As I continued on searching for the person I was looking for, my eyes landed on a seemingly breathtaking female knight who was standing at the corner under the shade of a grand oak tree.
"So you were here?"
She stood there with an air of confidence, her armour gleaming in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leaves.
Her long, flowing hair, the colour of burnished copper, cascaded down her back, catching the light and shimmering like a precious jewel.
Her chocolate-like brown eyes were framed by long, dark lashes that accentuated their allure.
Her high cheekbones and sculpted jawline gave her a regal and elegant appearance, while a faint scar on her left cheek hinted at battles fought and won.
"Wh-where's he going?"
"Is he going towards Miss Hana?"
"Why's he going towards our goddess?"
"Who does he think he is?"
In just a week of being recruited, Hana became the hearts of the knights. Well, it was bound to happen as she was the only beautiful female knight. With long white legs and a curvy body coupled with her piercing blue eyes and black hair.
Hmm, it has nothing to do with me but I would still say, 'Looks can be deceiving sometimes.'
"Miss Hana!"
Hearing her name, she turned to find a young boy looking at her with admiration.
'The youngest master?'
"Um…hello, Sir."
"Are you done with your training?"
"Yes, sir. I just finished a moment ago."
"Captain Jonas's training regime is enough to put most knights to their knees out of exhaustion, and yet Miss Hana isn't even showing a hint of losing breath! As expected of the ace of the knights!"
I said, acting overly excited. I have to say my acting is quite good. Well, I guess those Chuunibyou high school days were somewhat worth it.
"What's with the surprised look?"
"Hehe, you are flattering me, Young Master."
"No, no, I am not flattering you. Despite being so young and as well as being a woman, you're able to use Aura."
"And if we are talking about this can I ask you for a favor?"
"...Yes, go ahead."
"Could you please show me how you draw Aura?"
"Huh...? Young Mas-"
Elisha, who was silently listening to our conversation, began to say, but I silenced her with a subtle gesture.
Well, it was probably because she could use Aura and had shown me many times. But it was my plan that she should remain unaware of.
Anyways, as I diverted my gaze towards Hana.
"Young Master, drawing Aura is a difficult technique. I don't think I can teach it properly to you."
"Then, how about you just draw it for me, and I'll watch carefully?
"Um…"
"Please! I insist," I interrupted with an enthusiastic tone. "I've heard so much about your talent, Miss Hana, and I want to see it for myself."
Hana hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, understanding that refusing the young master's request might not be wise. She unsheathed her sword and was ready to demonstrate her skill but I stopped her.
"Miss Hana, wait, why don't we go to the nearby forest as it would be a little disturbing for the knights, and I wanted to see your full power without any distractions."
Hana considered my suggestion for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Very well, Young Master Zephyr. Lead the way."
I, with a knowing glance at Elisha, gestured for her to stay in the current spot. I could sense her concern and perhaps a hint of suspicion about the situation.
As we walked together through the estate grounds, the whispers and curious glances of the knights who had been observing our conversation gradually faded into the distance.
I kept my composure, maintaining the facade of a curious young lord eager to learn about Aura.
"What stage are you at?" I asked.
"Umm... I am at Aura Disciple Peak stage."
"Oh, really?"
'Aura Disciple my ass! She should be around the Aura Warrior Peak stage right now as one of the spy's of the Taluchin Empire.'
Once we reached the edge of the forest, a serene and tranquil place filled with the soft rustling of leaves, I turned to Hana with a bright smile.
"Thank you for indulging my curiosity, Miss Hana. Please, show me how you draw Aura."
"Well, I can try to help you."
She nodded in acknowledgement.
"First of all, take a deep breath. And as you exhale, focus on your inner energy, the source of your strength. Imagine it as a brilliant light deep within you."
I followed her instructions, taking a deep breath and closing my eyes momentarily to visualize this inner energy. It was a concept I had heard about but never truly understood until now.
Hana continued, her voice soothing and guiding. "Now, as you exhale, let that energy flow through you, extending beyond your physical form. Feel it wrap around you like a protective cocoon."
I did as instructed, exhaling slowly and imagining this energy extending outwards from my body.
"Aghh!!"
"What happened, Young Master?"
"Ah, nothing. It's just because of my body."
'Damn it! I am still unable to use Aura.'
For the past month that I had been training for, I tried to use aura multiple times but I wasn't able to because of my illness. And I am supposed to be a genius swordsman, my ass.
-Rustle! -Rustle!
A sudden rustling in the nearby bushes interrupted us.
Out of the undergrowth emerged a pack of Blood Fangs, vicious-looking monster wolves known for their sharp teeth and ferocity.
Each one of their strengths is equivalent to an Aura Disciple Low Rank.
The Blood Fangs snarled and bared their fangs, circling us with predatory intent.
Hana was surprised for a second as she glanced at me.
With my superior acting, I quickly put on a surprised and scared expression. "Wh-wh-what...?"
'If he were to get injured then I might fail my mission and that could not happen.'
"Young Master! Stay behind me!" She screamed as she launched at the pack of wolves. Her sword flashed through the air, striking one of the wolves and sending it yelping in pain.
I did my best to stay behind her, watching in awe as she fought off the ferocious creatures. Even though I knew she was hiding her strength it was still amazing to see her fight and defeat all the blood fangs.
After some time, she was finished killing them off. She panted slightly, her sword still poised for any potential threat, though none remained.
I continued to play my part, acting relieved and grateful. "Miss Hana, that was incredible! You saved us!"
Hana's breaths were somewhat laboured, but she managed a smile. "I couldn't let any harm come to you, Young Master. It's my duty to protect you."
"Thank you, Miss Hana! But I have a question for you," I said, trying to maintain a casual tone, "Is everything alright with... you, Miss Hana? Or should I say... Mister Arthur Smith?"