"Yes, it's true, grandfather." I calmly said. "I understand everyone's concerns. You might be doubting my motives behind such an abrupt decision but I can at least reassure everyone that I won't be dragging the family name any longer."
"Child, I dun'no 'bout everyone but I've never thought about doubting you. I's made a million mistakes myself!" he straightens his back and yawns. "One thing that's buggin' me restless is the sudden change o' heart. I's thought you'd want to go t'that pretty castle in Havan."
Elysia did like training and fighting but she wanted attention, one thing she can't deny is synonymous with her deceased mother. There are countless places where you can gain fame but not as much as the inner court of Havan. She had wanted to be on the center of attention and that can be achieved inside the palace walls of the capital.
"I can't tell you much of the reason why I changed my plans. I will announce them once father will give me the approval." It sounds really dumb if I want to make the duke give me his permission, I know. But I can't tell the duke and the duchess that I am planning to abdicate my title as the next duchess of Sylvion. There is so many things at risk if I show them my cards this early.
"That's disappointing to hear, child." the duke comments and studies my face. "No matter, we will have to see if you will succeed in gaining the favor of the residents of the manor in one week."
"Well, if you say so, lass." Karim sighs and puts his hands behind his head. "I don't mean to force you into telling me anything."
"Thank you for your consideration." I bow slightly. "However, grandfather, I do have a favor to ask."
"Spill it!"
"Would you mind sparring with a little weakling like me?" A smile creeps up my face as his face brightens. "Now you're talking!"

The morning sun can now be seen and the radiance pricks my pale skin. Just outside the manor, a wide open space is dedicated for the military training of the duke's knights and the garrison. There are a couple of uniformed people milling out and about, either resting or exercising. Everyone's eyes shifted towards my direction as I walk outside.
The maids have prepared my training outfit in advance since Elysia is known to keep her body fit. I noticed from the beginning how toned Elysia's body is. With a dress on, her muscled body is kept hidden but with clothes that stick to the body, I can't help but be impressed.
Elysia is one of the most strongest generals of the Demon King's army after she colluded with him. Considering she was the only human in his army, she was regarded as arguably the strongest human to have ever existed with just physical prowess alone. She wields a double headed battle axe that is much taller than her. The weapon is made with mithril, the strongest metal in the world and is also bestowed a huge amount of mana from unknown origins that only responds to Elysia. She obtained the battle axe from a village inside the lands of the Inoi.
The battle axe was reviled as the harbinger of death. For years, no one has extracted the weapon that sits inside the hand of the goddess that one of the tribes prayed for. Elysia visited the village when the duke confabulates for the annual celebration of peace between the kingdom and the tribes. When she headed outside the huts for a breather, she accidentally leans on the shoulder of the statue and the weapon rattled out of the statue's hands and the ground shook violently.
The tribesmen were so confused and alarmed when they saw the young woman handle the weapon with ease. They gave the weapon to her, believing it was destiny and that the goddess chose Elysia as the fated owner of the weapon.
"Let's start with hand-to-hand, you still got what it takes, lass?"
"I'd hope so, grandfather. Let's see, shall we?" I replied. I'm so nervous. I know Elysia is strong but am I strong in Elysia's body? There's only one way to find out.
Karim changes his position into a fighting stance and puts his feet lurched and placed slightly wider than the hips, his right elbow and forearm stays close to the body and protects the solar plexus. The right fist remains close to the face and is positioned on his cheek bone. He then swaggers and waits for my move. "ladies first!"
I do the same and suddenly, I feel a sense of familiarity. My body moves in a way that is controlled but forceful. My abdomen tenses and a rush of adrenaline makes my feet careen towards the old man. Within a short amount of time, I appear right right in front of him and throw a right punch. He swiftly avoids the assault by leaning backwards and quickly regains his stance. "Too slow."
I regain my composure and throw a set of punches, one grazing his shoulder. Throughout the whole spar, I bombarded him with quick punches and with every punch, I lose more stamina.
In the end, I face the sky while loads of sweat drip every inch of my body and my chest heaves with every breath. "I'll have to learn the basics again, huh?"