Is this what it feels like to have your life flash before your eyes?

It was naive of me to think that I could have repaid their kindness.

During the war, I was one of those who had almost lost everything... If it weren't for my brother's decision to apply as a soldier, we might have already died from poverty.

As I was young, I could only support him from afar, yet that was why, I too, have worked hard--- all just to be where I am today, so he could have a home to return to, just so I could repay their kindness.

...I wish I could have thanked Duke Mard for his kindness.

I wish I could have thanked teacher Sebastian for sheltering us in all those times.

I'm sorry Lady Rinca...

*******

As much as she would have wanted to save herself, Sestra knew she was powerless against the approaching axe.

When it comes to battles, superior strength would mostly prevail in the fight. Certainly, strategies and tactics are important, but overwhelming strength would naturally have the upper-hand.

Yet still, she firmly held her wooden wand, trying her best to defend herself with magic, but to no avail. Her mind was too unsettled to incantate any defensive spell.

Sestra could only close her eyes and wait for her demise, but to her surprise it did not come. Instead, she felt immense vibrations that were followed by a cold gust of fog. As she opened her eyes, the fog slowly settled, and the scene then came into view.

The huge axe halted upon colliding with the large snow crystal. The shining silver crystal spewed out snow as it slowly coated the entirety of the axe.

Those who had seen it were stunned, yet the battle did not let them pause for so long. Sestra was the only one who stayed lost in a trance.

'Am I dreaming? Is this the afterlife?' But what awakened her senses was the approaching face of the young master of Beryldot, who couldn't hide his gentle voice of concern.

"Lady Sestra, are you okay?" His voice was far different from his red chilling eyes, pale skin, and silver hair; none of which would even show the warmth of his voice.

Sestra by then, felt guilty of her earlier prejudice towards Naell as she knew it was he who saved her life. She then gently spoke in gratitude.

"...Thank you for saving my life."

Naell smiled, hiding his fatigue. Using his limit continuously, took a toll on his body.

During the first half of the battle, Naell was somewhat preoccupied. He couldn't shake his concern for the lingering mana of the mysterious creature.

That was why he was so focused, to the point of using his limit to inspect every mana source within his vicinity. After a while, he was convinced that the creature was truly gone, and went on to help out in the conflict.

During the clash between the butler and the chaotic troll, Sebastian's magic was slightly inferior to the troll's brute aura, but because of his tactics, he had succeeded in defeating him.

Little by little, the accumulated splashes of water from both the arrogant troll's body, and their surroundings, resulted in the troll's inevitable defeat.

It then happened in an instant, that the chaotic troll's last attempt of mayhem was prevented by Naell.

*******

The battle ended with no fatalities on their side. As for the deceased monsters, it was the job of the fire mages to purify their bodies. In the book, Arts and Magic, burials were often cleansed by mages, as it was a belief that,

[ All things came pure, therefore, all shall be purified. ]

In their return to the Beryldot Estate, their pace was much slower. Some weren't too keen as they were exhausted, but because of the injured, none could complain.

Unbeknownst to any of them, Naell was actually glad about their pace, as he was weakened from the battle. The only things he did not like were the constant stares and murmurs targeting him.

As bad luck would have it, Naell wasn't smart socially, that was why he thought that those stares and murmurs were hostility for his bad reputation.

Little did he know, it was all admiration and respect.

Admiration for his power, that even the Lieutenant, who knew of Naell's late awakening, couldn't help but be left in awe.

Respect for saving Sestra. She felt guiltier upon hearing the gossip of how the young master's power carried risks, as he was still incapable of handling his mana.

The snow crystal that protected Sestra, seemed like new magic to everyone. Yet they were familiar with its symbol, due to it being the emblem of Berlydot. It was told that the family symbol was to honor Baron Fharom's first wife, Alicia.

The Lieutenant and Sestra approached Naell and Sebastian. They could see based on his demeanor, that their young master truly was exhausted.

Sebastian was somewhat tired, but because of his accumulated experience, one could see that he could still fight. His butler attire was somewhat ragged, yet his warm voice accompanied by his smile, had not disappeared.

"Hohoho, Good job, both of you."

"No, it was because of your strength, Captain. Also… Thank you, Young master, for saving my sister's life." After the death of the chaotic troll, Estra led the members to fend off the remaining monsters.

