I am Just an Average Tamer

Kai lay sprawled on the mattress, arms folded behind his head, eyes tracing the ceiling's carved patterns.

Knock! Knock!

A sharp knock snapped him from his thoughts.

He sat up slightly.

"Enter."

A maid stepped in, bowing slightly. "Lady Selene requests your presence."

He blinked once, then stood.

"...Alright."

The garden had softened in the twilight glow, shadows stretching long beneath the peach trees.

The scent of jasmine floated lazily on the evening breeze.

Selene sat alone at the marble tea table, her long coat draped over her shoulders like a cloak of authority.

Kai approached silently, then bowed slightly and took the seat across from her.

For a while, neither spoke.

Then Selene's gaze lifted to meet his.

"I heard about the incident," she said.

Kai's brows lifted slightly, but he remained silent.

"Liliana was harassed in the street. And you were there."

He opened his mouth to speak, but she raised one hand.

"You are here under my roof. You've been given a place, and a purpose."

Her voice remained low, but it carried weight.

Kai shifted slightly. "I agreed to protect her at the academy. And..."

Selene's brow arched, just slightly.

"And?"

"And I didn't think I needed to. She handled herself. And they backed off."

A long pause.

Then—Selene smiled.

"So, you believe your silence was the right move."

"I believe she didn't need saving."

Selene studied him for a moment. Then her voice softened, just slightly.

"What do you plan to do next?"

Kai shrugged slightly. "Nothing."

Selene's eyes gleamed, just faintly. "You think this ends here?"

Then she leaned back, voice calm but firm.

"If something happens again and you start a fight inside the city, those old fools and will act and I'm obligated to step in..."

Then a pause.

"But outside the walls? No one can do anything."

Kai raised a brow, "What do you mean?"

Selene's gaze sharpened. "Kael will be joining the academy as well. The trials begin in a few months. He'll be there."

Kai gave a slight nod. "And?"

"That's not all."

She stood, walking slowly to the edge of the garden where the wind stirred the flowers.

"Valkros sent someone this morning. They want to marry Kael to Liliana. I declined. But I sent a message back... pretending to consider it."

"So, you're baiting him."

"I'm setting a stage," she said. "Because I want him confident. Smug. I want him to act bold, to believe he's already won."

She turned, her eyes meeting his. "And then I want you to crush him. Publicly. He thinks he can toy with my niece. I want him to feel the weight of miscalculation."

Kai stared at her for a moment. Then leaned back in the chair, arms crossed.

"If the chance comes," he said flatly, "I'll consider it."

Selene's smile deepened, satisfied. "That's all I needed to hear. You may go."

He rose, gave a short bow, and walked off toward the hallway.

As he disappeared into the shadows of the mansion, Selene murmured to herself, "Let's see if you'll live up to the fire I see in your eyes… boy."

----

Kai let the door swing shut behind him with a dull click.

He walked over to his bed, boots still on, and just dropped onto it face-first like a dead weight.

"Mmh," he grunted into the blanket. "Why is it always me…"

He rolled onto his back, rubbing his face with both hands.

[<So... you almost got stomped by a noble brat and did nothing. Proud of you.>]

"I liked you better when you were quiet."

[<I liked you better when you weren't tangled in political nonsense involving girls and marriage proposals.>]

"I'm not tangled in anything," Kai said, lifting a hand to swat the floating panel like a fly. "It's their mess. I'm just standing near it."

[<Mmmhm. And yet here you are. Being summoned by the Ice Queen, given cryptic tasks, and told to crush some noble's dreams. Sounds like involvement to me.>]

Kai closed his eyes. "I'm not crushing anyone. I'm just... existing."

[<You're so lazy, I'm shocked you haven't dissolved into mist.>]

"Just shut up, I'm tired."

He then turned over.

"Wake me if the world ends," he muttered.

[<Only if it's interesting.>]

----

Few days passed, in peace...

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting soft amber rays across estate.

The morning air was crisp, with faint dew glistening on the grass.

In the secluded courtyard behind the eastern wing, the soft clinks of metal echoed.

Liliana spun her blade with grace, her breath steady. Across from her, Kai stood with his hands in his pockets, casually dodging her strikes.

"You're not even trying," she huffed, flipping back and landing with a slight scowl.

"I am," Kai replied dryly. "You just move slow."

She narrowed her eyes. "Oh? Then try keeping up."

The two danced again—this time faster, tighter, and fiercer. Kai never drew a weapon, but his footwork and counters kept up with her effortlessly.

After several rounds, Liliana dropped her stance with a soft smile. "I still had a long way to go."

Kai shrugged and offered her a hand, she took it and stood up.

Then a maid came from side and bowed her head, "Young miss and master, the dinner is ready."

Liliana gave a nod.

The maid bowed one more time, before walking away.

Then Liliana turned to Kai and gave a teasing smile, "Let's go Young master, my dear aunt is waiting for you."

Kai replied back with same smile, bowing a little, mockingly, "As you wish, dear Lili."

Liliana halted mid-step and threw her dummy sword at him.

"D-Don't say things like that," she stammered, cheeks flushing red.

Kai gave a light chuckle and moved.

"Idiot," she muttered and followed him.

After having their dinner, Kai stood in the balcony, glazing at the shining moon in the sky.

Click! Click!

A soft clicking of heels echoed behind him.

He turned his head slightly and saw Liliana walking towards him.

"You made your mind, huh?" she said, leaning over the railing beside him.

Kai glanced at her once then again at sky, "Yeah."

Liliana turned towards him, "But why tomorrow? Can't you stay for few more days?"

Kai shook his head, "I already spent more time I needed to..." A pause and he turned his head to face her.

"And why is that you want me to stay so badly?" He said, smirking.

Liliana puffed her cheeks, "Because I hadn't even beaten you yet."

Kai raised a brow, "Oh, is that so?"

Liliana smiled, "Don't think so highly of yourself, there's no way a beautiful and smart girl like me would fall for you."

"Who said something about falling?"

Liliana averted her gaze quickly.

Kai chuckled and ran a hand through his hairs, "I'm handsome though."

"Eww," Liliana stuck out her tongue, "you look like shit."

Kai chuckled again...

Night passed peacefully.

Next morning.

The grand gates of the Valkros estate stood open.

Selene stood at the center, flanked by two guards. Liliana and Elina stood close by.

Selene's eyes rested on the young girl by Liliana's side. "Are you sure about this?" she asked.

Liliana nodded firmly. "She has nowhere else… and she's not ordinary. You saw what happened that day. She needs guidance."

Selene exhaled and gave a small nod. "Fine."

Elina clutched Liliana's hand but then turned toward Kai, her eyes shimmering.

He crouched to her level, ruffling her messy hair. "You'll be fine here."

Elina pouted, then hugged him tightly, arms wrapping around his neck. "I'll miss you…"

"You'll be enjoying your food."

Then, Kai gave the little Wyrm a pat, who perched on little girl's shoulder.

"Take care of him, okay."

Elina nodded, eyes moistening.

Then Kai stood, gave Liliana Selene a nod, waved at Liliana and walked toward the road.

Liliana waved back, shouting take care and few jabs.

Kai didn't look back, just shook his head and moved forward.

[<Now time for some real work, huh.>]

Kai then exhaled deeply and—

Whoosh!

******

---Volume 2 end---

Thanks for reading this far.