A Little Bit of Free Time

As winter draped Roa in its icy embrace, nearly a year had passed since our arrival. During this time, Eris's proficiency in the Water God Style had flourished steadily, like a budding flower nurtured by pure determination and pride.

Recently, I had introduced her to the Flow technique, a counter-attack skill that artfully redirected incoming strikes.

And on this particular day, Eris and I engaged in a spirited sparring session, our swords clashing in a symphony of practice and camaraderie.

The scene unfolded as our wooden swords met in a graceful clash, embodying the harmonious blend of Sword God Style and Water God Style techniques.

Eris met my attacks with a tenacity that revealed her dedication to her training. The retreat and flow of our exchange mirrored our progress.

With a confident step, I unleashed precise and accurate strikes, aiming to gain the upper hand. Eris met my challenge head-on, using Water God Style techniques to parry and defend.

The recent addition to our repertoire, the feint technique taught by Ghislaine, came into play. We skillfully weaved it into our moves, using subtle feints to mislead each other.

I executed a feint, hoping to deceive Eris's defenses. However, she countered my ruse with the expert use of the Flow technique, narrowly missing my attack as I deftly evaded.

During the sparring session, a subtle observation did not escape my eyes. Eris's emotional control had visibly improved.

She exhibited a newfound sense of balance and focus, embodying growth not just in technique but also in inner strength.

Curiosity sparked in me, and I decided to test Eris's emotional resilience by attempting another one of the Water God Style techniques – taunting.

I playfully taunted her, aiming to provoke a reaction and evaluate her progress in managing her emotions.

"Come on, Eris, is that all you've got? Give me some more," I teased, a knowing glint in my eyes.

For a moment, it seemed as though my words would simply roll off her like water off a duck's back. But then, like a crack in a dam, her composure faltered, and her face flushed with anger.

She lunged at me, her sword a blur of speed and determination.

Instinct guided my response. I executed the Flow technique once more, countering her assault with practiced precision.

As our swords met, her momentum faltered, and she stumbled to the ground, her breath coming in rapid gasps.

In that moment, Eris's intense drive and raw emotion collided, painting a picture of her progress. It was clear that while her anger management had improved, although there's still a fragile aspect of her growth.

As she lay there, catching her breath, I extended my hand to help her up, a proud smile gracing my lips. "Good job, Eris. You're getting better every day."

Her expression shifted from frustration to a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.

She accepted my hand and rose to her feet, a determined spark in her eyes that promised continued growth and an unyielding spirit.

On the sidelines, Rudeus called out, suggesting a sparring match. Regrettably, his swordsmanship proficiency still bore traces of hesitancy, flinching when confronted by our strikes.

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Amidst these developments in swordsmanship, it appeared that Rudeus was handling Eris's studies with increasing effectiveness. The tension that once marked her tutoring sessions had noticeably eased.

Furthermore, Eris and Ghislaine were making commendable progress in mastering fire magic. Rudeus oversaw their advancement, while I observed from a distance, admiring their dedication.

While I remained engrossed in their magical endeavors, the soft sound of approaching footsteps pulled my attention away.

I turned my head to find Eris's mother, Hilda, elegantly approaching my direction.

"Good day, Madam Hilda. It's a pleasure to see you here," I greeted the mistress with a respectful curtsy, the fabric of my dress rustling softly as I gently lifted it.

She greeted me in kind, matching my respectful gesture. "And a good day to you as well, Reine. Your presence is always appreciated."

"May I ask about the purpose of your visit today, madam?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by her unexpected appearance.

With a gentle laugh, Madam Hilda responded, "I've come to check on my daughter's progress. How is she doing now?"

"Eris is making remarkable progress, madam. At this moment, she's deeply engaged in learning magic alongside Ghislaine," I responded, inviting her to observe their activities in the courtyard.

Her attention shifted to the courtyard, and a flicker of surprise danced across her features as she witnessed Eris immersing herself in fire magic.

Yet, beneath her curiosity, a shade of concern surfaced in her voice, "Oh my, is that form of magic safe? What if she accidentally hurt herself with those flames?"

