Life in the Althaus estate was a structured balance of discipline and privilege. As the third son of Duke Althaus, I was expected to uphold the dignity of my family name while excelling in every aspect of noble education. My mother, Lady Evelyn, ensured I received the finest tutors in history, politics, and etiquette, though I absorbed far more knowledge than anyone realized, thanks to my past life's experience.
My elder sister, Evelyn, was my most cherished companion. She possessed a sharp intellect, a kind heart, and an unwavering determination to see me succeed. Our lessons together were some of my favorite moments—hours spent in the grand library, poring over ancient tomes, debating theories of magic and governance. Her patience with me never wavered, even when I became frustrated with noble customs that seemed needlessly complex.
Despite my scholarly pursuits, my father was adamant that a noble's strength was not solely in his mind. "Knowledge is essential, but a noble who cannot wield a sword is a noble unfit to rule," he declared. Thus, my training with Sir Aldric, the estate's head knight, began. A grizzled veteran of many battles, he was a harsh teacher, but his training was invaluable.
Each day, I balanced my time between scholarly lessons, combat training, and secret magical practice. My divine blessings made spellcasting second nature, but I had to be careful not to reveal my true potential too soon. For now, I would grow stronger in the shadows, biding my time until the world was ready to see my power.