As usual, his talks with Lilith felt a bit stiff and formal.
He didn't really mind—it just made him miss the days when she used to hold him close, laugh, and smile like she used to when he was little.
I really need to fix our relationship, he thought.
If someone asked whether his feelings for Lilith were purely platonic, he would've given a firm no.
It wasn't only her stunning body that drew him in—it was her selfless care, her quiet strength, and the warmth she showed to those she loved.
I'm truly blessed. Whoever the god or goddess is who sent me here—thank you, sincerely.
A faint giggle echoed around him. He wasn't sure if it was real or his imagination—maybe it was that same deity laughing.
"Sol?"
Lilith's curious voice pulled him back to reality. He shrugged and smoothly changed the topic.
"Do you have a bit of free time? How about a light spar? I've got an hour before my next lesson."
He knew being passive was pointless—if he wanted her, he needed to take the initiative.
Besides, he wouldn't mind some training with his aunt.
Lilith hesitated for a moment before nodding. "It's been years since I last wielded a real sword. Don't laugh if I'm rusty."
"Of course not," he smiled.
He'd heard stories of her legendary skill, but now he could finally see it with his own eyes.
---
Swoosh—BOOM!
Sol froze as a massive two-handed sword stopped an inch from his face. The air pressure alone sent debris flying behind him.
What… the hell?
The duel was over almost before it began.
Man… that was—
"This was amazing!!" he shouted, grinning like a child.
Lilith, ready to scold him for his language, paused when she saw the pure admiration in his eyes. It had been so long since anyone had looked at her that way—without fear or resentment.
"Ahem. This is nothing. With enough training, you'll be able to do the same—or better."
Wait… is she embarrassed? he thought, hiding a grin.
It was the first time he'd seen her flustered. But his praise was genuine—watching her handle a sword that huge with effortless grace was mesmerizing.
"So… how did you do that?"
Lilith gave the sword a small spin, creating a swirling gust of wind. "It's all about precision. Swordsmanship isn't just swinging wildly or using flashy moves. My fighting style is based on perfect micro-control."
To demonstrate, she flicked her wrist. A second later, nearby flowers were neatly sliced in half.
How can such tiny movements carry so much power?
"But why use such a heavy sword?" he asked. "Wouldn't a lighter one suit your style better?"
The weapon was enormous—taller than he was, more a cleaver than a blade. Definitely not made for finesse.
"You're mistaken," Lilith replied, smiling fondly at the sword. "This weapon was crafted just for me. Despite its weight, it feels light as air in my hands. Combined with my technique, it gives me both strength and speed. It's the perfect sword—for me."
"The perfect sword, huh?" Sol muttered, glancing skeptically at his own weapon.
"Don't worry," Lilith reassured him. "Once you awaken, you'll have your own."
"The holy sword?"
"NO!" she blurted, then quickly composed herself. "Ahem… The holy sword does belong to the king, yes—but it only answers when the kingdom itself is in danger."
"I see," he said, suspicious but letting it go. "Anyway, shall we continue? You moved too fast earlier for me to learn anything. We've still got time."
The tension faded, though a different kind began to grow as Sol fought to keep his mind—and body—in check.
Lilith's training outfit wasn't helping. The qipao-style garment had slits running high up her thighs, showing her toned legs and hips. It was distracting—very distracting.
Still, he managed to focus. Their sparring continued—Lilith holding back but still teaching him with every exchange. Slowly, his stance and sword grip improved.
Hmm… if he keeps this up and focuses on mana control, he'll reach incredible heights, she thought.
---
Afterward, Sol collapsed onto the grass, drenched in sweat.
"Phew… at this rate, I'll never catch up to him," he muttered quietly. He'd never felt inferior to his father before—but constant comparisons were starting to wear on him.
Lilith, barely winded, watched him with quiet nostalgia. She remembered being the one lying on the ground once, while her brother—Sol's father—stood tall and untouchable.
"Sol," she said softly. "Do you want to hear a story?"
"A story?"
"Yes," she smiled faintly. "My story."
---
LILITH'S POV
I was born both blessed and cursed.
As a royal woman, my role was already chosen for me—marriage, children, duty.
But in this kingdom, strength meant freedom. I believed that once I awakened, I'd reach the top. After all, I was the sister of Mars, the strongest man alive.
But when the day came… I awakened with zero capacity.
It was unheard of. People mocked me, shunned me, treated me like garbage.
But I refused to break.
When they laughed, I trained.
When they insulted me, I trained.
When they humiliated me, I still trained.
Even when the world cast me aside—I trained.
I joined battlefields as a mercenary, fighting again and again, bleeding, struggling, surviving. Eventually, I became one of the strongest warriors in the kingdom. The same people who once scorned me now smiled to my face and bowed to me in fear.
Seeing that… was one of my sweetest victories.
So, listen to me, Sol. Your path will be harder than mine. No one expected anything from me—but everyone expects everything from you.
Even I do.
Right now, you're not just Sol. You're the son of the Hero King.
Until you prove otherwise, that's who you'll be in everyone's eyes.
So never give up. Never bow your head. No matter how dark things get, keep walking forward.
Show the world that you're not just Mars's son—you're Sol Dragona Luxuria.
When that day comes… I can finally rest. I'll finally be at peace.