Duke Will stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Rowan.
He bent down slightly and placed a firm hand on Rowan's shoulder, rubbing his head with a rare, warm smile.
"…Amazing," Duke Will said. "Truly amazing."
Rowan smiled faintly, saying nothing.
Edric lowered his sword and let out a breath, then smiled as well.
"It seems I underestimated you," Edric admitted. "Thank you for keeping up with that pace. Most children wouldn't last a second. You did more than well."
He looked Rowan in the eyes.
"You're truly talented. I'm certain your future will be bright."
Before Rowan could respond, footsteps approached.
Aldwin walked toward them, clapping both hands together.
"So I wasn't wrong," Aldwin said with a grin. "I watched the whole thing. From start to finish. Rowan… that was impressive."
He stopped in front of him.
"You amazed me. At this rate, you'll surpass me soon. It's only a matter of time."
Rowan remained silent, lowering his gaze slightly.
Edric turned serious.
"Rowan," he said, "do you know what's important about losing?"
Rowan looked up.
"When someone loses," Edric continued, "it doesn't mean they should feel ashamed. I held back. If I hadn't, you would've lost."
"I know," Rowan replied calmly.
Edric nodded.
"Good. But there's something you still need to understand."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"In this world, there are people whose pride defines them. When they lose—when they're humiliated or disgraced—their pride shatters."
His voice grew heavier.
"Those people are dangerous. Not because they're skilled… but because they're unstable. Some lose their sanity. Some destroy others just to feel whole again."
Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Especially nobles," Edric added. "Man or woman—it doesn't matter. When pride is taken from them, they can do unspeakable things."
Rowan's mind stirred.
…Lady Aria.
Yesterday… her apology. The way she bowed. The shame.
Could it be her?
Edric continued.
"And sometimes," he said quietly, "there are forces that take advantage of that weakness. Beings that whisper, push, and feed on broken pride."
"…Demons," Rowan said.
Edric looked at him, surprised—then nodded.
"Yes. Demons."
Silence settled between them.
"So remember this," Edric said. "Don't be ashamed of losing. And don't let your pride rule you. That's how people fall."
He straightened and stepped back.
"We'll talk more later," Edric said. "You have places to be."
He turned and began walking toward the carriage waiting in the vast garden.
Duke Will looked at Rowan for a long moment, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
"Well," he said at last, a faint smile forming, "we'll talk again. About your future."
Rowan lifted his head.
"With talent like yours," Duke Will continued, "it would be a waste not to refine it properly. Especially in swordsmanship."
He turned slightly and raised a hand in farewell as he headed toward the carriage waiting in the garden.
"We'll speak soon."
Rowan watched him leave.
That was when Aldwin stepped closer and placed a hand on Rowan's shoulder.
"Come, son," Aldwin said gently. "Walk with me."
Rowan nodded and followed Aldwin away, his thoughts heavy—his body moving, but his mind already racing far ahead.