Chapter 29

Dismaya rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply.

After Iannis, he also heard from Silas, the etiquette teacher; Crys, the music teacher; Celsis, the painting teacher; Tylnoa, the magic instructor; and Arnoldia and Sarasinia, who taught swordsmanship and martial arts in their spare time. All of them said in unison that Cain had grown far beyond what a 7-year-old child should be capable of.

This was partly due to Cain's playstyle in his previous life, where he enjoyed grinding levels to increase his physical strength. Since Cain's body and mind were those of a character blessed by a god, his abilities improved the more he practiced. He found that grinding levels thoroughly before tackling event battles resulted in fewer failures and accidents, and such playstyles were well-received in live streams, making him even more engrossed in this style of play.

Now, as Cain, living in a game world, the fear of failure drove him even more to focus on steady level grinding.

As a result, at the age of 7, Cain had reached the academic level of a third-year student at a magic academy and had mastered the most powerful spells of three attributes. However, in terms of art, the teachers commented, "His technique and skill are amazing, but his emotional depth and sense are a bit lacking. Still, it's more than enough for a noble's pastime."

In swordsmanship, they said that while his physique and strength were insufficient, he had a good sense. Arnordia added, "If it comes to a duel, he will naturally lose to adults due to the difference in strength, but his application of techniques from basic forms is almost complete, isn't it?"

He even used martial arts to trip adults and apply pressure to their carotid arteries, techniques that were not taught by the knights. Of course, it was Ilvareno who had taught him these techniques, forced by Cain.

After hearing from all the tutors, Dismaya realized just how extraordinary his son was. He regretted only hearing praises like "He's a good boy" without asking for specific progress.

In the game, this attitude of "believing the reports that Cain is a good boy and leaving him alone" likely distorted Cain's personality, leading to a strained relationship with his parents and eventually to hating Dianah, who was loved by his parents. However, as a 30-something in his current life, Cain didn't mind being left alone, doted on Dianah more than his parents, and threw himself into studies that he saw as level grinding, which made them less tedious.

During the interviews with the teachers, Tylnoa, the magic instructor, wished for Cain to join the Mage Corps in the future, and Crys, the music teacher, hoped for him to join an orchestra. Dismaya thought it was not unreasonable to expect that once Cain was a bit older and had a formal swordsmanship instructor, he would also be recruited by the Royal Knights.

Cain was concerned that Dianah would be noticed by the Crown Prince or the Queen, but he had successfully diverted their attention. When Cain demonstrated his fire magic in front of the Queen, her interest shifted from Dianah to Cain.

Dismaya held a letter from the Queen in his hand. It invited him to the castle for a reconciliation, promising no punishment. The letter specified that the reconciliation was between the Crown Prince and Cain, not Dianah.

"Cain is probably being considered as a candidate to be the Crown Prince's attendant..."

Dismaya sighed as he reread the letter. The Queen must have investigated Cain's surroundings. Since the teachers were not told to keep quiet, they likely shared Cain's achievements, which also highlighted their own competence. Some might have even hoped to become the Crown Prince's tutor.

Cain was exceptionally talented and had the courage to stand up to the Crown Prince, which was partly due to Dianah's involvement, though it might not have been apparent in their first meeting. Dismaya thought it was not surprising that the Queen wanted Cain by the Crown Prince's side. Elise's gentle hand stroked his back comfortingly.

"Children of their age should start attending social gatherings. In that sense, this is a good time. ...Cain is calm, kind, and considerate of others, as long as Dianah isn't involved."

"As long as Dianah isn't involved..."

For some reason, Cain believed that the Crown Prince and Dianah would become betrothed and was trying to prevent it. While their ages and backgrounds were well-matched, and such a proposal might come up eventually, Dismaya thought it would remain just one of many possibilities, as the balance of power could be upset if the leading ducal family became too strong.

It was understandable that Dismaya found it strange, as he had no way of knowing that Cain was acting based on the premise that in the game, the Crown Prince's route involved a childhood betrothal.

"For now, the letter says to bring Cain and Dianah to the reconciliation, but I'll have Dianah stay home."

"Yes, that's a good idea. We can say she still needs to improve her manners, and they won't insist."

"Besides, the letter clearly indicates that they want Cain more than Dianah."

If Dianah went with them and the Crown Prince tried to flirt with her, causing Cain to lose his temper, the reconciliation would be ruined. The Crown Prince was only 4 years old and might not be able to control his curiosity or temper, even if his parents and nurses had lectured him.

Cain was only 7, but Dismaya and Elise had a baseless trust that he could handle the situation maturely as long as Dianah wasn't involved. This trust was reinforced by the teachers' words.

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