I followed Dahlia as she led me back downstairs, passing a row of intricately carved doors, left of the foyer. The doors creaked open, revealing a sprawling kitchen bathed in warm light.

The sight that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking. The kitchen was a bustling hub of culinary artistry. Gleaming stainless steel countertops stretched along the walls, interspersed with ovens, stovetops, and an array of cutting-edge cooking equipment. Shelves lined with spices and ingredients filled the room, infusing the air with their fragrant allure.

The kitchen was alive with activity, maids darting between stations, their movements fluid and precise.

Among the bustling staff, my eyes caught sight of the extraordinary. The maids, though bearing human-like appearances, possessed distinct features that set them apart. One had elegant cat ears adorning her head, their tufts of fur swaying with each step. Another maid possessed a pair of adorable dog ears that twitched in response to the lively atmosphere. It wasn’t just one or two that displayed an assortment of animalistic attributes, but all of them. It was a mesmerizing sight, a convergence of human and animal that defied conventional biology.

They’re beastfolk!!!

Astonishment swelled within me, for I had never encountered beastfolk, in both my current and previous life. The diversity and uniqueness of each maid’s appearance ignited a sense of wonder and curiosity, leaving me yearning to learn more about their origins.

My wonder was abruptly interrupted as Dahlia guided me toward the figure standing at the heart of the kitchen. The commotion around us seemed to dim as my attention fixated on the stout, muscular presence before me.

A dwarf, with a magnificently bushy, snow-white beard cascading down his chest, stood with an air of quiet authority. His burly frame exuded strength and confidence, his arms revealing the bulging sinew of a seasoned chef.

“Allow me to introduce Orsik, our esteemed head chef,” Dahlia proclaimed

Orsik extended a thick, calloused hand toward me, his grip firm yet genial. “Welcome to my humble workplace. I am Orsik, the head chef of Miss Dahlia’s estate.”

Humble workplace, he says...

“Pleasure to meet you, Orsik. My name is Lucian.”

“Orsik is a culinary mastermind,” Dahlia informed. “If you have any special requests, he is the person to consult.”

Orsik’s booming laughter filled the kitchen, the sound reverberating off the walls. “You give me too much praise, my lady.”

This Orsik guy sure is as lively as he looks...

I nodded, a mix of surprise and curiosity welling within me. “I am honored to have the opportunity to experience your culinary expertise, Orsik. I can’t wait to have a taste of your food!”

Orsik inclined his head, his eccentric gaze meeting mine. “The pleasure is mine, Your Highness.”

Ah! So he knows who I am...

Dahlia’s eyes sparkled with delight as she observed our exchange.

“L-Lady Dahlia?” Said a soft voice from behind me. “Is this the esteemed guest you mentioned before?”

Startled by the voice, I turned and saw a young girl with bunny ears standing behind me. She had a delicate and innocent beauty. I could sense that my presence made her both curious and shy. It was clear that we were of similar age, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by her unique appearance.

Dahlia nodded, a warm smile gracing her lips. “Indeed, Debbie. This is our esteemed guest. Please, allow me to introduce you.”

Dahlia turned to me. “Debbie, this is Prince Lucian. Say hello.”

Debbie’s cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, but she managed to bow in a respectful salute. “It’s... it’s nice to meet you,” she stammered, her voice soft and sweet.

Not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable, I returned her gesture with a warm smile. “The pleasure is mine, Debbie. It’s nice to finally meet someone who’s around my age.”

As our brief exchange continued, another maid approached, her face bearing a striking resemblance to Debbie’s. She wore an apologetic expression in her eyes as she addressed Dahlia, “My Lady, I apologize for Debbie’s intrusion.”

Dahlia waved off the apology with a graceful gesture. “It’s quite alright, Beatrice. Please, allow me to introduce our guest to you, Prince Lucian Darkbourn.”

My eyes widened as I realized that Beatrice, the woman before me, also possessed distinctive bunny ears. Their connection was undeniable and it became clear that she was Debbie’s mother.

Beatrice’s eyes twinkled with kindness as she extended her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, your highness. I hope my Debbie didn’t cause too much trouble.”

