Chapter 32: A Helping Hand And Sword Training

Tatiana's perspective

Part 1 Morning (Manor's Study room)

The first rays of morning sunlight painted a soft glow across the expanse of the manor's study room, infusing it with a sense of quiet anticipation. Seated at the polished wooden desk, I shared this space with Blanc, our roles as scholars etched into the very fabric of the room.

As the day unfurled, we engaged in our customary routine, the rhythm of our studies a soothing backdrop to the morning's tranquility.

"No, it doesn't matter what you do," Blanc's words held an undertone of seriousness, her gaze fixed on the open textbook before her, determination evident in her posture.

My own conviction, however, prompted a quick response. "What do you mean? They need our help, don't they?" I countered, my voice carrying a thread of insistence. The mission we had embarked upon was one that resonated with my ideals, and I wasn't about to waver.

A heavy sigh escaped Blanc's lips, a mixture of exasperation and resignation. "And we need you not to be burdened by this sort of matter," her voice softened, the concern for my well-being subtly interwoven with her words. "Do you realize how crucial your role is in this mission?" Her gaze met mine, unwavering and sincere.

My brows furrowed, uncertainty creeping into my expression. "But…" I began, the weight of responsibility mingling with a desire to make a difference.

The corners of Blanc's lips twitched, a wry smile playing at the edges. "Well, you've left me with little choice," she conceded, a hint of reluctant amusement in her tone. "If I help you sort out this issue, you promise not to pester me about our studies anymore, right?" The proposal was both a challenge and a negotiation, emblematic of our dynamic.

A spark of gratitude ignited within me, appreciation for her understanding and willingness to find a middle ground. "You would do that, Blanc? Thank you so much," I replied earnestly, a genuine smile gracing my features. "I'm certain their gratitude will be immense," I added, confident in the positive impact our intervention would have.

Blanc's response carried a hint of dry humor, her tone tinged with a mix of fond annoyance and amusement. "Oh, please, it's not 'our' help; it's going to be me heading there," she clarified, emphasizing the distinction between our involvement.

A curiosity blossomed within me, prompting me to inquire further. "What do you mean?" I probed, my voice a reflection of genuine interest.

"Lily, kindly inform the Mayor's butler that I'll be offering my assistance later today," Blanc instructed, her words delivered with an air of authority that left no room for doubt. Her intent was clear, and the wheels of action were set in motion.

Lily's response was swift, her posture a blend of respect and gratitude. "Of course, Lady Blanc. I shall convey your message promptly," she acknowledged, her manner graceful and composed.

With the impending engagement settled, I couldn't help but ponder my own course of action. "Wait, what am I supposed to do in the meantime?" I voiced my uncertainty, a mixture of curiosity and genuine contemplation.

Blanc's suggestion was practical, offering a pathway to make productive use of my free hours. "Well, you've got some free time, haven't you?" she mused, her tone casual. "Perhaps you could dedicate it to honing your magical prowess or something," she suggested, her words an open invitation to further growth.

Part 2 Noon (Manor's Courtyard)

The noon sun bathed the manor's courtyard in a golden glow, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch and sigh under its warm embrace. I found myself enveloped in a moment of contemplation, the stillness of the scene amplifying the rhythm of my thoughts. "This brings me to not doing anything," I mused, my voice a gentle murmur carried away by the breeze that rustled the leaves. "Suddenly, I'm wondering how I'm going to spend my time today," I added, the uncertainty of free hours ahead painted across my expression.

Beside me, Lumina nestled in a patch of sunlight, a picture of utter relaxation. Her contented "Kyupi" resonated, a harmony with the peaceful ambiance that surrounded us. The simple sound seemed to echo the tranquility of the moment, a reminder that sometimes, doing nothing was a luxury in itself.

A whimsical thought flitted through my mind, carrying with it a dash of mischief. "How about we just sleep for the day?" I suggested to Lumina, a hint of playfulness coloring my tone. "It seems not a bad idea, right, Lumi?" I inquired, a smile dancing on my lips as I considered the notion of surrendering to the embrace of slumber.

Lumina's response was an excited chirp, a joyful agreement that filled the air. "Kyupi!" she chimed, her enthusiasm infectious as it merged with the idyllic scene.

However, a distant spectacle drew my attention, shifting my focus to a figure practicing swordsmanship amidst the tranquil backdrop. Sakuya, her movements precise and deliberate, immersed herself in the art of combat. The memory of her words resurfaced, a quiet promise that lingered in my mind. "Ask me when you're free," she had once told me, a pledge that now whispered in the winds.

