Recalling Schultz’s posture, which was oddly rigid compared to the usual fawning crowd, Olivia twisted her lips.

“Master Kaiden has been changing his clothes by himself since last night. He told us not to attend to him in the future.”

“He’ll try to hide it somehow. If it’s discovered he’s injured, it’ll get back to me immediately.”

“What about Schultz?”

Olivia, who was fiddling with the end of her fan, pulled her lips into a wide smile.

“Approach him when the timing is right.”

She had already figured out Schultz’s weak spot. All she had to do was wait for him to step into the trap.

“Understood, Ma’am.”

I was drawn to the training ground near the annex as if by magnetism. I thought it would be deserted as usual, but—

“Ian?”

Surprisingly, Ian was in the training ground.

Since he’d fled to his quarters last night, this was the first time we’d run into each other in half a day.

I’d thought I’d been avoiding him well.

No, there’s no evidence now. All I have to do is argue that it wasn’t blood, right?

“I thought you might be here.”

His voice was different from the interrogative tone of yesterday. It was hard to define, perhaps a bit trembling?

Did he come to spar?

“Right, we were going to spar today. Did you come for that?”

“More than that… Have you seen the list for the subjugation force?”

“Yes. I saw it.”

For a moment, I saw Ian’s throat visibly tremble. He just stared down at me and said nothing more.

That look in his eyes seemed as if he was expecting something from me…

“Is it because you saw your name on the list for the subjugation force?”

“Yes. I wanted to let you know that I was chosen based on my abilities, through full participation in the classes.”

Thinking of the words I had said to Ian—who had wanted to join me when heading out for monster subjugation—I cleared my throat slightly.

“See, I knew you’d make it. I told you you’re good.”

“But will you also be joining this subjugation?”

“Yes. Of course, I have to.”

Ian’s lips, which seemed about to say something, closed again. Sensing the words he swallowed, I quickly changed the subject.

“Shall we spar? I promised I’d spar with you today.”

“…Are you sure you’re okay?”

Clearly, Ian was still conscious of what had happened last night.

“I’m in great condition.”

I casually shrugged, indicating I was fine. Picking up a wooden sword from the weapon rack, I saw Ian pick up one from the ground as well.
Closing the distance with swords drawn, just as their toes touched, both parried each other’s blades and stepped back, commencing the duel.

I had grown somewhat accustomed to Ian’s blade pointing at me, but whenever his gaze met mine, I couldn’t help but falter.

Was it because of what happened yesterday?

Focus. Whether it’s a match or a duel, too much thought is poison.

Despite my resolve, I felt my steps gradually slowing. Just when I thought I couldn’t go on like this, I aimed to end the duel by disarming Ian.

Wait, if I do this now, will the timing be off?

I managed to knock Ian’s sword away, but the force pushed back, causing my wrist to ache.

“Are you alright?”

Ian swiftly approached and examined my wrist.

“It’s fine. It’s just that I couldn’t focus properly…”

Ian, who had been examining my wrist, looked up.

“Is there something on your mind?”

I couldn’t tell him that my mind was briefly preoccupied with you joining the punitive force, unlike the original story. I conjured up a lighter issue.

“You probably saw, but Edwin is also on the punitive force list. But I think there’s something wrong with Edwin’s leg.”

Upon hearing that, Ian’s expression hardened, as if disappointed by something.

“Senior, you always…”

“Huh?”

“Why are you so concerned about others, yet so indifferent about yourself?”

His unusually low voice carried a hint of irritation. As I was contemplating a response, Ian spoke again.

“…Your wrist might swell. You should go to the infirmary.”

“No, a hot compress will do.”

As if expecting that answer, Ian sighed softly, told me to wait, and left the training ground. He returned quickly, holding a thin strip of linen.

“It’s fine.”

Ian, who had been focused on my wrist, slowly looked up.

“That word…”

Our eyes met. Ian too, stopped speaking. For a brief moment, complete silence descended.

During that instant, as if the flow of air itself had slowed, he who had been staring at my face, gently reached out towards me.

Just as I was about to ask what was on my face, something flickered in his eyes. That’s when he hurriedly withdrew his hand.

“What I did was merely light pressure.”

“Huh.”

If I wasn’t mistaken, Ian was clearly flustered.

No, it’s not like I reached out. He was the one who reached towards my face.

Why does he look so shocked?

“So please, make sure to get treatment when you get home.”

Before I could reply, he turned away. Ian seemed to leave the training ground, but then returned to stand in front of me. In his hand was the cloak I had left in the corner.

“Why is this…”

Without a word, Ian wrapped the cloak around my shoulders.

Only after tying the knot tightly did he turn around and nod slightly before walking away. Soon, his footsteps filled the training ground.

It sounded like someone eager to leave this place, somewhat impatient footsteps.