Ethan was completely immersed in carving Helena's name onto the wooden sword when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. He quickly turned around and was shocked to see Duke Henry standing before him, clad in his fencing attire. The Duke's face was twisted in confusion as he stared at Ethan and the sword.
"Are you an expert in performing magic, Ethan?" the Duke demanded, his voice booming and echoing in the empty training room.
Ethan felt a wave of panic wash over him as he struggled to find an excuse for his actions.
"I...I was just carving Helena's name here, Your Grace," Ethan stammered, holding up the wooden weapon for emphasis. "I can only perform a little magic."
But Duke Henry was not fooled. He took a step forward, his sword drawn and at the ready.
Ethan's heart raced as he tried to think of a way to talk himself out of the situation. But the Duke was too quick for him. With one swift movement, he snatched the sword from Ethan's grasp and inspected it closely.