Today, it seemed, was the opportune moment to uphold that promise. A decision solidified within me as I reflected on my choices. "Today might be good," I murmured to myself, a conviction settling like a gentle breeze. "Let's spend it with Sakuya," I resolved, determination adding a spark to my gaze.

"Sakuya…" I addressed her as I approached, my voice carrying a hint of eagerness. Our connection was forged in mutual respect, and now, the threads of our companionship drew me towards her. "…What is it, Tatiana?" Sakuya's reply, though measured, held the warmth of recognition, as if she had anticipated my approach.

A sense of courtesy guided my words as I broached the topic that had been on my mind. "Sorry to bother your training," I began, my tone soft and respectful. "I was thinking that now that I have free time, I wanted to take up Sakuya's offer of training. Is that possible?" The request hung in the air, an invitation that awaited her response.

Sakuya's affirmative nod felt like a bridge spanning the gap between curiosity and intention. With the promise of shared training before us, a spark of enthusiasm ignited within me, fueled by the prospect of mastering a new skill. As we delved into the specifics, Sakuya's curiosity shone through. "Sure, we can do a bit of training," she agreed, her words a soothing balm to my eager anticipation. Her inquisitive nature surfaced as she probed deeper. "How about you tell me what kind of weapon you have experience with before this?"

The question evoked a moment of panic, my past experiences suddenly stark in contrast to the present situation. "Weapon? Back in the day, I only used a staff as we trained in magic," I admitted, a hint of unease tinting my voice. The unfamiliarity of weapons had been my reality, a realm of skill and strength that had eluded me until now.

Sakuya's understanding expression offered a touch of comfort, even as I sensed a tinge of disappointment beneath her composed demeanor. The worry that I had let her down gnawed at me, adding a layer of unease to the conversation. "I see…" Her response was measured, her understanding palpable as she acknowledged my past.

A wave of concern crashed against me, my thoughts echoing my feelings. *That must be disappointed,* I fretted internally, my worry an unwelcome companion.

Yet, Sakuya's next action dispelled my apprehensions as she handed me a sword. "Here, you can try taking up this sword," she offered, her gesture accompanied by a calm assurance that spoke volumes. The hilt of the sword met my grasp, the weight a foreign sensation in my hand. "Sword?" I questioned aloud, my voice a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.

The weight, however, proved to be a pleasant surprise as I lifted the sword. "How come it was this light?" I marveled, genuine excitement coloring my words. The contrast between my expectations and reality was almost comical, a twist of fate that brought a smile to my lips.

Swinging the sword, I couldn't help but be amused by its lightness. The blade danced through the air with an almost whimsical grace, as if it were an extension of my very thoughts. The experience was exhilarating, a reminder that there were worlds beyond the familiar confines of magic.

Sakuya's subsequent inquiry carried a touch of curiosity, a desire to understand the source of my unexpected proficiency. "...Did you ever do any weight lifting training before?" she asked, her voice tinged with intrigue as she sought to unravel the mystery.

My response was a candid admission, my words revealing the singular focus of my past training. "I confessed I never did any of that, as we focused solely on magic," I explained, a mix of puzzle and vulnerability woven into my tone. The realization that my magical foundation was not all-encompassing settled upon me, a whisper of uncertainty that I had long suppressed.

Sakuya's wisdom flowed forth, her words like gentle ripples on the surface of a pond. "Having training only in magic can't guarantee you can survive," she stated, her concern a reminder of the harsh reality that could lay beyond the bounds of enchantments. "There might be times when you need other options and rely on methods beyond magic," she added, her voice a harbinger of experience and caution.

I echoed her sentiment, my agreement tinged with a tinge of melancholy. "I agree with that, also I wasn't good at magic back then," I confessed, my voice carrying the weight of past struggles and the passage of time. The admission was a vulnerable unveiling of my imperfections, a testament to the growth that lay before me.

Sakuya's guidance pivoted, her attention now on my stance. "So, for now, focus on your training and what is that stance?" she queried, her question a catalyst for introspection. The sword in my hand was both foreign and familiar, its weight and balance inviting exploration.

My grasp on the sword was unique, the hilt's tip nestled in the palm of my hand. It felt strangely right, a posture that seemed to meld with my form. "Seems the body remembers how to do it," Sakuya noted, a hint of satisfaction coloring her voice. The affirmation warmed me, a gentle reminder that skills once learned were never truly lost.

