{30 Mulud 832}
Chirp! Chirp!
The sounds of the early morning birds accompanied Genevieve in her training. She had been swinging her sword since before sunrise. She kept repeating her movements from punch, to thrust, to parry. She also practised dodging enemy attacks by rolling, jumping, or spinning. She even tries to combine several moves into one deadly attack.
*Swishh...Swishh~*
Genevieve's sword clashed with a wooden doll that she was using as a training opponent. The doll was already covered in cuts and scratches from Genevieve's sword. She continued to attack the doll relentlessly, as if it was a real enemy.
"Hu....huuu" took a deep breath.
Genevieve felt tired after training for several hours. Her body was sore and aching. She didn't care about the sweat beading on her forehead, or the small wounds decorating her hands. She just wanted to be stronger, tougher, and more deserving.
However, she realised that she was past her limit to continue her training this morning. She decided to end her training and went to have breakfast in the dining hall.
Clank!
Genevieve put her sword in place carefully. She took a towel and wiped off her sweat. She also treated her wounds with ointment and bandages. She then put on clean and neat clothes. She walked towards the dining room with tired but satisfied steps.
*Thump...Thump...*
Genevieve walked through the hallways of the building. Every step she took made a loud sound.
Kreeek...*
Genevieve, who was already in front of the dining room, opened the door slowly.
"Good morning, Miss Genevieve. You've been up since dawn, haven't you? I see you've been practising your sword diligently."
The voice came from Moland, the shadow of Genevieve who had been away for a month.
Genevieve returned Moland's smile and said, "Yes, I just want to improve my skills."
"Wow, that's a new improvement!" exclaimed Quer.
"Yes, it is," Genevieve replied. "By the way, why did you guys take so long to leave?" Genevieve asked.
Hearing that, Quer's eyes glanced up or to the side, as a sign of trying to access the right memories, "Umm..., we were just running some missions in another city anyway."
Quer looked like he was trying to cover up something by trying to act so that Genevieve would not feel suspicious.
"What mission?" Genevieve asked.
"A mission to hunt down mutated animals" said Quer.
Quer wasn't saying anything wrong, he was just trying to point out a few facts with a little spice.
"Mutations?" Genevieve tilted her head because she had no idea what Quer was talking about.
"Yes, a mutation. Like some kind of deformed animal," said Quer.
"Hmm....is that right, Moland?" Genevieve asked.
"Quer is right young lady. We were indeed fighting mutated creatures at the time" replied Moland.
"I see, all right" said Genevieve.
Genevieve trusted Moland's words more than Quer's. She believed Moland more because when Moland lied, he would show a slight movement on his face.
"Then, let's eat together to celebrate the completion of your mission" Genevieve invited.
"Of course young lady, we will eat with you" said Quer who pulled Moland's arm to sit at the dining table immediately.
*Crunch..Crunch..*
Genevieve took a bite of the crunchy and savoury bread. She covered it with butter and sweet jam. She was happy to be able to eat together with her shadow who had not seen her for a month.
"So, how have you two been doing?" asked Genevieve.
"We are doing well, young lady. We managed to complete our mission smoothly" replied Moland.
"Yes, we did great. We managed to defeat many ferocious and disgusting mutated creatures" Quer added.
*Slurp..Slurp..*
Quer sipped the fresh and nutritious milk. He loves milk because it makes his stronger and healthier. He also liked to tell stories about his mission with Moland.
"What mutated creatures did you encounter?" asked Genevieve.
"There were many, young lady. Some were shaped like giant rats, poisonous snakes, wind lizards, even fiery lions," Moland boasted.
"Wow, that must have been very challenging" said Genevieve.
"Yes, but we're not scared at all. We have amazing skills and courage. We can face anything that comes our way" praised Quer.
"Oh really?" Genevieve said in disbelief as her eyebrows raised, forehead creased, and eyes widened.
*Chomp..Chomp..*
Quer munched on the soft and spicy sausages. He liked sausages because they made him more energetic and courageous. He also liked to praise himself and Moland.
"You guys are great after all. I'm proud to have shadows like you," Genevieve said.
"Thank you, young lady. We are also proud to be your shadows. You are a kind and wise master" said Moland.
"Yes, you are a wonderful master. You are also very beautiful and graceful" said Quer.
*Giggle..Giggle..*
Genevieve chuckled at Quer's praise. She felt happy and honoured. She also felt affectionate towards her shadow.
"You guys are so cute and fun too. I'm glad to be with you guys," Genevieve said.
"We are also happy to be with you, young lady. You are a kind master" said Moland.
"Yes, you are a fun and exciting master. You are also very smart and talented" said Quer.
They continued to joke and laugh together. They felt happy and harmonious.