I shook her hand with a friendly smile. “Not at all. It’s a pleasure to meet Debbie and now you, Miss Beatrice. I hope to one day be familiar with you all.”

Dahlia observed the interaction with satisfaction, her voice filled with warmth. “Debbie, Beatrice, our guest will be staying with us for a while. I trust you will make him feel welcome and assist him whenever needed.”

Debbie nodded eagerly, her bunny ears twitching with excitement. “Of course, Lady Dahlia. We’ll make sure the p...p-prince feels at home.”

With the introduction complete, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, surrounded by people who possessed both human and animal traits. It was a testament to the diversity and enchantment that awaited me within the confines of this magical place.

If only the rest of the world could be like this...

Dahlia clapped her hands together, the sound reverberating through the kitchen. “Well, now that we’re all acquainted, it’s time to show you our training grounds,” she declared with a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Follow me.”

I followed Dahlia as she led the way through the back doors of the bustling kitchen, catching a glimpse of the well-stocked storage area where ingredients and supplies were meticulously organized. The tantalizing scents of spices and freshly baked goods lingered in the air, igniting a sense of nostalgia within me.

Passing through a small door, we stepped into the backyard. The atmosphere shifted as we emerged into a lush, sprawling garden enveloped by towering trees and vibrant flowers. The air was alive with the melodies of chirping birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, creating an oasis of tranquility.

My attention quickly turned to the sight that unfolded as we reached the center of the garden. The training grounds, nestled within the sanctuary, resembled a miniature gladiator arena. The sandy floor stretched out, imprinted with footprints and signs of intense activity. Sturdy wooden structures, reminiscent of combat obstacles, were scattered strategically across the area, providing ample opportunities for honing one’s skills.

On the right side, I noticed a stack of heavy rocks, arranged neatly on top of each other, ready to be lifted and used for strength training. Their sheer size and weight conveyed the difficulty of the training regimen that took place within these grounds.

Along the walls, a vast array of weapons hung in racks, showcasing an impressive assortment of swords, axes, staffs, and more.

Dahlia gestured to the grounds with a sweeping motion. “This is where you’ll be practicing the skills I’ll be teaching you. It’s a place of growth, discipline, and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.”

“This... This place is amazing,” I said, rubbing my head thoughtfully.

“It is... Now that I’ve shown you around, there’s something I want to make clear. Since the first part of my lessons will be focused solely on strengthening your mind, you risk losing physicality if you don’t train your body.”

She’s right! I didn’t even think of that... I can’t just drop my physical training to train my mind.

“In order to avoid such an impediment, every morning you will run thirty laps around the garden, and then do some weight training of your choice. Is that understood?”

I nodded.

Dahlia turned to continue with the tour, but then stopped and turned back to me. “I almost forgot to mention this. When you’re training your body, you’re not allowed to use your mana. Have I made myself clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Good.”

The remainder of the day unfolded with a sense of tranquility. After Dahlia dismissed me, promising that the true training would commence tomorrow, I made my way back to the room to finish unpacking my belongings.

Once my bag had been emptied and the last garment neatly hung in the wardrobe, a surge of curiosity rose within me. Eager to immerse myself further in the wonders of the sanctuary, I decided to explore the top floor of the mansion.

As I climbed the staircase, the mansion’s interior unfolded before me in all its splendor. The third floor revealed a labyrinth of corridors, branching off in every direction, each promising a unique discovery. Paintings, some faded with age, lined the walls, showcasing illustrious works of architecture and pivotal moments in the mansion’s storied history.

As I wandered through the hallways, occasional doors stood ajar, inviting glimpses into rooms that held their own secrets. One chamber revealed a cozy study, adorned with bookshelves filled with volumes of knowledge. Even from a distance, I easily recognized a couple of books on barrier magic that I had read back in Valoria.

I don’t recognize all of the books. I’ll make sure to check them out later...

As I meandered along the corridor, a faint sound reached my ears. The rhythmic clashing of blades reverberated through the air, drawing my attention. I followed the melodic cadence, my steps guided by the enticing symphony of battle.

Approaching a window, I peered outside and witnessed a mesmerizing scene unfolding in the courtyard below.

