unexpected way.

***

Gilbert realized he had made a big mistake the moment he arrived at the estate. To be precise, he knew it intellectually but hadn’t truly felt it.

The life of a noble in a hierarchical society—something he hadn’t experienced as a modern man living in South Korea, a country where visible class distinctions had disappeared, and everyone was considered equal. Of course, there were still gaps due to wealth, but at least the state system itself didn’t enforce such distinctions.

That’s why he hadn’t empathized.

He hadn’t realized that returning to the estate without prior notice would burden the servants. But the moment he saw the maids and butlers scrambling to announce his arrival, he understood his mistake.

In a hierarchical society, unannounced consideration could be poisonous. It was like a battalion commander suddenly showing up unannounced for a morale boost.

Thinking of it that way sent shivers down his spine. He finally realized the gravity of what he had done.

Camilla, on the other hand, was amazed at the lively atmosphere, but Gilbert couldn’t bring himself to admit that he hadn’t informed them of his arrival date.

The influence of the original Gilbert within him refused to be underestimated.

All Gilbert could do was keep his mouth shut and maintain a stoic expression until the head butler arrived.

“Welcome back, young master.”

The head butler, who had come to greet him, bowed deeply. Perhaps he thought the old Gilbert would have been furious, so he took a humble stance.

“Yes, it’s been a while, Edward.”

“We were unprepared for your arrival. Please forgive this old man.”

Edward Knox Gray, the head butler of the Heart Count Family, was from the prestigious Gray Baron Family, which had served the Heart Count Family for generations.

The Gray Baron Family usually served the Heart Count Family in guarding the border, but in times of crisis, they could also serve as combatants.

The head butler, in particular, was a position only the most exceptional individuals from the Gray Baron Family could hold. Edward, the current head butler, was considered the best among them.

In his youth, Edward had been a renowned Colossal Mech Knight, rivaling even the head butler of the Tristitia Count Family, Delmont.

Even though he was bowing now, Edward was not someone to be trifled with. The old Gilbert might not have cared, but the current Gilbert was different.

He knew how formidable Edward was and treated him with respect.

“It was my fault for arriving unannounced.”

“…You’ve changed a lot since I last saw you.”

Though it sounded like a pointed remark, Gilbert didn’t take offense. It was true, and he knew Edward was testing him.

“I suppose so.”

“My apologies. The Count has asked me to bring you to him as soon as you’re ready. Shall we go now?”

“That would be best.”

“Understood. By the way, the person with you… I believe she is Lady Camilla of Tristitia?”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Camilla Alaker Tristitia.”

What did I just see?

Gilbert was stunned by Camilla’s perfectly normal self-introduction. Normally, such a greeting wouldn’t be surprising, but coming from Camilla, it was noteworthy.

Camilla, the epitome of recklessness, was capable of such a normal introduction? Gilbert was utterly amazed.

“Indeed, it’s a relief my eyes haven’t failed me yet. Welcome to the Heart Count Family.”

“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Lord Edward. I’ve heard much about you from Delmont.”

“Delmont… that old friend of mine?”

Edward’s expression softened at the mention of the familiar name. He and Delmont, the head butler of the Tristitia Count Family, had a deep relationship. They had similar experiences on the battlefield and had both become head butlers, serving their respective masters.

They were rivals and close friends.

A faint smile appeared on Edward’s lips at the mention of his old friend.

“That old friend of mine is still full of energy.”

“His nagging is endless. It’s hard to imagine Delmont ever slowing down.”

“True words. Ah, but I’ve kept our guest waiting too long. Lady Tristitia, would you like to meet the Count as well?”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude on a father-son reunion. I’ll wait until Gilbert has met the Count, then I’ll go separately.”

“Very well. In the meantime, I’ll prepare some tea. Please, let’s head to the reception room.”

Watching Camilla, who had instantly transformed into a proper noble lady, follow Edward, Gilbert inwardly shook his head. The saying that a woman’s pretense is terrifying seemed to apply even to the tomboyish Camilla.

As Camilla left for the reception room, Gilbert headed to the office of the Count of Lithuania, his father. Though Camilla’s behavior was surprising, the most important thing now was meeting his father.

Following the path he had taken before leaving for the academy, Gilbert arrived at the Count’s office and took a deep breath. Unlike before, the office no longer felt like the gates of purgatory.

Well, here goes.

With a slightly lighter heart, Gilbert knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Without hesitation, Gilbert opened the door and saw the Count of Lithuania sitting at his desk, handling paperwork.

 

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