Chapter 19 — Training [1]
"So you're saying Sara got upset and hasn't gone back to class?"
"Yes, that's right."
At Layla's question, Cedric let out a short laugh.
"When I told her to go back after getting treatment, she flat-out refused. I guess losing to Alex must've been really humiliating for her."
"Shut it, Cedric."
"But it's true, though."
"You little—"
Sara's hand reached for her rapier, but she soon took a deep breath and calmed herself.
Cedric's sly grin annoyed her, but she didn't want to look disgraceful in front of the Princess.
"So that's what happened. By the way, Sara, is your wrist all right now?"
"Yes, it's fine now."
"There's no scar left or anything, right?"
"Truly, it's fine. The academy's healer treated it cleanly."
"Well, that's a relief… but you're really sure you're all right?"
Layla looked at Sara with concern.
"You've seemed down ever since we met earlier."
"…I'm fine. And, Your Highness, may I ask you for a favor?"
Sara lowered her head, trying to hide her dark expression.
"Please don't pity me. That only hurts me more."
"Huh? No, Sara, I've never thought of you like that…"
"Layla, just let it go."
Cedric cut in between them.
"She's really shaken up right now."
"I can see that… but is losing such a big deal for a swordsman?"
"No. Losing itself isn't a problem. I lose more often than I win, and Sara's lost a few times too. But the problem is who she lost to."
Cedric glanced at Sara, who only sighed quietly with her head down.
Then she gestured at him to go on.
"The daughter of the Isrinbloom Ducal Family lost to some unknown baron's son. There's no way that's not shocking."
"…I see what you mean. By the way, Cedric, you said you'd never heard of the Vanehart Family either, right?"
"Never. But I was curious, so I asked my family for information a few hours ago."
"Oh? And what did you find out?"
"Nothing special. Apparently, they're a family that manages a sanctuary for other races in Serenus."
"Serenus… isn't that the southernmost region of the Empire?"
"Exactly. A place with nothing but non-humans."
"Hey, Cedric."
Sara, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.
"Do you think you could beat Alex Vanehart?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure. I don't think I'd lose, but I can't say I'd win either."
Cedric recalled Alex and Sara's sparring match from earlier.
Alex's defensive swordsmanship looked incredibly hard to break through.
"My family's sword style relies on speed, but I don't know if my speed could break through Alex's defense."
"His defense was solid. I couldn't see a single opening."
"The lack of openings is part of why you lost. But honestly, I think it's more because you got worked up and careless."
"…I can't deny that."
"Be honest—you didn't think he'd attack, did you?"
"He kept defending, so yeah… I didn't expect him to suddenly go on the offensive."
"But," Sara said, her tone serious,
"If I fought him again, I wouldn't lose. His attacks are sloppy. His defense is flawless, but the way he swings a sword—it's really awkward."
"Really? That awkward?"
"What are you getting at?"
"It's just… near the end, I thought Alex was mimicking your family's sword style. Not perfectly, but I swear I saw it. Weren't you thinking the same?"
"…Yeah, I noticed too… but did he copy it on the spot just by watching me? No… the fact that he used techniques I never even showed means he already knew about our family's swordsmanship."
"Really?"
"Think about it logically. Could you imitate a sword style you'd just seen for the first time?"
Cedric paused, thinking it over.
Then he chuckled and shook his head.
"I don't know. My brain's starting to hurt. Whatever the case, congrats on your first real loss in pure swordsmanship, Sara."
"Congratulate me? For what?! And I didn't lose yet! The match was stopped because of Professor Lucas—the duel isn't over!"
"You keep saying that, but it just sounds pathetic. Ask anyone who was watching. They'll all say you lost."
"…Damn it."
Sara ground her teeth.
Losing itself didn't bother her.
What stung was that the Isrinbloom Family's swordsmanship had been defeated—by an unknown swordsman at that.
"The rumor about today's spar… my family will hear about it, won't they?"
"It's probably already reached them."
"Damn it all."
"Why? Sara, is that a bad thing?"
Layla tilted her head.
"Your family all seemed like good people."
"They are. They truly are… but when it comes to the family's honor…"
Sara's expression said there was much more she wanted to say, but she trailed off.
Sensing the tension, Cedric quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, Sara. You heading to the training ground?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Can't skip a single day of training."
"Then let's go together. And… Lady Layla, how about you?"
"I'll come too. I've been curious about what the training ground looks like—and how you two usually train."
"Then let's go."
The three of them made their way toward the training ground.
When they entered, they were greeted by an unexpected sight.
"There's a crowd over there. What's going on?"
"No idea. But if that many people are watching, something must be happening."
"I'll go check."
"Sara, I'll come with you."
As Sara took the lead, Layla hurried after her.
Cedric sighed, clearly reluctant, but followed the two nonetheless.
"Ah—Y-Your Highness?"
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The students who had been watching quickly backed away, startled by the sudden appearance of the Princess.
Layla smiled warmly and spoke.
"Sorry for interrupting. But what were you all watching?"
"We were just amazed by that student's training, so everyone gathered to watch."
"That student… huh? Isn't that Alex?"
"Oh-ho, it really is Alex."
"…Ha."
The three of them could see Alex inside the iron cage, blocking every single magic arrow fired at him.
[ To be Continue]