Whoosh.
Thwack!
Five bull's-eyes.
And my arms were already giving out.
I stared at the sixth arrow I had fired at the target. Unlike the previous shots, it hadn't hit the bull's-eye, instead striking the third ring.
My arms had begun to ache after the second shot, the muscles near my shoulders burning every time I pulled the string back. Now, as I prepared for my seventh shot, the strain had become impossible to ignore.
Whoosh.
The arrow missed the target entirely.
As I let the bow fall to the ground, the tremor in my arms became even more obvious.
"I think that's enough training for today, Young Master."
Chris approached me with a water canteen and a towel.
"Not yet. I can still go on."
I furrowed my brows and bent down to pick up the bow.
"Young Master, your control is exceptional—but your body hasn't caught up yet. Strength like that isn't built in a day. Push any further, and you'll only break yourself."
Calvin's gaze lingered on my trembling arms as he spoke. Unlike the others, he didn't sound impressed.
Only concerned.
"Calvin's right. Your body cannot keep up with your talent yet. I suggest you also hone your physical strength alongside your accuracy."
Hans added.
"I will make you a workout plan, Young Master!"
Jenal said eagerly, his broad shoulders towering over me.
For some reason, they looked more excited about my growth than I was.
Like my progress was something they could take pride in.
The thought made me chuckle softly.
I handed the bow to Calvin and took the towel from Chris instead. Letting my body relax, I drank from the canteen.
"Alright. I'll continue training tomorrow. I'll be counting on you."
The knights bowed as I left the training grounds.
The moment I arrived at my room, the fatigue finally caught up with me.
My body wobbled toward the bed.
The moment I reached it, I collapsed onto the mattress.
I wasn't strong enough yet.
Not even close.
Before I knew it, sleep took me.
When I opened my eyes, the sun had already risen.
My sore body ached with every movement. The moment I tried to sit up, pain ran through my shoulders and arms.
Will I even be able to train today?
Can I make it to breakfast like this?
The thought discouraged me, but I still got ready for the day. As soon as I rang the bell, the servants prepared everything.
Chris Avern helped me put on my clothes—luxurious noble attire that somehow made my already handsome face look even better.
Hehe.
I couldn't help but admire myself in the mirror for a moment.
Chris Avern's sunset-orange eyes dulled slightly at the sight, though his polite smile never wavered.
Like he was already used to this kind of shenanigan.
"Breakfast will be served soon. It would be rude to keep your family waiting, Young Master."
Chris urged gently.
Still, the pain in my body lingered, and it took me longer than usual to reach the dining room.
Father, Mother, and Ethea were already there.
The sweet aroma of pancakes engulfed me as I wobbled into my seat.
"You look rough."
Ethea said it with such elegance that it somehow sounded less insulting than it should have.
"I think that's a good sign of hard work."
The Countess encouraged me as she passed over the maple syrup.
"I'm fine—ugh…"
I tried to reassure them, but the crack in my voice betrayed me immediately.
Thea sighed, though not out of disappointment.
"I didn't think you'd need it this early."
She muttered before whispering something to her maid. The maid nodded and went on her way.
"Need what?" I asked.
"Later."
She stopped me from prying further before poking my arm as if examining it.
"I'm surprised you were even able to properly swing a sword with those noodle arms."
Thea chuckled teasingly.
I opened my mouth, preparing a retort, but couldn't think of a comeback.
After all, it was true.
I recalled yesterday's humiliating memory and avoided Thea's gaze.
She noticed immediately.
"Don't tell me…"
Thea tried—and failed—to suppress her grin.
"You couldn't even swing it?"
I nodded begrudgingly.
Thea puffed her cheeks, desperately trying to contain her laughter.
"Now, now. I heard that while you may not be proficient with the sword, your talent as an archer more than makes up for it."
The Count smiled proudly.
"We don't have any experienced archers in our ranks capable of properly mentoring you, but Calvin has some experience with the bow. He can teach you the basics while I search for a proper mentor."
A proper mentor…
I hadn't thought about that.
In the novel, I trained at the Emilton Barony alongside Amon. It never specified who trained us under.
Then again, the novel never did a particularly good job with worldbuilding.
The hero's party basically wandered around solving random disasters until the plot decided to move again.
They didn't even name the continent.
Or the planet.
"Ah!"
Mother's sudden holler drew everyone's attention.
She looked like she had just realized something.
"What about Professor Owen?" Mother suggested.
Father seemed struck by the same realization and nodded immediately.
Meanwhile, I sat there dumbfounded because Professor Owen was the history teacher whose lectures I used to skip.
"I'm not opposed to being taught by him again. I've actually been interested in history lately, so I was planning to ask Father about it anyway. But what does that have to do with archery?"
I asked, genuinely confused.
"I suppose you wouldn't know this, but Professor Owen was once a renowned archer in his youth. He studied at the Canis Confederation Academy and even taught there."
Father explained.
"He taught history?" I clarified.
"He taught archery first before eventually shifting to history."
Mother added.
"If both of you vouch for him this much, then I have no choice but to trust you."
It was like hitting two birds with one stone, so I thought it was a good idea.
After a while, Thea's maid returned carrying a potion. She placed it on the table between us.
"This is a training potion. It eases physical fatigue. With this, you'll be able to continue training even if your body aches all over."
I stared at the valuable item in amazement.
"It doesn't have any side effects, so you can take one anytime you feel sore. Father asked me to buy a whole batch from the Magic Tower yesterday."
Thea said proudly.
"It was your mother's suggestion."
The Count clarified.
I chugged the potion down my throat.
"Still, it's too bad none of us inherited your talent for swordsmanship, Father."
Thea muttered, sounding slightly regretful.
Father smiled warmly.
"Whatever your talent may be, I'm sure you inherited it from us. So don't feel bad that you chose a different path. Just continue doing what you love."
Thea visibly relaxed at Father's words.
Honestly, I felt the same.
"Well, perhaps your younger sibling might inherit it."
Mother said casually.
"Huh?"
For a moment, nobody reacted.
Then—
"HUH?!"