I am Just an Average Tamer

Kai awoke as the first rays of dawn crept through the curtains. His eyes fluttered open, calm and focused.

Without wasting time, he pushed himself off the bed and dropped to the floor. Quietly, he began his morning routine—push-ups, crunches, planks—each movement sharp and controlled.

{Daily Task}

Push-ups: 120 ✅

Pull-ups: 120 ✅

Running: 12 km ✅

Crunches: 120 ✅

Plank: 12 min ✅

[<Ding!>]

[<You've completed your daily task.>]

[<Here are your rewards: 3 pts>]

{Current Gacha Points: 47/100}

Then he closed the window with a thought of his mind.

Once done, he crossed his legs on the wooden floor and slipped into meditation.

His breathing slowed, his mind clearing as his soul essence subtly flowed through him.

A few minutes passed in silence until—

Knock knock.

His eyes opened. "Come in," he said calmly.

The door creaked, and Elina's head popped in, her face bright as morning itself.

"There you are! Let's have breakfast!" she beamed.

Before he could respond, she trotted inside and tugged at his sleeve with her tiny hands, dragging him toward the hallway.

He chuckled faintly but didn't resist.

Soon, they reached the familiar dining room. The long table was already set, but the head seat was empty.

"Your Aunt won't be here today?" Kai asked as he sat.

Liliana, already halfway into her tea, shook her head. "She left early. Some matter came up again—said she wouldn't be joining us."

Kai simply nodded.

Then, the three of them began to dig into the breakfast spread—warm buttered rolls, sliced fruits, spiced eggs, and smoked meats.

The chatter between the girls brought a lively warmth to the room, while Kai quietly enjoyed the food and the peaceful start.

As soon as the last bite was swallowed, Elina practically jumped off her seat, full of energy.

"Let's gooooo!" she yelled, arms raised like a victorious champion.

Liliana chuckled, setting her napkin down. "So much energy... Alright, alright. I'll lead the way."

She gestured for them to follow, and the three of them exited the hall together—Liliana leading, Elina bouncing behind, and Kai walking calmly with hands in his pockets, ready to see what the Vayhill city had to offer.

In the heart of the estate, inside the quiet, incense-scented study, an aged man sat cross-legged on a velvet cushion.

His robes—blue and gold trims embroidered with the crest of House Valkros—but his presence carried more weight than his appearance.

Selene stood near her desk, arms folded, her sharp gaze fixed on the man.

Her voice sliced through the silence like a blade, "What exactly did you just say, Lord Valkros?"

The old man, Lord Ifran—Head Valkros' uncle and longtime emissary—met her gaze without flinching, though his tone was carefully respectful.

"I merely said, Lady Selene, that it would be... mutually beneficial," he began slowly, "if your niece were to marry the young master of House Valkros. A union between your noble bloodline and ours would solidify a powerful alliance. Both houses would prosper. Especially in times like these."

Selene raised a brow, her expression unreadable. "Prosper... at the cost of forcing my niece into a political cage?"

He gave a small chuckle, smoothing his grey beard. "My lady, come now. We're not speaking of force. It's merely an offer. The boy is well-bred, capable, and the heir to one of the strongest noble houses in the region. Surely you wouldn't refuse such an advantageous proposal lightly."

Selene stepped forward, her heels clicking softly on the polished stone floor.

"Lord Valkros assumes much, doesn't he?" she said coolly. "He assumes I'd trade my niece's future for political favors. He assumes I can be manipulated by the same tactics that move you pesky nobles."

She leaned against the edge of her desk, her emerald eyes glowing faintly.

"Tell me, does House Valkros think I'm desperate?"

Lord Ifran tensed for the first time.

"We merely think of what's practical in these unstable times. You've always put your house's survival first. This is no different."

Selene smiled, coldly.

"Then let me be practical as well. My niece is not a pawn. She will choose her own path. And if House Valkros thinks they can wrap chains in silk and expect me to hand her over, then they clearly forgot who I am."

Her aura pulsed subtly, coiling through the room like a sleeping dragon waking.

Lord Ifran's lips thinned. He dipped his head, wisely avoiding further argument.

"Very well, Lady Selene. I shall relay your words to Lord Valkros."

"Do that," she said, her tone final.

As he bowed and exited the study, Selene's expression hardened even further. She turned her gaze toward the window, watching the morning light creeping over the city skyline.

"Come."

Whoosh!

A cloaked figure kneeled before her.

"You called, My Lady?" he spoke with a deep, calm voice.

Selene turned towards him, arms behind her back.

"How are things inside Valkros' estate, Shade?"

The figure raised his head.

Beneath the hood, his face was smooth, young, and sharp—perhaps in his early twenties—with eyes like black glass.

His codename was Shade, a master of stealth and deception, planted in the Valkros household for the last three years under the guise of a lowly records clerk.

"Lord Valkros met with Lord Varnel last night," Shade reported, his voice steady. "They discussed solidifying their alliance through marriage."

Selene's eyes narrowed slightly, though she remained silent.

"Their heir, Kael Valkros, expressed interest in Lady Raelis. It seems they are plotting to approach you with a façade of diplomacy, but they're already preparing political pressure in the background."

"I expected that much," Selene said coldly. "Kael is arrogant and spoiled. He doesn't want a marriage—he wants possession. And they think I'll give her up because I need allies."

Shade gave a small nod. "They underestimate you. They always have."

She turned toward him fully. "How much does Valkros trust you?"

"Enough. He doesn't suspect I've been intercepting his courier hawks or listening in during his private dinners."

Selene walked over and handed him a sealed scroll marked with a faint sigil.

"Then it's time to feed them false hope. Deliver this forged message to Valkros. Make it seem like I'm considering the offer. Let them believe I'm wavering."

Shade took the scroll with both hands and slipped it into his robe. "Understood. And about Lady Raelis?"

"She must remain unaware for now," Selene said. "It'll only distract her."

Shade stood.

With a final bow, he melted into the shadows, vanishing like a phantom.