(Kairon's POV)
I rushed straight at him, trying to deliver a kick to his gut. He grabbed my leg and tossed me aside.
I got back up, ready to counter—but he was already next to me. He delivered a kick that I barely blocked. I crashed into a tree, bark scraping my back.
"Kairon, let's leave it here. You did good today," he said.
I straightened up and nodded.
I grabbed a towel from the shelf. It would be lunchtime soon, so I needed to dry myself.
"Kairon, Dad—come eat," a voice called from inside the house.
I walked into the dining room. She already had the plates ready.
"Hey, Kyora. What did you make for lunch?"
"I made chicken soup," she said. "The weather's getting cold."
I set the plates down and sat. Father walked in right after and took his seat.
He bowed his head, thanking God for the food before praying quietly.
Kyora and I waited silently. After he finished, we began to eat.
"The food is good, as always, Kyora. I needed this—today was very cold," Father said.
"Thank you. I'm glad you like it, Dad."
"How was the family meeting?"
Father sighed.
"It was alright. But as always, those elders are pressuring me to announce an heir."
Kyora spoke up.
"Hey, Dad, I can be the next heir. It wouldn't really be any trouble."
"No. It's alright," he said gently. "You don't have to worry about it. Don't feel the need to carry this for me. Just focus on what you really want to do. I'll figure something out."
I continued eating. Family drama was of no interest to me.
After we were done eating, Kyora picked up the plates.
"Kairon, can you go to the forest and get some wood for the fire?" my dad asked.
I nodded and went to get my coat.
I walked outside and looked up. Snow fell quietly from the sky, blanketing the ground in white.
It felt familiar—like something I had seen before—but I didn't dwell on it.
I went to the back of the house, grabbed an axe from the shed, and headed toward the forest.
As I walked, searching for the right tree to chop, I remembered a time when I was eight. I had walked through the forest with my father, and he had shown me something.
He told me that if we had enough desire for something, it might be achievable. He grabbed an axe and stood before the widest tree in the forest.
With a single swing—one so fast I couldn't even see—the tree was cut.
I decided to try it. It would be more efficient.
I mimicked his motion, putting all my force into a single strike.
The axe only cut halfway in.
Oh well. I finished chopping the tree and prepared to head back.
What are those carriages in front of our house? Oh—I recognize that crest. It's the Knight Order. They've been visiting us quite frequently.
It doesn't matter. I need to go shower. It would be a drag to hear my sister nag me about it.
As I walked up the stairs, the voices of my father and the knights echoed through the house.
I would have rather taken a bath in the hot tub, but it would take too long to heat up. I guess I can't today.
Hold on. I just heard something crash. Did something fall? I should go check it out—but it's probably just a knight causing trouble. I doubt they could do anything to Father.
I walked down the stairs, and my father noticed me.
"Did something fall? I heard a crash from upstairs."
"Oh, no," he replied calmly. "Nothing happened, son. A knight just accidentally dropped a vase."
"Oh. Alright. I'll head back upstairs."
(Kiel's POV)
The Knight Order was being disruptive as usual. They came here every now and then, and it was almost always Darius who showed up to cause trouble.
"Look, Darius. You come here almost daily and always end up breaking something in my house.
I've already told you—there's nothing here that will help with your case."
The knight captain replied with a smirk.
"Oh, come on, Kiel. You already know I'm just doing my job. As captain of the knights, it's my duty to maintain order."
"Breaking things in my house doesn't look like maintaining order," I replied. "But it's fine. Just leave, Darius. There's no need for things to escalate."
"What will happen if I don't leave?" he asked, his tone turning serious.
"Then you'll be trespassing," I said calmly. "Leave now. I don't want to use force."
"Are you threatening me, Kiel? You do know that could land you in serious trouble," he said with a sinister grin.
"It's not a threat," I said. "It's a warning."
Kyora walked in, looking frightened.
"Dad, why are you arguing? Is something wrong?"
I shifted my focus to her. She was shaking. I reassured her that nothing was wrong.
Darius looked at her and smiled.
"That's a beautiful daughter you've got there, Kiel. Maybe I should marry her to my son."
I felt an intense urge to drive my fist through his armor, but I kept my composure for her sake.
Darius picked up another vase.
"This one looks suspicious. How about we find out what's inside?"
He held it over the ground.
"Wait!" Kyora yelled. "That's my favorite vase—please don't break it."
A tear streamed down her face.
That was the breaking point.
I dashed toward Darius and snatched the vase from his hands. He swung at me, but I caught his fist, grabbed his breastplate, and slammed him into the ground. I set the vase aside.
The knights surrounded me. Kyora broke down into tears, apologizing.
"Stand down," Darius said.
The knights stepped back as Darius got to his feet.
"I'll leave, Kiel. But don't think this is over."
He finished with a grin, and he and the rest of the knights left.
I watched them go, then turned to Kyora and reassured her that everything was alright.
She apologized for making a fuss over the vase. I assured her he would have done it regardless, and that she wasn't at fault.
Darius is going to make things more complicated from here on. But it doesn't matter.
Next time he shows up, he won't receive such gentle treatment.
TO BE CONTINUED…