"Heuu...haaa... Th-thank you very much...today as well."
A month after the Duke Nethercrest'sparty, I found myself once again rolling on the ground just a bit of difference here, I wasn't rolling instead kneeling but my body soon gave up as I fell to the ground in exhaustion, after finishing training with Serena.
"Mir, what do you think?" As I was taking a power nap, I could hear Serena's words directed towards my servant.
"About what?"
"Regarding Ely's physical prowess."
"Prince Elysion's age is already 17 however his growth into adulthood may or will change things, but at least for now, I don't expect further growth in basic abilities like stamina."
"I agree."
'Oh... they're having a practical and merciless conversation right next to me.'
In other words, it seems my physical abilities have reached their limit.
"Well, it seems like it's time to focus on specialized training in terms of skills."
"Yes. Prince Elysion is already blocking nearly half of the young lady's attacks without using the power he possesses. Honestly, it's bottomless. If further polished, he may become a figure who leaves a mark in history."
Unexpectedly high praise from Mir. Well...
"That being the case... there's something I'd like to propose or rather, ask for in the upcoming training."
I stand up slowly, twisting my now aching muscles and joining in their conversation.
"A request...?"
"Yes. During sparring sessions with Serena, I want to use Night... or rather, the 'Midnight Aegis.'"
Since my physical abilities have capped out, the next step is to train magical abilities.
Even though Serena and Mir taught me before how to do basic mana breathing or meditations regarding those, to train magical abilities, you need to use 'Mana,' or SP actively in battles.
'So, as someone who can't use magic skills, I have no choice but to use 'Midnight Aegis' to out max my current abilities.'
Of course, during sparring with Serena, I won't use my unique skill, 'Annex.'
There's no need for that. If I simply give SP to Night, it will be enough to train my 'mana' and at same time my proficiency in handling shield may also go up.
"Can Night join in the training too?"
"Of course! After all, I'm Ely's partner!"
Jumping onto my shoulder, Night nuzzles against my cheek. Thanks to Mir's care, her glossy black fur feels incredibly pleasant to the touch and gives a soothing sensation.
"Understood. It seems like it would also be good for you to get used to using the shield as well."
With Serena's approval, let's give it our best from tomorrow!
But...
"Hehe... don't worry. I will definitely make you stronger more than now, Elysion."
"Haha... go easy on me."
Seeing Serena smirk like that, a shiver runs down my spine. Thanks to her, my motivation disappeared in an instant.
'But I will definitely wall slam her one day…that's for sure.'
---
"Lady, it's time."
"Sigh... already?"
In the evening, after Mir whispered to Serena, she let out a deep sigh. I'm reluctant too, but it's time for her to return to the mansion.
"I'll escort you to the entrance."
"Yes... thank you very much."
Despite coming to the palace every day for my training, Serena always looks dejected when she heads towards the entrance. It's nice that she wants to stay with me, but... yeah, I feel lonely too.
"I can't take it anymore... I need to tell Father about this and take countermeasures quickly..."
I don't know what she plans to do, but let's keep it moderate. I smile wryly at Serena, who's biting her lip.
"The night's too short you know?"
I say with a reassuring smile but instead of agreeing with me, Serena puts up a cute pout the says, "It's too long, enough for me to miss you!"
'Haa…my fiancee's is so cool with her words.'
After waving her off into the carriage, along with night on my shoulder and Mir on the side we make our way back the palace.
However…
"Brother Elysion!!!."
'Just seeing his face, made me feel disgust…' Thanks to Serena's training of how-not-to-show-expression along the month I think I made normal looking façade expression.
Of all the people, I had to run into Vikir. And Mary is right next to him. She's his only exclusive maid, so it's natural for her to accompany him.
'Well, I'm the same; I only have Mir as an exclusive maid.'
"Could it be that my sister has already left?"
"It's none of your concern."
I have no words to exchange with Vikir, who made Serena from back then, especially when he's with Mary. There's no conversation happening between us.
I tell him not to bother me and walk past the two without looking back.
But...
"Wait. Brother Elysion and I are part of the same Prince Chris's faction. Moreover, despite everything that happened, we are brothers. From now on, let's put aside any grudges and work together for Chris, to make him the next king..."
"Do whatever you want. I don't care about you."
I don't know if he's intoxicated by being part of a faction or is just flaunting that he is in equal standing as I, but in the first place, I decided to keep a distance from both Chris and him.
'So, fuck them both.' They can both do whatever they want, without involving me.
"I have been acknowledged by Brother Chris as his right-hand man."
Turning around, Vikir smiles triumphantly.