"Please rest assured, madam. Eris is in capable hands. My brother is ensuring your daughter's safety and providing guidance throughout the process," I reassured her, hoping to alleviate her worries.

Though the mistress appeared somewhat hesitant to entirely trust my words, we continued to watch as Eris and Ghislaine chanted incantations, successfully conjuring flames under their control.

Our observation continued until Eris noticed our presence and approached our direction.

"Mother, did you see? I did magic! It's absolutely amazing!" Eris exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

Madam Hilda smiled softly at her daughter's words. "That's quite astonishing, Eris. Just remember to be careful and avoid don't do anything unnecessary, okay?"

"Of course, Mother!" Eris agreed passionately before darting back to the courtyard, her enthusiasm undiminished.

"See, madam? There's no need to be concern," I reiterated, hoping to alleviate her unease.

She nodded, though her acceptance seemed to be tinged with a lingering reluctance.

As time passed, Madam Hilda's gaze settled on Rudeus, her expression carrying a mixture of disdain and animosity.

With a disapproving huff, she departed from the scene, leaving an air of mystery surrounding her complex sentiments toward my brother.

Turning my attention back to Rudeus, who wore a perplexed expression, I offered a light shrug, conveying my own perplexity in comprehending the complexity of the situation.

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One evening, I found myself deeply engrossed in the meticulous task of maintaining my cherished rapier. The blade had borne witness to some battles, making its upkeep not just a chore but a meaningful endeavor.

In preparation for this undertaking, I had acquired a soft cloth and a bottle of sword oil. As I delved into the process, my attention was consumed by the intricate details of the blade.

The cloth, dampened with water infused by a gentle touch of magic, glided across the blade's surface.

Layer by layer, the dirt and grime that had accumulated over time gave way to the sword's lustrous sheen. Each removed speck of dirt seemed to unveil a piece of the weapon's history.

Satisfied with the cleaning, I retrieved the bottle of oil, its contents promising to restore the blade's former glory.

With careful precision, I applied a thin, even coat of the oil, watching as it caught the light and cast a radiant glow upon the blade.

"Perfect," I murmured to myself, admiring the revitalized weapon.

*Knock* *knock*

A knock on the door interrupted my reverie, causing me to quickly sheathe the sword and approach the entrance. Upon opening the door, I was met with the sight of an elderly woman holding a lantern.

"Good evening. Can I help you?" I inquired, curious about her presence in the manor.

The old woman courteously bowed while lifting the hem of her dress. "Greetings, miss Reine. My name is Edna Leilon."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Edna," I responded with a nod. "How may I be of service?"

Her gaze met mine, and she proceeded to explain her reason for seeking me out. "I have a request to make, if you'd be willing."

Intrigued, I welcomed her inside, offering her a seat. I poured a cup of grape juice for her and then seated myself across from her, eager to hear more.

"So, what can I help you with, miss Edna?" I inquired, eager to hear her request.

The elderly woman nodded and proceeded to explain her situation. "I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to allocate some time from your sword training?"

Curious, I leaned forward slightly. "And why would you need that?"

"In about half a year, young lady Eris will be turning ten years old," Edna began. "For her birthday celebration, many aristocrats from both Fittoa and other regions will be attending. The highlight of the event will be Eris's dance performance."

"That sounds like a wonderful celebration," I commented, intrigued by the upcoming event. "But what's the issue?"

Edna's expression grew slightly troubled. "You see, aristocrats have refined tastes when it comes to dance. I would like to teach young lady Eris dancing and etiquette for the occasion. However, the time is currently insufficient for both."

"So, you're asking me to provide some of the time I spend on sword training so you can have more time to teach Eris dancing?" I clarified, making sure I understood her request.

Edna nodded, relieved that I grasped her predicament. "Yes, miss Reine. Would you be willing to agree?"

"Absolutely, if it contributes to ensuring that Eris has a memorable birthday celebration. I'm more than willing to accommodate," I agreed, recognizing the significance of the event for Eris.

