Endurance

"Your highness, I'm Rob Jobuen. A physician assigned here." bending down, the man introduced himself.

"At ease. I called you here to check whether I've created muscle strains." Lawrence explained in his bed.

Just as an ordinary physician would, he goes near and checks Lawrence's pulse. He wondered his eyes on Lawrence and gave out a smile, "May I ask how you got these strains, your highness?"

"As I said, I ordered you here to know whether I have strained or not. But now that you asked me, does that mean I do?" Lawrence asked.

Rob, flustered by the conclusion of Lawrence, spoke, "I'm afraid so, your highness." he replied with his gentle voice. "But it's quite worrying, your highness. These strains were similar to what I've seen from other people. Specific people, to be exact." he added.

"And?"

Rob hesitantly stared at Lawrence, "May I ask, your highness?"

"Go ahead."

Rob's face turned serious, "Did you perhaps perform a dangerous stance or martial arts, your highness?"

"No, I was just exhausted. It was solely because of my lack of physical labor. If I remembered, years had already passed since I haven't done any lifting or practice." Lawrence explained.

"I see," Rob replied. 'Even if he was just exhaustion, the muscle strains looked similar to those swordsmen. And to think he knows how to apply arcane into fastening his recovery, he really is part of the Genius Prodigies. If not, I do not know where he belongs. To add to my theory, he is a young, but mature-looking child, as I remember, he is a five-year-old one.' he thought hard.

"There is no need to exhaust your mentality. Thinking highly or lowly about me will only take your time away. I only need one thing, so do what you can, and I'll do the rest."

Rob smiled, "I can do acupuncture and loosen your muscles. Although it's different from other acupuncture, it will work unlike any other."

Lawrence nodded in response, preparing his position for the acupuncture. An hour passed, the physician inserted twenty, or even more, needles into Lawrence, feeling the lightness in his body- someone else's charm within his body. It was stimulating- as if Lawrence was envisioning the arcane flowing inside his body.

The physician returned his needles in his equipment. "Soon after, this method will fasten your recovery faster than anyone in the city could. Now, if you may excuse me, your highness. I've finished my duty." Rob said before bowing down- exiting the room.

"Please, call me when an urgent matter has occurred, your highness," he added, leaving the room in haste.

"I will send you a sufficient payment for my treatment. Thank you very much, Rob." Lawrence replied as he sinks into his slumber.

Dawn had arrived, witnessing the astonishing scenery of sunrise. Lawrence yawns, advancing to his bedroom's balcony. He leaned closer to enjoy the view, yearning for the time to stop right where he stood where one finds peace.

Stretching his arm and yawning, giving out a feigned smile, "What a wonderful scene to start my amazing life." sardonic to himself, he murmured.

He felt light like he was before doing the spar. As if he regained his previous strength or maybe even further potent. He stopped and wondered whether being a potentially skilled physician means having an inheritance of their own. Lawrence smiled at the mysterious question that popped into his mind.

"Anyhow, I shouldn't waste my time like this. I still have guests currently in my household and some business to attend to today. Where is Emilia when I need her?" he uttered to himself, massaging his forehead gently.

His murmuring time was interrupted by a sudden knock on the doors, "Your highness, please excuse me." Emilia's voice from the opposite side of the door traveled inside thy's room, opening the two antique-designed doors.

"Good morning, your highness," Emilia greeted casually.

"Good morning, Emilia. Are there any reports regarding yesterday? How are our guests?" acting as if he cared at all, but forced himself to ask.

Emilia gave a faint smile, "Our esteemed guests have been taken care of yestereve. If I may report though your highness, It seems that our guests will be leaving this morning."

"Then I presume that my presence to greet them goodbye is obligatory?" bored and effortlessly, he asked.

Emilia gave a slight nod and averted her eyes elsewhere. 'I was completely useless last night. If I were to intervene, I would have done something for our dear highness to not be in his condition right now.' she thought to herself.

"Don't dwell on the past. You could not have intervened because that was directly the order of both the granted marquess and the emperor. Only of a higher position could have deferred it." Lawrence softly murmured.

