35 Fighting with Grace (2/2)
Koji and Zelea politely excused themselves and walked back to the library.The two reclaimed their seats and table at the corner of the Reading Room.Zelea resumed her cultivation while Koji continued reading his book and copying the detailed diagrams into his writing pad.
As Koji spent the afternoon jotting notes and drawing into his booklet, he gained valuable insight into fighting techniques with the saber.In his mind, he incorporated saber strikes with the vital points from Dim-Mak while using Wing Chun to parry and counterattack at a close distance.
Zelea became startled when she heard her husband mumbling, ”fight with grace,” repeatedly as he read the book.She resisted the temptation to smack his head and make a scene.Zelea decided if Koji became too loud, then the other library patrons will speak up and complain to him.The lamia sighed and resumed her cultivation.
Thud!Koji finally closed the book and took a deep breath.He felt mentally exhausted from reading Fighting with Grace: Saber Edition.Some of the movements in this book were similar to sword dancing where the weapon constantly twirled while changing hands.But the point of these exercises was to make the practitioner's body accustomed to the saber's movement from every angle and starting point to ending point.
Unfortunately, Koji was right-handed, and he realized it would take plenty of practice with his left hand to copy the movements and become fluid with them.However, Koji resolved to make the time to practice swinging with his off-hand because he realized this would increase his Saber proficiency tremendously.
As Koji contemplated his training regiment for the Saber, he felt Senior Mao standing behind him.
”A servant has arrived to take you back to the banquet hall,” the librarian said politely.
Koji nodded and stood up.He handed the book to Senior Mao.”Thank you for suggesting this book.It has been beneficial,” he said.
The assistant librarian bowed deeply.
”I won't be here tomorrow.I need to practice the new techniques that I learned,” Koji said.
”Let's not keep my parents waiting,” Zelea said.She pulled Koji's hand, and the two quickly left the library.
As the young couple walked through the palace, Koji raised a question.”I appreciate the fact that you've been babysitting me for all this time.But is this necessary?” he asked.
His wife stopped slithering and turned to face him squarely.”Do you dislike having me around?” Zelea asked with a dangerous glint in her reptilian eyes.
”No!” Koji answered defensively.”I'm concerned that I'm taking up all your valuable time,” he explained.
She touched his cheek gently, and her snake tongue flickered abruptly to rub his nose. ”Our bond is newly formed.By custom, the Bonder and his Bond Keeper should stay together for the first week.For us, half a week has passed.If you find my presence overbearing, you have to tolerate it for just a few more days,” Zelea noted with a sly grin.”Now, let's go!”The lamia looped her arm through his and pressed her breast against his arm.
Koji obediently followed her back to the banquet hall.
”Ah, so nice of you to join us!” King Aphraphus said sarcastically as the young couple took their seats at the table.
Koji bowed deeply to his father-in-law.”I apologize for our lateness, Sire.I was trying to finish reading my book and lost track of time,” he said.
”Oh?” a look of interest crossed the king's face.”What's the book title?” Aphraphus inquired.
”Fighting with Grace: Saber Edition,” Koji answered.
The king exchanged glances with his first-born son, Heretrios.The book which Koji mentioned was difficult to understand because the theme was very philosophical.Frankly, King Aphraphus never finished the damn book!Neither did his son.However, the two men wished to avoid mentioning this because they didn't want to lose face to Koji.
”Can I see your notes?” Prince Heretrios requested.
Koji handed the writing pad to Zelea, who then used her Telekinetic ability to send the item across the table.The writing book landed safely in her brother's hands.
Koji's saber instructor slowly skimmed through the book.He spent time scrutinizing the diagrams and their accompanying notes.After five minutes of examination, Prince Heretrios passed the book to his father.
King Aphraphus noted the guarded expression on his son's face.The father eagerly skimmed through the notes in the writing pad.He was astonished by how much clarity Koji expressed in those writings, which clearly showed the son-in-law enlightenment in this theme.Wordlessly, he passed the book to his wife, who handed it to Zelea and finally returned the item to its owner.
As the Royal Family enjoyed their meals of roasted glazed duck with vegetable fried rice, the monarch pondered what he should do.Initially, the king planned to offer pointers on Saber fighting.But he felt that Koji would be better off learning from the books in the library and training on his own.If Aphraphus insisted on imposing his saber style on Koji, this would confuse the young man.Thus, the king decided to teach his son-in-law another skill after dinner.