Every muscle and joint in my body is so sore, I swear if I'd do this willingly when I was an unhealthy writer I will no doubt die. I got to give Elysia credit for having this kind of stamina and endurance. However, the body might be an outstanding physical brilliance, I still am a total amateur when it comes to fighting and swordsmanship.
Grandfather Karim gives everything he's got when it comes to our morning training, he does not just go for fights, he also studies my weaknesses and gives a very good advice as to how I can overcome it. He also noticed my unfamiliarity and thought that I was just not training and was just maintaining my body.
Within these days, I also got to maintain a favourable relationship with the people in the manor, especially with my personal maidservants. The one I encounter the most is Mir, she is the daughter of one of the duke's Academic Advisor. She is studying to become the next headmaid. Along with Mir, there are three other people that serve me. Alaina is the youngest daughter of a Viscount, Preseti is the daughter of one of the duke's knights and Wenna is a widowed baroness. They each share the responsibility of taking care of me. Alaina is a housemaid, she is in charge of the overall cleanliness of every room I use, Preseti is a kitchen maid thus she is under the Cook's tutelage and Wenna is the Laundry maid and Nursemaid where she takes care of my clothes and my health at the same time.
At first, they were still apprehensive and obviously confused, maintaining a stoic expression whenever I speak to them but as time passed, I can glimpse a smile here and there. Alaina is the one that chatters a lot, Preseti is more reserved but she has a gentle demeanor, Baroness Wenna tends to hum and bob her head when she prepares what I wear for the day and Mir has this aura of intellect and assertiveness with her.
With this, I also learned the hierarchy of the servants within the manor. One time I asked Alaina, she told me that the senior management of which whom I encountered the last time and mentioned in the story includes the Head Maid, the Housekeeper, the Butler, the Cook and two others, the Governess and the Chamberlain. The Headmaid is responsible for all of the maids. The Butler for all of the footmen, hallboys and coachmen. The Cook for all of the kitchen maids and staff. The Housekeeper for all of the gardeners, porters and storeroom staff. The Governess for all of the nannies, nurses and academic apprentices. Last but not the least, the Chamberlain who is at the helm of superintending the wealth and arrangement of domestic affairs inside the manor.
Hearing everything from the girl, I almost collapsed and thought, there is no way I'm gonna win everyone over to my side. I can just work with influencing the senior management but knowing the duke's character, this will not be the case.
So for the past days, my inner extrovert came out and rushed everyone with the brightest smile and the most gentle aura I could muster. Seems a bit insincere and I am guilty of faking generosity but I'll have no choice but to go through this. However, the other day when I finished training with grandfather, I can't help but feel that curious eyes around the area. I stealthily hid and waited and what or who I caught surprised me.
A sentry that trains within a garrison yelps and brings his hands up as if to defend himself. "What were you doing here?"
"M'lady! Please have mercy, I am nothing but an ignorant fool!"
I loosened my grip on his shoulders and let out a sigh. "I am not going to hurt you. I was just curious why you would do this."
He slowly raises his head up and catches my eye and turns abruptly away. "We was just watching you train, m'lady."
"We?" I let go of him and tilt my head. "So you're not alone?"
"Y-yes! We was just amazed by how strong you are. Everyone within the garrison a-and the other garrisons, even the squires and the knights come up here and see your training!" I raised a brow and narrow my eyes at him. "Is this true?"
"Of course, m'lady! I would never lie to you!"
Turns out that military personnel always had a favourable impression of Elysia. They have little to gossip about the bratty heir but they were most interested in her physical capabilities as a fighter. From then, when I have extra time, I would spar and train with the sentries and five of the squires.
There are 10 knights within the duke's elite guards and 10 squires within the duke's guidance. They all come from high nobility and even from the Cortiana branch families. The most notable squire is Prince Carion of the neighboring country, Canton. He is the youngest son of the royal family and is officially an ambassador of peace sent by their country. He wanted to be trained by Elysia's father in hopes of training with Karim. At the age of 7, he was sent here in Sylvion and from then on, rose to become one of the best swordsman and key players in extinguishing the Demon King's army.
"I don't see what His grace Karim sees in you. Maybe just a favorite grandchild, at the very least." He once commented with a nasty snark.
I was so baffled to hear that. Next thing I knew, I invited him to a duel. "I also don't see what you're all about. Maybe just a nagging prince, at the very least."
"Tough words for a princess that bitches about anything for attention."
With that said, something snapped. "Oh? I guess we're one and the same. Wouldn't you call that fate?" I looked at him dead in the eyes and winked.
With a scowl, he pulls out his sword. "Why don't we end this farce and see if the little princess is worth all that she says she is."
"If you wanted to take me out for dinner, you could have just asked, y'know." I laughed at him with a bit of a mocking tone while taking out my sword at the same time.
His frown grows deeper but there is also tinge of red that can be seen spreading around his neck and ears. "Enough talk, let's get on with this!"
"So feisty, this one. Not exactly my type but you'll do fine."