"As you please, your highness. But I do feel bad for leaving you to be in that state..." she trembled, speaking regretfully.

Lawrence gave a genuine smile at Emilia, "It does feel very pleasing to know someone actually is worried about my health, but I should tell you that I feel as if I was before the spar, maybe even better. By the way..., I want to have a full investigation about Rob and how he had acquired such expertise to heal an individual perfectly." still astonished by his light body, he remarked.

"Then you can trust me to investigate about sir Rob and his background, your highness."

"Then I'll leave it to your care. I will begin to prepare myself to look presentable," Lawrence uttered, emitting a dreadful aura along with his distant stares.

Emilia smiled under her breath, "I've already asked some servants to prepare your bath a few minutes before you woke up, your highness." she said clearly with a hint of optimism and longing for a compliment.

Lawrence gave out a weak sigh before speaking, "Thank you, Emilia. Thanks to your hard work, everything becomes more manageable." he said genuinely, complimenting Emilia.

Emilia's flustered about the situation, covering a part of her face to hide the blush that enveloped her face. Unable to reply to the compliment, she ended up bowing nonchalantly at Lawrence. Her face red as a cherry on top of a cake smiled so brightly at Lawrence before running off.

Lawrence expressed a longing but casual smile before entering his bath. He engulfed his body in the smooth and soothing water. Lawrence smiled at the relaxing sensation as he enjoys the time alone while admiring the view from his bathtub.

An hour passed after Lawrence finished preparing his self. He walked down the stairway and went straight to the dining table where the very well-groomed guests stayed. There were servants behind them carrying suitcases. The servants seemed to be ready to launch off at any time.

"Greetings, your highnesses, your majesties." Lawrence slightly bowed.

"Lawrence, dear! How are you?" Felicity asked worrisomely, eyes glistening with concern.

Lawrence feigned a smile, "Your majesty, please bother not of my condition. I had spoken with my physician last night. I was issued to rest due to my incapability to no longer exhaust myself. But there were no minor nor severe injuries that had been inflicted on my body, internally and externally." he lied.

Felicity gasped indifferently under her breath, making Lawrence the only person noticing the gasp. Knowing the report of the physician, Felicity could not understand why Lawrence would lie about his health. "I understand. Then I wish for your continuous healthy days. We will depart soon, and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome." she felt guilty for some reason but kept a straight face while feigning a casual smile.

"You are welcome here in my estate anytime, your majesty." Lawrence smiled reassuringly.

Felicity flinched at the generosity of Lawrence while Evangeline sneered. Felicity stood and smiled vulnerably at Lawrence, "We will now depart," she explained, waving goodbye to Lawrence.

Grace stood still, staring at Lawrence intensely. She pouts and leaves to follow her mother. Luca did not bother to hide the indifferent expression laid on his face, sneering at Lawrence.

"Your highnesses, Victor, Spence, Luca, and Clause. Farewell. I wish to see you once again someday." Lawrence forced a smile, staring straight at their eyes.

Luca flinched suddenly at the statement of Lawrence, clearing his throat. He looked at him seriously, "We will see each other someday, and when that time comes. I will no doubtfully beat you." he stated confidently before hastily going behind his mother.

"Brother, I wish to see you soon." Clause Timothy said, his eyes gleaming with admiration. He advanced closer towards Lawrence to whisper, "I wish to invite you to my birthday, but you know how hard that will be. I will do my best to convince my mother. I'll write to you often, little brother."

Lawrence smiled at the statement of Clause and waved his goodbye. Spence and Victor shrugged at each other and ignored Lawrence to continue beside their mother. Arrogance in their head and belittlement for Clause and Luca.

Soon after, the young etiquette ladies raise their dress slightly, bowing at Lawrence. It was Yasmine and Eleonora, smiling genuinely at Lawrence, "Thank you for having us, dear brother. And for the wonderful souvenir!" they said in unison.

"You're welcome anytime. May the glory bless you two ladies with the best of life." Lawrence patted their heads before waving goodbye. Olivette plainly bowed down, her nervous face, and continued towards her mother.