******
*Tap..Tap..*
Genevieve walked towards the training ground with light steps. She wanted to resume her sword practice that was interrupted earlier. She wanted to show her shadow her improved skills.
"Good morning, Miss Genevieve. How are you?" greeted Olev.
Genevieve was surprised to hear Olev's voice coming from across the hall. She turned her head and saw Olev wearing a black robe and smiled at him.
"Good morning, Mr Olev. Excuse me, but why are you wearing a robe this time?" asked Genevieve.
"Yes, actually I wanted to inform the young lady that I will not be able to teach you for the next month. I am truly sorry" replied Olev apologetically.
"It's okay Olev. By the way, where are you going? Genevieve asked.
"I will go to Arcduke Rouncel's territory young lady" replied Olev.
"Arcduke Rouncel, he's the ruler of the North, right?" Genevieve asked.
Genevieve recalled some things when Olev said about 'Arcduke Rouncel'. According to what she had read, Arcduke Rouncel ruled the northern region of the kingdom.
"That's right young lady" said Olev.
"What mission are you doing in that snowy region?" Genevieve asked.
The northern region of the kingdom was famous for its year-round snow. It was also the least populated due to the difficulty of surviving there.
"I'm sorry young lady, it's a secret" said Olev.
Genevieve nodded in understanding. She knew that Olev was a loyal and professional knight. He would not divulge confidential information.
"Alright then. Go on your mission, don't waste too much time here" Genevieve said with an expressionless face.
Olev, who heard that, did not leave and remained in place like a statue.
"Why are you still here?" Genevieve asked.
"Emm, actually I want to introduce you to someone young lady" said Olev nervously.
"Who?" Genevieve asked.
"Draven, come here!" Olev shouted loudly, calling out to someone.
Soon, from the darkened hallway emerged a burly young man. He had a clean face, with blue hair. If he had the developed body of a typical teenager he would look like a typical teenager, but with the muscular body of a 30-year-old man, everyone would definitely mistake his real age.
Olev immediately grabbed Draven and held him by the shoulders, "Meet young lady, this is Draven, my nephew."
"H-hello, young lady" he bowed to Genevieve.
Genevieve greeted back with a smile, "Hello there Draven."
"So Olev, why did you bring your nephew here?" Genevieve asked.
Olev scratched his head and replied, "While I am absent from training, I would like someone to continue training you young lady."
"So you chose your nephew to train me?" Genevieve asked.
"Yes young lady" replied Olev.
"Is he really an expert?" Genevieve asked, expressing doubt about Draven's abilities.
"Although he looks young, I can assure you he is capable enough to teach you during my absence" said Olev confidently.
Genevieve gave Draven a sharp look, trying to read his facial expressions. Draven looked nervous and uncomfortable under Genevieve's gaze. He avoided eye contact and fiddled with his fingers.
"So, you really are Olev's nephew?" Genevieve asked again.
"Yes, young lady. Olev is my uncle from my father's family, young lady," Draven replied.
"And you are also a knight?" asked Genevieve.
"Yes, young lady. I have been a knight since the age of 15" replied Draven.
"How old are you now?" asked Genevieve.
"Um... 17 years old, young lady" replied Draven.
Genevieve was surprised to hear Draven's answer. She could not believe that the burly young man in front of her was still 17 years old. He didn't even look his age.
"You're lying!" exclaimed Genevieve.
"No, young lady. I am not lying. This is my identity card" said Draven as he pulled out a card from his pocket.
Genevieve took the card and examined it. The card did indeed show Draven's name, photo, and date of birth. There was no sign of forgery.
"But... how is that possible? You look like a 25-year-old man!" said Genevieve.
Draven smiled bitterly, "That's because I have a rare gene, young lady. A gene that makes my body develop faster than normal people. I've had this body since I was 12 years old."
Genevieve felt sorry for Draven. She could not imagine how difficult it would be to live with a body that did not match his age.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you" Genevieve said in a soft tone.
"It's okay, young lady. I'm used to people reacting like that" Draven said.
Olev who witnessed their conversation was relieved that they were getting along. He hoped that Draven could be a good friend to Genevieve and help her in her training.
"Well, now that you know each other, I have to go now" Olev said as he bowed his head to Genevieve.
"Yes, go on your mission Olev" said Genevieve.
Olev then left through the hallways of the building. His figure also disappeared immediately.
Genevieve stared at the hallway that Olev had passed through. She kept a calm face, but in her heart she hoped that Olev would return safely and succeed in his mission.
Draven was also staring anxiously at the door. He felt responsible for taking over his uncle's role in training Genevieve. He hoped that he could fulfil his uncle's and Genevieve's expectations.
After a few moments of silence, Genevieve finally turned to Draven and said, "Let's go to the training field."
"Also, when we get to the training field, can you show me your skills Draven?" said Olev.
Draven nodded in agreement.