A little over two months had passed since I arrived here at the Water God Style dojo, and as the seasons changed to summer, we were roughly halfway through the year.
During this time, I had kept up with my training, including my spars with the other dojo students, my magic practice, the nightly horseback riding with Isolte, and reading through many of the books in the library.
There wasn't any notable growth or discoveries there, but simply constant improvement. But it was that constant, continuous improvement that had brought me to my current level of strength.
And of course, the most important training during my time here, my lessons under Master Reida in the Water God Style.
The underwater practice had continued, with my comfort in fighting under the water growing with each session, until finally…
"Vincent, you're ready," Reida said.
"Ready?" I voiced in confusion as I wiped the last of the water from my face.
"Your Flow is connected and efficient, so you're ready for the next step," she said, smiling at me. "You remember, right? This was just to get your foundations in order. And now that it's stable, we're moving onto your first Secret Art. Mirror-Cutting Current."
She slowly drew her sword.
"Remember. This technique, in essence, is just an upgraded Flow," she explained. "It is essentially the perfect basic counter, with the only weakness being that you cannot parry what you cannot sense and react to. But with your perception abilities, that is easy for you to compensate."
I nodded in understanding.
"Now for a demonstration… strike me," she said, casually holding her sword forward.
For most people, they would be averse to striking an old woman with all their might… but I knew that she was no ordinary woman.
In fact, I would likely be the one feeling the pain in this demonstration… but I knew refusing was impossible, so let's just get it over with.
Swiftly going through the practiced stance and motion, I unleashed a Longsword of Light aimed directly at her centre.
And as I approached… I felt it.
Battle aura ignited across her blade, a thin veil that was concentrated and controlled.
Her blade reached up to meet mine, and I instantly felt it.
My power, my speed, my strength… it all faded, as if I was suddenly submerged into a pit of mud.
And Reida… her form blurred, her sword finding itself resting against my side before I even had the chance to process anything.
Truly, a powerful technique befitting the title of a Secret Art… but also, one that was oddly familiar.
Using the opponent's strength to deal a counter-attack… that was Flow.
"So, do you understand it?" she asked, stepping back.
"Yes… but not quite," I said, still confused. "That felt… just like Flow. And I know you said it was supposed to be an upgraded version of it, but if that's the case… then what's the difference?"
Yeah… that's what I had been confused about ever since she first explained Mirror-Cutting Current.
A thin veil of battle aura that redirected the countered strike… wasn't that just Flow?
"There isn't much, to be honest. It's just that you advanced the technique before you were meant to," she said.
I tilted my head in confusion.
Okay, what did that mean?
"Let me explain… Flow is the simple, most foundational technique in the school. It is countering an attack through motion and sword technique, while the activation of battle aura automatically transfers the power of the strike due to the user's will," she explained. "But with Mirror-Cutting Current, you are actively transferring and reflecting the power of the attack through battle aura manipulation. They're extremely similar, but different. Think of it like the difference between the Longsword of Silence and a Longsword of Light."
Ah… okay, that put things into perspective.
Those two techniques were basically the same thing, but the difference in their technique… it was in the manipulation of battle aura, generating and activating it for a purpose rather than just passively using it.
So… oh.
Reida narrowed her eyes at me.
"So, do you see what I mean now, by you getting ahead before you were supposed to?" she asked.
"Yeah… I was already trying to actively manipulate my battle aura," I said.
Because after learning Longsword of Light, it felt natural to… but I guess I had gotten ahead of myself.
"Exactly. Your battle aura control is already at the level where you can perform this, and you've already begun to integrate it into your Flow… just with improper technique," she said. "In essence, you were using your battle aura as a crutch to compensate for improper form. But that's not your fault. It's that idiot Gal who does the exact same thing."
Right… he was a monster at using battle aura, so that was natural.
"So… what do I need to do now?" I asked.
Now that my fundamentals were solid…
"You learn properly this time, under me," she said, nodding proudly. "But having such skill in battle aura isn't a bad thing. In fact, it's part of the reason I chose this as your first Secret Art. Since you've already learned the hardest part, there won't be anything new, so you can learn it quite quickly. So… are you ready?"
"Yes, Master!" I replied enthusiastically.
"Good! Now let's get you familiar with the training drills you'll be performing," she said.
The first drill was quite simple, but was deceptively difficult.
I would stand still and hold my blade forward, and Reida would strike at my sword with varying levels of intensity, while I had to remain still the entire time.
