After waking up, I do my morning routines and go straight to the training room. As I arrived in the training room, I watched as my grandfather, Lord Kayden, unsheathed the ancestral sword of their family. The sword was a work of art, with intricate engravings and a gleaming blade that seemed to glow in the sunlight.
"Are you ready to learn the family swordsmanship, Kaim?" Lord Kayden asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Yes, grandfather," I replied, with a sense of excitement and determination but couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. I had already learned Keraval's swordsmanship and I can even say I already mastered it. I just need an alibi so that I can use it freely. Also, I knew that the real reason I had asked to learn swordsmanship from my grandfather, Lord Kayden, was to spend more time with him. I had always looked up to my grandfather, who was a skilled swordsman, and a wise and experienced leader.
For the next hour, Lord Kayden taught Kaim the various techniques and forms of family swordsmanship. He started with the basics, showing him how to properly grip the sword and the correct stance. He then taught him how to perform different cuts, thrusts, and parries. He also taught me how to read an opponent's movements and how to use their strengths and weaknesses against them. I could see the skill and experience in my grandfather's movements.
"Now, Kaim," Lord Kayden said, "the key to our family's swordsmanship is balance. You must find the balance between power and precision, and the balance between offence and defence. Remember, the sword is not just a weapon, it is an extension of yourself. You must learn to move with grace and precision and to strike with precision and power. I want to remind you that swordsmanship is not just about physical strength, it's also about strategy, precision, and discipline."
I nodded, taking in my grandfather's words.
After that, Lord Kayden taught Kaim the different forms of the family sword technique, from basic moves to advanced manoeuvres. He demonstrated the family"s techniques one by one. I just repeat it perfectly and my grandfather seems quite surprised by my ability.
"Next, we'll work on your footwork. It's important to have a stable foundation if you want to strike with power."
For the next hour, I and grandfather worked on different swordsmanship techniques, from basic footwork to more advanced ones. I could feel my muscles burning and sweat pouring down my face, although I have mastered the footsteps my body failed to keep up with me. I will need to train my body.
"Is this really your first time doing this?" my grandfather asked.
"Of course"
"You have a natural talent, Kaim," he said. You will become a great swordsman like your father."
I felt grateful for the time I spent with his grandfather.
By the end of the training session, I was exhausted but I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I knew that the skills I had practised will help in my life. He thanked his grandfather for the training and promised to continue to practice and improve.
Lord Kayden smiled and nodded, pleased with his grandson's progress. He knew that Kaim had the potential to become a great swordsman and a strong leader for this empire.
***
As Lord Kayden watched his grandson, Kaim, train on the sword, he couldn't help but think about how much he had grown and changed.
He remembered the day that Kaim was born when his daughter-in-law had brought him the small, crying bundle that was his grandson. At the time, he had thought that he would never be able to handle such a small and fragile baby. But as he held him, he felt a connection that he never knew was possible. Both he and his wife were overjoyed. They had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new grandson and couldn't wait to hold him in their arms. The couple spent the next few days cooing over their grandson, taking turns holding him and marvelling at his tiny fingers and toes. They were both filled with a sense of happiness and contentment that they had never felt before.
When Kaim was a baby, he remembered how small and fragile he had looked, and how much he had worried about him. He had been a troublesome baby, always crying and never sleeping through the night. As Kaim grew into a child, Lord Kayden watched him with pride as he learned to walk and talk. Lord Kayden had watched with pride as Kaim had begun to thrive and develop his unique personality. He had been a curious and determined child, always eager to learn and explore the world around him.
When Kaim was a teenager, Lord Kayden worried about him constantly. He knew that his grandson was going through a difficult phase, and he often found himself struggling to connect with him. Kaim had been rebellious and difficult to control, often making decisions that went against his family's wishes. He had seen him struggle with the pressures and expectations of being a noble. He had watched as his grandson had struggled to find his place in the world and figure out who he wanted to be.
Despite these troubles, Lord Kayden had never given up on his grandson. He knew that Kaim had a good heart and that he just needed guidance and patience. He had always been there for him, offering his advice and support whenever needed.
As he watched Kaim train now, Lord Kayden could see that his grandson had grown into a strong and capable young man. He was proud of the person he had become and knew that he would make a great leader for the Empire. He also knew that he will always be there for him, no matter what troubles he may face in the future. Although Kaim's relationship with Kira is regrettable.
***
After training for a few hours, the training session on swordsmanship was over, and Lord Kayden approached his grandson, Kaim.
"Well done, Kaim," he said, with a proud smile. "You have made great progress in your training."
"Thank you, grandfather," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"I was thinking," Lord Kayden said. "How about we have lunch together? I would like to hear more about your training and your plans for the future."
I was happy to spend some time with my grandfather, he knew that he had a lot to learn from him. "I would like that, grandfather," I said, with a smile.
They walked together to the dining hall, where they were greeted by Lady Mira, Kaim's grandmother, who was also there. They had eaten breakfast at the training room so only Abigail and grandmother had eaten their breakfast here. It's a shame Abigail is not here.
They sat down at the table and enjoyed a meal of roasted meats, vegetables, and bread.
During the meal, Grandfather told Grandmother about our training and his praise for me. I shared my thoughts on the different techniques I had learned and the strategies he wanted to implement as a leader. Grandfather and grandmother listened attentively and offered their insights and advice.
As they finished their meal, I felt grateful for the time I spent with my grandfather. I knew that I could always count on his grandparent's guidance and support and that these moments were precious and that I would always treasure them.
I remembered that at this time in my previous life, I focused on getting more information and avoiding spending time with my family.