Chapter 22
The place they headed to was the town square, the busiest location in the entire village.
Just as he had said, the square was filled with young men practicing swordsmanship.
“There are so many people here. I didn’t realize there were this many aspiring to join the Imperial Knights…”
“It’s the most lucrative profession, after all. If one is fortunate, they might even be granted a noble title.”
Even if they didn’t attain high-ranking positions, the income alone was extraordinary, making it a dream occupation for many.
Having completed their warm-up exercises, the recruits took their positions, preparing to begin their training in earnest.
Lined up on either side, the apprentices swung their swords in unison, their blades slicing through the air with precision.
Ersivan, who had been silently observing, suddenly pointed at one of them.
“Look at that one. That is proper form.”
“What about that person?”
“They’re applying too much force to their right arm compared to the left. The imbalance in strength will reduce the accuracy of their strikes.”
Diana listened intently, carefully analyzing the flaws Ersivan pointed out.
Even to an untrained eye, it was evident that the recruit’s movements were unbalanced.
[1. Do not excessively exert strength into one arm (especially my dominant one). While it’s natural to apply more force with the dominant hand, the difference should not be too pronounced.]
Her small notebook quickly filled with notes.
The two continued scrutinizing each individual, studying their techniques in detail.
Before long, the apprentices paired up and began sparring.
Ersivan gestured toward a match taking place in the far-right corner.
One of the young men, standing in front, curled his finger at his opponent in a taunting motion, inviting him forward.
“If you cannot intimidate properly, it’s better not to attempt it at all.”
“Still, isn’t it better than showing no intimidation at all?”
“Skill is often revealed through one’s gaze alone. Beginners, for instance, lack the killer instinct in their eyes. If one’s inexperience is obvious, it’s best to conceal it rather than put on a weak display.”
Diana followed his gaze. Indeed, the young man’s expression lacked any real menace, making her nod in agreement.
…What if it were me?
She imagined how she would fare in such a situation.
Surely, her gaze would be more threatening than his.
Narrowing her eyes, she tilted her head back slightly, staring up at the sky in an attempt to look menacing. She even cocked her head to the side, adding to the impression.
Would this be intimidating enough?
“If I may be blunt, you look no different to me.”
“…That’s just you, Evan. Other people tell me I look fierce whenever I frown.”
Feeling embarrassed at having her thoughts read so easily, Diana quickly tried to salvage her pride.
She scoffed at him in defiance.
Ersivan now stood at a crossroads—should he offer a harmless lie or deliver the brutal truth?
Concerned that she might actually use that expression in a real duel someday, he ultimately chose the latter.
“No. To be perfectly honest, you’re worse.”
At his firm response, Diana felt as if the world had crumbled beneath her feet.
Had he been just a little more considerate in his phrasing, her pride wouldn’t have taken such a hit.
He could be so sweet at times—so why was he so merciless now?
“…That can’t be right.”
Doubtful, she recalled past encounters.
People had always assured her, with smiles, that she looked frightening.
But now that she thought about it… hadn’t those smiles been mocking?
The only fool who had believed them sincerely was Diana herself.
[2. If intimidation is not convincing, it is better to appear weak instead.]
Her fingers moved hesitantly as she scribbled in her notebook.
She could feel Ersivan’s gaze lingering on her, prompting her to quickly snap the book shut and change the subject.
“…So, Evan, in your opinion, who here is the most skilled?”
“The red-haired man in the center. He is, at the very least, competent.”
Red hair?
As soon as Diana turned to look, an announcement rang out—declaring that the red-haired man had won his match.
As expected. The skilled recognize the skilled.
“If his prowess is apparent even at a glance, he must be quite exceptional.”
“You’ll reach that level as well, Lily. There’s no need for envy.”
That was unexpectedly generous of him.
Unwilling to acknowledge his rare praise, Diana merely pursed her lips. For some reason, when it came to swordsmanship, she found it difficult to display humility.
“Take note—this posture is incorrect. If one crouches too low while swinging a sword, they’ll quickly exhaust themselves and risk injury.”
Her gaze followed his once more.
Just as he had described, a brown-haired man, who had been crouching too deeply, suddenly lost balance mid-swing and fell backward.
His accuracy was almost eerie.
At this point, it was more believable to assume he had the ability to see into the future.
“You’re even more impressive than I thought.”
“Well, I am your instructor.”
“But modesty is something you lack.”
“Perhaps that’s because I take after my most beloved pupil.”
Unable to argue, Diana simply shook her head. Yet, her hand moved diligently toward her notebook.
[3. Jumping high does not equate to stronger strikes. It may, in fact, be detrimental.]
And with that, their field lesson concluded, leaving them with three key takeaways.
The once-bright blue sky had shifted to a golden hue, tinged with the fervor of the knights in training.
“That was both informative and enjoyable. I think I’d like to come again.”
Clutching her notebook tightly, she emphasized her satisfaction.
“If my pupil continues to show such dedication, I may consider it.”
“Deal! I’ll do my best.”
