“Could I win if I were in their place?”
Elena’s mind buzzed with strategies to break through the knights’ formation. As Carl observed the battle intently, the knights began pushing each other fiercely, and the atmosphere in the training grounds grew heated. Some knights fell under the pressure, seamlessly replaced by others from the rear ranks.
“Brilliant tactics!”
“Isn’t it?!”
Rowen and Bessie’s eyes sparkled at Elena’s comment.
“You really have a keen eye!”
“And excellent physical skill too!”
“Really? I just said it because it looked cool!”
Elena had recently noticed the two treating her with unusual kindness. At first, she’d matched their training pace without much thought, but she began adjusting her intensity after noticing their admiring glances.
Since she started handling a sword, the two had been encouraging her to increase her training rigor. She was glad she’d realized it and started holding back.
“Well, with more observation, you’ll notice the techniques more clearly.”
Ignoring Rowen’s disappointed look, Elena focused on the training. Behind her back, the two exchanged glances—they were impressed by Elena’s extraordinary fitness and ability to perform exercises beyond a beginner’s level, as well as her unique sparring stances.
Rowen, who shared her room, had told Bessie that Elena woke at dawn for secret training sessions. She’d return radiating the heat of exertion, bathe, and wait quietly.
“Talent paired with tireless effort… no doubt she’s the one we’ve been looking for.”
“What are you doing here?”
The three girls sitting under the shade of a distant tree froze at the sudden voice behind them. A tall shadow loomed over them.
They turned slowly to see Carl’s face and immediately jumped to their feet.
“Y-Young Lord!”
They bowed respectfully as cold sweat trickled down their backs. No order came to stand, so they exchanged anxious glances.
‘Why is he here?!’
‘He was in the courtyard just moments ago!’
Six eyes darted in confusion. Especially Rowen and Bessie, who had recently reported about Elena to Carl—they hadn’t expected him to act so quickly!
“Elena seems like a beginner but outperforms others in using her body.”
Despite being new, Elena had shown exceptional skill. She was slow but precise, mastering every move taught to her. Rowen and Bessie saw her potential and worked hard to involve her deeply in the duke’s affairs.
When Bessie asked the maids in the side wing, they mentioned hearing strange noises from Elena’s room, as if she were practicing fencing alone. The more they observed her, the more impressed they became.
“Even before she’s tested, the young lord is already making a move. It seems there are hidden talents these days.”
“Well.”
After a slight pause, the young lord responded, and the three girls bowed respectfully. Elena kept her gaze on the ground, feigning ignorance. As the newcomer, she left the situation to her more experienced companions.
“So, what’s your answer to my question?”
“She’s new and wanted to watch the knights’ training!”
“This girl is really interested in fencing!”
Elena’s hopes quickly faded as her companions betrayed her. She shot them a frustrated look, but they exchanged smug glances, as if this were the only solution.
The young lord’s gaze shifted to Elena, silently asking if her companions’ words were true.
“I came from the countryside; this is my first time seeing something so magnificent. Hehe.”
Elena tried to sound like an innocent rural girl, stretching her lips into a wide smile. Her green eyes sparkled gently.
“Did you enjoy watching the duke’s knights spar?”
The young lord seemed uninterested in details and asked another question.
“I’m not an expert in fencing, but it’s like watching a strong, grand castle. A massive, sturdy fortress.”
Elena answered cautiously, trying to avoid offending the knights who might be listening. She knew a negative comment could cause trouble, especially from a beginner like her.
*Elena decided to simply express her feelings.*
To her, the duke’s family’s fencing style felt like standing before a solid rock or an impenetrable wall. It was a sword designed to protect what was precious.
“Is that so? You saw it correctly.”
Was that the right answer? When she looked at him with a nervous smile, a fleeting smile crossed his lips. His gaze lingered on her face, making her wish the moment would pass quickly.
“If you’re so interested in fencing, I’ll allow you to watch from the front.”
When Carl announced this, her companions clenched their fists excitedly.
“Of course, the young lord is the best!” No one could manipulate people like him. They looked at her proudly.
“No, I don’t want to disturb the knights,” Elena protested.
“No refusing a refusal. That’s an order.”
His infuriatingly handsome face was almost comically charming as he said this with a wide grin. Elena wanted to smack the back of his head but had to comply.
Bessie pulled her to the training grounds, where the knights had paused their training, awaiting them. Rowen and Bessie sat in the side chairs while Elena felt uneasy.
“Don’t worry, you can watch comfortably. These are special seats by the young lord’s permission.”
But Bessie’s words weren’t reassuring. Contrary to Rowen’s expectations, Elena was secretly thrilled at this rare chance to observe Carl up close.
The young lord stood before the rows of knights. He glanced at Elena for a moment, then declared, “Resume training.”
The ranks moved like a machine. The swords clashed with a sharp sound that made Elena’s ears tingle. She focused on the young sword master, who handled the knights with absolute precision—no hesitation or weakness.
A shiver ran through Elena’s body.
“I want to face him. Could I win?”
This was the first opponent on her level. Her hands clenched instinctively. The thrill of competition ignited within her as she tirelessly followed his every move. The knights fell one by one before his sword.
“Ah!”
“Oh!”
The knights’ formation gradually shrank until only the most skilled remained.
“My gosh! Is this because the young lord is finally back?!”
Training with the young lord was like a brutal beating under the guise of sparring. One knight shouted in frustration.
“Haven’t you all been slacking off this whole time?”
Carl, seemingly tired of the complaints, increased his intensity and began pushing the knights back. When he glanced toward the maids’ seats, he felt his efforts were worthwhile. The green eyes following him seemed to burn with enthusiasm.
Carl sensed Elena’s gaze tracking his every move, prompting him to wield his sword with even greater finesse.
“Wow.”
*Can a sword be used like that?*
Elena was genuinely astonished. His fencing style was truly unique.
She looked at him with regret, wishing she could face him now. By chance, their eyes met for a moment before they both looked away.
“We’ve lost.”
“Good work.”
“Your fencing skills have gotten sharper.”
The knights, struggling against the young lord, finally admitted defeat. The knight commander, Mikhail, standing beside him, said, “If the commander says so, it must be true. The knights have improved too. Their movements are better than before.”
“Thank you. Will you join more training sessions?”
“No, I’m heading back today.”
Carl had only come to see the maid who showed an interest in fencing. Having achieved his goal, he had no reason to stay. He left the knights saluting him and returned to the palace. Elena wanted to see more of his skills but couldn’t stop him as he departed.
