Early dawn.

When everyone else was still asleep, I came out to the training ground alone.

Butler Hans had tailored not only dresses for me but also simple everyday clothes and fencing training attire that fit me perfectly.

I chose the most modest – and my favorite – attire: black pants and a white shirt, and took up my sword.

The training ground was a wide open space behind the mansion’s garden.

There, large wooden figures shaped like humans were installed. Wrapped tightly with thick ropes, these figures wouldn’t get damaged or fall over when struck with a sword.

I felt freer when no one was watching.

‘Will swinging the sword clear my mind?’

Three nights ago, I walked with the Duke in the garden.

That day, his blue eyes were particularly somber. After I left, he didn’t return to his room for a long time.

My room is next to the stairs, so I would have heard his footsteps. Or the sound of his bedroom door on the floor above opening.

But there was no such sound, late into the night.

‘What troubles you in this life too?’

I am angry, at those standing proudly beside the Emperor. Because I can’t do anything to them yet. Because I am powerless. And because you are suffering.

The moment when Medea exposed my mask in front of the Emperor still haunts me.

I swung my sword at a wooden figure larger than an adult man.

Thud.

I can’t forgive.

Thump.

I can’t forgive you, Medea Lahert.

As I thought no one was watching, I increasingly put force into my swings.

“Ya!”

“Why!!!”

Swoosh.

At the irritated voice calling me, I couldn’t help but let my anger surge. Simultaneously, my swing split the wooden figure in half.

Ah… I should have restrained myself.

The upper part of the figure flew far into the woods and disappeared, while the bottom part, deeply rooted, was uprooted and tumbled over.

Turning towards the sound, I saw a pale-faced Brand.

Trying to act nonchalant, I asked.

“What’s up, Brand Ofilitt?”

“You, you… Did you just use sword energy?”

Oh no, did he see that?

Unable to control my emotions, I accidentally exerted a bit too much force.

“What are you talking about? Maybe because of yesterday’s rain, the figure seemed wobbly. Shouldn’t fixing it be the job of a squire like you?”

I replied casually.

“Is that so? I thought otherwise. But of course, someone like you using sword energy? It’s unheard of. Anyway, you do have impressive strength.”

“Have you ever seen real sword energy?”

“In reality? Are you crazy? Is there even anyone at that level in this world?”

“Exactly.”

I responded indifferently.

“But why did you call me? Did you come here this early just to ask me that?”

“No, that’s not it!”

Brand retorted.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“What?”

“Don’t act too big. You’re not even a squire yet, and you act like you’re from the North, following the Duke to the Imperial Palace? It’s just that you looked pitiable back then, so they made you a servant. But to go as far as the palace?”

‘Is this jealousy?’

“Who said I followed them?”

“Even if it’s not said, everyone thinks so. I haven’t even been to the palace yet. How did you coax the vice-captain to let you ride in the carriage? And talk freely with the Duke, even dine with the vice-captain!”

As Brand spoke, his cheeks flushed redder.

‘…It’s jealousy.’

“It’s not like that. I’m being used for a purpose.”

“Used?”

“Yes. Used. I have information about the Lahert Duke’s house…”

Just then.

“Brand Ofilitt!”

General Moby, who had arrived at the training ground, called out to Brand in a stern voice. Next to the general stood Butler Hans, his eyes equally stern.

“Why are you bothering Miss Estelle so early in the morning?”
General Moby spoke. “I wasn’t bothering her. I was trying to teach her something as her senior. And I am no longer a squire but a full-fledged knight-in-training, so please call me Knight Ofilitt.”

“Oh-phi-litt Knight~? That’s funny. Your behavior is still like a little kid wetting his pants.”

“General!” Brand looked dismayed.

“Lady, and oh-phi-litt Knight. The Duke is looking for you. Everyone is gathered in the banquet hall.”

Hans spoke, his lips twisted in a sly smile as he watched Brand closely.

‘The Duke is looking for me?’

“Hurry up! Brand Ofilitt!”

“Yes, yes.”

Brand shot me one last glare before following General Moby.

In the banquet hall, dozens of knights were already gathered, sitting in front of rows of tables arranged vertically.

Sitting on a high platform at the front of the hall, the Duke looked at me as I entered. It was our first meeting in three days.

‘Your Grace.’

He didn’t take his eyes off me.

Arcadia was sitting at a separate small table next to the Duke.

I sat next to Yora and opposite Brand.

“Today, I have called you all here for an important ceremony!” Arcadia announced.

‘A ceremony?’

It was strange that everyone except the squires and knight-trainees was wearing silver armor. Brand also looked confusedly around.

The Duke stood up.