Kion had just finished his first meditation on his own.
He'd wasted no time after leaving Shaman's workshop, not even sparing Gina a quick visit like he'd initially planned.
He knew he needed the training, and that his mother would want the same for him too.
"That's done." Kion said as he swivelled on the balls of his feet, the mana alive and coursing through his bones and muscles.
It was a good feeling; something he had never had the luxury of experiencing until now. He felt lighter and explosive, like a lion about to pounce on its prey.
He was itching to punch or fight something, but he couldn't do that in his room.
"I'll need some combat training." Kion thought to himself as he began to head on out.
"Wouldn't you want a bath, my lord?"
His maid, who was still standing outside his room, said as he stepped out.
She had basically been following him everywhere since he returned to the palace.
"I don't think that would be necessary." Kion said, not so much as sparing her a glance.
"Oh, but I've already drawn one." She said, a slight seductive undertone to her voice.
Suddenly, Kion turned to look her in the eyes, the intensity of his amber gaze freezing her to the spot.
"What's your name, young miss?"
"Penelope, my lord." She answered almost immediately.
"Well then, Penelope. Un-draw the bath."
Kion said as he immediately started to head outside.
"And don't follow me!" He added, making her stop once more in her tracks.
For a moment, there was silence, the only sound being the tapping of Prince Kion's shoes as he marched down the hallway.
Penelope stood for a moment, stunned by her master's reaction.
"My, he's such a peculiar one. Every lord wants a bath. Am I not doing my job well?" She thought to herself as she tracked back to her station next to the door of Prince Kion's quarters.
As Kion marched down the hallway, he couldn't help but feel sad for the pitiful situation of his personal maid.
She was only doing what was expected of her, and he understood that. But to Kion, Penelope was far too beautiful to be treated as such.
It was an unfair situation in his eyes, her having to please her masters in every way possible, which was why he had decided to leave her be. Besides, he had more important things to focus on at the moment.
Which was his training.
The royal courtyard was primarily the training ground reserved for the two princes.
Before, Kion had never been granted acces to this section of the castle, as it was reserved for his half-brother.
But now, things were different, as Kion found himself with as much privileges as Kai simply due to his newly awakened power.
They were treated as warriors of equal footing, as every partiality in treatment of both treatments were quickly terminated.
The courtyard itself was a vast open space, a section of the castle that had more access to nature than the other parts due to its large skylight that was always open, allowing sunlight to stream in and nourish the low-cut grass that covered the ground.
It vast expanse of space was littered with dummies and other spell-enchanted suits of armour that one could use for their duels. As well as obstacles, environmental interactable elements, like tactically positioned walls for wall running and vines for swinging and climbing, and of course, a weapons station for specialised weapon training.
There was a commander who was stationed at the courtyard to oversee training sessions. His name was Commander Alexov, but most just called him Sir Alex.
The Imperial Army was divided into several batons, one of which was a special baton for reconnaissance called the Scouting baton. This was Sir Alex's area of specialty, as he was a Commander Scout.
"Good day, Sir Alex." Kion said with the most polite way possible. He didn't care much for pleasantries, but knew that they were necessary if he was to make a name for himself within the castle walls as a good prince.
"Oh. Prince Kion. Welcome, and congratulations on your awakening. You made us all proud." Sir Alex replied, extending his arm for a handshake, which Kion received warmly.
"Thank you." Kion replied. He hadn't remembered any "Sir Alex" from his previous life within the castle, but he knew he was bound to meet new people. In fact, he was looking forward to it. There was a flair of excitement to not guessing what could happen or who you could meet.
"If you don't mind, I would like to train at the courtyard today. And I'd love for you to show me the ropes around here. This is my first time, afterall."
"Sure I'd love to." Sir Alex said with a warm smile. "But uh, your brother's already here so it's better I just put the two of you through some drills. That fine with you?"
"Of course it's fine with him." Kion heard a voice as a shadow flashed above him, blotting out the light from above for a fraction of a second, before landing right in front of him with a graceful touch.
The shadow gave way to a face Kion just couldn't get enough of.
Can't this guy just stay out of my business?
He thought to himself, wondering what it was that Kai wanted this time.