Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

I was sleeping peacefully, drifting in and out of dreams, when I suddenly woke to find Eli hugging me. Memories of last night flooded back, and I smiled at the sight of her peaceful face.

Gently, I rose and grabbed the sword I typically used for training. As I was about to leave, Eli stirred, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"Master Hayden?" she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.

I looked at her, and she approached me, bowing. "Good morning, Master Hayden." Her smile was bright and cheerful.

"Morning…" I replied, nodding.

"Where are you going so early, Master?" she asked, her gaze curious.

"I'm going to do my morning routine and training," I explained.

Eli looked down at the sword hanging from my belt. "Why are you using a different sword, Master?" She stepped closer, her expression shifting to something more serious. "Why aren't you using me? Am I not good enough for you?"

Her tone was cold, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension.

"Didn't you know, Master, that since we've become one, using a different sword makes me jealous?"

Wait a minute. Why does it sound like I've married her, and she's a jealous wife?

"I—I didn't know. Sorry…" I stammered, trying to maintain my usual expressionless demeanor.

"Well, now you know, Master." She reached for the sword at my side, grabbing it with surprising strength before handing me the white sword. "Please use this one."

I took the sword, returning it to its sheath and hanging it back on my belt. As I prepared for training, I couldn't shake the thought of how I would explain Eli to Aria-sama. After pondering for a moment, I came up with a plan and shared it with Eli. To my relief, she agreed.

After finishing my training and morning routine, we went straight to find Aria-sama.

"Aria-sama, I have something to tell you…" I started, catching her attention.

"What is it, Hayden?" she replied, her expression curious.

"I've got a disciple. Is it okay if she stays with me? I'll cover her expenses and food…"

Aria-sama paused for a moment. "Where is your disciple?"

I stood up and opened the door. Eli entered, bowing in front of Aria-sama. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Williams. My name is Eli, and I am Master Hayden's disciple."

Aria-sama nodded, her demeanor warm. "It's nice to meet you too. If it's alright to ask, why did you decide to become Hayden's disciple?"

Eli smiled softly. "I was saved by Master Hayden, and I owe her my life."

Aria-sama's gaze shifted between us, considering. "Mm…"

"About the room for you to sleep, I'll ask Emily to prepare—" Aria-sama began, but Eli shook her head.

"There's no need for that, Lady Williams. I can sleep in Master Hayden's room." She smiled brightly, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Aria-sama paused, surprised. "Then what about the bed? Where will you sleep?"

"I can sleep on the same bed as Master Hayden," Eli replied confidently.

Aria-sama widened her eyes slightly and turned to me. "Is that alright with you, Hayden?"

I nodded. "There's no problem with that. I don't want to trouble you too much, Aria-sama." Though I sensed a flicker of disappointment in her expression, she ultimately agreed.

A week passed since I introduced Eli to Aria-sama. Every morning, she trained alongside me, wielding a sword she crafted with her own magic. It surprised me that even though Eli was the soul of my sword, she could still use her own magic—specifically, creation and wind magic. She was a dual-caster magician like me.

After one of our training sessions, I was called by Sir Owen and my father.

"Greetings, Sir Owen and Father," I said, bowing with my palm placed on my chest.

"You've come, Hayden," my father said, while Sir Owen nodded.

"We called you here because there's a task I'd like you to do," Sir Owen began, his tone serious.

I raised my head, curiosity piqued. "I'll do my best for whatever it is, Sir."

Sir Owen smiled, amusement dancing in his eyes. "That's good to hear. I heard you recently got a disciple?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Then… is it alright if I ask you to also teach Aria swordsmanship?" His request caught me off guard, though I maintained my expressionless facade.

"It would be an honor to teach Aria-sama," I replied, a sense of pride swelling within me.

Sir Owen and my father exchanged satisfied glances, their smiles reassuring.

And so, the days of Aria-sama's training began.