Chapter 658: Mock Battle

Loud voices rang across the training ground today as usual. Lady Fabienne jumped slightly, and I took her hand as we searched for Lionel. It seemed Lionel was participating in an actual mock battle today.

A clash as fierce as a genuine fight unfolded before us. The swords’ edges had naturally been blunted, but a direct hit could still tear flesh or break bones. They were probably fighting at full strength because injuries of that extent could be healed immediately with magic potions.

“W-What incredible intensity.”

“Yes, but are they conducting some sort of test? Lionel’s swordsmanship looks as though he’s assessing his opponent.”

“Does it?”

After hearing my observation, Lady Fabienne stared intently but apparently could not tell. Nero could not either, and they both tilted their heads slightly. They still had a long way to go.

Before long, Lionel levelled his sword at his opponent, ending the match. Lionel said something, and the other knight nodded. As we watched, Lionel noticed us.

“Lord Julius, when did you arrive?”

“We’ve been observing for a little while. Were you conducting some sort of test?”

The surrounding area stirred for an instant. Huh? Had I said something wrong?

“As expected of you, Lord Julius. We were in the middle of a promotion test.”

“I see. I didn’t know the order had ranks.”

“Only those who pass this promotion test may serve as your guards, Lord Julius.”

“Why only me?”

How had that happened? I wished they would protect the other members of my family instead. Besides, I could defend myself, so I needed only a minimal escort.

Perhaps noticing my displeasure, Lionel added an explanation.

“We’re naturally aware of your strength, Lord Julius. However, protecting everyone alone would be difficult.”

“That may be true.”

I could protect everyone by myself, but I kept that thought to myself. Saying it aloud would undoubtedly upset the territorial knights. Besides, my participation in battle was a last resort. One should preserve a trump card whenever possible.

“Come to think of it, you haven’t visited the training ground recently, Lord Julius. Might your swordsmanship have grown rusty?”

“I don’t think so.”

I had not even held a sword for the first few years of my life, yet I could wield one without difficulty once my training began. The skill was probably installed in my body from birth. In other words, I could use it whenever I wished until it was uninstalled.

“Then may I request a match?”

Lionel smiled. Lady Fabienne’s brows drooped with concern. To reassure her—and show her how impressive I could be—I had no choice but to accept.

“Very well. Show me the results of your daily training.”

Thus began my mock battle with Lionel. He must have been displeased when I casually deflected his attacks, because he soon began fighting quite seriously. I had fought Lionel before, and his strikes were undeniably sharper now.

My physique had improved since then too, however. I possessed more strength than before, so I should be able to exchange blows with him properly now. I began swinging my sword fairly seriously to test my strength.

After several exchanges, I was the one whose sword ended at the other’s throat. Lionel looked more frustrated than surprised.

“Splendidly done. I still have far to go.”

“You’ve grown much stronger since our last match. I can’t afford to grow complacent either.”

As we spoke, the world seemed to resume moving, and cheers erupted around us. Lady Fabienne and Nero quickly approached.

“That was incredible, Lord Julius. You truly are strong!”

“As expected of you, Lord Julius. I must practise my swordsmanship even harder.”

I was glad I had managed to show Lady Fabienne my impressive side. Had that reassured her a little? Nero wanted to improve his swordsmanship as well, so I should start visiting the training ground more often.

“Lord Julius, would you please train with us as well?”

“Very well. I’ve been a little short on exercise lately, so I’ll give each of you a brief lesson.”

And so another series of mock battles began. There were many knights, so I could spend only a short time with each, but everyone still wore satisfied smiles.

I should have trained with them more often. I would have to reflect on that. I thought about it as Lady Fabienne handed me a damp towel.

Once the mock battles ended, I raised the real purpose of our visit. I did not want to take any more time, since forcing Lady Fabienne to do nothing but watch would be cruel.

“I’ve improved the Holy Droplets we used last time, and I’d like you to test them.”

“I believe the original version was already sufficiently effective. Was there some problem?”

“Remember how we couldn’t defeat the wraith with a single strike? That bothered me.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Lionel fell silent, clearly wanting to say something. I waited patiently.