The courtyard was quiet in the morning.
Too quiet.
Adrian stretched his arms.
"…Finally, no life-threatening situations."
"Good. Then you can train."
"…I spoke too soon."
Kael stood behind him, already holding a wooden sword.
Training Begins
"Hold it properly," Kael said.
"I am holding it properly."
"You're holding it like a spoon."
"…It's a very dangerous spoon."
Kael didn't laugh.
"Again."
Thwack!
Adrian got hit.
"…I hate this."
"Again."
Thwack!
"…I really hate this."
[Skill Improved: Basic Swordsmanship Lv.1 → Progress Increased]
"…Okay, I hate it slightly less."
Observation
From the balcony—
Seraphina watched.
"…He's actually training."
Sebastian stood beside her.
"…Surprising."
"…No," she said quietly.
"…He's adapting."
Back to Training
Adrian wiped sweat from his forehead.
"…How long does this go on?"
"Until you stop being terrible."
"…So forever."
Kael attacked again.
This time—
Adrian stepped back correctly.
Then moved sideways.
Avoided the hit.
Kael paused.
"…Better."
[+2 Reputation: Visible Improvement]
Adrian smirked slightly.
"…See? Natural talent."
"…Don't ruin it by talking."
Unexpected Visitor
"Still playing with sticks?"
Leonhardt.
Of course.
Adrian sighed.
"…Good morning to you too."
Leonhardt looked him up and down.
"…You got lucky yesterday."
"…I plan to continue that streak."
Kael stepped in slightly.
"…If you're here to interrupt—"
"I'm here to watch," Leonhardt said.
"…And maybe laugh."
Small Moment
Kael attacked again.
Adrian focused.
Step.
Turn.
Avoid.
Cleaner this time.
Even Leonhardt noticed.
"…Hmph."
Seraphina Joins
Footsteps approached.
Seraphina walked into the courtyard.
Everyone paused slightly.
"…You're training seriously," she said.
Adrian shrugged.
"I enjoy not dying."
A small pause.
"…Good motivation," she said.
[+3 Reputation]
Leonhardt clicked his tongue.
"…This is pointless."
"…Then leave," Seraphina said calmly.
Silence.
Leonhardt didn't respond.
End Moment
Adrian leaned on his sword.
"…So this is my life now."
Kael nodded.
"…It improves."
"…I hope so."
Seraphina looked at him one last time.
"…You're improving faster than expected."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"…Don't expect too much."
"…Too late," she replied.