Chapter 5: Acquaintances

Clashes between them went back and forth. They all could clearly hear the 'thunk' of each hit.

Unlike their childhood, Arisanna was sure her brother had significantly improved from when they were kids. With guidance from their father as well as experience, she was sure he would do well and so she wasn't worried.

She was more curious about the first prince. He had a reputation for swordsmanship and so he had to deliver. It would seem unusual if he was bad at it.

But deep down, she wasn't sure if she wanted her brother to win. For one, to save the prince's face, it would seem fitting for Reynold to pretend to lose. However, if he was insincere about it, it definitely won't look good. Besides, if Reynold did lose without putting up a strong front, the siblings would guess he gave him the upper hand. They weren't dumb.

But if Reynold did win, it meant that he was better than the first prince, someone of royal blood and have a high position. Their reputation would be damaged and the rumors would spread from the maids who are currently watching over them.

However, this dilemma is to be expected as one's status and reputation are everything that matters. The best course would be for Reynold to lose but make it seems like they had an intense fight. But, of course, that would only be feasible if the first prince is bad at swordsmanship. If he was on par with Reynold, everything should be fine.

'So why am I worrying?'

The princess looked at Arisanna and then spoke up.

"Do you also know swordsmanship Arisanna?"

She politely looked at the princess.

"I do and was taught swordsmanship at a young age. But my brother is better than me physically."

She quietly pursed her lips, "I don't have the strength to beat him nor the intuition to do so."

"Do you compete quite a bit?"

"We do sometimes. But I can only count my wins on one of my hands," Arisanna frowned.

"I also have the same problem as you," the second prince chimed in.

"I perform swordsmanship and wield a sword but I don't have brother's talent for it," he continued.

He turned his gaze back at the two guys fighting it out, "I sometimes do wish I could get better at it."

"At least brother can do magic. Unlike you two, I don't have enough strength nor mana to be able to fight. At most, I can only do basic self-defense."

Arisanna inquisitively looked at her, "Princess, you are still young. These things take time. Even if you had the talent, it still needs to cultivate."

"Ah- please call me Brie, no need for formalities," she smiled.

"Then, you also can call me Art," the second prince also smiled.

"But I guess you do have a point. Although I am tired of waiting, whether I had talent or not, I can't do much," the princess also looked at the two fighting in the distance.

"Well, talent or not, abilities can be learned. To be honest, you don't have to be the best in the world at these things. You just need to be good, not first. You will slowly collect these skills as someone who could do them incredibly well," Arisanna rested her chin in her hand while staring at her brother's agile movements.

"When it comes down to that, you would seem like you are one of the most talented people in other's eyes," Arisanna smiled.

It was quiet after Arisanna said her last sentence. Of course, she never pushed for a new topic but she couldn't help but panic.

Who wouldn't in her situation? People stopped talking because of her.

'Feels like I did something wrong but it's not like I can just say something after what I just said.'

And so she distracted herself with the fight in front of them, keeping a calm demeanor.

Surprisingly, the first prince is quite good. He kept up with all of Reynold's movement, which is something Arisanna never gets to see often. He kept a calm and composed aura when fighting and accurately tried to break her brother's defense.

She couldn't help but ask telepathically, 'You good?'

Her brother responded, 'Yeah. But the prince is good.'

'Are you going to purposely lose?'

'No way. Don't underestimate him. I can't let my guard down when fighting him. If I do, I might just make a mistake.'

She could hear their grunts as they each strike each other.

'Sounds rough.'

'You are distracting me!'

And as if in response, they broke into a stand-off stalemate situation.

Arisanna covered her lips to avoid them seeing her silent grin as if she didn't do anything wrong.

But when it comes down to skill, experience takes the cake. One can't do anything without trying to do it at first. With experience, you can sharpen your skill, it doesn't work the other way.

The first prince fell down and his wooden sword was struck out of his hand. Reynold pointed it at the prince's neck. They all clapped.

"You were quite good your highness," Reynold complimented while offering out his hand.

The prince took it and said, "I said no formalities. Just call me Alex."

Reynold pulled him up from the ground and they both made their way toward the table.

"You have got me good Reynold, I thought I could at least keep up," he laughed.

"No, not at all. If I must confess, I was getting worried if I was able to keep up with you," he honestly replied.

"It's still my lost though," he laughed.

"Well? How did I do?" the prince asked the opinion of everyone else.

"Brother did well as always! It is a shame you lost though," the princess giggled.

"Ah- what a shameful performance I have displayed in front of you all."

"But brother managed to compose yourself. I know you will do better next time," the second prince gave him a reassuring look.

"The seco- Art is right. I haven't seen my brother so worked up in a very long time. That says a lot," Arisanna complimented.

He seemed a bit taken aback by her comment but smiled.

"It seems like we should duel more often Reynold?" the prince looked at him.

"Of course, I will be happy to do so. My sister isn't much of a competition-"

"Am I not dear brother?" she gave him a sharp gaze.

Reynold covered his mouth.

They lightly laughed at their interaction and were conveniently interrupted by a couple of maids.

It seemed like gathering time is over.

The Royal Family went out to personally bid them farewell.

All of a sudden, the princess spoke up, "Arisanna!"

She turned around and gave her a look.

"I- I need assistance for my debutante ball and so if you would like… please help me out," she shyly said.

Arisanna gave her a big smile, "I would be honored to! I will drop by tomorrow before the ball so please expect me."

She then waved goodbye.

"You seemed to have grown close," pointed out Reynold.

"Close? Well, I guess more acquainted," she looked out of the window.

"You two should get along. You don't have many lady friends and so it's a nice relationship to have."

"Are you lecturing me? You sound like an old man."

"Well, she is the princess. She probably couldn't trust everyone around her and so don't keep many people close."

Arisanna looked at her brother and weakly responded, "I guess so…"