Chapter 3 - Son of the Duke

It was a hot, sunny day as Ren sat in the courtyard, engrossed in a book she had taken from the family library earlier that morning. This particular volume explored the intricacies of magic in their world.

According to the book, children could begin wielding magic when they turned fifteen. The four primary elements people could master were fire, wind, water, and earth. Some were blessed with rarer forms, like light, dark, or even space magic.

Ren was twelve, so she still had three years before she could unlock her magic. But how did one discover their element or type? The book explained that on their fifteenth birthday, children would fall unconscious for about two days. During this time, they would bond with their magic in a state of pure awareness. Yet, the process wasn't without risks—it was possible not to survive. Ren frowned, still finding it confusing. How could one learn magic while unconscious?

Putting the book back on its shelf, she headed to her room. Today, she was scheduled to train in swordsmanship with the Duke's son. In her past life, she had mastered several sword styles, though she wasn't sure how "Ren Lexington" usually trained. Sighing, she walked to her desk and sat down, taking a moment to examine herself in the mirror.

In the reflection, a girl with azure-blue eyes—just like her father's—stared back. She had a delicate nose, thin lips, and a cool beauty enhanced by her short, slightly bluish-silver hair, a shade likely inherited from her mother.

"I wonder what the Duke's son is like," Ren mused, lost in thought until a knock at the door interrupted her.

"Come in," she called, standing up as the maid entered.

"Young Miss, the Duke's son has arrived," Rosalyn, the maid with brown hair and glasses, informed her.

"Thank you, Rosalyn. Could you show me to him?" Ren asked, recalling from her predecessor's diary that Rosalyn was a trusted companion.

Rosalyn led her through the mansion to a drawing room. Ren opened the door to find a boy her age, though slightly taller. He had short blond hair with a few longer strands framing his face, and his red eyes glimmered like rubies. He looked unapproachable—cool and distant, unlike her father's composed yet welcoming air.

Remembering her etiquette lessons, Ren bowed and introduced herself. "I am Ren Lexington, daughter of Marquess Lexington. A pleasure to meet you…?"

The boy returned the bow, speaking with formal grace. "It's a pleasure, too. I am Leo Arl Beckham, son of Duke Beckham."

They shook hands. "Would you like some tea or coffee, or shall we head to the training grounds?"

"Just call me Leo. And let's proceed to training," he replied, offering a small smile.

As they walked, they discussed swordsmanship. "You go hunting with your instructor?" Ren asked, surprised.

"Yes!" Leo said, his formal demeanor giving way to enthusiasm. "Last time, we caught a mushroom boar—bigger than a regular pig, with mushrooms growing on its back!"

Contrary to her initial impression, Leo was friendly, even amusing. By the time they reached the training grounds, she felt at ease.

Grabbing wooden swords, they approached the instructor. "Today, you'll both do a thousand sword swings, followed by a spar," he announced.

"Let's give it our best!" Leo cheered, pumping a fist. Ren nodded with a grin, joining him in their routine.

As she practiced, Ren noticed her body was weaker than in her past life but still stronger than most her age. 'Leo is probably strong, but I can handle it,' she thought, satisfied with her progress.

After they completed the swings, the instructor nodded in approval, though he seemed puzzled. "Ren, your stance, your swings… your entire aura is different from before. Not wrong, just sharper."

"Thank you, teacher," Ren replied with a small smile.

Leo gave her an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Nice one!" he grinned. Ren found herself laughing, something she rarely did in her past life. This was her first time knowing a friend like Leo.

They stepped onto the sparring platform, Leo on one side and Ren on the other, with the instructor acting as the referee.

"Don't go easy on me, Ren!" Leo called out, readying his wooden sword.

"You too, Leo!" Ren smiled, gripping her weapon.

"Ready… fight!" the instructor announced, stepping back to let the duel begin.