No footwork, no positioning my blade, nothing. I would be training to counter her strikes with purely the battle aura on my blade.
The second drill was one where multiple projectiles, those being small wooden balls, would be flung at me from multiple angles, while I would need to counter them and send them to strike various targets set up around me.
Not only did this train me in dealing with projectiles, an experience I was quite lacking in, but the overwhelming number and angles of attack would force me to improve my raw technique and footwork.
There was no need to really learn any more proper technique, as the previous pool exercise had taught me all I needed. Now, I just needed to force myself to use it better and more efficiently.
The third and final drill was Reida continuously striking the same spot at the same angle, and I had to deflect every one identically.
There was no variation, and every attack would be extremely predictable, so it was useless in real combat… but that wasn't the focus of it.
This exercise focused on my battle aura, but this time instead of control, it was about stability and endurance, which I needed quite a bit.
I already had good control of my battle aura thanks to being a Sword Saint, but the Longsword of Light was a technique that happened in an instant, so there was no need to train constant stability and endurance, but Mirror-Cutting Current wasn't like that.
"So, are you ready?" she asked.
"Yeah… let's…"
My voice trailed off as I saw someone approach. A very familiar someone.
"Ah… Isolte. You've come," Reida said, nodding towards her.
"Yes, Grandmother. Apologies for the delay," Isolte replied, keeping her head down.
I immediately noticed that something was off.
First, Isolte wasn't ever late to training.
Even when it was pouring rain just last week, she still came out here without a complaint, training just as she always had.
And her body language… it was much different from usual.
Isolte was refined, always carrying herself with grace and calm. But now, she looked anxious, weary, and just in general… she looked off.
"Isolte… what happened?" I asked as she came up to us.
"Nothing. Nothing happened," she replied tersely.
Okay… definitely not normal.
"Isolte, you don't have to hide if-"
"I said nothing, dammit!" she shouted, snapping her head at me in a rare burst of anger. "Just… just…! Dammit!"
With me left in shock, she quickly turned around, storming back into the main house before she slammed the door behind her.
Reida and I were left in silence for a few moments before my Master eventually spoke up.
"Sorry about her, Vincent. Don't take it to heart. She'll probably come around by lunchtime and apologize to you, if not earlier," Reida said.
"No, it's… I'm fine, just… what's wrong?" I asked, confused. "Did I do something?"
Reida shook her head with a smirk.
"Hah! No, you're fine, kid, it's just…" Reida paused, squinting her eyes in thought. "Well… you can call it the curse of being a woman. A certain time of the month that many of us wish we could live without."
I instantly understood.
Well, Isolte was at that age to properly start puberty… so that explains why she lashed out.
"I see… she got her… period," I said, remembering the term for it in this world's language.
Reida looked at me, her expression showing her surprise.
"You know about that? I knew you were mature, but still… now I feel bad about telling you something meant to be private," she said before she shook her head. "Well, can't change it now. But yeah, that… there's medicine you can take, but it takes a day to work. And this is the first time she's ever had one, so… the pain and weird emotions are hard to handle even for a posed swordswoman like her. She'll get over it, but just give her some time."
So they had a form of birth control here… actually, considering the magical nature of this world, it might actually just target periods while keeping women fertile.
But that wasn't important right now.
"I see…" I said, nodding my head.
Huh… I wonder… the weird emotions weren't something I could help her with… but if it was the pain…
"You know, if the medicine isn't working yet… I could try to do something with healing magic," I said. "I might not be experienced in it directly, but I healed a few women during pregnancy at the Sword Sanctum."
"You have? Interesting…" Reida said, nodding towards the building. "Well, feel free to try. Isolte might appreciate it, but if she doesn't, just give her some space."
"Understood," I replied.
I immediately set off towards the main house, thinking about what to say once I saw Isolte again.
Reida was right. This was a very sensitive time for Isolte.
I was initially surprised that she had taken her first period so badly, but after thinking it over for a moment, it made sense.
Isolte was a very mature girl for her age, and was mature in general.
She had control over herself and her emotions, something that was honed over the years of intense sword practice and the pressure of her family's scrutiny.
So while that might make the fluctuating emotions of puberty easier to handle… it would also make it all the more terrifying if it was too much.
She was confused… confused, worried, and terrified.
So while I did want to use my healing magic to help any pain… most of all, I wanted to help her feel normal again, and most of all, to know I was there for her.
