He's So Sweet

Ethan was completely immersed in carving Helena's name onto the wooden sword when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. He quickly turned around and was shocked to see Duke Henry standing before him, clad in his fencing attire. The Duke's face was twisted in confusion as he stared at Ethan and the sword.

"Are you an expert in performing magic, Ethan?" the Duke demanded, his voice booming and echoing in the empty training room.

Ethan felt a wave of panic wash over him as he struggled to find an excuse for his actions.

"I...I was just carving Helena's name here, Your Grace," Ethan stammered, holding up the wooden weapon for emphasis. "I can only perform a little magic."

But Duke Henry was not fooled. He took a step forward, his sword drawn and at the ready.

Ethan's heart raced as he tried to think of a way to talk himself out of the situation. But the Duke was too quick for him. With one swift movement, he snatched the sword from Ethan's grasp and inspected it closely.

His eyes narrowed as he saw the name carved into the wood: Helena Arkwright.

"Beautiful," he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. "Why did you carve my granddaughter's name onto this sword?"

Ethan knew there was no use in denying it any longer. He took a deep breath and stood up straight, facing the Duke with as much courage as he could muster.

"It is just a simple present for her, Your Grace," he said simply.

The Duke's expression softened slightly, but he still looked incredibly imposing with his wooden sword drawn and at the ready.

"I needed a partner for tonight's practice," said the Duke, challenging Ethan.

In reality, Ethan was feeling lazy about practicing. However, he reluctantly agreed to serve Duke Henry, in order to uphold Helena's honor. His wife had been thoroughly humiliated during the dinner, and he didn't want to embarrass her in front of Duke Henry.

The swordplay was inevitable and exciting. Ethan didn't give up easily because his motivation was strong. He always countered Duke Henry's attacks skillfully.

The moonlit courtyard echoed with the clashing of wooden swords as Duke Henry and Ethan engaged in a fierce duel. Their wooden blades danced through the air, each strike displaying precision and skill.

Duke Henry, with his years of experience, showcased a masterful technique. His movements were calculated and graceful, his sword whistling through the air with deadly accuracy. He delivered a series of swift strikes, aiming to test Ethan's defenses.

Ethan, though less experienced, possessed an unwavering determination. He matched Duke Henry's attacks with unwavering focus, parrying and countering with a blend of agility and raw strength. His eyes burned with an inner fire, his every movement exuding a sheer determination to prove himself.

The clash of wood filled the air as their swords collided, sparks igniting with each impact. The resolute expressions on their faces mirrored the intensity of their duel. Duke Henry's experience allowed him to anticipate Ethan's moves, attempting to exploit any opening in his defense. But Ethan, driven by his strong motivation, refused to yield.

With each exchange, Ethan grew more adept, adapting to Duke Henry's tactics. He began to find his rhythm, launching precise and well-timed strikes that tested the Duke's own defenses. Their swords became an extension of their wills, moving with fluidity and purpose.

As the duel intensified, sweat poured down their brows, and their breathing quickened. Their determination remained unwavering, their spirits unyielding. It was a battle of equals, an exchange of swordplay that transcended mere physicality.

Finally, Duke Henry and Ethan stepped back, their swords lowered. Both men stood, heaving with exertion, but a sense of mutual respect hung in the air. They had fought with honor, pushing each other to their limits.

Duke Henry's eyes gleamed with admiration as he extended his hand toward Ethan. "Well fought, young man. You have proven yourself worthy of this duel."

Ethan, his chest heaving with exhaustion, accepted the Duke's hand with a proud smile. "Thank you, Your Grace. It was an honor to cross swords with you."

"I can say …. this is quite impressive," exclaimed Duke Henry.

The old man pondered how great of a husband Ethan was to Helena. If only he were Liana's husband, it would be perfect.

Initially, Duke Henry thought Ethan was only good at socializing and joking. However, it turned out that he wielded the sword diligently, even though he wasn't very skilled.

What was even more surprising was the way he carved Helena's name into the wooden sword. Duke Henry knew that Ethan's magic wasn't an illusion. It was an energy flow that made his magic work as if he were doing it without magic. The carving wouldn't disappear even if Ethan died.

It was clear that his grandson-in-law was a talented person who would be great if nurtured properly.

Sweat poured down the duke's entire body, enough to burn off the excess energy accumulated during dinner. Exercising before bed was the secret to how fit the old man's body remained at his advanced age.

"Such a shame, you are very talented," the Duke said afterward. "Your potential won't be fully recognized if you continue to be with Helena."

Ethan stopped arranging his sword. He sensed the injustice in Duke Henry's words. "What do you mean, Your Grace?" Ethan asked, pretending not to know that the old duke had sided with another granddaughter, not Helena.

Duke Henry laughed. "I will introduce you to a retired knight who is a talented trainer. He has trained many great knights when this country was still at war."

Ethan then lowered his head. "I feel unworthy to receive such a favor from you, Your Grace!"

"What are you talking about?" the Duke asked, placing his wooden sword. "Even if Helena loses to Liana and is eliminated from the challenge, you can easily divorce Helena and marry Liana."

Ethan's ears felt electrified. He felt demeaned by Duke Henry's words.

"That way, your talent will still shine enchantingly," Duke Henry replied, patting Ethan's back.

However, the man then lowered his head and said, "Forgive me, Your Grace. I didn't mean to be rude or belittle Lady Liana. But for me, marriage is a lifelong decision that cannot be taken lightly. I will remain with Helena until the end of my life."

Ethan's response left Duke Henry speechless. He, who disliked deceitfulness, had even proposed such a low suggestion to make sure Ethan would ultimately side with it.

However, Ethan's answer made Duke Henry realize that not all men were driven by the desire for power and the throne. How fortunate Helena was to have a loyal man like Ethan by her side. Why was it that the arrogant girl ended up with someone as good as Ethan?

Duke Henry laughed. He laughed as loudly as he could in response. Perhaps it was all because Ethan was too young. Maybe he would change over time.

At that moment, neither of the men knew that Helena accidentally overheard Ethan's confession. She had intended to practice swordplay to vent her anger. However, she didn't expect to hear such words coming out of her puppet husband's mouth.

"Ah, he must be acting!" Helena muttered to herself. She didn't realize that her face was now crimson blushing.