'Was she somewhat shy?' he asked himself deep in his thoughts. 'I guess so... Furthermore, I haven't seen Antoinette, Ernest, their majesties, the emperor, and his granted marquess.' he added in his trail of thoughts while roaming around. He advanced towards a servant and asked.

"Do you know where the four guests are?" Lawrence asked his voice calmly and politely.

"Yes, your highness." she nodded. "The 'five' guests are in the garden, your highness," she answered, emphasizing five.

"I see. Thank you very much." Lawrence smiled at the woman and left for the garden.

The servants in the St. Apple Household grew fond of Lawrence and his kindness. His mannerism and attitude far exceed a five-year-old. That includes his genius way of thinking and his intellectual development. He is also logical, analytic, and understanding on other's behalf. Although his reputation goes below than an average lowly prince would get, he still did not fall.

He felt the burden of handling everything on his own at the age of five, but that did not stop his marks. It only made him more independent and strong-willed. In addition to knowing his memories in his past life, using it as his advantage made it less horrific than it would be.

"Father, Uncle Dexter, Captain Lewis, Your highness Ernest, and Milady Olivette. I greet you the greatest of this morning." slightly bowing down before them and smiling.

"Lawrence~!" Dexter called joyously. "It's great to see you in one piece today!" he cheered.

"Lawrence, how is your condition?" Lewis asked, his face filled with worry. Genuine worry.

"Captain Lewis. I'm as healthy as you see it. Please, worry not. I've been told by the physician that I merely had exhausted my body but had no injuries." he repeated his lie from before.

'Is he trying to fool us?' Lewis, Dexter, and Leighton thought in unison.

"Is that so? I heard different from the physician. He told us that you have several muscle strains and had to undergo special acupuncture." Ernest feigned innocence. He gave a slight smile before averting his eyes towards the rose garden.

Lawrence was dumbfounded to understand his situation when he spoke, "T-then, I guess there is no point hiding the truth." he stammered. "I had a few muscle strains, but as you can see, I'm absolutely in good condition," he assured.

"Then, there is no point arguing about it. Proceeding to our topic, Uncle Dexter had concluded some opinions on your whereabouts in the future-"

"Please forgive my impudence. But I would like to clarify my personal beliefs and opinions about my future whereabouts and present whereabouts. To state, this means to be disrespectful, but I can't stand to have someone else choose choices in my stead. Moreover, I don't wish a mentor and certainly don't want to be involved in a faction tied by oaths."

His straightforwardness and glaring atmosphere with his dull expression brought out the Gray Lupos intimidating aura that he could not control at times. "As you've known, the last two years I lived here, I have been handling everything regarding the estate. If being able to handle my own land is enough proof for one to understand my capability of thinking thoroughly for my own sake, then I guess I had already proven it, correct?" he paused and asked, getting a slight nod from each of them.

"I'm basically saying that for the last two years, I have exceeded high standards and studies that not most children in my age can apprehend, and I, for one, proved my intelligence and perseverance that is two decades' worth of study. So I'm here to ask even for the very first time to let me decide on my future whereabouts and present, and I will never seek your help," he said without breaking a sweat.

"Did I hear that wrong? Two decades' worth of study and managing your own land?" Olivette asked politely, raising one of her hands.

Lewis stopped for a minute as his eyes widen, "You were the one managing this whole estate?!" he asked in disbelief.

"Impossible," Dexter uttered, smirking. "That was simply a metaphor, you two." he laughed.

Emilia overheard the mockery and could not help but interrupt. "Excuse my impudence, your majesties. But I'm afraid to break it to you, but be it managing the financial business, land maintenance, house maintenance, salaries, even banquets are done and prepared by his highness, Lawrence." trying to sound polite but failed to hide her bitterness.

Dumbfounded, the three of them fell silent. "Emilia, watch your manner towards his majesty," Lawrence hissed.

"Forgive me, your highness."

"Please do not mind what my assistant had spoken." Lawrence apologized.

"So is it true?" Ernest asked, leaning both of his hands on the table, very invested.

Lawrence paused. Then he answered, "Yes, your highness," Lawrence replied.

