The worst that could happen is nearly breaking every bone in my body, or that's what it feels like.
However, Vincent is certainly a good instructor. He identified that I've had prior training from Father when I was young, though I didn't retain any of the know-how or skill that I may have had back then. He also asked me what weapon I would like to train in. I chose the spear, since it's the most basic weapon to learn, and it has been used all throughout history to great effect. He quickly vetoed that, then explained why.
"Although you're correct, and a spear would be perfect to learn as your primary weapon, how often will you be able to carry around a full size spear? In addition, how often will you have enough room to effectively use said spear? A sword could be used in most situations where a spear cannot. Of course, I'm willing to teach you how to use a spear, as knowing how to wield multiple weapons is always a good thing. Though I'd prefer to teach you basic swordsmanship first."
His logic was sound, so I didn't argue. From then I decided to let him make most of the important decisions in my training. I have no preference on weapon, and merely answered his question using my historical knowledge. I can't tell if he planned to teach me the sword from the start, or if spear was just the wrong option. At this point I just want to get stronger.
His training was harsh to say the least, and I'd prefer not to get into the specifics, but despite the pain, it was definitely effective. In the month I've been training with him, I can feel real improvement in my physical condition, despite not showing it outwardly. Vincent tells me I get it from my Father, who has the same quirk. I have also been sleeping better, which was an unexpected but welcome change.
Because training took up most my time, I haven't gotten much reading in. The few times I've been able to have been incredibly enlightening. I don't quite understand why Father didn't want me to learn most of this earlier in life, and I'm going to ask him next time I see him. Magic seems far more powerful and all-encompassing than I ever imagined.
In the first few weeks staying here, carriages with supplies came regularly. I think along with keeping me stocked, Mom wanted to have the building refurbished. I'll admit that with her additions, and the servants' decorating skills, the villa feels far more like home than before.
The most recent carriage contained a letter and a small jewelry box among the other supplies. The letter was mostly banter from my parents, but it also notified me of the final carriage that would arrive. It said that there would be a surprise inside, and while I'm excited at the prospect, I'm also worried that it could be something strange.
The jewelry box contained a small amber pendant and a note with Father's handwriting.
'This will keep you safe.'
I've been wearing it since, and don't have plans to take it off.
Now it is the evening of August 16th, and the final carriage should be arriving any minute now. I'm sitting outside the front of the villa with the two butlers who have unloaded every delivery with me. Their names are Daren and Casper, and they're the people that I've been around the most other than Vincent. Neither talk much, which is something I appreciate.
A few minutes pass, and the carriage comes into view just down the hill. I stand and stretch, preparing to receive whatever the 'surprise' is. I begin to walk as it draws near, with the butlers close behind.
The carriage parks in the driveway, and the horses whinny and toss their heads at our approach. I've interacted with them a lot over the past month, and they seem to get excited whenever they see me, which is a very nice feeling.
The driver waves as I pat with the horses.
"The miss in the back seems to be a bit sick, you may want to get her inside." He calls down to me from the box.
"The miss...?"
With comedic timing, the carriage's door swings open, and a green haired girl in a maid uniform nearly face-plants on the concrete. She barely catches herself on the door, and looks up at me.
"Oh hello... ah, Sir Morgan!"
"Karla?"
It takes her a moment to steady herself and look at me clearly. While her uniform is pristine, her skin looks sickly pale and her hair is disheveled.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes... just a little... nauseous..."
She doesn't look 'a little' nauseous. I walk over and sling her arm over my shoulder.
"What's going on??"
"I'm going to bring you over to those two," I point to Daren and Casper, who are standing off the the side, "and they're going to get you inside for some medical attention."
"Oh no it's fine! It's not as bad as it looks, I just get motion sick easily."
As she says this, she stumbles and almost takes both of us to the ground. A month ago I would have certainly fallen, but it seems the training has not been a waste.
"Either way, you're going to need to get inside, and you don't seem like you're in any condition to walk unassisted."
"Ah I... I understand, thank you Sir Morgan."
She hangs her head low as I pass her off to the two butlers. They take her inside, and I turn back to the carriage. There are a few boxes, but otherwise it doesn't seem like anything special is present. It seems that Karla was the surprise. To be fair, it was very surprising, but not nearly as much as I assumed it would be.
I pick up the boxes and carry them inside, and the driver takes the carriage toward the stables. According to the letter, it's also a going to stay here along with the horses. My parents 'don't need to leave the estate often, and if they need to they can just buy a new carriage'. Or so they said.
Bringing the boxes inside, I place them in the entrance hall for the servants to sort through. Karla is sitting on a bench nearby with her head in her hands.
"Hey. Are you doing better?"
"Yes I am, thank you for your concern, Sir Morgan." She answers, looking up at me.
She seems distraught for some reason, and I can't imagine why.
"Why so down? Did Daren or Casper say something strange? Also I'd rather you just call me Morgan. Sir is uncomfortable."
"Um okay... Morgan."
She pauses for a moment.
"I'm feeling bad because I wanted to make a nice entrance, but instead I ended up embarrassing myself in front of you and the others."
For some reason I can't help but chuckle at that.
"What's so funny?! I really made a fool of myself out there." Karla seems mildly upset.
"There's nothing you need to be embarrassed about, it was enough of an entrance that you came out of the carriage at all." I say, trying to calm her down.
"Well I'm still embarrassed."
At least she seems to be doing better physically. Her skin is back to a healthy shade, and she doesn't seem shaky at all. I'm glad it didn't have any lasting effects.
"I understand. Why don't you do your planned entrance in the morning? Most of the staff don't know you're here yet, so it's the perfect opportunity."
"Can I?!" She perks up at my suggestion.
"Yes there's no problem. I'll lead you to your quarters now."
"Okay! Thank you Morgan."
I smile and nod, then turn and lead her to where she'll stay for now. It's just an unused room, and the staff likely prepare her a better one tomorrow.
After I drop Karla off, I head back to my room and flop into bed. Another tiring day out of the way. I grab 'Will Given Form' and open to where I last left off. This time of night is one of the few times I can get a good amount of reading in, though only if I'm not so tired that I fall asleep immediately.
I settle into the comfortable sheets and begin to read.