At the center of the training grounds, stood the young girl with the bunny ears, Debbie. She was engaged in a sparring session with none other than Mr. Orsik himself, the renowned head chef, who seemed to also be a skilled warrior.

Debbie’s movements were fluid and precise, displaying an impressive command over a spear. Despite her tender age, she wielded it with a proficiency that left me in awe. Every strike, parry, and counter was executed with grace and precision. It was evident that she had dedicated countless years to perfecting her craft.

As I watched Debbie’s display of skill, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of trepidation deep in my chest. The thought of someone her age being so deadly sent shivers down my spine. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of this world and the need for constant vigilance.

Dahlia was right... My arrogance and ego are leaving me blind to reality. The only reason I’m as strong as I am is because of the memories I carry from my old life. If it wasn’t for those, I’d be nowhere near as strong as Debbie, or pretty much anybody my age...

A slight ache throbbed in my chest as memories of Cassius, my old comrade, resurfaced. He too had been skilled with a spear, his movements a deadly dance of precision and power. The pain of his betrayal threatened to overshadow my thoughts, but I refused to let it consume me. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the memories aside, focusing on the present.

Returning my attention to the courtyard, I observed as Mr. Orsik paused the sparring session. His voice carried on the wind, instructing Debbie with a blend of wisdom and encouragement. He stressed the importance of maintaining a vigilant guard, even in the face of exhaustion or defeat. His words resonated deeply, reminding me that true strength was not just about physical prowess but also mental fortitude.

At that moment, I felt a surge of admiration for both Debbie and Orsik. Their commitment and dedication to honing their skills served me as motivation. It made me want to train two times, no, ten times harder than before. It filled me with a flame that wouldn’t extinguish unless I trained myself to the bone.

“What do you think?”

I jumped, my heart lurching within my chest as I spun around to find Dahlia standing behind me. “What the hell!?”

“Apologies if I startled you,” she said, her voice cool and composed.

I locked eyes with her for a moment and felt a shiver trickle down my spine. This was the second time she had managed to sneak up on me unnoticed. Even with my guard raised and my senses sharpened, she had slipped through like a phantom, leaving me unnerved.

“Don’t worry about it,” I chuckled, a tinge of defeat in my voice.

“So, what do you think?” Dahlia asked once more.

“About what?”

Dahlia let out a weary sigh and gestured toward Debbie. “About my esteemed student.”

“Debbie is your student?!” I exclaimed, shock coloring my voice.

“I have many students,” Dahlia replied, puffing her chest out with pride.

My gaze returned to Debbie. “I’ve never witnessed such formidable skill with a spear in someone so young. It’s truly daunting.”

“Anything else?” Dahlia pressed.

Anything else??? Since when does she care what I think of Debbie? Better yet, why would anyone care what I have to say about anything?!

Focus! Maybe she’s testing me. Maybe she’s trying to get me to say something... I just have to figure out what that is...

I continued to watch the intense exchange, hoping to discern what Dahlia wanted me to see, but my mind drew a blank. After a few more minutes, I shook my head and turned back to face her. “I give up. I can’t quite grasp what you’re seeking from me.”

“Do you believe you can defeat her?” Dahlia suddenly inquired, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers.

“Debbie? Me? You mean me, defeat her?”

Dahlia nodded, a hint of intrigue dancing in her eyes.

Glancing back at the sparring scene, I imagined a confrontation between Debbie and myself.

Should I lie? Should I tell her that Debbie will kick my ass... No, I can’t lie. I need to be honest. I’m pretty sure she’d see right through my lies anyway...

“Yes,” I finally said after a moment. “I can defeat her.”

Dahlia stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”

“Excuse me,” I interjected, growing impatient. “Where exactly are you going with all of this?”

“Just cooking up something interesting.”

Bullshit! Something is up... I can smell it!

“Something interesting? Like what?”

If she thinks I’m going to let her strange questions go, without asking any questions of my own, she’s got a world of trouble heading straight her way...

Dahlia turned to face me, a spark of excitement gleaming in her gaze. “Starting tomorrow, you and Debbie will become sparring partners!”