Ernest applauded at the remarkable achievement a five-year-old had accomplished. Leighton studied Lawrence intensely, looking for any possible muscles that indicated a lie. Failing to do so, he sighed and placed both of his arms in surrender.

"To do this at such age, you must be as equally talented as your father," Dexter remarked. "But please, Lawrence. Do take into consideration being under my guidance. I will teach you everything you need to know and place a great title for your individual." Dexter added.

"I'm sorry, but I have to dec-"

"I know there's no point in pushing this matter if you aren't willing to accept it. But this offer does not have an expiration date. I will accept you anytime in the future when you do accept my offer." Dexter smiled.

"I will give it my thought, your majesty."

"Then that will be all!" Dexter smiled.

"Excuse me, your majesty, granted marquess. May I have a word?" Lawrence asked, looking straight at Leighton's eyes.

Leighton flinched at the sudden request. 'H-huh?' Leighton mumbled in his thoughts. Dexter stood up eagerly and shook Lawrence's hands before leaving. Lewis, Ernest, and Olivette nodded, following Dexter from his behind. Leighton kept a straight face but felt the sudden nervosity.

"Your majesty, the granted marquess," Lawrence called out to him, making Leighton more scared. "I have a report regarding your messenger. I have locked him up in the dungeons due to his incompetence. He wants to justify his position by asking your aid, whether he will commence trial or will be at ease." Lawrence spouted.

Leighton was shocked at the sudden topic, bewildering him. "I see." finally coping up. "What did my messenger do to be titled as incompetent?" Leighton asked casually.

"The letter of notice you've sent was relayed on the day of the banquet."

Leighton stood from his place, shocked. "Impossible! Then how were you-?"

"That is the reason why the banquet looked as if made in a hurry. I've told my servants to work full time to prepare for the sudden banquet. I will pay them extra salaries than the original and will give them a day off anytime they want." Lawrence took a sip from his tea.

"That is my fault. I'm sorry s- Lawrence." he stuttered, almost calling him his son. "You may do as you please...,"

"I understand, your majesty." Lawrence nodded. "That was the only reason for my sudden announcement to talk to you alone. Thank you for giving time to listen," Lawrence stood and bowed down before continuing towards the household.

"You're welcome," Leighton mumbled under his breath.

Lawrence finally had taken care of all the things he needs to take care of in his estate and can freely be at rest before visiting Gavin. Excitement dwelled all over his body. He paused his walk and remembered earlier what had happened. 'Why did it seem like I didn't receive any hot-tempered today? Although I spoke insolently, his majesty, the emperor did not retaliate. That goes to Emilia too.' he thought before gazing towards Emilia.

Emilia flinched and averted her eyes. "Emilia," Lawrence called out.

"Y-your highness! I'm so sorry for disappointing you! Please punish me by sentencing me to death! It is only worthy of a punishment for being tactless and tarnishing your image!" she pleaded, begging down on the floor.

"Stop exaggerating, Emilia. I won't sentence you to death. I just wanted to thank you for defending me. But I still do not approve of what you did. You risked your own life by raising your voice towards the emperor." Lawrence scolded.

"I'm sorry, your highness!" she apologized once again, placing her head on the ground.

"Stand, by doing what you are doing now is already tarnishing my image." Lawrence joked.

Emilia immediately stood. Her face looked as if a pup holding herself not to cry. Lawrence laughed at the funny expression Emilia exploited. "I'm sorry! HAHAHAHA!" he said in between his laughs.

Emilia pouts at her master's teasing attitude, crossed her arms, and looked elsewhere with her pouty lips. "A-anyways! We will proceed to Gavin and the twelve escorts soon. Before that, we will send the messenger to prison." Lawrence wiped his tears.

His sudden face filled with determination and excitement at the thought of learning swordsmanship once again. Although he acquired enough knowledge about swordsmanship in his past life, he was also curious about swordsmanship in Humane.

"Tendency to train," he murmured, eyes were glowing like waves in the ocean.

"Pardon, your highness?" Emilia asked.

"Ugh! I mean- don't mind me!"