Reclamation (Part 2)

The morning sun slipped through the soft silky curtains, painting soft golden streaks of the floor, basking them in its warm glow. Luciel stirred awake first, stretching his arms with a low groan. The faint scent of wildflowers drifted in from outside, carried by the breeze of an early summer day.

To his side, Alice was still deep into her slumber, her hair sprawled across the bed akin to the curtain beside them—silky, and freely-flowing, her breathing steady and calm. The memory of last night’s teasing whisper brushed against his mind, and he quickly shook his head, cheeks heating.

He glanced at her, smiling to himself. Slowly, he raised his hand and placed over her hair that was covering her cheeks. He gently stroked her cheek, pushing away hair that covered it.

Moments later, he pulled back, feeling a bit conscious as to what he did. The memory of last night’s teasing whisper brushed against his mind, and he quickly shook his head, cheeks heating.

“Get a grip, Luciel…” he muttered under his breath, sitting up and forcing himself to look anywhere but at her.

Then, Alice woke up to his bewilderment, her hazel eyes fluttering open. She stretched lazily before smiling up at him. “Good morning, Luciel… You look restless. Bad dream?” she asked, still half-asleep.

“Uhm…” Luciel paused, his breath hitching. “No, just woke up early,” he averted his gaze, pretending to adjust his clothes.

Alice tilted her head in amusement but chose not to press further. Instead, she rose to her feet and made her way to the kitchen, intent on preparing breakfast. “Get up, Luciel… and also tidy up the bed.” she said, swaying her hair from side to side as she walked.

Luciel then followed her instructions, tidying up the bed. As he did what she told him to do, Alice peeked from the kitchen doorway, and teased him.

“You’re so sloppy, Luciel.” sticking her tongue out.

“What do you mean!? I’m doing my best over here…” he pouted, crossing his arms in defense.

“Hehe, just kidding…” She chuckled softly, using her left hand to cover her mouth. “But you do act like a house husband right now…” she commented, glancing away with a sly grin.

“I—” he paused, giving her comment more thought. “I’m not! You just put me up to it…” he continued, still wearing a childish pout.

“Come on~ Isn’t it the least you should do if you’re living here?”

“I mean…”

“Stumped?” she smirked. “Then hurry up and finish it already!”

Luciel finished tucking in the sheets with an exaggerated flourish, turning back to Alice as if expecting applause.

“There! It’s flawless—not sloppy at all.”

Alice peeked over from the kitchen, raising a brow. “Hmm… passable, I guess.”

“Passable!? That’s at least worth a gold medal!” he protested, puffing his chest out proudly.

She laughed, shaking her head as she turned back to the stove. “What are you, a little child?” she said with an overly dramatic laugh.

Luciel muttered something under his breath but obeyed, the sound of running water mixing with the gentle clatter of cooking. The small, ordinary rhythm of the morning felt strangely comforting—like a glimpse of peace before the day ahead.

“What was that, Luciel…?” she glared, seeming to have heard what he muttered.

Luciel felt the change in atmosphere, and immediately folded. “I just said you’re like a strict mother…”

“Oh? And what if I am?” she pressed, her aura suddenly daunting. “Because of that—no seconds for you!”

“Wait, at least tell me what breakfast is first…”

“Rabbit stew, with a side of mashed potatoes.”

Luciel’s eyes widened. “M-My favorite…”

The two of them eat together peacefully, savoring the warmth of the meal. Alice sneaks extra stew into his bowl despite saying no seconds. After eating, they plan their day. Luciel was extra motivated today—wanting to impress some of the elders, changing their view about him, despite his mana problem.

Luciel leaned back, letting out a satisfying smile. “That was really good…”

Alice smirked, watching him polish off the last of his stew. “You ate more than I expected. Didn’t I say no seconds?”

“You gave me seconds,” he shot back, pointing his spoon towards her.

She covered her mouth as she giggled softly. “Hehe… Maybe I just wanted you to enjoy it.” she raised her hands feigning a surrender.

Luciel felt his face warming up, but he quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject immediately. “Anyway… I should get to training. If I can’t use my mana, then I’ll have to sharpen my swordsmanship even more.”

Alice nodded, her expression softening. “Then I’ll come with you. Someone has to make sure you don’t overdo it.”

He rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. “Fine, but don’t distract me too much.”

“It’s your choice to look at me though…”

“Shut up…” he muttered, his warm cheeks had finally turned a deep crimson.

“Looks like someone is flustered~” she teased.

“Don’t add more salt to the wound…” he pouted, turning his gaze away from her.

Moments later, dressed up for the occasion, they stepped out of the house—full of gear, and packed lunch. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and pine. Luciel tightened his grip on his sword, determination flickering in his eyes as they made their way toward the open training grounds.

As they walked their way towards the training grounds, some elven people turned their gaze towards them, smiling to themselves because of how close they were. Luciel and Alice shared laughs, and talking to each other with enthusiasm.

Just then, after keeping themselves occupied from chit-chatting each other, they finally arrived at the elven training grounds—where famous heroes from their village continue to train, some of the elders, and warriors.

Luciel stood out like a sore thumb, his armor unlike that of the elves, drawing several unwanted stares. But all of that was negated because of Alice’s presence as a well known noble. Mumbles echoed throughout the grounds, but none bothered to speak up.

Ignoring their muttered comments, Luciel unsheathed his sword and began training his sword on one of the dummies, with Alice watching him on the sidelines, just in case he overdoes his training.

With a single, fluid motion—SHHK

The dummy split cleanly in two, the strike so precise and forceful it left the onlookers stunned. Such a feat was almost unheard of.

“Young man, you’ve just done the impossible,” an elderly warrior remarked, his tone carrying both awe and approval. “Even without channeling mana, your blade carries the weight of a true fighter. I’m impressed.”

Luciel straightened, cheeks flushed from both exertion and praise. “Th-thank you, sir… May I know your name?”

Before the man could answer, Alice stiffened at his voice. She stole a glance at him—then quickly turned away, as if avoiding his gaze.

Because she knew exactly who he was.

The man smiled warmly, resting a hand over his chest. “Fied Sylvalen, grandfather of Alice. A pleasure to meet you.”

Sup guys, part 2 here!
Anyway new chapter on sunday (Sept 28, 2025 GMT+8)
Chapter 22: Glimpse of the Capital

See you guys again!