Kind of corny, yes, but when I was her only friend… well, I had certain responsibilities.
Responsibilities that a female friend would probably be better for, but unfortunately, I could not change my gender.
Soon, I found myself in front of her door, and as I reached out, I couldn't help but hesitate for a moment.
Well… here goes nothing.
"Isolte. It's… me, Vincent," I said, not hearing a response. "Can I… come in? I… I want to help."
Nothing happened, and I thought her ignoring me meant she wanted me to leave, but a moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Isolte peeking through the crack, her eyes looking up at me.
She looked… so vulnerable.
"Vince?" she said, voice hoarse before she swallowed. "How… what do you mean?"
Hmm… she might be a bit embarrassed if I said everything clearly, so let's keep it vague for now.
"Well, Master said you were having some nausea, and that's why you were upset… so I was wondering if I could possibly help with my healing magic," I said, raising my hand as the pale glow of the magic appeared. "So… can I come in?"
She hesitantly nodded her head and opened the door, leading me towards her large bed as we both sat down on the end.
It was my first time in her room, but I couldn't find it in myself to focus on that.
Instead, it was on the girl before me, who looked unnaturally frail.
"So… where does it hurt?" I asked.
She pointed to her stomach.
"Alright… just leave it to me," I said, resting my hand on top of it.
She nodded with flushed cheeks, too embarrassed to speak as I began healing her.
I was no expert on biology, nor on how menstrual cycles worked, but I did know that periods had two issues.
One was the hormone fluctuation, and as I didn't want to risk messing with any of that, I would be relegated to moral support.
But as for the physical pain, or cramps, I knew that it came from the shedding of the uterine lining, and the contractions to force it out.
So… if her muscles were currently a tightly clenched fist, tightened to the point of causing pain… I just had to release that tension.
I had dealt with muscle cramps before, so I already had experience, and after I healed the inflammation from the stressed tissues… the work was done.
"Does that… feel better?" I asked, looking up at her.
She leaned down, resting her head on my shoulder.
"Much… much better," she said, releasing a sigh. "Thank you, Vince."
"My pleasure," I replied, wrapping her in a hug. "Do you want to talk about anything?"
"No… no, I'm better now, but… sorry," she said, squeezing me a bit. "Sorry for being mean earlier."
"That's fine… if I get a hug like this after, you can be mean to me all you want," I said jokingly.
She gently pinched my ear.
And so, with our bond lightly tested… I think it was fair to say we ended up being closer than before.
—
As the tenth month of the year had drawn to an end, it was now the final day of the harvest season.
Interestingly, this world's calendar had the same amount of months every year as my previous one, and roughly the same amount of days. The only difference was that the months weren't named, just numbered.
So, basically, with it being the tenth month, it was October… and just a couple of days ago, Isolte had turned thirteen.
Half a year had passed since I arrived at the capital of the Asura Kingdom, and while I hadn't mastered the Secret Art I was training yet, I was slowly getting better.
As was Isolte, as she had just performed a strike worthy of being an Intermediate rank Sword God practitioner.
"Congratulations. You started from nothing to here in less than a year. That's impressive," I said. "Nina would probably be jealous if she were here."
"Right… your friend from the Sword Sanctum," Isolte said carefully.
And yet again… she slightly frowned.
What was with that?
For some reason, whenever I brought Nina up, Isolte's mood subtly shifted… and not in a positive way.
I really wonder why.
I knew from the story that they became friends at the Sword Sanctum, and after meeting the two during their childhood, I understood exactly why.
They both were extremely skilled at a young age, being the princess of their respective styles both in familial connection, and also as the best talent of the youngest generation.
As such, they didn't have many friends their age, as their skill forced them to be in a different tier.
And while their upbringings were very different, they were also very comparable.
Isolte with the coldness of her family's noble ambitions, and Nina with the lack of warmth in the Sword Sanctum.
"But thank you. Both for the praise, and for teaching me. I don't think I would get it this fast without your helpful instruction," she said, slightly bowing her head towards me. "Unfortunately, I don't think it suits me very well. I was only able to reach it this fast because of my initial skill in swordsmanship."
"I know… but it was still useful, no?" I asked.
"Indeed. Not only do I understand the Sword God Style much better, but it can help my own technique as well," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Now, I can quickly close in on opponents, acting as a surprise when they expect me to only use Water God techniques."
