"Proceed with your personal training at your stations."
"Yes, sir!"
Hwan turned to the assembled warriors and gave a short command. The Sahals nodded in response and moved to follow his orders.
As he picked a wooden sword from the rack, finding one with a grip that felt just right, Lynn's voice broke the silence.
"Earlier… when you said that, were you thinking of me?"
Hwan looked up at her unexpected question, his dark eyes meeting hers with a steady, unreadable gaze. After a brief pause, he answered.
"What I said earlier was disrespectful to a warrior who wields a sword. I apologize."
Facing Lynn with the wooden sword in hand, Hwan's voice carried a rare hint of sincerity. Moments before, his words had reassured her, but a faint discomfort still lingered within her.
Sensing her unease, he understood immediately and addressed it, easing her doubts.
He knew well remarks like "go easy on her because she's a woman" or "make exceptions" could harm a warrior's pride. Hwan had been careful to avoid any such suggestions.
"For now, your skills aren't fully back. Once they are, this won't even need to be said."
"Right."
Lynn smiled at him, her expression softening.
"Thank you, Hwan, for being so considerate."
Just as he was about to say, Let's get into position, Hwan stopped, his brows knitting slightly.
Something about her last words felt off. But it was how she addressed him that unsettled him most.
"…I never told you my name."
Oh, right. She suddenly remembered he had introduced himself as "Hwai."
Was I not supposed to call him Hwan?
Caught off guard, Lynn stammered, "Ah, Sean told me. Is… is it a name I shouldn't use?"
For a brief moment, Hwan's usually calm eyes fixed on her with a sharp intensity. The silence lasted only a few seconds but felt much longer.
With a faint scoff, Hwan looked away and took his stance, clearly signaling for her to follow.
"Well, it doesn't matter."
"Huh?"
"I thought you'd forgotten my name, too."
"…"
"Good to know you remembered."
He swung the practice sword to the side, then jabbed it forward with precision.
Feeling like the "forgetful friend who couldn't even remember his name," Lynn copied his movements, a twinge of guilt creeping in.
Did it bother him that I forgot?
And so, her mind began to spiral into self-blame and overthinking.
After that, they spoke little as training continued. They moved through long, repetitive drills, starting with basic stances and techniques.
She's pretty skilled, Hwan thought, noticing how Lynn quickly picked up each move, repeating them smoothly after only a couple of tries.
It was clear her body remembered the motions; she adapted quickly, stringing the moves together almost naturally.
They trained in silence, without breaks.
As the sun rose higher, Lynn's breathing grew heavy, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Finally, Hwan spoke, his tone casual.
"This is your first day, so we'll stop here."
The timing was perfect; Lynn's stomach had just begun to rumble, and exhaustion weighed on her limbs. She nodded gratefully, still catching her breath.
"You did alright today."
He slid the wooden sword back into its scabbard, delivering the compliment so flatly that it almost went unnoticed. But for Lynn, it was enough to make her tired face light up with a big smile.
Wow! Another compliment!
"Though… the moves were simple."
The message was clear. Don't get too excited these were beginner steps. His tone was sharp, cutting through her excitement, and she cleared her throat, quickly stifling her grin.
"Go wash up. From now on, you'll be having lunch with the Sahal Warriors."
Lynn's eyes widened in surprise at the thought of joining the others for meals.
"Huh? Really?"
"The dining hall is in the left building. You'll see it as soon as you enter."
Following Hwan's gesture, she noticed a rectangular blue building in the distance. Small groups of Sahal Warriors were already making their way inside for lunch.
Up until now, Lynn had always eaten alone in her quarters. The idea of sharing a meal with others filled her with a mix of excitement and nerves.
***
Meanwhile, two middle-aged men observed the scene from afar through a dull, gray window. The man standing at the front, Blaine, wore a slow-growing smile as he watched.
"Lynn's recovery is impressive, don't you think, Sean?"
Sean, his eyes on his daughter, nodded, his gaze softening.
"Yes. Her body is responding well to the training."
The rumors seemed true his daughter truly had the potential of an exceptional warrior. Though she was just beginning, he could already see her skills sharpening.
"Heh. Once her abilities are fully back, we might consider if she could qualify as an 'Elite Commander,' standing alongside Garnet."
The Bliderin warrior organization officially recognized three Elite Commanders. Hwai, Sahan, and Garnet. Each of them led a specialized sub unit responsible for training and direct leadership.
These sub units, each made up of twenty highly skilled Sahals, reflected the unique traits of their commander. Though there were hundreds of regular Sahals, the Elite Commanders' sub-units functioned like special forces. Each commander had the freedom to train their sub-unit in their own way, and each unit carried the commander's name.
