Slowly but surely, the swordfighting lessons start to pay off.
Wonder becomes faster, lighter on his feet, and quicker with his blade. Before he even reaches his seventh birthday, he's already top of his class; following in Chiffon's footsteps as their mother pushes them harder and farther.
"You need to understand how important this is," she'd tell them firmly, hands planted on her hips like they're permanently glued there. "You are going to bring honor and glory to your district. It's one of the highest goals we can achieve. People are going to expect great things from you. You need to make sure you exceed those expectations."
Without fail, Wonder would turn out and nod along absent-mindedly. "Yes, Mommy. Whatever you say, Mommy."
And, naturally, it wouldn't take long for Wonder to try and sneakily get out of extra practice, or following his drills, or doing his bookworm. And then his mom would get on his case again.
This was their little routine. It didn't change very much over the next few years, but it still ended up changing eventually. It wasn't a drastic change, but a change nonetheless.