Castle Star Lake, the spacious Starshine Courtyard—commonly known as the Lumberyard—was abuzz with soldiers, guards, workers, and farmers, all gathered together to form a circle around an open space, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Go, go, go! Hit her hard on the head, that's right, just like that, woah—wow, that was a solid fall! No worries, believe in yourself, lad, get up and keep hitting her! Ah, your swordplay is so limp, is it always like this? Have the good times softened you, or are you hoping for your wife to cheat on you?"
In the center of the clearing, the figure of Miranda Aarland moved nimbly between two warriors—she was engaged in an unfair duel against two guards from the Star Lake Guards, Nishe and Bastia. The young trainee Pioneer Officer was as aggressive as the tide and grew fiercer as the battle went on, while the immovable Guard Officer stood his ground, watertight in his defense.
