The moon was high in the sky, throwing shadows beneath the gnarled old tree where Tessa was practicing and reflecting its white light on the exterior of the keep's sparkling structure. The terrain in the Warrior Kingdom was too harsh for even grass to grow, and there were no other trees to be seen there. However, the ancient tree at the highest point of the burned-out volcano's back had managed to survive. It stood at the edge of the lethal drop that prevented most people from straying too close, shouting distance from the inner keep, leafless and partially decaying. Tessa had been drawn to this spot as a child by the peace and the steadfast tree, and it had long since become her safe sanctuary.
Her breath now poured out in white puffs of fire that disappeared among the gnarled limbs of her old buddy as she twisted and stabbed the icy air. She drew her elbow close to her ear and raised her knees low over the hard ground while pointing her sword at the sky, capturing moonlight in the process. She remained in place until her muscles started to tremble, at which point she leaped sideways with one foot pointed down and one foot away. She continued the 63 steps of the Seven Star Sword for the twelfth time that night, despite breaking out in sweat on her forehead from the exertion. She would think about going to bed once the last light in the inner keep was extinguished, but it was still early. Even though the food hall's last seating had long since ended, some people would still be climbing wall punishment laps. When others were still awake and until she had successfully memorised the instructions, she was unable to fall asleep. She wouldn't rule out punishment from that obstinate Colonel if she made a mistake.
"Leo, please use common sense! Come return to the feast with me.
When Tessa's attention was diverted by the terrified woman's voice, her blade swung in an erroneous circle.
"Mirabel, hurry up."
"Leo, give up, please!
The moonlight cast its shadows on the keep wall as the duo came into view. When Tessa recognised Captain Leo, she froze and narrowed her gaze. It was difficult to tell because of the darkness and the distance, but it appeared likely that he was intoxicated based on his unsteady motions as he dragged the woman along behind him. The lady, who was dressed in flowing yellow silk and appeared to be in her early twenties, was wearing the exclusive royal gold crescent cuff bracelet. She appeared to be significantly less willing and more lucid than her buddy. Tessa, stay out of my business.
"Leo, what the hell is going on with you?" The lady attempted to sound indignant, but her voice trembled with terror.
Avoid becoming engaged. He is your supervisor, so quit being so phoney. The defenceless woman was hauled to Leo's side and then pressed up against the chilly keep wall. "You think I'm unaware that you desire me? Every woman wants me. The lady screamed and closed her arms around him to fend him off.
Tevvuk's beard, I say!
A: "Captain Leo? While exiting the tree's cover, Tessa cried out a greeting. Within a few steps, she was with the couple. "There you are, Captain!"
Leo looked at her with narrowed, swollen eyes. So he was inebriated. He may faint if she can persuade him to drink a little more. The hair on Tessa's nape stood up as she placed her palm on his shoulder. She moved him just enough while grinning to allow the lady to escape. "Captain, I've looked all over for you."
The lady continued to blink in disbelief before running for her life. She wasn't as foolish after all as Tessa first assumed.
Leo moved in her direction before fixing his piercing gaze on her. , "You little shit."
"Sir, I'm sorry. I apologise for interrupting. I only wanted to seek your opinion and thought perhaps we could discuss it over a drink. She had a slight chance of being inebriated enough to forget what had happened that evening.
"A beverage?" Leo seemed more steady by the second as he crossed his arms over his chest. Anger had a way of bringing one to reality. Stupid Diyu!
"Yes, a beverage. at the police station. There are undoubtedly some survivors.
Leo moved closer to her and stated, "I'm not interested in a drink. But why don't you lay down that sword so we can enjoy something much more delicious?
The blade! She was still clutching it without even realising it. Ah, I'd really rather have a drink. Since I've been exercising, I'm incredibly thirsty.
She was forced to back away as Leo continued to move closer to her. She raised her free hand in recognition of the aggressive appearance of the man. If you could just pause for a second, sir, I'll explain.
"Explain?" He took his sword out of its sheath and pointed it at her. There is no need to elaborate. Your body should compensate for your damaged face. Yes, I believe the two of us ought to enjoy ourselves.
Leo of the House of Quartz was an absolute bastard. He made the decision to punish her because she had driven away his prayer. Tessa tightened her hold on her sword, feeling as though she might eventually need to wield it despite her best efforts to avoid doing so. "Captain, you've been drinking. This is what you get for pushing your nose where it doesn't belong. You could sustain harm. Put your blade away, please.
"You think a little mixed-blood girl can hurt me? Leo raised his blade and swung it violently, abandoning all pretence. Tessa dodged behind him as he swung once more by leaping out of the way. Even when he was at his worst, he wasn't a particularly skilled swordsman, but he was far bigger and stronger than she was. She hurried swiftly to avoid approaching the now-enraged captain or drawing her sword. He grew angrier and more reckless as he became aware that getting her wouldn't be as simple as he had imagined.
She continued to prance away for a few more minutes as the captain continued to swing at her, but it became increasingly difficult. She hadn't eaten lunch and had shared dinner with Tia, which had depleted her vitality. She was beginning to notice that her reactions were taking longer after adding the additional sword training to the mix. This would be resolved right now if she disarmed him with her sword. She was unable to carry this out. Leo would undoubtedly pursue her once more if she continued to disgrace him. If only she could put an end to this without rubbing him the wrong way...
"LEO!"
Their argument was interrupted by the authoritative tone. Tessa turned to see Colonel Jothan approaching them, with the previous lady following closely behind. She sighed as she turned to face the still-frozen Captain. His pride was not wounded there!