bookpower Chapter 16 Steps toward Redemption
Chapter 16 Steps toward Redemption
As Caspian reached the secluded area of the estate, the sun hung high in the sky, marking the late morning hour.
It was around 10:00 AM, and Caspian knew that moving unnoticed was his only option.
If anyone spotted him wandering in this area, especially in his current state, it would spell disaster.
"Where are you coming from, Cas?" a voice suddenly called out, freezing him.
Caspian's heart sank as he turned to see his eldest sister, Eirlys, standing a few paces away.
Her piercing blue eyes fixed on him.
'I'm dead,' Caspian thought, his mind racing for an explanation.
"Hey, why are you trembling?" Eirlys asked, tilting her head slightly. "I'm just asking where you're coming from."
"Nowhere," Caspian stammered, trying to steady his voice.
"I was just... seeing around the estate."
Eirlys raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Is that so? Then why are your clothes so dirty?"
Caspian hesitated for a moment.
"That's because I was training a little bit." Caspian replied.
Eirlys narrowed her eyes slightly but didn't press further.
Instead, she began walking toward him. Caspian tensed, expecting another barrage of questions.
"If you don't want to tell me, then leave it," Eirlys said, brushing past him with an air of indifference.
Caspian blinked. For the first time, his eldest sister had spoken to him without malice or disdain.
As then she left.
Caspian thought again wandered around church.
'Should I ask mother about Church first,' Caspian thought.
"Let's see how Mother responds first. If there's even the slightest chance she allows it, then I won't have to risk anything. But if not..." He clenched his fists. Then I'll have to come up with a plan of my own.
"I would ask her tomorrow,"
He began walking back toward his room, determination and unease swirling in his chest.
..
Knock-Knock.
"Come in," Eleana said.
CLICK
The door clicked open, and a maid stepped in, bowing respectfully.
"Ma'am, young master Caspian wishes to speak with you."
Eleana paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Let him in."
Caspian entered cautiously.
"Good morning, Mother," he greeted softly.
Eleana glanced at him briefly, her expression unreadable.
"Good morning. State your reason," she replied curtly.
{Child sorry, I was just joking,}
"Whatever," Caspian replied sharply.
"Let's focus on earning points. The only way I'll ever get out of this mess is by getting stronger."
He stopped at the edge of the training grounds, stretching his limbs in preparation.
His crimson eyes burned with a mix of anger and determination.
"Time to push myself. I'll show them all. Let's start with running—10 kilometers. That should rack up some points, right?"
{You? Run 10 kilometers? This should be entertaining.}
"Shut it," Caspian snapped as he took off at a jog.
---
[One Kilometer Later]
"Huff... Huff..." Caspian's breath was ragged, and sweat poured down his face.
He pushed forward, his legs aching with each step.
{One down, nine to go,}
"Don't... remind me,"
---
[Three Kilometers Later]
"Huff... Huff..." Caspian collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving.
His vision blurred.
"How much is left?"
{You've only completed three kilometers,}
"Three?! Huff... Are you kidding me?!" Caspian groaned, slamming his fists into the ground.
"I feel like I've run a marathon already!"
{You're weak, child...You want power, but you crumble at the first sign of effort. Perhaps you're destined to remain at the bottom.}
Caspian's fingers curled into fists, his nails digging into his palms.
He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to sit up
"Shut up. I'm not giving up."
{Good. Because this is only the beginning. If you want to rise above your family's scorn, you'll need to push far beyond your limits.}
Caspian wiped the sweat from his face and forced himself to stand. His legs wobbled, but he steadied himself.
"I'll finish it. Even if I have to crawl the last kilometer."
{Let's see if your actions match your words.}
With a shaky breath, Caspian began jogging again.
Each step felt like dragging lead weights, but he refused to stop.
As he pushed himself forward, his thoughts raced.
I'll earn those points.
I'll grow stronger.
I