Four years had passed since Caelan Valeford was born into the noble house of Aetheria's western lands. To most, he was a bright child blessed with charm and quiet brilliance. To a few keen-eyed servants and instructors, he was an early bloomer—obedient, calm, and always watching with a spark far too sharp for a child his age.
To himself, he was simply a reincarnated soul preparing for the future.
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Valeford Estate – Training Grounds
Caelan stood in the courtyard holding a wooden sword, his small frame firm but relaxed. Across from him, an aged knight instructor observed his form.
"Hold your stance like this, Young Master," said Sir Gareth, demonstrating. "Keep the center of your body grounded—like a tree."
Caelan nodded silently, mimicking the pose with perfect precision. His feet shifted, knees bent, grip steady. Then, in a single smooth motion, he slashed down.
Thwack!
The wooden dummy's surface cracked.
"…H-Hah! Excellent form, Young Master!" Sir Gareth blinked. "Where did you learn to move like that?"
> I watched you do it, twice.
And I had a full-blown sword master in my past life, old man.
But he only smiled politely. "I just copied you, Sir Gareth."
The knight laughed, ruffling Caelan's hair. "You're going to become a great swordsman, lad. No doubt about it!"
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[System Notification – Internal Only]
> New Skill Unlocked: Swordsmanship (D)
Progress: 6%
> Good. It's starting to unlock naturally. I'll keep it steady.
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Valeford Garden – That Evening
In the flower-filled courtyard, Caelan sat on a bench under the twilight sky. A small bundle of energy waddled toward him—golden-brown hair tied with a pink ribbon, big emerald eyes, and the brightest grin.
"Cae~! Cae~!" the little girl chirped.
"Lilia," he said gently, opening his arms.
His two-year-old sister, Lilia Valeford, jumped into his lap with a squeal of joy. She hugged him tightly, giggling.
"You pwomised you'd show me fwowers!" she puffed up her cheeks.
"I did. And here they are." He pointed to a row of blooming moonflowers glowing faintly in the dark.
"Wowww… magic fwowers!" Lilia gasped, clapping.
Their mother watched from the balcony above, a soft smile on her lips. "Those two… I swear they'll melt the heart of the coldest noble."
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[Internal System Update]
> Emotional Bond Formed: Lilia Valeford – Sister
Relationship: Protective Affection
Bonus Unlocked: Willpower +1 when fighting near bonded family.
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As Caelan held Lilia in his arms, watching the glowing blooms, he smiled faintly.
> This world... it might be beautiful after all.