Ch.26 Future

"9998....9999...10000"

The sword falls from my hand as I fall on my butt to the ground, wiping off all the sweat on my forehead I calm my erratic breaths.

I guess it was too tiring for my body to do continuous physical training after just recovering from my illness two days ago.

"Here."

I hear Ruby's voice as a white towel appears in front of me, taking it off my hands I wipe my sweat as my body begins to cool down.

"Water."

She says again handing me a bottle as she sits down next to me, looking at her sweaty body I can't help but be a little ashamed of myself.

After all the training she did was way more intense than mine but she still looks fine, that is the same case for my big sister who is currently sparring with Sir Vayu.

"Thanks"

Gulp!

Thanking her for the water I pour it down my thoughts, feeling the coldness of the water on my body my tense body starts to calm down.

"Sister Alicia is very strong, isn't she?"

Ruby mutters to herself as she looks at my sister sparing with Sir Vayu. As she isn't holding anything back and freely using her magic it is even hard for me to see their movement.

"Yes, she indeed it."

Still, I reply, getting more motivated to get stronger after all if I continue with my training I will reach her level sooner or later.

"You yourself are quite strong Ruby."

I compliment her, after all, she is also a sword genius even more than my sister. The only reason she can't defeat my sister is because of her rank.

"Thank you for the compliment."

She gracefully took my compliment as a smile adorned her face, Cute... I thought to myself as I put the now empty bottle down.

"So Ruby let's meet at the main castle gate in an hour."

I inform her as I stand up and stretch my body a little. I give a satisfied moan as my bones give the sound of a small cracking sound.

"Hmm.. Why?"

She asks me in confusion as she tilts her head a little while looking at me.

"Well, didn't I promise you two ice cream"

I reply to her question as I give her a smile, after all a promise is a promise.

"But what about your training?"

She questioned, as after this I had my training with father still remaining.

"Don't worry I have asked his permission. After all what kind of friend I would be if I didn't even spend some time with you."

I gave her a suitable reply, well the main reason my father gave me permission for this is because I made a promise to her.

After all, everybody who shares the family name Lionheart, bestowed upon us by the gods will create an unbreakable chain or oath for themselves.

My so-called chains are the promises I make, after all, I had sworn upon the name of my family that the promise I make, I will never break it.

If by any chance I broke that oath then I will be punished by the heavens themselves. As far as I know, the only one among the current Lionheart who hasn't made an oath is my sister.

"Yay~~"

Ruby jumped for joy as she tackled my body, hugging me with all her might both of us fell to the ground.

"Thank you~~"

She said as she gave a kiss on my cheeks, then continued to hug me. Not disturbing her childishness I stayed silent.

"Can you let go of me now?"

I ask after a while as I look at her face, hearing my question and seeing the position we are in a red hue covers her face as she lets me go.

"S-Sorry."

She says in a small voice as she helps me stand up, tugging my and her dirty clothes a little I look at her face.

"Don't worry about it."

I say with a smile as I clean some dirt that remains on her face, she gives a small nod to my reply as we both look toward Sir Vayu and my sister.

Saying goodbye to them we both leave the training ground and make our way toward our respective rooms.

Gently touching the cheeks she kissed I smiled to myself as look toward the visage of the glorious mountain in the distance.

...

"So, Nexus what do you think about engaging both of them."

Ruri asks as she takes a sip of the tea in her hand, looking at the parting figure of the two kids she couldn't help but smile.

Both of them are currently sitting in a lounging area on the top floors of the castle, various snacks laid on the table in front of them as both of them look outside the window.

"Well, we can let them deal with that part."

Nexus replies with a smile sipping at the coffee in his hands, feeling the bitter taste in his mouth he looks at the lone figure of Neo staring at the "Titan Spine Mountain."

The day when Neo had recovered he had heard him shout about conquering that mountain, a mountain that had remained unconquered for so long.

"Well, if you say so. After all, I thought you would be rushing to hold your grandchild."

Ruri mutters such words with a small laugh as she takes a bite of a cookie in front of her. Enjoying the sweet taste she hums to herself.

"Heh, what do you think I am that guy Atlas or something? After all, I am in no rush. Plus they are just kids."

Nexus scoffs at Ruri's question as he tells her about her husband's thought process which she probably already knew.

"I guess you are right."

Ruri nods her head at Nexus's reply as she remembers her husband's face, thinking of what his reply to such a question will be she smiles a little.

"Plus they have a long future ahead of them."

Nexus adds as he puts down the now empty cup, picking up a cupcake he puts the entire thing in his mouth.

"That they have."

Ruri replies as she closes her eyes trying to imagine the figure of her fully grown-up daughters.

"You still haven't changed."

Ruri says as she looks at Nexus devouring a cupcake whole, thinking back to their younger days she can still remember the exact same face as this eating the food while Alice and Atlas scold him.

"Well, everything can't change with just time."

Nexus replies as he gulps down the cupcake, seeing this it is no wonder that Neo is a foodie.

"Still, let's get down to business now Nexus.. No Duke Lionheart why have you called me."

The atmosphere of the room changes in an instant as Ruri releases a serious Aura, seeing this Nexus rolls his eyes but still follows with this act.

"Your Majesty Miss Solious, I your humble servant have requested this meeting to discuss about the monster's activity near the border."

Nexus says in a serious voice as he bows his head toward Ruri, seeing this she visually cringes and instantly regrets her action.

"Please do tell me about the situation. My humble servant."

She still pushes on after all how can she lose to Nexus, if somehow she loses this battle of wills she won't hear the end of it.

"As you wish."

Nexus replies while still bowing his head, after all, if he turns his head up she will be able to see the visual cringe on his face.

Plus he feels like he won't be able to hold back if he says her face currently and will burst out laughing.