NOVEL WEB Chapter 23 – Thomas’s History At The Academy
"Among the students at the academy back then, he had the highest magical prowess and unmatched swordsmanship skills, you know? It'd be odd not to idolize him. I've heard that during the academy's martial arts tournament, he was the runner-up in his first year and clinched victory from the second year onwards. Since I enrolled in the first year when your father was in his third, I've only heard rumors about what happened before."
"In the martial arts tournament, starting from the second year... Mom, isn't that categorized by grade?"
"Indeed, within the academy. Even seniors couldn't best him."
"...Even though, technically, the tournament only goes up to the third year."
Thomas mumbled quietly.
Ignoring Thomas's muttering entirely, Clara continued.
"From the fourth year onwards, he entered the Royal Castle Martial Arts Tournament, reaching the finals in his fifth year. Though he lost to the captain of the First Imperial Guard at the time, the fact that an active student could rival the captain caused quite a commotion. Following that, he received an invitation to join the guard, causing quite a stir."
"Father is amazing..."
"Father... was he really that incredible? Oh... I've heard various rumors, but I never imagined it was to that extent..."
"There's more."
"Really?"
"Yes, as remarkable as the guard invitation was, he also got an invitation from the Ministry of Magic."
"Come to think of it, His Majesty mentioned something like that..."
As Althea recalled, Thomas complained, "Wait! What is His Majesty telling the children, honestly..."
"In the academy, from the first year to the third year, there are martial arts tournaments, and from the fourth year to the sixth year, there are magic tournaments. The magic tournament is held by year, but for three years straight, he won every time... Come to think of it... Miss Norland, who's now at the Ministry of Magic, was always in second place and talked with you a lot, right?"
"That was just her picking on me. It's a misunderstanding..."
"It's all right, I already understand."
Clara chuckled softly. It seemed she was teasing Thomas.
"...First place all the time? Miss Norland is currently at the top of the Ministry of Magic, right? Is Father stronger in magic than her?"
"Well... at that time, he was. He probably couldn't win now. After graduation, Miss Norland must have continued to study and master magic."
"But that's still amazing!... So, that's why he's called a 'legend.' I'll do my best over the next two years to enter the academy and not embarrass Father!"
With resolve, Regalus rallied himself.
"Heh, it's good to see your son so motivated..."
"Yes, thank you, Mother. And Father, when we return to the estate... no, when we arrive at our mansion, please train me."
"Regalus... You're already strong for your age. But... I understand. Let's begin tougher training than before."
"Yes, please. ...Jean, when Father is occupied, I'd like you to instruct me too."
"If that's within my capabilities."
"I know your skill, and you're adept at combat training, right?"
"...Understood."
While observing the exchange between his son and the valet, the affectionate couple shared a smile.
At that moment, Althea suddenly stood up.
"Father! I also want to learn swordsmanship after all. I want to be able to defend myself... Honestly, I still don't fully grasp 'preparation'... but I don't want to be helpless if something happens. I'm also a Monclair; I don't want to be merely someone who is protected."
Taken aback by Althea's sudden declaration, Regalus interjected.
"Althea, you're a girl, you know? And a noble one at that. Noblewomen don't need to... fight."
"I won't engage in open combat. Besides, isn't Mother capable of defending herself too? I've heard from Madame Precious. I want to stand up against injustice too. Please...!"
Clara was taken aback by the sudden mention, and Thomas sighed.
"...I never know where rumors will surface from... Clara, you were renowned during your time at the academy too..."
"...Ahem. But I don't regret it. Because of that time, you noticed me..."
"Clara..."
Blushing, the two exchanged glances...
Still not comprehending romantic matters, Althea, oblivious to the atmosphere, continued speaking.
"Hey, hey, Father, Mother, may I also learn swordsmanship?"
As the atmosphere turned genial, the two chuckled awkwardly at each other.
"I suppose we can't refuse."
"I guess not... But there are conditions. You must also excel in etiquette and culture. We won't permit you to learn swordsmanship until you meet a certain standard of etiquette and culture. Once you achieve that, you can commence your swordsmanship training. It's about mastering the manners befitting a young lady first... like me, okay?"
"U... Understood..."
Though she wasn't particularly fond of etiquette and culture, Althea figured she could endure it if it meant learning swordsmanship.
"Very well. When we return to the estate, it'll be about etiquette, culture, and assessing your proficiency. If everything's in order... I'll ask Hanny and Laila to commence your training. Laila, I'm counting on you."
"Yes. Understood."
"And Althea, even if you start learning swordsmanship, if you falter in your other studies, I'll put an end to it immediately."
"Yes."
"Very well... But... Althea is so much like you..."
With a slightly troubled expression, Thomas smiled and gently held Clara's hand sitting next to him.
"Do you think so? Hehe... but I'm glad both of them have grown up to be honest and upright children."
"That's true... The Monclair estate is in good hands."
"Yes."
While the couple embraced, Regalus discussed training with Jean, and Althea and Laila conversed about their training plans.
