?: Shamak!

A plume of smoke erupted and covered the courtyard. Though barely noticeable, it was somewhat contained. This smoke, blacker than black, as black as the world eaten by The Witch, creates this stark terror in you than can crush your heart... if it had lasted more than a second...

As the smoke cleared, a blonde man could be seen standing in the centre, before he collapsed, face first. A maide- GUY with feline characters crouched near him, with a cross expression. He looked merciless. But the one face-planted wouldn't know that.

William: werp...

Ferris: eh? Nyou need my help? Oh, of course! Its not like I had warned nyou a hundred times not to push yourself and you just chose to ignore it. Wait, i did. hmph. If it weren't for me you would have already kicked the bucket. You should be grateful to Ferris and LISTEN to what he says. You have an underdeveloped gate, barely any mana, an affinity that's almost lost to time, and zero experience in magic. You shouldn't push yourself so hard.

William was still face-planted and Ferris showed no indication of helping him. It was unclear whether he was listening to or not, but if you really squint your eyes, you could see that William was getting smaller smaller.

Ferris: sigh. Now listen up your gate is like that of a small baby. If you force it too much, it will break and you wont be able to do magic ever again. Even my healing has a limit. And that's not even the worst part, it could lead to mana poisoning and you-would-go poof~~

William: zooh?

Oh, he is listening.

Ferris: And then there's your mana reserve. Its soo small that you would literally get squeezed like a grapefruit if you did an El- level. You had already fainted twice and it was NOT because you begged on all fours to Great Sir Ferris that he pumped some mana into you, but it was that Ferris couldn't let himself to see your depressed and grumpy four-year-old-self. But that doesn't mean...

Ferris was going on and on while William was still face-planted. It has already been 10 minutes. Ferris was rather passionate when it came to health and injuries. Despite his cheerful appearances, you do not want to ignore him when he "advices" you. William was still face-planted but he could feel the knife move closer to his neck with each word.

?: That's enough Ferris, he gets it now... probably.

The one came to his rescue was the verdant haired duchess, Crusch Karsten who was enjoying her break, sipping some tea and watching William practice magic. She has to say it that his determination was just otherwordly. Motivating too. And it was not some stubborn " I can do it too", he was practicing to produce results. Most would have given up in his place. He had amazed her from the start and continued to amaze her. It made her smile. But right now she was trying her hardest not to laugh. She knows that she is not supposed to, William was trying his best and Ferris was worrying a lot about his health. But the image of a Ferris crouching near a face-planted William, speed talking, was just too much.

Ferris: sigh I am letting you off the hook for now, ONLY because Miss Crusch said so. YOU better thank her.

William: *random gibberish*

Crusch: pfftt! ahaha your welcome. Wilhelm do go help them out.

She let out cute giggles. She couldn't hold it in anymore. and she didn't care that she couldn't. Wilhelm, who had been standing beside Crusch, walked over to Ferris who was healing the still face-planted William, with a smile on his face. The mansion certainly was livelier. Over his stay in the manor, he mostly kept studying, in his room or in the library. Even so he made time to interact with all the residents of the manor, be it in chit-chat or with help. Though Wilhelm really wanted to have a duel with William, upon the discovery of the latter's hidden sword and his skills in using it. Though the drama that it caused was a bit too much.

William was finally seating upright, along with Crusch and Ferris. His cheeks were a bit sulky, eyes droopy and wore a grim expression, from mana exhaustion and disappointment, maybe a bit of Ferris too. Wilhelm poured some tea for William which he gladly accepted.

Crusch: Cheer up William. I can understand your frustration. But you need to understand you own limits. Besides all that, the progress you have made in just 2 days is just amazing. For a beginner, you have certainly surpassed yourself. You should be proud of the efforts you have put in. Adding to that in just a week you had managed to read and write all the glyphs, caught up with the history, politics and economy of this kingdom. That's just... are you sure that you don't have any divine protection?

William smiled a bit at this

William: Thank you Miss Crusch for your kind words, Ferris and Wilhelm too for all the help. But i don't think i deserve such high praise. I still have a lot of trouble with Ha-glyphs, and I have only briefed through the major information from simple books that Ferris was kind enough to pick for me. If anything, i wish i was able to practic- erm, eh, i mean i don't want to practice. ah um yes, health, it is quite important. you shouldn't push yourself. I-Isn't that right F-Ferris?

Back to her cheerful nature Ferris:hmm hmm That's right. goood boy. ahh nyou are such a fast learner. Isn't that right, Miss crusch?

