***
A month had passed, and the Caeltheris estate was bustling with preparations for the arrival of Duke Kaelthorn's entourage.
Ragnariel wandered the grounds, enjoying the serene atmosphere before their impending journey to Mount Drakonashen. "Tomorrow, Duke Kaelthorn will arrive, and our preparations for the expedition are complete. The knights, who have been training relentlessly over these past two months, can hardly wait to test their strength."
As he strolled, Ragnariel caught sight of Lucien, Kaelen, and Serenya, still immersed in their meditation. He couldn't help but smile. "My siblings haven't neglected their meditation, even now. I've already taught them advanced techniques to complement their growth."
He recalled the techniques he had chosen for each of them.
"For Lucien, I passed down the swordsmanship of the Sword Saint from my previous world: Heavenly Sword Rain. A technique that harmonizes beauty, speed, and power, it's a perfect fit for him."
Turning his thoughts to Kaelen, Ragnariel continued to muse. "For Kaelen, I taught the Arhat's Hundred Form Strike from the Shaolin. It's a martial art known for its raw power and formidable defense. Of course, I modified the technique slightly so it could be performed with a sword, as it was originally designed for bare-handed combat."
"And then there's Sir Dheo. For him, I taught the Void Slash Sword, a technique from the Mystical Sect. It aligns perfectly with his calm and calculating nature." Ragnariel chuckled to himself. "For my knights, I introduced the Sky-Sealing Sword Art, a versatile style tailored for knights. I still laugh every time I think about their reactions when I demonstrated it. Their eyes lit up like children given their favorite candy. Haha."
As Ragnariel strolled, he arrived at the serene garden of the Caeltheris estate. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds filled the air.
"Even though they've only learned the basics, they've shown remarkable enthusiasm," Ragnariel reflected, gazing at the vibrant flowers surrounding him. "I've never felt this kind of satisfaction from teaching others before. Perhaps it's because, in my previous life, I was just an orphan living on the streets, numb to the world around me."
"But in this new body... it's different. I feel things I never thought I could. I felt anger when I know Lucien was bullied. I felt fury when our family name was mocked. I feel joy when training with my siblings. And so many other emotions I can't even begin to describe."
"It all started with the warmth and love my family gave me. For that, I'm truly grateful to Zerathos for granting me this second chance at life. But..." Ragnariel's expression darkened for a moment. "...that doesn't mean I've forgiven him. I still plan to make him pay for that smug grin of his face when he killed me."
"Before that, though, I'll savor this second life to the fullest. This time, I won't conquer the world alone. I'll do it alongside my family. Together, we'll take this world by storm."
With a faint smile, Ragnariel closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze wash over him.
As Ragnariel sat in the family garden, the sound of footsteps caught his attention. Turning, he saw his father, Valerius, approaching.
"Hello, son. What brings you here?" Valerius asked with a warm smile.
"I'm just enjoying the beauty of our garden, Father. Did you need something from me?" Ragnariel replied, his tone curious.
"Can't a father come to visit his own son without a reason?" Valerius said, feigning a sad expression.
"Of course you can, Father. It's just that you usually don't leave your office at this hour," Ragnariel remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Valerius chuckled softly. "Well, you're right about that. Actually, I wanted to let you know that all the preparations for tomorrow's departure are complete. Duke Kaelthorn will arrive here in the morning, and we'll head out immediately after."
"Understood, Father. Thank you for informing me," Ragnariel said with a respectful nod.
Valerius smiled. "Now, I'd better get back to my office to finish up some important documents. I want to make sure there's nothing left to worry about when we leave tomorrow."
"Do your best, Father. You've got this!" Ragnariel said, offering his encouragement.
Hearing his son's words, Valerius felt his heart swell with warmth. As he walked away, he muttered to himself, "It feels so good to be cheered on by your own child."
As Valerius returned to his office, a thought surfaced in his mind—Veynrir's report about Ragnariel. "I still don't fully understand what Veynrir meant when he called Ragna a 'monster.' He looked so panicked when he said it, yet his tone and words were full of admiration. Perhaps being a 'monster' in this case is a good thing."
