Since his third birthday, two years have passed, and Lagas has grown considerably. Lately, he has been doing some strength training before bed and has been running in the morning and afternoon to build his stamina.
At Lagas’s current age, he should normally be learning simple math, memorizing letters, and studying his country’s history. However, Lagas spends most of his time outside, physically active from morning till night.
He doesn’t avoid studying like Arik just because he finds it boring. In fact, he can do mental calculations, so he doesn’t need to study arithmetic. As for language, he started learning as soon as he became fully aware, and he has memorized everything by now.
Lagas has also been learning history and magical knowledge necessary to pass school exams on his own initiative, so his parents and tutor don’t urge him to study.
Recently, he has also been practicing swinging a wooden sword. Although he’s only seen swordplay through kendo videos in his previous life, he often watches the soldiers who serve his father to observe their training.
The soldiers know that Lagas, unlike most nobles, has no affinity for elemental magic, but they respect his dedication to regular running and other exercises, so no one looks down on him. Many even feel inspired, not wanting to lose to his determination.
“Young Master Lagas, why are you practicing swordsmanship?”
“…That’s sudden,” I say, stopping my practice and turning to look at Meryl. Now eight, Meryl’s face, once cute, is turning more beautiful each day. In another five or six years, she might become quite stunning.
However, she sometimes asks questions that catch me off guard.
“Perhaps so,” she continues. “But, given that you’re developing combat abilities without swordsmanship, and already mastering the magic bullet ability, I believe there is no need for you to learn swordsmanship.”
Hmm… I suppose that’s true. But I have a reason for wanting to learn this skill.
“Indeed, the magic bullet ability is powerful. And, as the only one able to master it, it makes me unique. However, since it relies on magical power, I need a way to fight when I run out of magic.”
“That does make sense.”
“That’s not the only reason, though.”
“There’s another reason beyond having a backup method for when magic runs out?”
Meryl tilted her head, genuinely curious, her expression showing she didn’t understand. Do I really seem that battle-focused?
To someone like Meryl, who watches me every day, it’s not surprising if that’s her impression. But there’s more to it than just fighting.
“Look, my father became famous as a hunter wielding a sword, right? I think his skill is well-known among nobles too.”
“As you say, Lord Ritt’s swordsmanship is recognized not just among hunters, but nobles as well. But how does that connect to you, Young Master Lagas?”
“It’s simple. As his son, if I can’t handle a sword properly, I may tarnish his reputation… Well, maybe not that seriously, but I’d likely face some snide remarks.”
People assume that children will inherit their parents’ strengths. While I didn’t know many athletes in my past life, this expectation seems stronger here than it was there.
My mother is quite accomplished as a magic user, and my father, of course, is highly skilled as a swordsman.
And though I have magical abilities, I intend to keep that hidden, so to others, it appears that I have no aptitude for magic abilities.
Therefore, I want to be at least somewhat proficient with the sword.
“I see… Well, good luck, Young Master Lagas.”
“I plan to, whether you say it or not.”
Geez, don’t flash that gentle smile so suddenly—it’s a little embarrassing.
And so, that day ended with more training and studying history and magic.
The next day, as I was heading back to my room after breakfast, Arik suddenly called out to me.
“Hey, Lagas! Fight me in a duel right now!”
…This guy really hasn’t changed one bit.
