Across the capital, far away from the chaotic, flour-covered kitchen of the cliffside manor, a very different type of family was spending their afternoon.
In the sunlit courtyard of the Royal Military Estate, the rhythmic sound of a wooden training sword cutting through the air echoed off the stone walls.
Swish. Thwack. Swish.
Arjun was already looking more like a soldier. The young Tiger-kin's brow was slick with sweat as he moved through the advanced combat forms. His tactical backpack sat neatly against the wall, perfectly organized as always. He didn't stop, his amber eyes focused entirely on the wooden dummy in front of him.
"Your elbow is dropping on the backswing," a deep, authoritative voice called out.
General Rajah stood at the edge of the training mat. The massive Tiger-kin warrior was an intimidating figure, covered in battle scars and wearing the dark, heavy uniform of the Empire's highest commander. His striped ears twitched as he watched his son closely.
