The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family

The golden afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the annex mansion as Klaus stepped into its familiar halls. The faint scent of polished wood and fresh lilies filled the air, a subtle yet comforting reminder of the home he had come to know so well. Dudu trailed behind him, his tiny claws clicking softly against the marble floor. The baby dragon had tired himself out after their sparring session and now waddled sleepily, occasionally glancing up at Klaus as if to ask when he could nap.

Klaus was content to let the silence linger as he made his way to his room. The staff of the annex mansion moved efficiently, bowing slightly as he passed, though their eyes carried a subtle warmth—an unspoken acknowledgment of the boy who had not only survived immense challenges but had thrived despite them. Klaus noticed their gazes but did not linger on them. He had grown accustomed to the way people looked at him, a mixture of awe and curiosity that he neither welcomed nor despised.

As he reached his room, he opened the door to find a fresh set of clothes laid out on the bed. A soft linen shirt, a tailored vest, and dark trousers—simple yet elegant. Klaus raised an eyebrow, wondering why such an outfit had been prepared. "Lina," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. The head maid had an uncanny ability to anticipate his needs before he even voiced them.

Deciding not to question it, he changed into the attire, the fabric fitting him perfectly. He glanced at Dudu, who had hopped onto the windowsill and curled up, already dozing off. "Lazy dragon," Klaus murmured with a small smile before heading back downstairs.

As he descended, the faint sound of voices reached his ears. The main dining hall was lit with a warm glow, the soft hum of conversation mingling with the occasional clink of dishes. Klaus hesitated for a moment, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. He hadn't expected anyone to be in the dining hall at this hour. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside and froze.

The long dining table was adorned with an array of dishes, from roasted meats to vibrant salads and freshly baked bread. Candles flickered along the length of the table, casting a golden hue over the scene. At the head of the table sat Elisabeth, her smile radiant as she turned to him. Ludovic, his father, was seated beside her, his usually stern expression softened by a rare look of contentment. Alexandra was there too, her arms crossed and a smug grin on her face, as if she'd been waiting for this exact moment. Lina stood near the side, her posture poised but her eyes glinting with satisfaction at the successful execution of her plan.

"What's this?" Klaus asked, his voice betraying a hint of suspicion.

Elisabeth rose from her seat and walked toward him, her steps graceful and deliberate. She reached out, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "This, my dear, is to celebrate you," she said warmly. "The youngest Swordmaster in the history of the Runiya continent. Such an achievement deserves recognition."

Klaus's eyes widened slightly, his gaze shifting between the faces of those gathered. He opened his mouth to protest, to downplay the significance of his accomplishment, but Alexandra cut him off.

"Don't even think about it," she said, smirking. "You've earned this, Klaus. Just accept it for once."

He hesitated, his usual guarded demeanor wavering. The scene felt almost surreal. This kind of familial warmth and celebration was something he had rarely experienced in his previous life. Even in this life, moments like these were fleeting and precious. Slowly, he nodded, allowing a small smile to tug at the corners of his lips.

"Thank you," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that made Elisabeth's eyes glisten with emotion.

"Come, sit," Ludovic said, gesturing to the seat beside him. His father's tone was uncharacteristically gentle, a stark contrast to the imposing figure Klaus had known for most of his life. Klaus obeyed, taking his place at the table as the others followed suit. Dudu, having woken up and caught the scent of food, padded into the room and claimed a spot near Klaus's chair, earning an indulgent chuckle from Elisabeth.
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The dinner began, the atmosphere light and filled with genuine warmth. Elisabeth recounted stories of Klaus's childhood, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Ludovic added his own anecdotes, though his delivery was more reserved. Alexandra, of course, couldn't resist teasing Klaus about his serious demeanor and his tendency to overthink everything. Lina ensured that everyone's plates were full, her silent efficiency a testament to her years of service.

As the evening wore on, Klaus found himself relaxing. He laughed at Alexandra's jokes, even if they were at his expense, and listened intently to Elisabeth's stories, her voice a soothing balm to his weary soul. Ludovic's rare smiles and occasional chuckles were a reminder that beneath his stern exterior lay a man who cared deeply for his family. And Lina, though she spoke little, radiated a quiet pride that Klaus could feel.

For the first time in a long while, Klaus allowed himself to simply be present. The burdens of his past lives, the weight of his responsibilities, and the constant need to prove himself all seemed to fade away in the warmth of the moment.

As the meal came to an end, Elisabeth stood, raising her glass. The others followed suit, their gazes turning to Klaus.

"To Klaus," Elisabeth said, her voice filled with pride. "Not just for his remarkable achievement, but for the strength, resilience, and heart that he has shown. You've grown into a young man we are all proud of. And no matter where life takes you, know that you will always have a family who loves you."

The words struck a chord deep within Klaus. He swallowed hard, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Lifting his glass, he met Elisabeth's gaze and nodded. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I… I'm grateful for all of you."

The glasses clinked, and the room was filled with a sense of unity that transcended words. For Klaus, it was a moment of clarity. Though he had lived other lives, though his memories were fragmented and his past haunted him every night, this life—his life as Klaus Lionhart—was something he had come to cherish.

As the evening wound down and the candles burned low, Klaus stepped out onto the terrace, seeking a moment of solitude. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warmth of the dining hall. He leaned against the railing, gazing up at the stars that dotted the sky like scattered diamonds.

"Enjoying the view?" a voice asked from behind him.

He turned to see Alexandra approaching, her hands tucked into her pockets. She stopped beside him, her gaze following his to the stars above.

"It's beautiful," Klaus said softly.

Alexandra nodded. "It is. But you know, Klaus, you're allowed to enjoy more than just the view. Moments like tonight? They're important. Don't push them away."

He glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone. Alexandra's usual teasing demeanor was absent, replaced by a rare seriousness.

"I know," he admitted. "It's just… not something I'm used to."

She smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll get used to it. You have a family who cares about you, Klaus. Don't forget that."

As she turned and walked back inside, Klaus remained on the terrace, her words echoing in his mind. He looked up at the stars once more, a sense of peace settling over him. For all his doubts and fears,the unanswered questions about a past life he could not recall, and the uncertainties of his future, one thing was clear: he was no longer alone.