"The all-so-mighty professor of West Branch Xyrus Academy. What are you doing here?" Eugene approached Chas, still shaken.
Chas smirked, "Can't you tell?" Chas walked past Eugene and took his dropped wooden sword, "I am, I guess, one of the 'teachers' his highness, Elijah, has." he shifted his gaze at Lawrence. "I commend of your swordsmanship, your highness. Although lacking in technique and skill, your precision and strategy go well. You can fight despite the lack of experience and sword skills."
"You highly regard me despite my lack of excellence," Lawrence replied.
Chas laughed. As soon as he finished, he immediately smirked at the casual remark of Lawrence, "You have what is called 'talent' that not many have. To regard you as highly is an understatement, your highness. What you have exceeds that."
Lawrence sighed, "Are you going to continue with such excessive compliments, or will you start your lecture?"
Chas burst into laughter, "I'm sorry!" he uttered in between his laugh, holding his stomach. He calmed, "Ahem- What I meant was, yes. I shall proceed with our lecture with the use of your possession, the Fourth History." he glanced at the bench where the wooden box with glass lid.
"If I may, your highness," Chas asked permission to touch the object.
Lawrence stood and gave Chas the key to the wooden box. Chas smiled and opened the box.
"Your highness, is it really okay? Even I, an escort, isn't able to read the contents of the book. Priscilla is the only escort who can read her protected book." Eugene interrupted.
Lawrence scanned his wooden sword and placed it on the ground to stare at the cloudless sky, "If it bothers you too much, then feel free to read it with Chas." Lawrence replied.
Eugene's eyes glistened, "Then I mustn't let go of this golden opportunity." he replied. "But what if others see?"
"This whole field is ours alone. Knights of four stars already surrounds the area to protect it from any intruders or nobles from entering. And even if it reaches the Emperor's ears, he won't behead you if his highness has agreed to let you read the History." Chas said, taking the book out of its box.
"Must I say? This book is such a magnificent technology. Despite having an appearance of an ancient journal book, it has an infinite number of pages. Well, I mean metaphorically. It's filled with familiar contents. Not to mention the commendable inputted information, moreover, drawn examples. A book imbued with magic and crafted by gwarvians with the support of hellian mechas. It is indeed worthy of praise." Chas commented on the book.
Chas scanned the pages of the book and smiled widely, "It is indeed worthy of praise!" he repeated. "As the title introduces, there are three different martial arts recorded in it. The Royal Martial Arts, Imperial Martial Arts, and the Zodiac Martial Arts. Although I cannot help his highness with the Zodiac Martial Arts, I can surely help with the other two." Chas remarked. "The words of Zodiac Martial Arts are a blur. It's as rumours say, 'if you aren't chosen, you aren't fit to learn the Zodiac Martial Arts.' which is why I cannot read these jumbled words."
What Chas stated piqued Lawrence's interest. 'If I remember correctly, I can read everything written in that book. What does he mean about being unable to read the Zodiac Martial Arts?' Lawrence thought and approached Chas to glance at the book's contents. It's as he thought, he was able to read the content of the Zodiac Martial Arts.
"What do you mean about being chosen?" Lawrence asked.
Chas glanced at Lawrence's eyes, observing where it lands, then he shifted his eyes to look at the book's contents where Lawrence laid his eyes on. He answered the question, "It means that no one other than the worthy Zodiac descendant can read and learn the martial arts."
"By Zodiac, you mean the ancestor of Father?" he inquired.
Chas nodded, "The ancestor of your father's ancestors. The founder of Zodiac; The Great Man Hoarder, Conquerer of Laplace & Sage, Moonlight Neci Zodiac. But the one who inherited his power, Julius Zodiac, was the one who brought his martial arts back to life, being the lone survivor of Kaisel Zodiac Sage I son."
"In any case, let us proceed with the lecture," Chas added.
'Does that mean I am chosen?' Lawrence thought.
"Since I lack physique and force, all I can teach you is the formation, footwork, and techniques. Meaning, I can teach you how you swing your sword, how you breathe, where you look, what you think, how you move your feet, where you step, where you aim, how you maintain, and what is your purpose." Chas advanced in front of Lawrence.
"Despite my lack of physique, I can still put up a fight and defeat a great swordsman." Chas bragged. "That is because of what I am about to teach you. Sage Martial Arts, both Imperial Arts and Royal Arts. And as for a sparring partner, that's where Eugene will come in useful. Starting today, you will experience crucial training that may make you want to surrender, so whatever happens, never give up. Swear to me now that even if you are on the brink of death, you will allow me to proceed with your training." Chas intently gazed at Lawrence, waiting for a reply.
Lawrence smiled, "I swear on my name and pride. Even if the door of the afterlife appears in front of me, ready to take my soul." he replied.
"Then I shall seal your oath," Chas answered. He stooped and crossed his hands in a praying manner, then he spoke, "Father of Oath, Constellation of Promise, I call upon your majestic power to establish our words until we accomplish what we desire." a golden paper appeared before them, and the words they uttered as their promise was written magically word by word on the gold paper. The beautiful italicized letters and the signature of both parties filled the golden contract. Finally, the contract burnt into gold ashes and swayed by the wind, they travel the sky.
"A sealed oath." Lawrence's eyes widened.
Chas smirked, "Don't go running off now, your highness." he challenged.
"You wish." Lawrence stared back at Chas, grinning widely.