Days have passed since what happened. Just like the rumors, the nobles were indeed asked to go home all of a sudden that day. Everyone complained about it, but the academy was firm in its decision.

Because of that, the nobles were forced to part ways without even a proper closing ceremony. Everything just ended too quickly.

The nobles were dissatisfied with it. Even the academy’s reputation took a slight hit because of it.

However, for Lionel, it was fine. He knew he needed to rest, and he also had to feed this bird of his mana every day.

When he went home, everyone was surprised to see that he brought a bird with him. It was so hard explaining everything, but once they learned of the bird’s species, they quickly approved of it.

They even praised Lionel for getting such a precious bird.

Because of it, the attendants quickly built a greenhouse for it inside the estate. It was also under Elara’s command and Lionel’s wishes.

The greenhouse was just built in 2 days. It was wide and filled with plants and trees with small branches where the bird could rest. They also made a small opening on the side so the bird could freely go out and fly away if it wanted to, but it never did.

During the day, it remained inside the greenhouse. And at night it would fly unto the window of Lionel’s room.

For the past few days, Lionel had been feeding the bird with mana. He was following what the system instructed him.

At first, he thought it would be easy. He would make a small ball of light filled with mana and then feed it. But drawing the ball of light drained his strength, enough to make his body feel weak.

Because of it, his recovery from the injuries he sustained from the retreat slowed down. Most of his time, Lionel could only stay in bed, and it was not that he was allowed to wander around, either.

"Tch." Lionel clicked his tongue lightly as he lay back on his bed.

His body felt heavy, and even the simplest movements were tiring.

"Tweet tweet tweet"

’Thank you for feeding me, Master. I feel stronger...’

Lionel glanced at the bird that was standing on his bedside table. It was hopping in joy after eating the mana he procured.

"Of course," He nodded at it and sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought that this better be worth it.

"Now go back to your place," Lionel muttered softly as he waved his hand lightly. He could feel his eyelids getting heavy after a few seconds. It was the effect of feeding the bird.

The bird tilted its head at him.

"Tweet tweet!"

’Okay, Master!’

With a small flap of its wings, it flew up from the table. It circled the room once before heading toward the window. The small opening was already left slightly open for it.

In a second, it slipped through the opening and disappeared into its own home.

Lionel watched it go for a moment before letting out a quiet breath.

"Good." Without the bird’s chirping, everything felt calmer.

Lionel moved sideways on his bed as he pulled his blanket closer t his body. His body still felt heavy, and his eyes slowly began to close.

Soon, he fell asleep.

- - -

The next thing Lionel knew was that it was morning already.

"My lord..."

A gentle voice reached his ears as soon as his eyes opened up. There, he saw that Diana was already by his side.

She was carefully adjusting the blanket over him, making sure he was comfortable in his position.

"My lord, you’re awake," she said softly when she noticed his open eyes.

"Mm," Lionel hummed lightly.

His voice was still low because he was still in a daze.

"How are you feeling today?" Diana studied his face for a moment, her brows slightly knit together.

"I’m still tired." Lionel let out a small breath.

Diana sighed quietly, too. She was getting worried about Lionel’s state.

"You’ve been like this for days now," she said. "You don’t even go out, and you’re still tired, my lord. Should we call the doctors to check on you again?"

"No need." Lionel shook his head. "I’ll get better in a week."

He knew that just 3 more days of feeding the bird, and he would be fine.

"Where is Mother, by the way?" Lionel asked after a short pause.

"Her Highness is already in her office, my lord," she said. "She woke up early this morning."

Lionel nodded slightly at that.

"She also asked me to make sure you eat your breakfast properly," Diana added as she adjusted the blanket once more. "So you can regain your strength."

"Mm," Lionel responded. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, when a thought suddenly appeared in his mind.

"Hey, Diana."

"Yes, my lord?" she answered immediately.

Lionel turned his head slightly to look at her.

"After I recover..." he paused for a brief second, "I want to go back to training immediately."

Diana froze at that.

"My lord?" she asked, unsure if she heard it right.

"Tell Mother," Lionel continued, "that I will resume my training as soon as I get better."

For a second, Diana just stared at him. She couldn’t hide the surprise on her face at all.

"My lord... you mean... you want to focus on your training?" she repeated slowly.

"Yes."

Diana’s brows furrowed slightly at that. It wasn’t that she was against it. It was just... it was super unexpected. She knew that Lionel was getting mature, but to that point was surprising!

Everyone in the estate knew that Lionel never liked studying, and he disliked training even more.

In the past, he would always find ways to avoid it. He would complain, delay, or simply refuse. But now, he was the one asking for it.

"I understand, my lord," Diana said carefully, though the surprise in her voice was still there. It was an unexpected request.

"I will inform Her Grace." She lowered her head slightly.

"Good."

Diana glanced at him again, still trying to process the change.

"But ...My lord," she hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "are you really sure?"

"I am."

Diana looked at Lionel as if he had said something outrageous. Lionel just stared at her back. She could only shake her head, "If that’s what you wish, then."

A small smile slowly appeared on Lionel’s face.

"Good," he said lightly, clearly satisfied with his new decision now

Diana crossed her arms and looked at him for a moment before raising a brow.