A decade ago.
Inside the Garden of the Eilric Family, she took a deep breath and stared at the training dummy made of straws that had been fully equipped with metallic armor. On her left hand was a black short sword that she often used for practice. However, the length was enough for a nine years old girl, so she didn't complain.
Raising her sword above her head, she took a step forward and swung her sword downward, slicing the dummy into two, including the armor.
"Huft."
Suddenly, a deep voice resounded in her ears, saying, "Oh, my little Alea is training."
She turned around and saw a middle-aged man with blonde hair. He wore a black suit as if she just met someone important. Despite his stern face, his smile would be able to melt someone's heart.
"Papa!" The young Alea made a big smile as she dropped the sword and jumped toward him, hugging him tightly.