Yeah, that would probably mess some people up.
"Good," I agreed with a nod. "It's always good to have varying abilities, even if you specialize in only one."
"Indeed… but such a path is quite difficult," she said, smiling at me. "That is why only now can I truly understand how amazing you are, aiming for the peak in two opposing styles… it's quite something."
I averted my gaze, looking at the clear blue sky to quell the heat flushing my face.
"Yeah… but you're amazing as well. I know you're getting better at Thousand-Ripple Guard, and one that is the most difficult of the Secret Arts… it's admirable," I praised in return.
"I-I'm not there yet, so it's not anything special," she said, flustered as she waved her hand. "But… thank you."
The two of us simply looked at each other, our swords resting in our hands, before I broke the silence.
"By the way… have you ever had an interest in magic?" I asked.
I had tried with Nina, but that was an absolute failure.
But with Isolte, considering her discipline and appreciation for academics… I think it would go much better.
"Actually… I already know. At least the basics," she said, raising her hand to point towards the nearby pool. "Let the great protection of water be on the place thou seekest. I call a refreshing burbling stream here and now. Water Ball."
A ball of water formed in the air, and with practiced ease, it then shot toward the water, the impact sending a splash flying through the air.
It wasn't as strong or controlled as my mother's, but it was still impressive.
"I only know Beginner rank, as all potential heirs of the Water God Style learn the basics of Water Magic. The reason Grandmother didn't ask you is that you already know magic so well," she explained. "It's mostly just tradition, as the first Water God was said to wield God-ranked Water Magic alongside his swordsmanship."
Right, there was that legend… reaching the peak in both swordsmanship and magic… that was quite amazing.
"Well… I guess there's no need. You're already better at attack magic than me," I said.
Isolte's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? But your healing magic…" she said.
"Yeah. I'm not sure what it is, either. As soon as it leaves my hand, it loses control, so I can't even call myself a Beginner-rank magician in attack magic," I explained, lifting my hand. "But I can at least do this…"
I then showed off some of my elemental magic, effortlessly controlling the mana without using a chant, as numerous shapes were made out of water and ice.
Isolte just looked on in awe.
Wait, I just remembered… I had shown off my healing magic more than a few times, but not my elemental magic.
After all, there was no need most of the time during combat, and as for its utility usage, it was often subtle enough that people wouldn't notice.
"That… that is amazing," she said.
"Is it? While it's nearly useless in combat, I do admit that I enjoy it," I said, making generating a flame that danced across my fingertips. "Plus, being able to change the temperature of water whenever I want, create a warm breeze, and other stuff like that is quite cool… Here, like this."
I then focused, imagining the crystalline atomic structure of quartz as I attempted to create a specific shape.
In a couple of seconds, it was done.
A small statue of Isolte.
While my control was enough to create statues like Rudeus, although not quite as detailed, the main issue was my mana, as even this small figure had drained me of nearly a quarter of my reserves.
"Here… for you," I said, handing it to her.
She looked it over, her lips curling in a soft smile as she did so.
"It's… me. How cute," she said, looking back to me. "Thank you, Vince."
"No problem," I replied.
She smiled down at the small figure once again, rubbing her thumb over the face of it.
Seemed that she liked my little gift.
"Still… being able to do this, and all without a chant… just how did you become so skilled?" she asked.
"Well, my mother taught me when I was little, and I've been practicing ever since," I explained. "Even now, I practice at night before bed, usually after reading."
She was about to respond, but suddenly hesitated.
Hmm?
Then, after a moment of contemplation, she opened her mouth again.
"Actually… I do most of my reading before bed as well," she said, averting her eyes to the side. "So… if it is agreeable with you… perhaps we can do it together?"
Together… she wanted to study together?
Honestly, it sounded amazing.
I hadn't really had a partner for studying aside from Nina, but even then, it was more of me reading and teaching her rather than the two of us studying together.
So my answer was obvious.
"Yeah, I'd love that," I said. "But… where would we do it? I usually study and practice in my room."
"We could just use the library. Or… if you want…" she said, looking further away from me. "We could also just use my room."
Haa… in a couple of years, such a statement would have quite a different meaning, but for now, I knew that it was just innocent accommodation.
Let's hope that Master Reida had a talk with her soon.
"Sure, Isolte," I said, nodding my head. "But… you shouldn't be inviting anyone to your room. Especially boys."