Crusch: pfff yes. He is a good boy. You should give yourself a bit more credit.

Crusch gave him a warm smile.

William: You too!... sigh Putting that aside you do have something to discuss right?

Crusch: sigh. I am not even surprised anymore. I have a case for the 'Consultant'.

William leaned back on his chair and sipped his tea, a smile on his face.

Crusch's Study

William: A subjugation of the white whale?!

Crusch: hmm That's right. You seem rather surprised about this?

William: I have read a bit about the White Whale. It is one of Great Mabeasts isn't it? I had assumed that the request would be something related to Wilhelm. Guess I was wrong.

The other three present in the room were in disbelief, their eyes widening.

Crusch: It is... I thought you knew about it.

William gave a puzzled look, as the room felt a bit suffocating. Crusch threw a slight glimpse towards Wilhelm.

Wilhelm: I appreciate your concern, Miss Crusch. 13 years ago, a subjugation force was sent to slay the whale. Leading the force was my wife, the previous sword saint. They failed...

Now it was William's turn to be surprised.

William: Then that means, you are...

Wilhelm: Sword demon, Wilhelm Van Astrea.

William: Forgive my inconsideration, but what exactly makes one a sword saint.

William knew that Wilhelm was getting uncomfortable. But he just had to know.

Crusch: Divine protection of the Sword Saint, it gives you the title of Sword saint. Unlike a normal Divine protection, it is passed down through the Astrea family.

WIlliam: I shall offer my help in this matter. Though i would like to know the preparations so far.

Crusch: Wilhelm over here has been trying to track the whale for the last 13 years and has gathered up lot of useful details about the whale. I have been buying up weaponry and other tools that we might need in the fight, including a magical tool that has been recently developed that will surely be of aid. We have been recruiting those who are willing to bring this down including some of the people who were part of the previous subjugation force and those out for revenge who have lost their loved ones. We are currently preparing to find and strike the whale after the selection has started.

William: I see. So i assume that the whale's location is still unknown.

Crusch: That's right.

William: Do we know of any its weaknesses?

Crusch: No

William: Its abilities?

Crusch: umm... we have some idea.

William: Doesnt the whale fly? Do we have weapons that can reach it?

Crusch: Well, err... yes

William: A way to retreat if things go south?

Crusch: ...

Crusch was no stranger to criticism. Her father had taught her to accept them and learn from her mistakes. That was how she reached where she is now. But William's indirect questions were all hitting the Bull's eye. She felt her heart squeeze a bit as doubt planted in her mind. Is she getting a bit impulsive? Was the election getting to her? She could have led her men to a death trap. It would just be a repeat of what happened 13 years ago. Was she truly a capable leader? Could she fulfill her promise...

Ferris: Isn't that enough nya.

Ferris was narrowing his eyes dangerously. Wilhelm too, though kept his silence, had a slight aura surrounding him. Surprisingly, William didn't even faze.

William: Ah, I apologize for my words. It was not my intention to hurt you. I was merely assessing what i have to work with.

William breathed out heavily before staring at the ceiling and then towards Crusch with a small smile.

William: Besides, I believe that a great leader is one who accepts their shortcomings and correct them. Rather than leading, they stand beside them and guide them. So for me, you are a great leader, Miss Crusch. You remind me of my brother.

Crusch: I see... I will keep your words in mind. Thank you.

Ferris: hmm, that was smooth nya. But just in case, Ferris will show nyou around the basement for a bit. Aren't nyou excited?

William: -hkk. Y-yes...

Crusch: If there is anything you need, let me know. Let Wilhelm help you too. His knowledge would be useful.

Wilhelm: That would be an honour. I hope I would be of help to you.

William: I am looking forward to it too. I have one more request too, if you will.

Crusch: What is it?

William: A blackboard. I would appreciate if it could be arranged in my room. I was a professor you know. Guess old habits die hard.

Crusch: That's no problem. But aren't you a bit too young to be professor.

William: Yes, yes i am. If that's all then i will excuse myself.

Leaving the room and walking down the hallway he suddenly stopped and gazed at the wall for a few seconds before heading towards his room, a scheming expression on his face. No one knew what was going on inside the mind of the ex-noble hunter.

I am really sorry for the late update for those expecting. I was really busy with my exams. But now I am free for a while so i PROBABLY would update regularly( major procrastinator warning). As usual would appreciate suggestions. I reaaaaally (Emilia voice) need them.