A Bit Of Loneliness

Dalton looked at this daughter of his sucking up to Alicia and shook his head before peeling her off Alicia all together. "Stinking brat! You only know how to behave when you want something!"

"Father you called me a brat again! How am I a brat!? Plus I do not stink, I took a bath this morning! Right Big Sister, do I stink!?" Rebecca did her best to try to struggle out of Dalton's grasp.

"If I say you're a brat, you're a brat! If I say you stink, you stink! What are you going to do? " Dalton said while pinching Rebecca's cheeks.

Ela stood at the side and let out a soft laugh as she looked at her husband and daughter. She walked over to Alicia and hooked her arm with Alicia's and said: "I have no idea who the child is between the two of them. Once they start arguing it's like a contest on who can be more childish."

Alicia smiled and looked at the happy family in front of her. A bit of loneliness flashed in her eyes. Her family back on earth was like this as well. Although she had a new family now she still longed for a father and mother of her own. Berlin was not technically her father, he was her master and someday that master might disappear… Frey sensing Alicia's change in mood snuggled up to Alicia's neck, hugged it and gave it a kiss as well. Alicia smiled and patted Frey's head.

Ela did not miss any of Alicias mood changes. But she knew it was not her place to say anything. She could tell Alicia felt a bit lonely but she knew the girl had plans for her future and it was not good for Alicia if she interferes in such matters.

Off to the side a stupified Scott was staring at Alicia this entire time. His eyes never leaving her face. Blake saw how intensely Scott was staring at Alicia and felt a little disturbed by this so he gracefully stood Scott's line of sight blocking Scott's view of Alicia. Blake did not know why he felt uncomfortable having someone else, no just someone else but a man looking at Alicia, all he knew was that he didn't like it!

After a nice meal, Alicia yawned as she made her way back to the cottage. She wanted to get a good night's rest in her space. She would nurture her Magi Sack for a few hours before going to bed. Then she would get some sleep. The next morning she had to do her morning training and have a spar with Dalton.

----

The smell of the early morning dew filled your nose as the fog in Parith had yet to lift. Sounds of swords clashing could be heard. In a training field in another part of the estate two figures, one small, one large were going back and forth as sparks flew every time the two swords met. The large figure was Dalton. While the smaller figure was Alicia. They had been at it for almost an hour now with now signs of slowing down.

*Clang!*

Sparks flew once again as Dalton shouted out: "Not bad! Not bad! Your movements are still a little rough but your base is extremely well refined. If we were not limited on the use of attack magic, I would be in a lot of trouble. But this is also good since it will allow you to see where your flaws are." After saying all this he charged at Alicia: "Again!"

*Clang!* *Clang!* *Clang!* *Clang!*

Dalton's men were starting to crowd around as they watched in awe as a little girl went toe to toe with Dalton. Blake watched intensely from the side as the two sparred. He did not want to miss a single move as this was also a good chance to learn from a veteran Knight. Not only a veteran but also a commander!

Alicia who was having the time of her life, watched Dalton, like a hawk as she parried and blocked his moves. She was always waiting for a small opening to get a few jabs in. Without the use of attack magic, she wasn't able to combine her techniques like she normally would. Right now she could only use her swordsmanship. This was also good practice for situations where magic and attack magic were banned. A magic banned zone were zones where Magicules were not able to work. So only using one's physical strength could they hope to survive in such a zone. In a battle sometimes there will be a group that specializes in flagging. Flagging creates zones where no magic can be used. This is a good defense for holding an enemy back when trying to make a retreat.

*Cling! Clang!*

A sword went flying into the air. "Sir Dalton, no matter how hard I try I can not land a solid blow on you." Alicia said as she crawled up from the ground. The last sword clash just now Alicia could truly feel the difference in their strength. Alicia slowly got up and dusted her training clothes off before giving Dalton a slight bow. "Thank you for your guidance!"

"Ahaha… Let me say this Alicia, you are highly talented. To last this long against me is no easy feat. You will pass the squire's test with ease with this kind of combat ability. Let's go one more time slowly so I can show you where your weak points are..." Dalton said as he started to explain to Alicia on where her weak points are and how to overcome them.