"I know. Grandmother stressed to me the importance of modesty," she said, smiling as she looked at me. "But… it's only because it's you."
…I see.
I already was terrified for how my next meeting with Nina would go, considering her obvious feelings and how bold she was… but perhaps the innocence of my newest friend would be just as dangerous.
"Hey, you two!"
Our pleasant moment was interrupted by the voice of our shared mentor.
"I have a task for the two of you, so come over here," Reida said, looking at us with a teasing smile. "The love talk can be put on hold for later, got it?"
Of course, she would never miss an opportunity to tease the two of us.
—
Over the months I had spent here, I had helped Reida out with more than a few tasks in exchange for housing, feeding, and training me, and taking care of Helios at the stable.
Usually, these were basic things, like delivering a letter, guarding the main entrance, or some other chores that needed a trusted hand.
Sometimes I would even be asked to be practice partners for other students to get a taste of the Sword God Style, which also served as training for me.
But this time… it was a bit different.
"So, this Miss Anna… we are meant to guard her during her visit to the city?" I asked.
"Indeed. The Harvest Festival, the biggest festival of the year, is taking place, and while the noble district is always pretty safe, the same can't be said for the common district. Especially with all the chaos and visitors for the celebration," Reida explained. "Anna is the first and only daughter to a prominent gem merchant. It wouldn't be unthinkable for someone to target her for ransom, or perhaps worse."
Yeah… that made sense.
And while Isolte and I were still only kids, we were much stronger than the average knight, so her security would be practically guaranteed.
"Besides, wouldn't this be a good chance to experience the festival?" Reida said, nodding towards Isolte. "I took you when you were a little girl, but you've been too focused on training to go again. Take this as a chance to have fun while also doing your duty. The both of you."
Isolte and I locked eyes, sharing a nod before we turned back to Reida.
"We accept," I said.
There wasn't really a choice anyway, but I was actually quite excited about it.
"Good! Then you can come in now," Reida said, looking to the door.
It then opened to reveal a girl that was around Isolte's height, being a bit taller than me.
She had long brown hair, wide brown eyes, and a gleeful smile as she bowed to the two of us.
My first impression that she was an extremely friendly and cheerful girl, and while not to the extent of Isolte and Nina, she was also quite cute.
But she also seemed a bit naive, so it was a good thing she was having us guard her during the festival.
"Hello! I'm Anna! Anna Reinhoff, and I'm fourteen years old," she said, performing a subtle bow. "I appreciate you joining me for this festival. Let's get along!"
Fourteen years old… so she was nearly an adult.
It might have been for that reason she wanted to visit this festival, even at the cost of requiring the Water God Style, as I'm sure Reida was paid either in coin or in favours.
"Same here. I'm Vincent, a Sword Saint," I replied, nodding my head with a smile. "I will ensure tonight goes without any issue."
"So… so cool! Like a knight!" she said, clasping her hands in front of her. "Even though you're shorter than me, you look so reliable! Thank you!"
I was indeed a little shorter than her… but did she need to say that out loud?
"And I am Isolte Cruel, an Advanced Water God swordswoman," Isolte said, introducing herself.
"Ah… so pretty! And cool!" Anna said, immediately going over to grab Isolte's hand. "Hey, do you want to be friends?"
"Uh, s-sure," Isolte said, a bit confused.
And so, with our introductions in order… it was time to head into the heart of the city.
—
"Wow! So they really do have the streets lined with food stalls! How cool!" Anna said as we went through the crowded city.
"Have you never been to this festival before?" I asked her.
After all, she had already told us on the way that she had lived in Ars all her life, so why did it take so long?
"Nope! Father and Mother forbade me, as they considered it too filthy and dangerous… but after begging them, they finally relented, as long as I took some guards," she said, smiling as she watched the passing people with interest. "I can understand. This is not an environment I would like to spend most of my time in, either. But if it's just one night… well, it's just exciting, right?"
I suppose so…
"Well… I personally wasn't barred from experiencing this festival. But I had simply been solely focused on my swordsmanship," Isolte said, looking around with a smile. "But… perhaps taking a night off is not the worst thing."
We continued down the street, with each of us picking up a meat skewer to have as a snack.
While this food was quite similar to the stuff I had while camping, the simple yet satisfying meal was a foreign experience to the other two.
Luckily, they both enjoyed it quite a bit.
But as we passed a smaller residence… we heard it.
"B-But Mom, I wanna go!"
"Not tonight, darling. You have to rest."
