Seeing this sword, Alaric couldn't help but brighten up. Arya, who would become the Faceless, was indeed remarkable.
Even though she had only started learning swordsmanship a few days ago, she had already mastered it to some extent.
However, for Alaric, whose dynamic vision far exceeded human limits, this attack was too slow.
He casually grabbed the sword tip, and after grasping it with an iron glove, Arya couldn't shake his grip no matter how hard she tried and had to give up.
"Teacher was right. You are indeed a true master," Arya's bright eyes looked at Alaric curiously. "Since you can easily grab my sword, are you also skilled in swordsmanship?"
"I know a bit of swordsmanship," Alaric let go of her hand and casually replied.
"But I could grab your sword not because of swordsmanship, but because your speed was too slow for me."
"Is that so?" Arya blushed slightly, but she immediately explained.
"Actually, I've only just started learning the sword for less than two days, so my sword strikes are slow. But it won't be like this in the future."
"No, I think your sword speed is already quite fast," Alaric used his ungloved hand to ruffle the girl's messy hair, comforting her.
"Have you seen those knights in the arena? Actually, their lance speed is almost the same as yours just now. If you've only learned for two days, then you are indeed a genius."
"Really...?" Feeling the warmth on her head and hearing the praise, Arya unexpectedly blushed and smiled foolishly. "Haha, do you really think I'm a genius?"
"Yes," Alaric nodded earnestly.
"Have you heard of the Faceless? They are the most formidable assassins in the world. With your talent, I believe you can definitely become one of them."
He inadvertently spoiled some plot details again.
Being praised by a skilled swordsman like the Masked Knight, Arya immediately felt a fondness for him.
Moreover, he didn't look down on her despite her simple attire, nor did he dislike her for her tomboyish appearance as a girl.
Arya immediately felt that he was one of the best people in the world—after all, she was only nine years old, and by the way, her sister Sansa was only twelve.
After chatting for a while, Alaric asked her, "May I ask what's the name of this lovely lady?"
Except for her parents, this was the first time Arya had been called lovely by someone. Her face blushed a little, and she stammered, "My name is Arya Stark."
"Ah, I know you. You are Lord Eddard Stark's daughter, the guardian of the North, right? I remember seeing your sister in the stands yesterday."
Alaric asked as if he didn't care about the reverence for the guardian of the North in his tone.
But Arya didn't mind. On the contrary, she looked up to him even more, thinking that he was a true knight worth befriending.
When she heard him mention her sister, Arya couldn't help feeling a bit jealous in her heart. She hesitantly asked, "Um... who do you think is cuter, me or my sister?"
She used the word cute because she knew that her sister was not as pretty as her.
However, to her surprise, instead of decisively choosing Sansa, he answered, "I think both of you are remarkable beauties.
If your sister embodies elegance and gentleness, you represent cuteness with a touch of wildness, each with your own unique charm."
Arya immediately felt happy. Although she had always been tomboyish, as a girl, who wouldn't care about her appearance?
Seeing Arya's expression, Alaric smiled and added, "Did what I said made you happy?"
Upon hearing this, Arya immediately realized that he was just comforting her, joking with her. She pouted and punched his arm with her small fist.
Alaric caught the girl's hands, feeling both amused and exasperated. He looked into her bright eyes and comforted her.
After that, Arya felt satisfied. But at this moment, she realized that her hands were already held by him.
Looking at his hands, she suddenly felt that they were beautiful.
Despite his formidable martial arts skills, his hands had no scars or calluses. It's no wonder her sister thought that beneath his helmet was a handsome face.
Wait, no, it's not about that. How could he dare to hold a girl's hand just after meeting her? Didn't he find it impolite?
However, she suddenly realized that she wasn't angry about it at all.
Not because she was always a bit carefree, but because she felt that this person was very kind. She felt that he was like her brother, no, even more than a brother.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, suddenly, the horn of the arena sounded.
The king had entered, and the match was about to begin the next day.
At this moment, Arya remembered her mission.
She hastily suppressed the inexplicable sourness in her heart and relayed her sister's words from last night to the Masked Knight in front of her, proposing the elopement plan.
Upon hearing Arya's naive proposal, Alaric was both amused and touched. He never expected that even with a mask on, he would unknowingly capture Sansa's heart.
He wasn't surprised by the hostility towards Joffrey because Joffrey was that kind of person—cruel and petty.
To say that he harbored grudges was already flattering him. In fact, many people had no idea how they offended him and still fell victim to his cruelty.
However, with all the guards and knights in King's Landing combined, they were still not enough for him alone. So he wasn't concerned about such threats.
But a girl's heart must be responded to. Although he wasn't good at flirting, he was experienced in being flirted with. So while casually donning his armor, he smiled at Arya.
"I appreciate the kindness and affection from Lady Stark and her intentions. But rest assured, with my abilities, neither Joffrey nor his men can harm me or intimidate me.
I was just thinking of staying to see what tricks they have in store..."
As he spoke, Alaric seemed carefree, but his words carried an air of dominance, disregarding the Seven Kingdoms' princes.
His arrogance deeply influenced Arya, and she looked at him with admiration, becoming even more envious of her sister.
Then, Alaric's tone changed, and he continued, "Although I can temporarily decline Lady's kindness, I will try to save her from danger before her wedding to Joffrey.
Also, if Lady Arya encounters any trouble, feel free to find me."
With that, he took out two blue gemstone pendants and placed them in Arya's hands.
"These are enchanted with the magic of the Dragon God.
If you need my help, just hold the gemstone and silently recite Silver Knight, and I will come to your aid.
Also, if Lady Arya wishes to learn more swordsmanship and spear skills, feel free to visit the inn next to the Free Trade Bank, and I will teach you."
Arya didn't expect that after reciprocating her sister's gift, he would give her one too. This made her feel pleasantly surprised and increased her fondness for him.
After all, it was the first time, apart from her parents and brothers, that someone treated her and Sansa equally, rather than favoring her sister—no, not just equally, but even favoring her more.
After all, he even told her where he lived.
Arya decided to share his whereabouts with her sister, but she kept the agreement to learn martial arts with the Masked Knight—or rather, the Silver Knight—as her own little secret.
As she was lost in her thoughts, Alaric had already put on his final armor. He mounted his horse and then gallantly rode towards the arena.
It was then that Arya realized that she didn't even know his name in the end.
But indeed, Silver Knight was a more dashing title than the Masked Knight.
Tucking the two pendants into her chest, Arya felt a little excited and hurriedly ran towards her viewing seat.
For the first time, this girl had some secrets she couldn't tell anyone and some youthful worries.
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