Edna's expression lit up with gratitude at my response. "Thank you very much, miss Reine. I appreciate your understanding and generosity. You and your brother are truly kind-hearted."

"Speaking of my brother, did you ask him about this as well?" I inquired curiously.

"Yes, I did. He was quite enthusiastic when I spoke to him about the young lady's birthday celebration," Edna revealed with a wry smile.

"I see, that's good to hear," I nodded, pleased to know that Rudeus was also supportive of the idea.

With our conversation concluded, Edna expressed her gratitude once more before taking her leave from the room.

As I watched her depart, felt a sense of fulfillment in knowing that my willingness to assist could contribute to a meaningful celebration for Eris.

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The following day greeted me with a rare and valuable gift - an abundance of free time.

With Eris's sword training temporarily suspended in favor of dance practice, my schedule expanded, granting me uninterrupted hours to indulge in various pursuits.

As the gentle morning light painted the room with its warmth, I contemplated the various options that lay before me.

Should I immerse myself in the pages of a captivating book? Explore new avenues of magical study? Perhaps devote the time to honing my own combat skills.

Among these choices, the allure of mastering the Longsword of Light technique, as demonstrated by Ghislaine, held the strongest appeal.

Stepping into the courtyard with a wooden sword in hand, I focused my thoughts and energy on the task at hand. The Longsword of Light demanded not just physical precision, but also a deep attunement to the sword's essence.

*Whoosh*

The initial attempts were a humbling reminder of the technique's intricacy. My swings lacked the requisite swiftness and fluidity, falling short of the technique's elegance.

Unperturbed by the early setbacks, I adjusted my stance and grip, seeking to align myself more closely with the essence of the technique.

*Whoosh*

The sound of air rushing past signaled the trajectory of my swing. While an improvement, it still fell shy of the desired outcome.

Undeterred, I reset my stance, determined to bridge the gap between my efforts and the ideal execution of the technique.

*Whoosh*

The swing was quicker, a sign of my growing understanding. However, the elusive brilliance of the Longsword of Light remained just beyond reach.

With relentless perseverance, I reset my stance yet again, ready to embrace the challenge anew.

*Whoosh*

Each swing carried me further, pushing my physical and mental limits. Moments of doubt tried to infiltrate, but my determination held strong against frustration and self-imposed limitations.

Ghislaine's guidance echoed in my mind, urging me to embrace the journey's challenges.

*Whoosh*

Time flowed, the sun's zenith surrendering to the approaching evening. Despite the exertion, my determination refused to waver. Every swing brought me closer to the mastery I aspired to attain.

*Whoosh*

With a final swing, a spark of realization ignited within me. The motion felt smoother, swifter, and more precise. Though the Longsword of Light's full brilliance had not yet emerged, undeniable progress had been made.

Lowering the wooden sword, a mixture of accomplishment and fatigue washed over me. Beads of sweat adorned my brow, and the weight of exertion lingered in my limbs.

Yet, a profound sense of satisfaction enveloped me. The incremental steps toward mastery had infused my day with purpose and fulfillment.

While I savored the aftermath of my focused training, my attention shifted to Rudeus, who was carrying a handful of books while accompanied by Mayor Philip in the distance.

Intrigued, I approached them, and they paused in their conversation to acknowledge me.

"Good day, Reine. How are you doing today?" Mayor Philip greeted with his usual calm demeanor.

I offered a respectful curtsy and replied, "I'm doing well, Mayor Philip."

"Hey, Reine. Engaged in some sword training today?" Rudeus chimed in, curiosity evident.

I turned my attention to my brother and nodded. "Yes, I've been working on mastering the Longsword of Light. And you, brother? What are those books for?"

"Oh, these?" he asked, looking down at the books he was carrying. "I decided to learn new languages, and Mayor Philip was kind enough to lend me his library."

The mayor chuckled at Rudeus's words. "His curiosity intrigued me, so I allowed him access to these books."

"It's typical for my brother to get involved in such activities," I said, smiling at their interplay.

With a shared understanding, we continued our conversation, each of us embracing our own paths of self-improvement.