Standing in the middle of the training ground, Austin faced his fiancée, who was currently performing the role of a trainer.
Holding his daggers, he drew a sharp breath.
Since using Soul Shards in regular training is not allowed, Austin brought his personal training dagger which surely was sharp enough to cut.
"Are you sure about this?" Austin asked, for the final time.
Valerie calmly nodded and remained nonchalant about this little spar.
'So be it…'
Austin lunged forward, dagger flashing in his grip as he aimed for Valarie's side. His movements were swift and precise—each step fueled by his training and knowledge of close combat. Yet, Valarie was faster.
With a fluid motion, she sidestepped his thrust, her body weaving just out of reach. Austin pivoted instantly, slashing upward in a seamless follow-up, but Valarie tilted her head back, letting the blade slice through the air inches from her face.
Austin didn't let up. He stepped in close, feinting low before driving the dagger toward her chest in a sharp thrust. Valarie's hand shot up, catching his wrist mid-motion. With a sharp twist, she forced his arm to the side, but he was already spinning, using the momentum to bring the blade slashing toward her ribs.
Valarie leaned back, the blade slicing harmlessly past her, then stepped into his guard. Her hand shot forward, fingers closing around his forearm like a vice, halting his next attack before it even began.
"You're predictable," she said, her tone calm, almost teasing.
Frustrated, Austin tightened his grip and shifted tactics. Feinting a low stab, he quickly redirected the blade toward her shoulder. Valarie's hand shot out, palm open, and redirected his wrist with a sharp push, forcing him off balance.
Before he could recover, she closed the distance, her footwork impeccable, and tapped his wrist lightly, disarming him with effortless precision.
His dagger clattered to the ground, but Austin wasn't done. He lashed out with his fists, launching a quick jab aimed at her chest. Valarie parried with her forearm, redirecting the force harmlessly to the side.
She stepped closer, her movements smooth and controlled, and drove her knee upward—not to strike but to stop his next punch mid-swing by trapping his arm against her thigh.
"Be angrier, my lord." She sadistically whispered.
Growling, Austin twisted free, grabbed his dagger, and swung in a wide arc. Valarie leaned back, her torso bending like a reed in the wind, and then she spun, closing the gap faster than he could react. Her fingers lightly tapped his forehead, a mock strike that caused him to fall back—however, just in time, Austin held her collar and pulled her down with him.
**THUD**
Both of them fell to the ground, their faces inches away as Austin held her by her shoulders and looked into her surprised eyes.
Austin's breathing was ragged as he stared at the girl who completely overwhelmed him even without using an ounce of magic and a weapon.
In a barely audible tone, Valerie asked, "Are you angry, my lord?"
Austin raised his brows, "Why… haa…why would I be? You just showed me where I stand, and made me realize how far I have to go."
In the past, his answer might have been different, given the previous owner regarded everything as infuriating when it concerned Valerie.
Valerie knelt between his legs and asked shyly, "Are you hurt?"
Austin softly smiled and whispered, "If you are going to be my nurse, then yes, my whole body is aching."
Valerie's lips stretched in a shy smile as she lowered her head, letting her violet hair fall like curtains and hiding her face.
They soon got up, and Austin realized that, indeed, there was aching in his waist, but a good night's sleep would take for the pain to vanish.
Their training went on for another ten or so minutes before Austin raised his hands in defeat, saying his current self couldn't touch her.
Valerie went to bring water and a towel for him as Austin sat on the nearby bench.
Once she returned, Austin took a few mouthfuls of water.
Once he was done, he asked her, "So? What do I need to work on? And please, be as blunt as you can."
Valerie remained silent for a moment, hesitating, but then she decided it would be unfair to tell him the half-truth, "My lord, your movements and techniques are top-notch…what you lack are speed and precision. You were moving too slowly earlier for a close-combat warrior. First, we need to work on that."
Austin nodded, "So stamina and speed training along with aiming and combat training. Hmm…it's like I need to start from zero."
Valerie panicked, seeing her lord's shoulder slumping as she hurriedly added, "Ahh..but on the bright side, you realize your mistakes early, and there are still three months for the tournament. If you prepare accordingly then you surely can aim for a spot."
Austin smiled in defeat as he said, "You still believe I can participate in that tournament where the top five students from the academy are chosen?"
Valerie confidently nodded, "I have seen my lord from close, and I can say confidently that no one works as hard as you when it comes to self-improvement."
She wasn't speaking those words out of her fondness towards Austin. The blond Prince indeed has developed his skills and Soul Shard to qualify for this academy.
If Austin had worked as hard as a normal person then he would have gone to a normal knight academy and would have reached the rank of a soldier at best.
So yes, Austin had the potential and dedication to become an exceptional warrior.
Austin smiled fondly at her, and while softly holding her hand, he said, "If you are with me, then surely I will participate and even win the tournament."
It might sound filmy but if the best student is helping him, then Austin believed that he might grow exponentially in weeks.
Valerie held his hand back, albeit hesitantly, as she uttered, "I have always been, and always will be, with my lord."
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A/N:- Having a girl like Valerie is blessing.