Sestra's black robe was somewhat dirtied with soil, but overall she still looked fine. Unlike her brother, whose newly dented plate armor matched with his ruffled gray hair.

Sestra was hesitant to speak, but the determination in her blue eyes could be seen.

All the while, Naell was smiling at them. Onlookers were dubious as to why he looked more tamed than before. Little did they know, Naell was a natural airhead whenever he'd get sleepy.

Sestra nodded apologetically to Sebastian who somewhat understood what she meant. She then bowed down to Naell and said,

"Young master, thank you for saving me… and I truly apologize for my behavior back then..."

.

.

.

The blue mage's words startled Naell. He was somewhat confused, yet he decided to pat Sestra's shoulder anyway.

"Lady Sestra, please don't bow down, and you have nothing to apologize for.”

The gazes that he got made him more panicky. He thought they were angry for making such a beautiful woman apologize, but they were actually gazes of comfort, and respect as they murmured,

''Yes, our Young master really is kind.''

"I'm just glad I could save you. I'm sure you would have done the same." Naell added on while continuously patting Sestra's shoulders, with his now trembling hands.

Sestra smiled as she straightened her posture. She then realized Naell was misunderstanding her apology.

"No, I'm apologizing for a different matter, Young master."

"Hmmm... Have we met before? I'm sorry if I do not remember you... but if I've done something wrong, I truly am sorry."

Sestra then thought that maybe Naell was just a misunderstood kid, who often misunderstood things himself. So plainly she said,

"Not really from that, but by how I acted in front of you. You see... I'm actually from Arigare, and I knew the Duke family well--- especially Lady Rinca."

When Naell heard the name, he immediately froze a bit. He was certain that at that point, one move could get him killed. He bowed down facing Sestra as to not incite her wrath.

"I have done things I'm not really proud of... But you see, I was a naive kid back then. I'm not saying it is reasonable to forgive me, but I can promise you--- I will not trouble the Young mistress with my presence ever again."

Sebastian, Lieutenant, and Sestra saw Naell with his quivering eyes. They could see the sincerity in his apology, but at the same time, they sensed he was isolated.

They were quite curious on why a 15-year-old boy could unknowingly present himself as one shouldering a heavy burden.

Sebastian could only pat Naell's back. He knew that his young master was a bad kid back then, but for a reason. He also knew that his young master would often bad mouth anyone, but was never violent. That was why he was suspicious, and got even more so when Naell changed.

He--- Enzo also found it weird when Naell of the novel, who was only good at trash-talking, just started using force. Even in the forums, most thought that volume 1 of Arts and Magic wasn't well-thought-out, as the history of the first villain and how he came to be, seemed barely glimpsed upon. The circumstances of why the old Naell started being physically abusive was weird for most readers, but some just accepted it as a plot for the novel, a plothole at that.

Sestra just smiled as she sensed the sincerity in his voice.

"Apology accepted."

Naell then nodded and finally thought it was all over, yet he saw Sestra’s blue eyes as he felt the piercing gaze on his now paler skin.

"You got lucky too." Teasingly said Sestra, who was grinning.

As to inquire, Naell managed to smile a little bit under the sudden pressuring atmosphere.

"Hmmm?"

"Lady Rinca told me that had you dueled with her instead, you might have lost some limbs."

.

.

.

Sestra recalled how troubled Lady Rinca was before they canceled the engagement.

At the age of 16, nobles would be introduced to high society. One burden that nobles immediately shoulder upon their introduction, would be the announcement of their official engagement. Once announced, it would be hard to cancel. That was why, Rinca at that time, was afraid of having her engagement officially recognized.

Rinca despised Naell because he truly was an arrogant person. She knew he loathed nobles and hated commoners, which was why she didn't really want to marry him. She often told Sestra about how she and Naell were usually on bad terms.

"He wasn't really a bad kid when we were young, Oneesan. Yet, after Auntie's death, he changed. He got really loud and annoying…"

So it was really shocking when Rinca told of what had transpired,

"I really thought for sure that he would not dare hurt anyone..."

Sestra even believed she heard the sad murmur of Rinca before the young mistress changed the topic herself.

"Especially me…"

'Why did he hit her then? Was it all an act?' Sestra was now even more curious, as mysteries kept building around the young master of Beryldot.