The Redwyne estate's training grounds were a sprawling expanse of dirt and sand, surrounded by wooden dummies and racks of practice weapons. It was here that the household guards honed their skills, their swords clashing in a rhythmic symphony of steel.
Aizen, now seven years old, watched from the sidelines, a broom in hand. His duties as Stephanie's personal servant now included "supervising" her fencing lessons—a task that mostly involved dodging stray strikes and pretending to look impressed.
"Master, your sweeping technique is abysmal. You're merely redistributing the dirt," Vermis remarked.
"I'm multitasking. It's called efficiency," Aizen shot back, though he knew Vermis was right.
Stephanie, clad in a miniature fencing uniform, lunged at her instructor with surprising ferocity. Her movements were still clumsy, but there was a raw determination in her eyes that made up for her lack of finesse.
"Again!" she demanded, raising her practice sword.
The instructor, a grizzled veteran with a scar across his cheek, sighed. "My lady, perhaps we should take a break—"
"I said again!"
The man hesitated, then nodded. "As you wish."
As the lesson resumed, Aizen's attention drifted to the far end of the training grounds, where a lone figure practiced in silence. The boy was around Stephanie's age, his dark hair tied back in a short ponytail, and his movements were fluid and precise.
"Master, that's Kael Ardent—the game's second capture target," Vermis informed.
"Of course he is. Brooding, check. Tragic backstory, probably check. Let me guess—he's an orphan with a heart of gold?"
"Close. He's the illegitimate son of a disgraced noble family, raised by a retired knight. His tragic backstory involves the death of his mentor and a vow to never wield a sword again."
"Wow. That's… impressively cliché."
Kael's practice sword moved like an extension of his arm, each strike deliberate and controlled. Despite his youth, there was a maturity in his movements that set him apart from the other trainees.
Stephanie, noticing Aizen's distraction, followed his gaze. "Who's that?" she asked, lowering her sword.
"Kael Ardent," the instructor replied. "He's been training here for a few months. Quiet kid, but skilled."
Stephanie's eyes narrowed. "He's good?"
"Very."
"Hmph. I'm better."
The instructor wisely chose not to argue.
Stephanie marched over to Kael, her practice sword dragging behind her. "Hey! You!"
Kael paused mid-strike, turning to face her. His expression was calm, almost indifferent. "Yes?"
"Fight me."
Aizen groaned. Here we go.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because I'm the best, and I want to prove it."
"I'm not interested."
Stephanie's face flushed with anger. "You dare refuse me?"
Kael shrugged. "I don't fight children."
Stephanie's eyes widened, then narrowed into slits. "I'm not a child! I'm Lady Stephanie Redwyne, and you will fight me!"
Kael sighed, sheathing his practice sword. "Fine. But don't cry when you lose."
Aizen facepalmed. This is going to end badly.
The Duel
The other trainees gathered around, forming a loose circle as Stephanie and Kael faced off. The instructor, sensing trouble, tried to intervene, but Stephanie shot him a glare that could melt steel.
"Begin!" she declared, lunging at Kael with all the grace of a charging bull.
Kael sidestepped effortlessly, his movements smooth and unhurried. Stephanie swung again, and again, each strike missing by a hair's breadth.
"Stand still!" she shouted, her frustration mounting.
"You're too slow," Kael said, his tone infuriatingly calm.
Stephanie's face turned red. "I'll show you slow!"
She charged again, this time with more force than finesse. Kael stepped aside, but this time, he extended his foot, tripping her. Stephanie stumbled, landing face-first in the dirt.
The crowd gasped. Aizen winced.
Stephanie pushed herself up, her cheeks flushed with anger and humiliation. "You—!"
"You're reckless," Kael said, cutting her off. "You swing without thinking, and you leave yourself open. If this were a real fight, you'd be dead."
Stephanie's hands clenched into fists. "I hate you!"
Kael shrugged. "Hate me all you want. It won't make you stronger."
Stephanie stormed off, her practice sword discarded on the ground. Aizen hesitated, then followed her.
Aftermath
Stephanie sat on a bench in the garden, her arms crossed and her face stormy. Aizen approached cautiously, holding a glass of water.
"Here," he said, offering it to her.
Stephanie took the glass but didn't drink. "He's the worst," she muttered.
"Kael? He's just… blunt."
"He's mean! And arrogant! And—and—"
"Skilled?"
Stephanie glared at him. "Whose side are you on?"
"Yours, obviously. But maybe he has a point. You were swinging wildly."
Stephanie's lower lip trembled. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
"I am. That's why I'm telling you the truth. If you want to be the best, you have to learn from your mistakes."
Stephanie looked down, her anger giving way to frustration. "I just… I hate losing."
"Everyone does. But losing doesn't make you weak. It's how you learn."
Stephanie was silent for a moment, then sighed. "You're weird, Aizen."
"So I've been told."
She finally took a sip of water, her expression thoughtful. "Do you think I can beat him?"
"Not right now. But if you train hard, maybe someday."
Stephanie nodded, her determination reignited. "Then I'll train harder. And when I beat him, you'll be there to see it."
Aizen smiled faintly. "I wouldn't miss it."