Klaus crossed the threshold into the annex residence, only to find himself ensnared by the unseen force of Elisabeth's unwavering determination. She was waiting for him, her grip on his shoulders firm, her eyes locked onto his.
"Klaus."
Her voice quivered with a mix of worry and affection. Her fingers trembled slightly as they pressed into his shoulders, betraying the concern that held her in its grip.
"Why did you do that?"
Klaus took a moment to consider her question, and then he replied with an honesty that felt like a soothing balm, "I'm not entirely sure."
Elisabeth's gaze never wavered. The room was filled with the soft hum of tension. Klaus's admission had touched a chord within her, an unexpected revelation that had her hands trembling.
"I couldn't bear it."
"What?"
Klaus continued, his voice laced with sincerity, "Whenever I witness Father's unjust treatment in the main building, it's as if my heart tightens in a vise. I couldn't remain silent."
As Klaus spoke, Ludovic, who had been silently observing, couldn't hold back a reaction. His mouth hung slightly agape, and his eyes carried a hint of regret.
"Young Master Klaus."
Lina, a silent but attentive presence in the room, couldn't help but express her admiration for Klaus's honesty.
Elisabeth's words weighed heavily with a deep, underlying sadness. "I'm sorry for not discussing the training with you. Your health remains fragile, and the thought of you getting hurt terrifies me."
Klaus's response was a gentle reassurance. He wrapped his arms around Elisabeth, offering comfort amidst the mounting emotional turbulence.
Lina's wisdom surfaced in her words, marked by a subtle undercurrent of concern. "But, Young Master Klaus, even in a month, your body may not be sufficiently prepared for the rigors of the training."
Klaus met her gaze with unshakable confidence. "Fear not, for a month provides me with ample time to prepare."
Ludovic, who had been leaning against the doorframe, finally made a suggestion. "Why don't you consider preparing at my estate?" Despite his marriage to Elisabeth, their living arrangements remained separate.
Elisabeth reacted swiftly, her irritation showing. "Why should he go so far?"
Ludovic raised his hands in a peace-making gesture, seeking to defuse the tension. "Well..."
Klaus, always composed, negotiated with clarity. "If you promise to grant me the space and privacy I require for my preparations, I'll accept."
Elisabeth's eyes glistened with moisture as she observed Klaus, torn between worry and love. "Klaus! Do you truly wish to be apart from Mommy for an entire month?"
Klaus's gaze averted, embarrassment coloring his features. His eyes found solace in the ceiling above as he contemplated his response.
"Let's compromise. Just for fifteen days..." Klaus proposed, softening the heaviness of his words with a touch of embarrassment.
Elisabeth's smile, though touched by a lingering sadness, conveyed her acceptance. "Okay, I'll accept that." Her heart was warmed by Klaus's thoughtfulness and unwavering spirit.
**
The carriage rolled along the well-maintained road, carrying Klaus and Ludovic towards the vast expanse of Ludovic's magnificent estate. An air of quiet anticipation filled the cabin, the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves providing the only backdrop to their thoughts.
Ludovic, his hand cradling his head as he gazed out of the window, finally broke the silence. "Will it really be okay?" he asked, voicing the concern that had likely been echoing through his mind.
Klaus, his eyes fixed on the world passing by, answered with a self-assured tone, "It will. I just need to be left alone." Though he didn't turn to look at Ludovic, his words resonated with confidence.
Their journey ended with the abrupt halt of the carriage. It was Ludovic who noticed it first, and he couldn't help but release a small sigh as he stepped outside, followed by Klaus. With practiced ease, he opened the grand gate of his estate, revealing a breathtaking sight to both his companion and himself.
The expansive garden sprawled out before them, a lush paradise that seemed to stretch on endlessly. They began their leisurely walk through this Edenic setting. The colossal edifice of Ludovic's mansion loomed on the horizon, but instead of making a beeline for it, Ludovic guided Klaus down a path less traveled.
The quietude hung heavy between them as they traversed the tranquil garden, admiring the natural beauty. Neither felt the need to shatter the silence with words.
Eventually, their steps led them to a vast training ground. It was an impressive sight, fitted with an array of exercise equipment, a meticulously maintained running track, and more. And beyond this physical training space lay a serene, picturesque lake that added a touch of serenity to the surroundings.
"Here we are," Ludovic announced as he gestured towards the training ground. It was a brief but evocative introduction to Klaus's new sanctuary.
Klaus took in the scene with a nod and a measured response, "Not bad."
Yet beneath this composed exterior, Klaus's thoughts were singular. 'Now, if I can just be left alone...'
Following this acknowledgment, Ludovic laid down two essential rules. Rule number one required Klaus to wear a silvery rope attached to vials of healing potions. Elisabeth had insisted on this safeguard to ensure Klaus's well-being during his solitary training. This rule was as non-negotiable as it was crucial.
Rule number two involved the presentation of a small whistle. "Also, carry this whistle with you," Ludovic instructed. "If you need anything, just blow this whistle—anything, I said."
Klaus acknowledged this rule with a nod, fully aware of its significance.
With another wave of his hand, Ludovic summoned an assortment of supplies, setting them up neatly on a table. Water, fruits, towels, clothing, dried food, and various necessities stood at the ready. Ludovic's message was clear: Klaus would want for nothing during his stay.
As he completed his preparations, Ludovic offered Klaus a final reassurance. "Okay, if you need a fresh, hot meal, just blow the whistle. I'm leaving now."
Klaus, unable to fully trust the situation, couldn't help but question Ludovic's intentions. "Are you really leaving?"
With a resolute tone, Ludovic reassured him. "Lionharts only have one word. I promised that I would give you privacy, so for the next fifteen days, you will be the only person inside this estate."
Having offered his word, Ludovic began to move away from the training ground.
With Ludovic's departure, Klaus finally allowed himself to exhale, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. The sense of freedom washed over him, and he set about exploring the training ground with a rejuvenated sense of purpose.
'Finally!' he thought, the thrill of liberation coursing through his veins as he clenched his fist.
'I can finally fix this damn body.'