The next morning, Valred and Isabella returned home. Though reluctant, Valred had to bid farewell to his sister. In the days that followed, his mood remained somber.
However, time is the best healer. After six months, Valred's emotions gradually settled, and he adapted to the routine of commuting between Drachenhof Castle and the academy. Five years later, he could barely recall Isabella's face. Their once-a-year correspondence seemed to have diluted their bond.
Focusing on his studies, Valred's abilities continued to advance rapidly. True to his word, Headmaster Asta began personally instructing Valred in the era's classic strategies and tactics, enriching his military knowledge.
This was far from what Isabella had described as "teaching many students." It was one-on-one mentorship, with Headmaster Asta sharing not only standard curriculum but also his own insights into warfare—something no ordinary teacher could offer. It was a rare privilege.
Valred once wondered why Headmaster Asta chose to teach only him, given that vampires weren't known for hoarding knowledge.
The headmaster explained that it was a matter of aptitude—many students struggled with even the basic material, let alone advanced tactics.
This made Valred reflect. Compared to other nations, Sylvanian's military standards were relatively high, thanks to the disciplined and well-trained undead soldiers.
Beastmen and orcs, with their chaotic charges, were one thing. But even Sylvanian's rivals, like the Sigmar Empire, lacked sophisticated military leadership. Their knights and nobles, often illiterate and disorganized, were hardly formidable commanders.
The Dwarven Kingdom, another of Sylvanian's adversaries, faced its own limitations. Their lack of suitable mounts hindered cavalry development, and their obsession with mining kept them isolated in the mountains. While their defenses were solid, their offensive capabilities were lacking.
Thus, even though newly graduated vampires were only half-competent commanders, they were more than a match for their amateurish opponents.
Another reason was Headmaster Asta's declining health. Though he hadn't participated in wars for years, his body was weakening. Even walking short distances left him exhausted. Teaching Valred alone consumed most of his energy, leaving little for regular classes.
"Perhaps my teacher's time is nearing its end," Valred thought, watching Headmaster Asta's health deteriorate. He resolved to learn as much as possible, not wanting to waste the headmaster's efforts. For a man with no children or heirs, passing on his knowledge of warfare would be a fitting legacy.
Over the years, Valred spent most of his time absorbing Headmaster Asta's military theories.
Outside of his studies, Valred also nurtured relationships with his classmates. His bond with his cousins grew stronger, and their interactions became more harmonious.
Unlike human friendships, which often faded after graduation, vampire relationships often extended into careers, adventures, and hierarchies. Building strong connections early on was crucial for future success. For the lower nobility, having a count who was also a close friend was ideal.
The boys, already close to Valred, became his trusted companions. With Isabella gone, the girls who had once looked up to her gradually gravitated toward Valred. This united the younger generation of the Castaigne County.
Valred aimed to cultivate these future allies, and the other vampire youths were eager to follow him. Though they were still young and lacked power, they would grow into formidable individuals.
These dozens of vampire youths were not only Valred's relatives but also his childhood friends and classmates. In essence, they were his "foundation"—the core of his future ambitions.
Beyond the students, the teachers were equally important. With vampires being few in number, many teachers held dual roles and wielded significant influence. Unlike the still-maturing students, these adult vampires were seasoned veterans, some having fought in the Fifth Orc Invasion.
Valred, with his status and abilities, had no trouble connecting with them. At six, he had outmaneuvered Professor Tracy in a duel, and now, seven years later, he excelled in both arts and combat. His relationships with the teachers were as strong as those with his peers, and his unique position made him both a student and a friend.
Valred believed that with more time, these teachers would become valuable allies. While not as close as his childhood friends, they were far more reliable than the average vampire.
Combined, the students and teachers numbered nearly a hundred, and including their families, they represented the majority of the Castaigne County's vampire population. If things continued smoothly, by the time Valred came of age and inherited the county, he would have consolidated most of its power, marking the halfway point of the Castaigne family's revival.
"If only it could be this easy," Valred mused before refocusing on the battlefield.
Currently, several of his classmates were engaged in a simulated battle. By combining multiple platforms, multiple participants could fight simultaneously, enhancing the training experience.
Valred led a team of three against a team of five. Despite the opponents having nearly double the points, they were still outmaneuvered and eventually forced to surrender.
"It's hopeless," one of the defeated cousins sighed. "Even with nearly double the points and being cautious, we still lost so badly."
"Most of the credit goes to Valred. We just followed his orders," another teammate chimed in.
"Don't flatter yourself," the first cousin joked, playfully punching his shoulder. Both laughed.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Valred said, nodding to each of them. Nearby, other groups were still engaged in their own battles, though none had a commander as skilled as Valred.
After the simulations ended, Valred gathered the twenty-six cousins, sitting in the center as he analyzed their mistakes and highlights. His explanations were thorough, and the group listened intently, impressed by his insights.
"Let's go eat," Valred said with a calm smile. Though Headmaster Asta lacked the energy to guide these students, Valred could step in and mentor them himself.