The morning sunlight filtered softly through the tall windows of the Goldheart estate, casting a warm glow over the room where Raiden lay in his bed.
The first sight that greeted him as he blinked awake was Healer Hilda, seated beside him with a gentle smile, and Lady Elise standing nearby, her expression one of pure relief.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Hilda greeted with a wink. "Ready for round two?"
Raiden nodded respectfully, his voice polite as he greeted both women. "Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Healer Hilda."
Lady Elise smiled, brushing her hand over his hair. "You've given us all quite a scare, Raiden. I'm glad to see you looking so well-rested."
Hilda moved closer, her expression softening as she leaned in to examine him. She repeated the same process as the previous evening, her hands moving in gentle motions as she used mana sense and her skills to confirm his condition. After a few moments, she sat back, exhaling a sigh of relief.
"Well, Raiden," she announced, turning to Lady Elise, "I can confirm there's absolutely nothing wrong with him. He's perfectly healthy."
Lady Elise's face lit up, and she let out a deep sigh, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "Thank the heavens. I feel like I can finally breathe."
Having completed her examination, Hilda moved to stand, ready to take her leave. But Lady Elise shook her head, reaching out to stop her. "Hilda, you've done so much for us. You should stay and join us for breakfast."
Raiden didn't miss a beat. "Yes, please stay!" he added, looking up at Hilda with his most earnest expression. "We don't get guests for breakfast often!"
Hilda glanced down at him, her face softening at his plea. "Well, with such a handsome young lord requesting it," she teased, "how can I say no?"
Before he knew it, Raiden found himself being carried downstairs by Hilda, her arms warm and comforting as she held him close. He grinned inwardly, thoroughly enjoying the attention—until they arrived in the dining hall and he spotted Kent, who was already seated at the table, eyeing him with a mischievous grin.
Kent raised an eyebrow, his lips curving in a sly smile as he observed his younger brother. "Well, well," he drawled, "look who's already charming the ladies. Raiden, what's a three-year-old doing in the arms of someone who isn't Mother?"
Raiden narrowed his eyes playfully at Kent, deciding to give as good as he got. "Oh, she offered to carry me, of course," he replied, his tone airy and confident. "And as a gentleman, I couldn't possibly refuse such a lovely lady's request."
A ripple of laughter swept through the room. Even Lord Cedric, who sat at the head of the table with his usual composed expression, let out a chuckle, the seriousness in his face softened by amusement. Lady Elise covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter, while Kent shook his head, clearly entertained.
But Hilda wasn't about to let the moment pass. She gave Raiden a dramatic sigh, resting her cheek against his head. "Oh, Raiden, you've become my one true love," she declared, her voice thick with mock romance. "And since you're still recovering from your fainting spell, I must carry you to save you the trouble of walking."
Laughter filled the room once again, with Lord Cedric finally raising his hands to bring everyone to order. "All right, all right," he said, smiling as he gestured toward the table. "Let's all take our seats before this turns into a performance."
They settled at the table, with Lord Cedric at the head, Lady Elise beside him on his right, and Laura seated beside her. Kent took his place on Lord Cedric's left, followed by Raiden and then Hilda, who had decided to stay for the meal. As breakfast was served, Raiden let his eyes drift to Kent, a smirk tugging at his lips. It was time to remind his brother of their little bet.
"Kent," Raiden began, his tone casual, "do you remember our bet?"
Kent looked up from his plate, an amused glint in his eyes. "Of course I do. But what's this? You're not backing out already, are you?"
Raiden scoffed, crossing his arms. "No, I'm not backing out. In fact, I want to adjust the terms."
Lady Elise looked up, her brow furrowing as she turned her gaze between her two sons. "A bet?" she asked, curiosity sparking in her voice. "Kent, what kind of bet have you made with a three-year-old?"
Kent shrugged, glancing at Raiden with a smirk. "It's nothing too serious. Raiden bet that he could awaken his mana heart earlier than I did."
Lady Elise's eyes widened, a flash of realization crossing her face. "So that's why you were asking me about mana heart creation, Raiden," she murmured, shaking her head with a smile. "I should've known you were up to something."
Raiden grinned at her, then turned back to Kent. "I want to adjust the terms, Kent," he repeated. "Instead of beating your record by six months, I'll awaken my mana heart a full year earlier than you did."
A moment of stunned silence filled the room, and all eyes turned to Raiden. It was Lord Cedric who broke the silence, slamming his hand down on the table with a grin. "That's my boy!" he said proudly, his voice filled with approval.
Kent blinked, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering in his gaze. "A full year earlier?" he repeated, leaning forward to study Raiden more closely. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"
Raiden met his gaze, his eyes unwavering. "The goal is to surpass you as soon as possible."
A slow smile spread across Kent's face, and he shook his head, chuckling. "I'll hold you to it, little brother," he said, his tone warm. "But don't think it'll be easy. I worked hard to reach where I am now, and you'll have to do the same if you want to catch up."
Lord Cedric laughed, raising his glass in a toast. "Here's to both my sons," he announced, his voice carrying through the room. "To Kent, who's setting the bar high, and to Raiden, who's determined to shatter every expectation."
The family raised their glasses, and Raiden felt a surge of pride. This was only the beginning. He had a long way to go, but he was ready for the challenges that lay ahead, armed with his two systems, his mana heart, and a goal as clear as the sunlight streaming through the windows.