For six days now, I had been rigorously training.
Never before had I imagined myself capable of keeping up with such an intense pace.
Each day began before dawn, with a regimen that tested both my physical strength and my focus.
Today, like the days before, I left the palace to head to Sienna's laboratory, a wooden house with deceptively ordinary charm.
From the outside, it resembled a simple rural dwelling but once inside descending into its depths revealed a true underground complex.
This place was divided into two distinct parts: on one side, the main laboratory where Sienna brilliantly led the Kingdom of Ednia's Scientific Institute, and on the other a vast area dedicated to storing her inventions.
This second part was protected by an impressive mechanism: a cavity in the wall that, when infused with a small dose of magic triggered the opening of a door as elegant as the automatic ones from my former world.
That morning, after a rigorous warm-up, I faced five artificial training dummies designed by Sienna their movements were fluid and unpredictable, perfectly simulating the actions of real fighters.
Their level increased as I progressed, pushing me to my limits with each fight.Once I overcame this challenge I found myself face-to-face with a far more formidable opponent: Gilbert, the captain of the royal guard.
We clashed in a white room where every clash of swords echoed like a thunderous roar. Gilbert was a master of combat, and even with my recent progress, he remained a formidable challenge. At one point, he cast a spell, launching five long, sharp earthen projectiles in my direction. My instincts took over, and I retaliated by summoning a wind shield that successfully deflected the projectiles.
Seizing the opening, I leaped into the air, hoping to disarm him. However, Gilbert was ever vigilant. He dodged skillfully, his gray hair floating slightly with the force of my movements. I tried another assault, this time aiming for a direct sword strike, but with a precise gesture, he sent my wooden weapon flying out of my hands. Panting, I raised my hands in surrender, a forced smile on my lips.
"I yield," I declared, catching my breath.
Gilbert lowered his weapon and smiled.
"Your Majesty, your progress is impressive."
I frowned slightly, puzzled by his compliment.
"You think so? I didn't even manage to land a hit on you."
He nodded firmly.
"I assure you, Your Majesty, not once was I able to let my guard down against you. Your progress is remarkable, and this is only the beginning."
His words sparked a sense of pride in me, though my muscles were weighed down by fatigue. Peeling off my sweat-soaked shirt, I let out a sigh of relief. Gilbert, ever attentive, handed me a glass of water.
"Stay hydrated, Your Majesty. Health is as vital as strength."
I nodded silently, taking the glass and drinking deeply. At that precise moment, the gray door of the room opened, revealing Raelia. She stopped for a moment, her orange eyes glowing with a singular light, then averted her gaze slightly as she saw me shirtless, her cheeks tinged with red.
"Come eat; it's already noon," she said, breaking the silence with a slightly awkward tone.
I nodded silently, quickly slipping on a light shirt to cover my casual attire. We left the training room and ascended to the upper floor. Above ground, the wooden house offered a warm and soothing atmosphere, a pleasant contrast to the intensity of training.
On the terrace a large wooden table carefully draped in a red cloth, awaited us under the radiant sun.
The gentle chirping of birds filled the air, adding a touch of serenity to the moment.
Kaylen was already seated engrossed in a book.
His concentration was such that he seemed entirely detached from the world.
Sienna seated to his right, wore her work glasses and was poring over hastily written notes.However when she looked up and saw me arrive she greeted me with a broad smile.
I sat to her left while Gilbert took a seat on my right. Raelia, dressed in an elegant red skirt and a white blouse wore a headband that held her hair in place with simple grace. She also sat to my right, just beside Gilbert.
"Everything is ready. The meal can begin," she declared warmly, smiling.
Servants then brought out a series of deliciously prepared dishes: herb-infused roasts, vibrantly colored grilled vegetables and freshly baked bread that emanated a soft scent of flour and yeast.
The conversations around the table were light, punctuated by laughter and the view of the sprawling green lands heightened the sense of tranquility.
I took a moment to savor this setting. In these calm moments, far from the crushing responsibilities of the kingdom .I found the strength and motivation I needed to keep improving not just as a king but as a man.
As I looked up at the sky the sun shone high, bathing the scene in a soft, benevolent light. Kaylen still immersed in his book, flashed a subtle smile, as if his mind had been touched by the same peace.
Sienna returned to her notes but occasionally cast discreet glances at her neighbor.
Raelia finally observed the scene with a satisfied expression, as though she was savoring this moment of camaraderie.
These precious moments reminded me why I strove every day to be better for them, for my people and to preserve this fragile yet priceless harmony.
The new monarch's path was fraught with challenges but on this bright day, it seemed clearer than ever.
My gaze rested on my companions, and a sincere smile lit up my face.