The doors stood majestically amidst the sprawling gardens of Violet Castle, its towers and spires reaching towards the heavens like guardians of ancient secrets. As the last echoes of the festive celebrations faded, Raimon Flower found himself embracing the tranquility that followed the storm of festivities. With three months of vacation ahead, he sought to balance time with his family and the responsibilities that awaited him in the months to come.
Each morning, the sun rose gradually, casting a golden hue over the castle grounds as Raimon awakened in his spacious, elegantly furnished bedroom. The change of seasons was evident—the harsh chill of winter had given way to the crisp, vibrant air of autumn. Leaves in shades of crimson, amber, and gold fluttered down from the towering oaks and maples, carpeting the gardens in a mosaic of colors.
Raimon's day began with breakfast in the grand dining hall, a lavish room adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the lineage of the Ducal family and the legendary Silver Dragon King. The table was set with fine china and silverware, and the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and spiced cider filled the air. His father, Duke Raion Flower, sat at the head of the table, exuding quiet strength and wisdom. His mother, Lady Reineza Flower, gracefully served the meal alongside her daughters, Guillermina and Isabella.
"Good morning, Raimon," Lady Reineza greeted, her voice warm and melodic. "I trust you had a restful night?"
Raimon smiled, taking his seat beside his younger siblings. "Good morning, Mother. Yes, thank you. I'm looking forward to the next few months of training and spending time with all of you."
Guillermina, ever the spirited one, teased, "Don't get too comfortable, Raimon. I hear you have big plans for improving our knights."
Isabella, the youngest, nodded eagerly. "Yes, and I can't wait to hear all about your new potions!"
As they enjoyed their meal, Raimon shared brief updates about his plans, while listening attentively to his siblings' stories of their own adventures and studies. After breakfast, Raimon and his family often took leisurely walks through the Garden of Roses, a serene sanctuary filled with meticulously manicured beds of blooming roses in every conceivable color. The garden was Raimon's favorite place, offering a peaceful retreat where he could reflect and plan.
With the family having departed for their morning stroll, Raimon made his way to the Cavalry Station, a sprawling complex that spanned the area equivalent to four modern soccer fields. The station was a marvel of both modern physical training facilities and traditional fantasy elements, designed to provide comprehensive training for the knights of the Order of Luminaries.
The Cavalry Station, though still unnamed, exuded opulence and efficiency, a testament to the financial success Raimon had achieved through the sale of his alchemical potions. The building itself was a blend of stone and enchanted glass, with towering spires and expansive training grounds that housed everything a knight could need.
Upon arrival, Raimon was greeted by Tomás, his trusted captain and right-hand man. At eighteen, Tomás was a young, determined leader with piercing blue eyes and a lean, muscular build honed by rigorous training. Orphaned at a young age, Tomás had been taken in by the dukedom to train as a knight. Raimon had intercepted his progress early on, recognizing the potential that lay within him despite the absence of noble bloodline.
"Raimon," Tomás greeted, a hint of pride in his voice. "Ready to see the results of our new training methods?"
Raimon nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Absolutely. I want to see how the integration of modern physical training and our traditional methods is holding up. Let's start with the training swords and wooden armors."
They moved to the main training arena, where rows of knights were engaged in various drills. The training swords, lightweight wooden replicas modified with grips for enhanced handling, clashed rhythmically as the knights practiced their strikes and parries. Wooden armors provided a safe yet realistic experience, allowing the knights to build their strength and reflexes without the risk of injury.
Raimon observed the sessions intently, noting the improved endurance and combat efficiency of the knights. The introduction of weighted training gear—weights ranging from 5 to 15 kilograms attached to their wrists and legs—had significantly boosted their physical capabilities. These weights, combined with the strengthening potions created by the Order of Luminaries, were designed to enhance the knights' muscles and magical resilience.
"Impressive progress," Raimon remarked to Tomás. "The weighted training is really making a difference. Their speed and power have noticeably increased."
Tomás beamed. "Yes, and the potions are helping them push beyond their natural limits. We're seeing results that align perfectly with our goals."
After the initial assessment, Raimon led Tomás to a secluded salon reserved exclusively for the heir of the family. This circular room was adorned with a variety of weapons—swords, spears, bows, and daggers—each meticulously arranged around the perimeter. At the center stood a practice dummy, designed to withstand even the most rigorous training.
Raimon began his own training session, balancing a wooden training sword modified with weights. The weights, ranging from 5 to 15 kilograms, were strapped securely to his wrists and legs, adding significant resistance to his movements. The sword felt heavier with each swing, requiring immense strength and precision to maintain his form.
As Raimon moved, his aura flickered subtly, a testament to his heritage from the Silver Dragon King. He executed a series of precise strikes and defensive maneuvers, the weighted sword glinting in the ambient light. Each movement was a blend of modern technique and traditional fencing styles, honed through years of practice and strategic planning.