Only twenty Sahals with exceptional swordsmanship were selected for these units, earning higher rank and honor than regular Sahals. Many warriors worked tirelessly to pass the entrance exams, which were held periodically to join these elite teams.
The authority and respect tied to the 'Elite Commander' title were enormous. Gaining this title meant proving superior skill and strength, often through extremely difficult and dangerous trials.
At Blaine's words, accompanied by a faint chuckle, Sean's expression tightened.
"Lynn becoming an Elite Commander is out of the question. She's still young, without the skills or physical strength needed for that position."
"Of course, it's far too soon to consider. She hasn't regained her former abilities yet."
Blaine continued sipping his tea, unaffected by Sean's serious tone. He savored the scent of his crimson pomegranate tea leisurely, while Sean pressed his lips together in frustration.
"Even if she does recover, the Sahal Warriors won't easily accept Lynn as their commander."
The title of Elite Commander came with not only authority but also deep respect and loyalty from those under their command. Disagreeing with an Elite Commander was unthinkable, making complete obedience the standard. This was an ancient Bliderin principle: those with the greatest strength earned respect and the right to lead.
"You still don't really understand the Sahal Warriors, do you, Sean?"
"…"
"It's natural for them to follow and admire those who are stronger. This is Bliderin, where power is everything."
With a cynical smirk, Blaine sipped his tea, his gaze drifting to where Lynn stood as a distant figure. Even though she was barely visible, his sharp eyes gleamed as if he had just locked onto his prey.
"Ah, perhaps you're concerned about the respect given to Elite Commanders?"
Within the organization, Lynn had already been quietly labeled as just a "battlefield asset." Although she was Sean's daughter, that initial impression clung to her and wasn't likely to fade. For someone like her, the title of Elite Commander, a symbol of the highest honor among Bliderin's warriors seemed out of place. It was hard to imagine the Sahals showing her genuine respect. Seeing Sean's concern, Blaine offered a lazy, almost sleepy smile.
"In this world, power and control earn respect," he said slowly.
"…"
"Even if that respect is only for show."
"If Lynn regains her memories… what do you plan to do?" Sean finally spoke, his tone sharp.
Blaine's smile didn't falter. He stirred his tea with a silver spoon, a sly smile on his face.
"Oh, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"…"
"Surely you don't think I'd go so far as to harm your daughter?"
Blaine's gaze held steady on Sean, his smile barely shifting.
"Don't worry."
Sean's hand clenched into a fist, tension clear in his knuckles. Ignoring Sean's silent anger, Blaine set his teacup down on the sapphire-inlaid table with a sharp clink.
"By the way, how is that… other matter coming along?"
Sean replied, his voice tense.
"We're working on it, but… given how complex it is, it will take time."
"Hmm. Good news does like to drag its feet."
Blaine clicked his tongue in irritation, running a wrinkled hand over the lynx-fur tablecloth. The stiff fur shifted under his touch, springing back as he moved his hand across it.
"Keep me updated."
"Yes, sir."
Knock, knock.
"Blaine, it's Sahan."
"Oh, come in."
The door opened, and Sahan entered, giving a quick bow to Blaine. When he noticed Sean, he bowed again, and Sean nodded in return.
Sahan, dressed in a casual deep teal outfit suggesting he'd been outside, carried a black ledger in his right hand.
"All the weapons from the former Schleiman lands have been collected. This ledger has the full inventory."
Settling back into the plush leather sofa, Blaine took the ledger from Sahan and flipped through the pages. When he stopped, Sahan added, "There are over a hundred types. As the reports said, each one is extremely durable and high quality."
Schleiman's steel weapons were known for their strength. Made from rare ores combined with steel, these weapons were both tough and powerful. As Blaine scanned the list, a satisfied smile crossed his face.
"Is the temporary training barracks ready?"
"Yes, sir. It's almost complete."
"Good, good."
Pleased with the progress, Blaine stretched his arms and walked over to the window.
"Draft a notice confirming we've completed the weapon retrieval. Once we get a response, we'll proceed with the sale, so start scouting for a good location."
"Yes, Blaine."
Sahan acknowledged the orders and left. Blaine stayed by the window, watching the midday sun. His eyes gleamed with ambition as he spotted Lynn finishing up her training session in the distance. Without turning, he spoke to Sean, who had been quietly standing beside him.
"By the way, it's getting late. My chef has prepared a special smoked wildcat dish. How about joining me for a taste here in my office?"