Chapter 6 (1/2)

The training ground is full of enthusiastic crowd as if there’s a festival.

Aurora who’s lived a life without facing any disaster stared with nervousness at the mock battles. Though it’s not that she hadn’t heard the sounds of clashing swords before but to experience swordplay right in front of her was a totally different story. The restless atmosphere, the sudden burst of auras and the sounds of their heels stomping on the ground made it as if the training grounds was shaking. The wounded knights seemed to be more like warriors than a knights.

Seated at the chairs reserved for the nobles, Aurora sat on a corner and looked anxiously. Sitting next to her is Platoon Commaner Ingels, acting as her guard sitting in a pleasant manner. Right in front of her stood Felix with his shining silver sword at hand after being forced to fight in the training grounds to show off his good points to his fiancee.

“Lady Porta, do you know how strong Felix is?”

“When I asked Clavis-sama, he said he belongs in the top 10.”

Mock battles are weekly tournament in the 1st Platoon where the winners get to have a day off. Ruling out the use of magic, those who would participate must use practice swords as a weapon. There’s no medal of honor for it’s purpose is to train the knights, however, if you participated frequently then you can expect some words from your Platoon Commander which means you’ll have a bright future ahead of you.

There might be no medal of honor, but as if Felix was heaping up all of the honors he needs—despite acting like a pain in the neck by refusing him—Ingels smile sent a different meaning to Aurora.

“Top 10? It’s been a long time ago.”

“Is that so?”

“I can say he belongs in the top 5 now if he’s gotten stronger than me.”

“Oh!”

The sound of the blades echoes. Aurora sees Felix jump, his movements were agile and vivid as he stood at the center of the training ground surrounded by defeated knights. She came to a halt, stared intently at Felix’s swaying silver hair and dark red cloaked figure resembling that of a bird of prey.

Wouldn’t it be better if she embroidered such kind of crest in a blue seams with silver threads? Since it seems too flashy embroidered it on clothes… But it’s also a bit too fancy for a cushion…

“He’s just a naive and young man yet he’s already a Squad Leader.”

Aurora who’s absorbed in watching Felix fight turned her attention towards Platoon Commander Ingels.

“Is it the 4th Unit?”

“So you know Felix’s unit.”

“Err, Clavis-sama says it’s best that I fully knew the name of the unit he leads.”

“But doesn’t he stands out as a Squad Leader?”

—KIN!

The training grounds erupted with cheers. A practice sword flew and fell to the ground while Felix’s sword shines as he sheaths it back, it was his opponent’s defeat. This was Felix’s 3rd consecutive victory. He was supposed to end this in a single round but now he’s been fighting one after another.

“He’s really strong…”

Aurora stared at Felix who didn’t even break a sweat. This young man has all the qualities from his appearance, to his abilities and his character isn’t bad at all. With all of this in her mind, Aurora was still surprised that she got engaged with him.

“I’m surprised. I thought you’d prefer horseback riding.”

“Oh, was it a surprise to see a noble lady who’s interested in watching mock battles? ”

“I’m not too fond of these noble ladies, you see. ”

Not far away from the Platoon Commander who’s laughing vigorously, Felix’s elegant figure came into view. In the distance, he may look like he didn’t break a sweat but up close, he looked tired and weary. Some of his hair were sticking out in different direction due to sweating, his collar was loosened due to the heat revealing his neck and his flushing cheeks—what destructive sex appeal Felix have to disturb her conscience? To scrutinize him in such behavior, Aurora dropped her look somewhere else.

It’s not that she wasn’t confident as a woman but she always wonder—Is he really a human? She was reminded of a story in northern continent about magicians living deep in the forest—those forest folks the elves.

“You’ve worked hard, Clavis-sama. You’re really strong.”

“Thank you.”

Aurora who came back to her senses did her courtesies as Felix returned to his fight. Platoon Commander Ingels poured him a glass of water as he seated down the chair between Platoon Commander Ingels and Porta.

“Thank you very much.”

“Yeah.”

Waters trickled down Felix’s hands and Aurora involuntarily fans herself. Seeing her doing this, Felix was suddenly startled.

“That fan…”