Chapter 57 (1/2)

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Chapter 57 – Arc 3 Opening

Leticia's mornings started early. A person of her status could choose to wake up when the sun was high in the sky and have an army of maids attend to her every morning. However, she did not do so. Instead, she rose before the sun, when the sky was still dark. She woke up before the bakers even began to bake their bread. Ever since meeting Wynn, she never failed to get up at this time.

She slept in a women's dormitory at the Academy. Her room was dark, as it was every morning. Officially, while the academy did not discriminate based upon social status, those of n.o.bility still received private rooms. Leticia was given special treatment due to her admission as a special scholars.h.i.+p student. She was the Brave who had saved the world, and was also a duke's daughter, so special treatment was a given. Only a handful of the other students received the same level of hospitality.

Leticia slipped out of her bed. The predawn air felt cold, to the point that she could see her breath. It would get warmer once the sun rose, but that wasn't until later. Her golden hair s.h.i.+mmered in the moonlight. Using the mirror sitting on her dresser, she tied her hair and tidied her clothes. This was also where Leticia differed from other n.o.ble ladies. She preferred not to have a maid attend to her. She grabbed a small, carefully wrapped bundle from a shelf before leaving her room.

Magic tools illuminated the hallway just enough for her to be able to walk. The other students were still asleep, so she took care to step lightly. Her skill at concealing her presence was honed by having to hide from monsters as they pa.s.sed by. She had learned it with Wynn during their work as adventurers. Actually, Wynn learned it first, and he had to teach it to her.

She left the dorm building. It was silent outside; only the moon and stars lit up the sky, creating dark shadows on the ground under the trees. She headed towards the men's dormitories, a block away from the women's. Leticia slowly relaxed her body and took a deep breath. Then, she took off with light steps. Her surroundings streamed past, and the men's dorms soon came into view. Slowing her feet, she peeped from behind a tree and saw Wynn swinging his sword.

He practiced each sword form slowly, paying careful attention to his stance and his sword. He concentrated all of his strength into the end of each swing. His technique didn't rely on brute strength, but instead used his entire body to create quick movements. After going through all the basic forms, Wynn took a break to catch his breath.

At that point in his routine, he'd usually run to the Wandering Bird's Roost, where he was needed to help with preparations, while also training his legs. However, Hannah hired a new worker recently, so he no longer needed to work there in the mornings. Since he no longer had work in the morning, he didn't need to wake up so early anymore, but the habit had already been deeply ingrained into his body. Because of him, Leticia's schedule was early as well. Leticia breathed in… then out.

You've got this! She pumped her fist to gather her courage. Her eyes fell to the bundle in her hand. She made sure it was there before walking over.

”Hm? Good morning, Leti.”

”Morning, Big Brother.”

Noticing Leticia's approach, Wynn lowered his sword to greet her. She returned his greeting with a smile. I hope he doesn't notice anything off with my smile, she thought to herself.

”Wait just a moment. I'm almost done with my training. Oh, would you like to join in?”

”I'll just watch from here.”

Wynn nodded and resumed his training. As she watched, Leticia felt her nervousness melt away. Wynn's blade flickered through the air effortlessly and gracefully. Wynn preferred to counterattack after dodging the opponent's attacks, just like Leticia herself.

No, Leticia corrected herself, I'm the one who is using Wynn's style of swordplay. She could see the misty breaths from Wynn's mouth as he danced across the ground. He was the one who had taught her the swordplay that had kept her alive through countless battles. Wynn's blade swiped through the air horizontally, then stopped moving. The blade dance had ended. He relaxed, breathing heavily.

”Good work.” Leticia met Wynn halfway as he tried to catch his breath.

”Oh, thanks.”

”Are you done training for today?”

”Yeah, the sun is starting to rise. Why do you ask?”

”Um, well…”

Calm down! she told herself when she noticed her heart had started racing.

”What is it?”

”H-here.” Leticia handed him the parcel.

”Congratulations on becoming a guardian knight, Big Brother!”

”This is for me?”

”Yup.”

”Oh, thanks so much! Should I open it?”

Leticia nodded. Inside the parcel, he saw several books.

”Oh, amazing! Such expensive things…” Books were expensive. Some even went as high as a gold coin.

”They're history books, as well as epics. I chose ones I thought you might like.”

”I can't wait to read them! Thank you so much! I'll treasure them.” Seeing Wynn flip through one of the books with such a big smile on his face made Leticia happy. ”How can I ever make it up to you?”

I did it! Leticia made a celebratory fistpump in her mind. She had predicted this outcome from Wynn's personality.

”I wonder what I should do…”