Quite Foolish

Due to the lack of time, Nicholas wasn't able to train them and only set their schedule for them. Both the boys didn't show any objections; it's not as though they had a say in this in the first place.

Nevertheless, they were eager to start the training, having their own sets of ambition.

Once the day was over, Odette took a relaxing, warm bath in order to ease her sore muscles from the intense training. Done bathing, she decided to have a talk with the boys over some snack.

Leaning back against the couch, Odette had her eyes on the boys. Dennis was tense in Odette's presence; those eyes of his didn't hide their fear. Contrary to him, Adrian wore a wide smile.

It was strange how Odette didn't find herself being displeased. After all, it wasn't usual for her to meet those who weren't wary of her regardless of age.

"As both of you are aware, Sir Nicholas would be overlooking your training from tomorrow, and I hate slacking. I believe you wouldn't want to know what I do with those who angers me.

Since you are given such a precious opportunity, you better be grateful and make most use of it. I don't like those who can't take advantage of their situation. One week from now, a duel will be held between you two; the winner will be rewarded.

The only rule is that you can't kill each other. Other than that, everything is allowed. Nothing would make the date of duel change," Odette enunciated— her tone being authoritative.

"A duel?" Adrian voiced out. A pout formed on his face.

Odette raised an eyebrow at him.

He looked as though all the energy had been drained out of him and, as his body swayed, unwillingly responded, "Yes, Lady Odette. I understand."

She had to force back a chuckle at his adorable antics.

Dennis respectfully bowed and resolutely stated, "Thank you for the opportunity, Lady Odette. I will try my best to not let you down."

°°°

Odette leaned against the pillar of the manor. The maid held a parasol over her head, protecting her from the bright sunlight. Odette slowly undulated the fan in her hand whole observing the boys in the training field.

Nicholas was training Dennis and Adrian as Odette assessed their skills.

Dennis's larger build gave him obvious advantages, and coupled with that, he had few tricks of his own from before.

Although Adrian was weaker and frail compared to Dennis, he learned at an incredible rate. Even Odette found herself being impressed at the progress he made in the short period of three days.

Once again, she was reassured that she made a great choice by going for Adrian. If this was kept up, he would soon surpass her.

Instead of that alarming her, Odette was excited. She always sought out for a formidable opponent.

At that instant, Nicholas commented, "Stop! This would be enough for today. Lady Odette wouldn't be appreciating it if I make you two collapse."

His voice held humor.

With that, Nicholas placed his sword back into its sheath. Odette walked over to them with the maid following after her. She waved her hand to dismiss the woman.

Nicholas bowed politely at Odette before saying, "I will be taking my leave then. I have matters to deal with."

Odette nodded.

With that, he walked away, and Odette focused her attention on the exhausted boys. Both of them were sweating profusely, and their knees trembled, being close to collapsing.

"Dennis, leave," she ordered, "and inform that no one should come close to the training area."

Dennis was curious as to why only was being sent away. Nevertheless, aware that he had no right to question that, he verbally responded with an agreement prior to bowing and obediently obliging. He didn't want to cross Odette.

Making sure no one was present at the scene, Odette looked at the slouching child. He had a pout on his face. Dissatisfaction was clearly in his eyes as he swayed his hand.

She scrunched up her nose at his poor posture.

"Stand up straight!" she commanded.

A soft groan escaped from his lips, and this made Odette wear a smile at his loveliness. Those eyes if his were filled with complaints that he couldn't wait to spill out. Nonetheless, he stood up straight in an unwilling manner.

"Now, speak."

"Lady Odette, you made all of them leave but are keeping me here, standing. My legs are aching. My hands as well, and it is too hot. This is unfair. I want to go inside too. This is unfair," Adrian whined as those doe eyes of his silently pleaded to Odette.

What an endearing child!

A chuckle escaped from Odette's lips.

"Do you want to win the duel?" Odette questioned.

A sparkle appeared in Adrian's eyes at that. He eagerly nodded his head.

"Unfortunately, you barely any chances of achieving that. You learn fast, but the difference between Dennis and you is too great. You are weak. Most importantly, you are quite foolish," Odette bluntly commented. There was a teasing glint in her eyes.