Valerius chuckled softly at the memory and continued walking, a mix of pride and curiosity lingering in his thoughts.
The Next Day, Duke Kaelthorn's entourage arrived at the Caeltheris estate.
"Welcome, Your Grace. I trust your journey here was smooth and without trouble," Valerius said, bowing respectfully as he greeted Duke Kaelthorn.
"Hmm, raise your head," the Duke commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. "Now, what of the preparations I requested, Valerius? Who will accompany us to the Drakonashen Mountains?"
Valerius straightened himself and responded, "Everything is ready, Your Grace. I, along with my four children and a company of my knights, will accompany you on this journey. My sincerest apologies for not informing you sooner. Allow me to explain."
He took a deep breath and continued, "A few days ago, I asked one of my sons to join your expedition to the Drakonashen Mountains. In response, he suggested that my knights and other children have significantly improved their combat abilities and could benefit from some practical experience. I saw this as an opportunity to assess their progress, so I permitted them to join this expedition. I hope you can forgive my audacity and grant them permission to accompany us into the mountains this time."
Duke Kaelthorn paused, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he asked, "Which of your sons took it upon himself to train the knights and your other children?"
Valerius froze, caught off guard by the question. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Umm, regarding that, Your Grace..."
Before he could finish, a confident voice cut through the moment of tension. Ragnariel stepped forward, his expression unwavering.
"Greetings, Your Grace. That would be me. I was the one who trained the knights and my siblings," Ragnariel declared boldly, his voice firm and full of confidence.
The knights escorting Duke Kaelthorn's family exchanged hushed whispers, their voices barely contained.
"Isn't that the boy from four years ago?"
"How arrogant of him to act so bold in front of the Duke!"
Duke Kaelthorn was momentarily taken aback as he gazed at Ragnariel, his thoughts racing. "Incredible. A boy his age already rivals the strength of my knight commander?"
A smile crept across the Duke's face before he broke into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! So it's you, boy! How have you been?"
The knights accompanying Duke Kaelthorn exchanged confused glances, utterly bewildered by their lord's familiarity with the young man. Even the Duke's daughter stared in shock, surprised by her father's unusually warm demeanor.
Ragnariel returned the Duke's smile, his voice steady yet polite. "I've been well, Your Grace. And I see you've grown much stronger since we last met, four years ago."
Duke Kaelthorn laughed again, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Hahaha! You noticed that too? Impressive. Very well, I grant you and the knights and siblings you've trained permission to accompany us on this expedition."
Gasps rippled through Duke Kaelthorn's entourage. They couldn't hide their surprise, while the members of the Caeltheris family exchanged smiles of satisfaction.
The Duke then turned his gaze toward Ragnariel's siblings, his thoughts once again swirling. "Hmm, their progress doesn't seem nearly as remarkable as this boy's. Will they be able to endure the harshness of the Drakonashen Mountains?"
Ragnariel, as if sensing the Duke's doubts, bowed respectfully before speaking. "You need not worry, Your Grace. The early stages of my training don't show visible results until the trainees reach full maturity. For now, I humbly ask that you observe how far they've come in their development."
Duke Kaelthorn blinked in surprise, then chuckled, a mix of astonishment and amusement lighting up his expression. "What's this? Can you read minds as well, boy?"
Ragnariel shook his head slightly, his smile never faltering. "Not at all, Your Grace. It's just that... everything was written plainly on your face."
Duke Kaelthorn chuckled, placing a hand on his face. "Hahaha, you really are something, boy," he said, his laughter echoing warmly. The Caeltheris family couldn't help but smile at the exchange.
The Duke composed himself and asked, "So, how far do you plan to accompany us, boy?"
Ragnariel replied respectfully, "We intend to train midway along your route, Your Grace."
The Duke nodded, then inquired further, "And when you reach your destination, who among you will join my party?"
With unwavering confidence, Ragnariel answered, "I will accompany you and Lady Selene, Your Grace."
A satisfied smile spread across Duke Kaelthorn's face—an expression so rare that it drew quiet astonishment from everyone present. It was clear to all that this outcome was precisely what the Duke had hoped for.