"B-But you said- cough! You said!"
It was a little boy eagerly pulling at his mother's sleeve, tears brimming at his eyes as he looked at her with a pleading expression.
That was, before he was interrupted by a coughing fit.
I quickly understood the situation.
It seemed that the kid had caught a sickness at the worst timing.
"Ah… how unfortunate," Anna said, sympathizing with the kid.
"Indeed…" Isolte agreed.
The scene had instantly brought the mood of the two down.
After all, to see such sadness in the midst of the festivities, the contrast was… uncomfortable.
And so, breaking off from Anna and Isolte, I decided to lighten the mood.
"Hello," I introduced myself to the pair as I walked up to them. "Is your son having some issues?"
"Ah! He just… got sick. It already went through my husband and my daughter, so it shouldn't be dangerous, but… it's just unfortunate timing," the mother said, shaking her head.
The son simply sniffled, keeping his head down.
"I see… but I can help, if you want," I said, raising my hand as a soft green glow emitted from my palm. "I know healing and detoxification magic. He would likely get sick again soon after, but he could at least enjoy the night."
That was the unfortunate thing about detoxification magic.
While it could heal most effects of disease and poisons, but it didn't allow the body to build resistances and fight it off completely.
This was also why it was recommended to use detoxification magic sparingly, and to allow nature to run its course if it wasn't dangerous.
"Oh, no! I… our family is just that of bakers, so I couldn't possibly…" she said, rejecting me.
Ah, right.
Healers usually charged quite a hefty sum, a product of being so in demand.
"No, please. It's free," I clarified.
"Ah… are you sure?" she asked.
"Of course," I replied.
"T-Then… please," the mother said, bowing her head.
The process was quite simple, as I had done this many times before.
Besides, this was just a common cold, so it was simply calming the body's reaction to reduce the fever and nausea.
After getting rewarded with a hug from the little boy, I quickly went back to Isolte and Anna's side, who had both watched the interaction with interest.
"What?" I asked, having noticed Isolte staring at me quite intensely.
"N-Nothing! It's just…" she said, showing me her beautiful smile. "You… are very kind, Vince."
"I… it was something simple," I said, averting my eyes.
"Maybe for you… but not for them," Isolte said, motioning to the boy and his mother, who both eagerly returned to the festival celebration. "It's one thing to be humble, but don't dismiss your efforts entirely. I… quite like seeing your kind side."
While the two of us settled into a comfortable silence, Anna's eyes widened in realization before she looked at Isolte with a knowing smile.
"So that's how it is… hmm… hey, you two! Let's go do this!" Anna suddenly said, grabbing both Isolte and I's hands before dragging us over to a bonfire. "Now, do it!"
"Uh… do what?" I asked, both Isolte and I sharing a look of confusion.
"Look around you, silly!" Anna said as a song began to play. "Dance!"
The people around us, as if hearing Anna, joined into pairs before beginning to perform a festive dance.
It didn't seem like there was a set choreography, as it was just everyone having fun with their partner, enjoying the moment.
"We're supposed to be guarding you, Anna," Isolte said.
"Oh come on, you can still guard me from right there. I'm not going anywhere," she said, pushing the two of us away. "So go on! I'm your employer, so you have to listen to my request, right?"
Isolte and I turned to each other, sharing a shrug before we paired up.
Mimicking the others, I hesitantly placed my hand on her hip as the other grabbed her hand, Isolte's face lightly flushing in the firelight.
And then… well, we tried our best.
Our first few movements were awkward, as we had no practice, but we eventually found ourselves in a good rhythm with the music, our experience with the footwork of swordsmanship helping us along.
I twirled her under my hand, and she pulled me along, our tandem being amateur but filled with enjoyment.
As the song came to an end, we both came to a stop, Isolte's beaming smile causing me to get lost in her eyes for a few moments.
And that's when I realized that I had been smiling as well.
"Wow… that was amazing!" Anna said. "You two looked so good together!"
"W-Well, we know each other quite well from training, so…" Isolte said, averting her eyes as we let go of each other.
"Oh, is that it? Sure… sure…" Anna said, obviously not believing her. "Anyway, let's keep going! Isolte, dance with me next!"
And thus, the festival continued for a few hours longer, before Isolte and I eventually escorted Anna back to her manor.
I was here for training, and I intended to focus on improving myself whenever I could… but maybe it wasn't bad to just have fun occasionally.