Chapter 21: Ch 21: It’s alright to take things slow

Dinner was ready when Kael entered the dining room. The table was also set for four people and Kael quickly took his seat.

He had already informed Seraphina and Leon about the additional company they would receive today, so he knew that they wouldn’t be surprised once they saw Iris.

"Did you two have any difficulty handling things while I was away?"

Kael asked the two kids in front of him and they shook their heads to show that nothing had happened.

"I continued to practice the techniques that you taught me and Seraphina trained her stamina."

Leon quickly summarized what they both did during the day and Kael listened to them attentively. Halfway through Leon’s explanation, Kael sensed Iris coming downstairs, but he did not show that he had noticed her presence until she stood at the door.

Iris looked hesitant to enter the kitchen, but it was because both kids, Leon and Seraphina, were looking at her with wide eyes.

Kael knew that it was because the kids were curious to see Iris, so he decided to address the situation before a misunderstanding could occur.

"Iris, you can come inside. I will introduce you to Seraphina and Leon. After all, we are all going to live together so it would be nice if we all get along well."

Kael subtly shot Leon and Seraphina a look that told them to stop staring at Iris.

They got the message and schooled their expressions back to neutral ones.

Iris still looked hesitant to step inside the luxurious kitchen so Kael used his familiar to push her inside.

The sudden movement made her flinch, but since she was a swordmaster, she was able to catch herself in time. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

An awkward silence followed once she stepped close enough for the kids to properly see her and Kael coughed to gather everyone’s attention.

"Leon, Iris Nighrbane will be your new teacher. She is a swordmaster, so make sure you learn from her as much as you can."

Leon looked interested, but a little worried at the same time. Kael gave him time to get used to the idea, but he did not expect Leon to turn toward him so soon, much less ask a question.

But the hero surprised him this time.

"Does this mean you are no longer going to be teaching me? If so, then can I refuse the new teacher? I still want to learn from you."

Kael felt like he had been hit by a truck when he heard Leon’s question.

This was not something he expected to hear from someone as easygoing as Leon. Rather, he had expected Leon to be relieved to get a teacher who could help him improve faster.

Kael had a lot to say, but first, he needed to reassure both Leon and Iris that they needed each other.

"I am not going to stop being your teacher, Leon. I will still teach you mana control and things related to magic. But you have the talent to become a swordmaster rather than a magician. That’s why I decided to hire another teacher for you."

Kael explained this to Leon, making sure to emphasize that he was not abandoning the kid and throwing him toward the other teacher.

Leon still did not look happy with this arrangement and Iris decided it was time for her to speak.

"I am not looking to become your teacher, kid. But since Kael asked for my help, I will do what I can for you. Think of this as a favor you owe me."

"Iris, this is—"

"Alright. I understand. I am willing to try this arrangement."

Iris and Leon finished their conversation without even allowing Kael a second to interrupt. Even Seraphina looked serious, which made Kael feel like he had missed something important.

Thankfully, it seemed to be a good thing so he decided he did not need to interfere.

...

The first training session with Iris arrived quickly and both Leon and Seraphina decided they wanted to be present.

Kael decided to keep an eye on their first session as well since he was worried about Leon. But there was no need for him to be there since Iris just ran the pair through basic drills.

Leon was able to keep up easily, but Seraphina already lacked stamina. There was no way she would be able to complete the full set.

And that’s what happened. She collapsed after the fourth set, which made Iris immediately pull her aside before continuing with Leon.

Kael noticed Seraphina’s downcast mood and decided to keep her company. He sat beside her and waited for her to notice him and acknowledge his presence.

Seraphina did not say anything at first, but she decided to lift her head after a few minutes and finally address what was troubling her.

"I...messed up. I should have practiced more and improved my stamina."

Seraphina was speaking to herself as she cursed her stamina. She was disappointed, but trying her hardest not to show it.

Kael heard her mutter for a few more seconds and then decided it was the right time to speak up.

"I don’t think your stamina is a problem. You are still young and you can build it over time. As for keeping up with the training, I don’t think you need to worry about it. Leon is more suited for this style, while you are not."

Seraphina looked like she had swallowed a sour lemon.

Her face showed that she understood what he meant, but that did not mean she had to like it.

Kael felt sorry for her, so he decided to help her out. After all, Seraphina was the future saintess and the thing she would need most was mana control.

"Here, I will teach you how to handle mana now. I already taught Leon, but he’s not the best at it. But I have a feeling you would do better."

Kael slowed down his mana so that Seraphina could feel what he was doing and she copied him.

She was able to get the hang of it pretty soon, but that was to be expected from someone who would become the future saintess.

"I-Is this how I need to do it?"

Kael could not stop himself from reaching out toward her head and patting it.

"That’s right. You are doing well."

[Seraphina’s affection +5]

[Seraphina’s trust +5]

It seemed like praising Seraphina was working. She looked much more relaxed compared to before.

However, there was someone else who had a troubled expression on his face and the person was Leon.

Honestly, what was wrong with these kids?