The first floor of the count's mansion was equally grand. Exquisite magic stones embedded in small, intricately designed chandeliers illuminated the corridor as they walked. The countess said to Ranav, "To your left and right, both are guest rooms, currently unoccupied."
She stopped at the next room on the left and opened the door. "This will be your room for the time being, Ranav. There's a bathroom behind the small door on the opposite wall. Naria will stay in the room across from you. The room beside yours belongs to my daughter. She is attending a family event with her father and will return later."
She pointed toward the end of the corridor. "That is my room. If you need anything, you can go to the stairs and call for a maid. They will take care of your requests. If necessary, you may knock on my door as well."
She paused briefly, then added, "Now, go to your room, freshen up, and take some rest. I'm going to spend some time with your master."
Ranav entered the room, thanked the countess, and closed the door. The room was brightly lit with magic stones. On one side, there was a bed, while in the corner, a reading table accompanied by a wooden chair stood beside a small shelf. Ranav placed his backpack on the bed and walked over to the shelf. The top two rows of the shelf, covered by transparent sliding glass, were filled with books. The bottom three rows consisted of wooden drawers. He opened them and found the first two empty, while the bottom drawer contained towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, and other essentials.
Curious, he walked to the bathroom. The water supply line was visible, leading to a central shower. There was also a wash basin, a low commode, and a wall stand stocked with soap, toothpaste, and other toiletries.
"At last... I've found something close to normal living conditions," Ranav thought with a sigh of relief. "Though there's no electricity or electrical appliances, the wealthy of Vishvam enjoy basic amenities reminiscent of Earth. I need to get rich as soon as possible."
He opened his bag, took out some comfortable clothes, and stepped into the bathroom for a long, relaxing bath.
In another room, Nanima sat on the edge of a bed while the countess occupied a nearby chair. "Don't worry, Naria," the countess reassured. "Although this will be Ranav's first time using the awakening stone, there won't be any issues. I'll call Arvind Krushna before sending him. That eccentric man may not respect anyone, but he still fears my sister."
She smiled faintly and continued, "As soon as I mention her name, he'll take care of Ranav."
"That's fine. I'll explain the steps to Ranav beforehand. That forgemaster is utterly unreliable, but his family background shields him. He's the best when it comes to researching target awakening stones, even though his fees are exorbitant and his behavior insufferable. Securing an appointment with him within six months was pure luck. Someone canceled their slot at the last minute, thus I could secure Ranav's spot." Nanima explained.
The countess nodded. "You think highly of Ranav, but his humble background might invite unnecessary trouble. I'll groom him before you return from the capital."
"I have no intention of sending him to a magic school. If all goes well and he awakens the Darkness element, he won't need any external assistance. I'll have him apply directly to the academy later."
"Do you plan to make a record by enrolling him at the academy at age six?" the countess asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Nanima replied. "I don't want him in the spotlight. With his family background, that could do more harm than good."
The countess nodded in agreement. "Many enter the academy around age eight. That sounds like a good plan."
"No," Nanima countered. "Nine years old will be better. By then, he won't be labeled a 'super genius' and can have a more peaceful time at the academy."
"But four years is a long time," the countess argued. "He'll likely awaken at least four elements by then, given his rapid progress. Delaying could hinder his future growth."
Nanima explained, "I plan to make him a competent healer before sending him to the academy. He'll practice at my shop to hone his skills. That way, when he enrolls, he can major in healing. With his background, financial independence is crucial. I'm neither a forgemaster nor an alchemist, but I can teach him healing to earn a good living."
"That's a thoughtful plan," the countess admitted. "I'll also support him initially. He's from our county, after all. The count's house is obligated to help its promising subjects."
Nanima nodded. "That's why I accepted your funding for his awakening. If it were your personal money, I wouldn't have taken it."
The countess sighed. "It's been over thirty years, Naria. You should move to a larger city. As a skilled healer, you could earn a hundred times more in an urban center. Even if you dislike big cities, at least come to Khohdwar. It's quieter, and we could see each other more often."
"No," Nanima replied firmly. "I'm used to the peaceful village life. I've already stepped out of my comfort zone by taking on a disciple. My only goal now is to pave the way for him."
"You're as stubborn as ever! You ignored my advice back then, leaving to become a healer in a remote village. Now, when I ask you to move with your disciple, you still won't listen," the countess said, exasperated.
"You wouldn't understand," Nanima replied softly. "Once you grow accustomed to village life, it's hard to leave. I've found peace, and I won't disturb it."
The countess relented with a sigh. "Fine. Rest well. I'll check on you later."
Meanwhile, Ranav, feeling rejuvenated after his first shower in years, couldn't suppress a broad smile. He sat cross-legged on the bed and began his breathing exercises. Slowly, his dantian filled with mana, energizing him.
After about an hour, a knock at the door interrupted him. He opened it to find the housekeeper. "Mr. Ranav, the countess requests your presence downstairs."
"Please wait a moment," Ranav replied. He stored his belongings in the drawer, then followed the housekeeper to the ground floor, where the countess sat waiting.
"Aunt Vedika, you called for me?" Ranav asked.
"Yes, come here," she said. Gesturing to a man nearby, she instructed, "Take his measurements."
"Yes, my lady," the man replied, bowing before approaching Ranav with a tape measure. After completing his task, he bowed again and left.
The countess turned to Ranav. "In your village, clothing may not matter much, but here, attire is crucial. People form their first impressions based on appearance. Don't view this as charity for your humble background. As your aunt, I consider this an investment in my nephew. When you become a renowned mage, you can repay me with more valuable gifts. Tomorrow, you'll receive formal and casual clothing, and someone will guide you on their use."
She smiled warmly. "You can return to your room and rest now. Someone will call you for dinner."
Ranav expressed his gratitude and headed back upstairs to his room.