Her energetic response filled her with newfound motivation, making the arduous training ahead seem more bearable.
As the crowd of recruits gradually dispersed, Ersivan also rose to his feet.
Diana instinctively grasped the hem of his sleeve, reluctant for their time together to end so soon.
“Are we leaving already?”
She knew they had to go, yet the thought of parting still made her hesitate.
“Is there something else you wish to do? If it’s quick, I can allow it. Tell me.”
“Earlier, I saw a fountain near the street vendors… Could we stop by for a moment?”
If he refused, she would have to come up with another plan quickly. Her small mind was already racing with contingency strategies.
“Why would I refuse? If that is what you wish, then nothing is impossible.”
Fortunately, Ersivan readily accepted her request.
“It’s that way!”
The town’s large fountain was surrounded by villagers sitting in a wide circle.
Compared to the grand fountain at the Valencia estate, it was unimpressive, but for a small town’s cherished landmark, it was perfectly fitting.
Diana rummaged through her empty pockets before turning to Ersivan with an expectant look.
“Do you happen to have a coin, Evan?”
“I do. But what do you need it for?”
“Surely, you’ve heard of the superstition that tossing a coin into the center of a fountain grants a wish?”
“Regrettably, I don’t believe in superstitions.”
“Superstition?! How could you call it that?”
Having her plan so suddenly dismissed, Diana passionately began defending the tradition.
If he let her continue, he’d soon be subjected to a lengthy lecture he hadn’t even asked for.
“Will this suffice?”
Digging through his pockets, he pulled out a coin in haste.
It was gold.
“That’s… a gold coin.”
“I have nothing else.”
Not even a single bit of spare change?
Diana couldn’t bring herself to accept it.
It was a full gold coin—a hundred coppers, ten silvers in value!
Back when she worked at a tavern, scrubbing floors and serving customers, it would have taken her half a year to save up this much.
“Aren’t you going to take it?”
“It’s too wasteful. Tossing away a whole gold coin for mere seconds of amusement…”
“If the wish comes true, it won’t be just a few seconds of amusement.”
Seeing her hesitation, Ersivan took matters into his own hands. He placed the coin in her palm and curled her fingers around it, forming a firm fist.
“You may spend freely. Even if I threw a gold coin with every step I took, my fortune would remain intact.”
With him insisting so much, it felt foolish to refuse any longer.
Diana stepped forward to the fountain and stretched out her hand.
The gold coin arced through the air before landing squarely in the fountain’s center.
“Got it!”
With the coin successfully tossed, it was time to make a wish.
Let me live.
In truth, she didn’t have many wishes.
Wishes were for those who had a future to look forward to. Unfortunately, her own future was anything but certain, so at the moment, this was all she could think of.
Please, let me survive. I won’t ask for anything more—just let me hold on.
Silently, she continued to plead to whichever god might be listening.
The faint presence behind her made her open her eyes.
The evening breeze carried a familiar scent, revealing the identity of the person standing close.
“Did you make your wish?”
“Yes. But it seems you won’t be making one, Evan. With a gold coin, surely the gods would grant at least two wishes?”
“There’s nothing I wish for. And even if I did, I doubt it would come true.”
“In that case, just something simple! Like wishing for a mild winter, for your people to get through the year safely, for your workload to lessen…”
“Then, I suppose I should wish for my dear pupil to become a remarkable swordsman.”
Of all the examples she had given, he had chosen none of them. Instead, he had come up with his own bizarre wish.
“Ah, that was a slip of the tongue. I suppose one wish per coin is fair, after all?”
“If that is your decision, then I have no choice but to hope your wish comes true instead, Lily.”
Ah, once again, she had been outwitted.
The way Ersivan playfully responded made it clear—he had toyed with her yet again.
“Fine, fine. Let’s just go—”
She never finished her sentence.
It was because of the sky behind him.
The sight of it made her pause.
Violet irises reflected a scene she didn’t want to forget.
Children ran together in a pack, laughing as if they had no care in the world. They jumped into puddles left by last night’s rain, shrieking in delight.
Young men, drinking and sharing their burdens, looked troubled at first, but then, under the warm embrace of their companions, their faces lit up with laughter.
Parents hurried to buy their children’s supper, while elderly grandparents watched over their families from their doorsteps.
A moment too precious to overlook.
“…Evan.”
“Yes?”
“You haven’t forgotten, have you? That promise—you’ll bring me back here if I work hard.”
If she survived, this was a sight she could see for the rest of her life.
And yet, she already felt as though she would miss it.
“As long as my pupil continues to follow my teachings.”
More precisely, she feared missing this sight with him.
The way the sunset painted golden light over his dark hair.
The way his crimson eyes gleamed ever brighter against the dusky backdrop.
The way he rested his chin in his palm, appearing indifferent—yet turned toward her immediately at the sound of his name, always answering her with warmth.
It was ridiculous.
To feel suffocated by his presence, yet to find absolute comfort in it at the same time.
Yes, it was absurd.
So absurd that, for once, the ever-perceptive Diana failed to recognize the misfortune lurking just ahead.