Despite my unorthodox grip, Sakuya reassured me, her words a salve for any uncertainties. "No need, there might be something to it," she mused, her conviction a reassurance that I was on the right track. The affirmation was a gentle validation, a nod to the intricacies of personal style.

And so, our journey of training began, each movement an exchange of intention and understanding. "We're going to practice, so come at me," Sakuya declared, her stance unwavering, her focus palpable. The challenge was accepted, the air thick with anticipation as our swords met.

Yet, a tinge of concern swirled within me as I considered the reality of our practice. "With the real sword? You might get hurt," I voiced, my worry for her well-being a testament to our bond.

Sakuya's response was unflinching, her words a proclamation of her confidence. "Don't worry, there's not a sword that can damage me," she assured, her voice a soothing balm that calmed my fears. Her invincibility was both intriguing and humbling, a reminder of the prowess that lay within her grasp.

With her reassurances held close, I readied myself for the practice ahead. "I see, so let's get started," I affirmed, my voice a blend of determination and readiness.

*Swing.* The sound of steel cutting through the air echoed, the blade a blur of motion as I aimed for Sakuya's defenses. Her deft reflexes came into play, her movements fluid and precise as she blocked my attack. The clash of metal against metal reverberated, a testament to the dance of skill and strategy.

Sakuya's skill manifested as she expertly deflected my swing, her focus unbroken. Just as I had anticipated, her ability to anticipate and react was truly remarkable.

The initial exchange served as a catalyst, sparking my determination to improve. Another swing, a continuation of effort, met with the same outcome. The rhythm of our training continued, a symphony of steel that filled the air.

*Clank! Clank! Clank!* The metallic melody played on, the rhythm punctuated by the determination in my heart. Each strike aimed to breach Sakuya's defenses, a testament to my evolving skill and the bond between us.

"That was amazing, Sakuya," I acknowledged, my voice a blend of admiration and humility. "It seems I'll never be able to hit you with my low skills like this. I hope I could at least land a hit," I confided, my aspirations unveiled as I shared my desire to rise to her expectations. The weight of her efforts on my behalf motivated me to strive for improvement.

Sakuya's response, her smile a beacon of encouragement, was a reminder that progress was a journey marked by effort and determination. "...Sure, try your best, Tatiana," she encouraged, her words a testament to her unwavering support.

Time flowed, the sun arcing across the sky as we continued our training. *Clank! Clank!* The sword bore the marks of our exchange, each clash etching a memory of growth onto its surface.

As the training persisted, a truth emerged—our blades could only endure so much. *Clank! Clank!* The sword's surface bore the brunt of our training, small chips and imperfections marking its journey.

A surge of determination surged through me, an audacious plan forming in my mind. "This sword is too weak," I declared with newfound confidence. With a fluid motion, I began to flip the sword, positioning it for an unconventional strike. I aimed to thrust the sword towards Sakuya, the gesture a mix of determination and resolve.

Sakuya's surprise was palpable, her "?!" encapsulating the astonishment that flashed in her eyes. My attempt was bold, an unorthodox strategy aimed at catching her off guard. The excitement was almost tangible as I thrust the blade forward, my intent clear.

*Ching.* The sound of metal meeting metal resonated, the blade colliding with Sakuya's finger. The impact shattered the sword, the blade splintering into a cloud of shimmering dust. The reality of my audacious maneuver settled upon me, the outcome a mix of surprise and unintended consequences.

"Uhhh… in the end, I'm still not good at this," I admitted, a sense of embarrassment coloring my tone. The realization of my limitations, my shortcomings, weighed upon me, a stark reminder of the aristocratic facade I often maintained.

Silence enveloped us, a moment of reflection amidst the remnants of the shattered sword. "I'm sorry, Sakuya, I broke the sword because I'm very clumsy," I confessed, my voice carrying a touch of genuine regret. My bow was an embodiment of my desire to make amends, to convey my remorse for my unintentional actions.

Sakuya's response, her smile a beacon of understanding, was a testament to her resilience and patience. "Don't be. Anyway, let's buy a new weapon for you," she suggested, her words a reassurance that carried an air of acceptance. Lumina's excited chirp mirrored my own anticipation, the prospect of a new beginning sparking a flutter of excitement within me.

As I observed Sakuya's smile, a sense of wonder settled within me. The enigma of her emotions, her motivations, remained elusive, leaving me intrigued by the layers that composed her character. 

-Chapter 32 End-