[03 Jumadil Uql 832]
Genevieve stared at the gate with anxious hope. It had been a month since Olev's departure, her teacher in swordsmanship and physical training. She didn't know what had happened to Olev during his mission in the northern region, an area filled with snow and danger. She could only hope that Olev was safe and would return soon.
Suddenly, a familiar figure emerged from behind the gate. He was wearing a thick black cloak, with a rapier sheathed at his waist. His blonde hair appeared damp from dew, and his face seemed tired yet relieved. It was Olev.
Genevieve couldn't contain herself. She ran towards Olev and hugged him tightly. "Olev! You're back! I was so worried!" she exclaimed with a quivering voice.
Olev smiled and returned Genevieve's hug. "Hello, my young miss. I missed you too. I apologize for keeping you waiting so long," he said in a gentle tone.
Genevieve released the hug and looked at Olev with concern. She noticed numerous dried wounds on Olev's body. There were cuts on his arms, bite marks on his legs, and stab wounds on his chest. Genevieve felt horrified by the sight.
"You're badly hurt! What happened? Was your mission that difficult?" she asked worriedly.
Olev shook his head and patted his shoulders. "Don't worry, young miss. These are just minor wounds. My mission was indeed tough, but I managed to complete it successfully. I had to infiltrate the enemy's base and steal their confidential documents. But I wasn't alone; I had the assistance of some capable comrades," he explained briefly.
Genevieve nodded, but she still felt unsatisfied. She wanted to know more about Olev's mission, but she understood that Olev wouldn't reveal too much.
Olev noticed Genevieve's curious expression and gave a slight smile. "My young miss, I understand that you want to know more about my mission, but I can't disclose further details. It's a matter of national security, and I must keep it confidential," he said with a serious tone.
Genevieve sighed and relented. "Alright, I understand. But at least you should rest before we continue our training," she insisted.
Olev chuckled softly and shook his head. "No need, young miss. I've rested enough during the journey back. Besides, I'm eager to see the progress of your rapier skills. Have you improved, and how about my nephew, Draven? Is he capable of being your temporary instructor?" he inquired with curiosity.
Genevieve proudly smiled and pointed towards the training field. "Of course, Olev. I've practiced a lot in your absence. And Draven has been teaching me well. He's a great instructor, though at times he can be a bit stubborn and commanding," she admitted honestly.
Olev followed Genevieve's gesture and saw a young man standing in the middle of the training field. He was clad in gray training attire, with a rapier sheathed at his waist. His brown hair looked neat, and his face appeared serious and determined. It was Draven, Olev's nephew. Olev had asked Draven to take over as Genevieve's temporary instructor when he needed to embark on his mission.
Draven saw Olev and Genevieve's arrival and respectfully greeted them. "Welcome back, Uncle Olev. I'm glad you've returned safely," he said politely.
Olev reciprocated Draven's greeting warmly. "Thank you, Draven. I'm also pleased to see you're well. How have you been? Have you completed your report?" he inquired with concern.
Draven nodded briefly and handed a brown envelope to Olev. "Yes, Uncle Olev. This is a report on Genevieve's progress over the past month. I've documented all the important aspects, from training schedules to skill advancements and challenges faced," he explained in detail.
Olev received the envelope and carefully opened it. He read the contents of the report attentively, occasionally furrowing his brow or nodding. Once he finished reading, he closed the envelope and looked at Draven with appreciation.
"Draven, I'm impressed with your report. It's comprehensive and well-organized. I can see that you've fulfilled your duty as Genevieve's temporary instructor admirably," praised Olev sincerely.
Draven blushed slightly and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Olev. I've only done what I should," he humbly replied.
Olev then turned his gaze towards Genevieve and smiled broadly. "And Genevieve, I'm also impressed with your progress. From this report, I can see that you've significantly enhanced your rapier skills. You've learned many new things from Draven, including basic techniques, advanced movements, and fighting strategies," he said proudly.
Genevieve felt delighted by Olev's praise and smiled back. "Thank you, Olev. I also feel that I've improved a lot during your absence. Draven indeed taught me well, though occasionally he can be a bit stubborn and commanding," she repeated playfully.
Draven heard Genevieve's remark and furrowed his brow. "Hey, young miss. I'm not stubborn or commanding. I just want you to learn seriously and discipline yourself," he protested with annoyance.
Genevieve chuckled softly and teased Draven. "Sure, sure. You're a perfect instructor, Draven. No one can match you," she said sarcastically.
Draven felt offended and looked at Genevieve sharply. "Young miss, you don't have to mock me. I just want to help you improve. Besides, you're far from perfect. You still have many flaws and mistakes to work on," he asserted firmly.
Genevieve felt indignant and stared back challengingly at Draven. "Oh, really? Then what are my flaws and mistakes, Draven? Can you tell me?" she challenged.
Draven wasn't one to back down and drew his rapier from its sheath. He pointed his sword towards the training field. "Very well, young miss. If you're curious, let's prove it on the training field. I'll show you your flaws and mistakes in the most effective way possible—by sparring against me," he dared boldly.
Genevieve smirked cunningly and unsheathed her own rapier. She followed Draven to the training field with enthusiasm. "Alright, Draven. I accept your challenge. Let's see who will emerge victorious between us," she responded enthusiastically.
Olev watched the scene with amusement and bemusement. He hadn't expected Genevieve and Draven to act this way. He knew both of them were determined and headstrong individuals who enjoyed giving orders. Perhaps that was why they often clashed and competed against each other. However, Olev also knew that they were both talented and dedicated individuals who respected one another. Maybe that was why they could also collaborate and learn from each other.
Shaking his head, Olev smiled wryly. He then followed Genevieve and Draven to the training field. He wanted to witness firsthand Genevieve's progress in using the rapier.
On the training field, Genevieve and Draven were already preparing for their duel. They stood in ready positions, gripping their rapiers tightly in their right hands. They stared at each other intensely, measuring the distance and anticipating each other's moves.
Standing at the edge of the training field, Olev held Draven's report envelope in his hand. He acted as the referee for this duel. Watching Genevieve and Draven with keen attention, he issued instructions to them.
"Alright, my young miss and my nephew. We'll engage in a sparring match to test both of your rapier skills. The rules are as follows: First, you must show respect and honesty towards each other during the fight. Second, you must use your rapiers correctly and safely, without intentionally harming or injuring your opponent. Third, you must stop the fight when either of you concedes or receives a fatal strike in a specific area of the body. Fourth, you must accept the outcome of the match with an open heart, without protest or excuses. Fifth, you must be willing to listen to advice or criticism from me or your opponent after the fight concludes. Do you both understand the rules?" Olev inquired firmly.
Genevieve and Draven nodded briefly in agreement. They were accustomed to these rules, having engaged in sparring sessions with Olev or each other numerous times before.
"Very well, then let's begin. Are you ready?" Olev asked, raising his hand.
Genevieve and Draven nodded again, indicating their readiness. They tensed their muscles, preparing to attack or defend.
"Begin!" Olev declared, lowering his hand.
Genevieve and Draven immediately sprung into action. They ran towards each other, their rapiers swinging rapidly and accurately. The clash of their rapier blades resonated loudly on the training field, creating a thrilling and tense rhythm.