A Month Later

  Dawn had barely broken, yet the Everhart estate was already stirring with life. The cool morning air carried the scent of freshly baked bread, mingling with the faint clang of metal as knights sparred in the courtyard. Servants bustled through the halls, their footsteps a quiet symphony of duty.

  In one of the estate's private gardens—secluded yet vibrant—a different kind of training was about to begin.

  Rin stood before Lucien and Elysia, his golden eyes reflecting the determination burning within.

  "Starting today," his voice was calm but firm, carrying the weight of unspoken resolve, "we begin training."

  Lucien’s silver eyes lit up with curiosity, a flicker of excitement hidden beneath his composed expression. "What kind of training, Rin?"

  Elysia, standing a step behind, shifted uneasily. Her violet eyes darted toward Rin. "Am I included… too?"

  Rin’s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Of course. A handmaid isn't just someone who pours tea and arranges flowers." His gaze sharpened, his words laced with an edge of foresight. "You’ll learn etiquette, but also self-defense, awareness, and speed. If you are to be my personal handmaid, you must be strong enough to survive anything."

  Elysia’s breath hitched. "...Handmaids don’t usually train in combat, do they?"

  Rin’s smirk deepened. "Exactly. But we are not normal."

  A silent beat passed. Both Lucien and Elysia straightened instinctively, as if sensing the gravity of his words. Rin wasn’t merely preparing them for a noble’s life—he was forging something far greater.

  "Lucien," Rin’s tone shifted, addressing him with quiet authority, "your memory is a gift most would kill for. But a sharp mind is useless without the strength to back it up. I’ll train you in strategy, leadership, and combat. You’ll learn how to command and conquer."

  Lucien clenched his fists, silver eyes flashing with unspoken resolve. "I won’t let you down, Rin."

  Rin’s gaze then shifted to Elysia, his tone softer yet no less serious. "Elysia, your talent makes you exceptional at serving, but if you truly want to protect what’s important, you need more. Your training will focus on agility, perception, and endurance. A true handmaid isn’t just graceful—she’s untouchable."

  Elysia bit her lip, her expression wavering for a moment before nodding. "I… understand."

  "Good," Rin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "We’ll start with something simple."

  He pointed toward the training yard.

  "Run five laps."

  Lucien blinked. "...Five?"

  Elysia’s eyes widened. "But Young Master—"

  Rin’s grin was merciless. "Don’t tell me you’re giving up already?"

  Lucien groaned but didn’t protest. "Fine, fine…" He glanced at Elysia, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Let’s go, Elysia."

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  They took off, their footsteps echoing across the training ground as Rin watched them with a quiet smile.

  This is only the beginning.

  By the third lap, Lucien’s breathing had grown labored, but his endurance from years of hard labor kept him going.

  Elysia, however, was struggling.

  Her delicate frame trembled with each step, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Sweat clung to her skin, and her legs threatened to give out.

  But she didn’t stop.

  Rin, walking beside her now, observed her closely.

  "You can stop if it’s too much," he said softly, his tone almost… gentle.

  Elysia’s response was immediate—a fierce shake of her head. "N-No… I won’t stop."

  Her voice was barely above a whisper, but her eyes—those violet eyes—burned with a fire that refused to be extinguished.

  Rin’s gaze sharpened. "Why?" he asked, his curiosity genuine. "Why do you push yourself so hard?"

  Elysia’s breath hitched, but her pace didn’t falter. "...Because I made a promise."

  "A promise?"

  Her fists clenched tighter. "I promised myself… that I would never be weak again. That if I was given another chance… I would make myself worthy of it."

  Rin’s heart skipped a beat.

  A promise rooted in regret.

  His Tyrant of Commerce stirred instinctively, as if recognizing the weight of her conviction.

  And then—something happened.

  A faint, golden glow shimmered around Elysia’s body.

  Lucien, who had just finished his laps, turned and gasped. "Rin! Look!"

  Rin’s eyes widened. His talent activated, feeding him information.

  [Talent Progression Detected]

  Elysia Vale’s Talent is awakening due to her strong will

  New Skill Unlocked: Handmaid’s Grace

  [Handmaid’s Grace]

  ?Elysia’s body adapts to strenuous tasks. The more she works, the faster her stamina and endurance improve.

  ?Her balance and speed are enhanced, making her movements more efficient.

  Rin’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

  "A talent that grows through sheer effort and conviction… She really was a hidden treasure."

  Elysia, oblivious to what had just occurred, stumbled across the finish line. Her body was still trembling, but something was different. The exhaustion no longer crushed her—it merely weighed her down, as if her body was learning to endure it.

  "I… I finished," she gasped, her voice barely audible.

  Rin stepped forward, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Yes," he said softly, his golden eyes gleaming with pride. "And you unlocked something new along the way."

  Elysia blinked, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "What… do you mean?"

  Lucien grinned despite his own fatigue. "You’re glowing, Elysia." His voice was filled with awe. "I think… you just got stronger."

  Elysia looked down at her hands, her violet eyes widening. Though her limbs still ached, they no longer shook with weakness.

  Rin’s gaze was steady, filled with quiet approval. "Good job." His smile was genuine, something rarely seen. "This is just the beginning."

  Elysia’s breath caught, and for the first time, a small but radiant smile graced her lips.

  "Yes, Rin."

  Later That Night

  The moon hung high over the Everhart estate as Rin sat alone in his dimly lit room. His mind replayed the events of the day, but his focus was razor-sharp when a familiar notification appeared before him.

  [New Regret Quest Unlocked]

  Regret: "In my past life, I was always too weak to protect those who stood by me. This time, I will never let my people suffer."

  [Quest: Build a Foundation]

  Objective: Train both Lucien and Elysia to their peak potential.

  Time Limit: Until you reach age 12.

  Rewards: Unlock a hidden system feature.

  Failure Penalty: Their growth will be permanently stunted.

  [Accept] [Decline]

  Rin’s golden eyes darkened as he read the quest. His hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening.

  "A time limit…" His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of determination. "The system is forcing me to push them harder. To make sure they’re ready before it’s too late."

  His mind raced, calculating, strategizing.

  Lucien’s mind. Elysia’s devotion.

  They weren’t just his companions. They were the foundation of his future.

  "Fine," he murmured, his resolve solidifying.

  If this is the path I must take, then I’ll make sure they surpass all expectations.

  His finger hovered over the notification.

  And then—he pressed [Accept].

  The path ahead was long, but Rin had already taken the first step.