[From his stance, it seems he wants me to attack first. Alright then, I'll start with an overhead strike.]
I raised my sword and attacked. As usual, I struck from above. Master easily deflected the blow with his own sword, shifting it to the left.
I spun with the momentum, and just as I turned, Master attacked from my right. I was able to react in time and block his blow with my sword.
[His strike is so heavy! If I wasn't using flame mana, I definitely wouldn't have stopped it.]
My hands were shaking from the force, barely able to hold the sword. Suddenly, Master kicked me hard in the stomach.
The kick was so strong it sent me flying backward. While we trained, I noticed Anna standing by a nearby window, watching us. I had spotted her at the beginning of practice—she was looking straight at me.
Our morning training came to an end.
"That's enough for today. You can rest now."
"Master, when will you teach me the flame strikes you use with your sword?"
"To perform them, you need strong control over mana, and you have to reach at least level 2 of the 'Flaming Wrath' technique."
"Can't I do it at my current level?"
"You might, but it wouldn't be like mine. You'd need more experience and better control."
"When are we going to buy my sword?"
"That's what I wanted to tell you—we're not going today."
"Why not?"
"Yesterday Gustav told me he'd place a special order for your sword. The Duke's condition is worsening, so they don't want us leaving the estate."
"I've been meaning to ask you something. I'm really curious."
"What is it?"
"Is someone trying to kill the Duke?"
"You're catching on quickly."
"Yeah, I noticed there are very few servants around. I've only seen five, and this doesn't feel like a Duke's household. I didn't imagine such a big estate being run with so few staff."
"You're thinking wisely."
"Thanks to your guidance."
"I have a task for you. I want you to do it well."
"Of course."
"Get closer to Anna. Stay near her, if possible, all the time. I'll try to protect the estate from the outside."
"Understood, Master."
After our training ended, I returned to the library. I thought Anna might be there again, since she was reading the previous night—and I was right. She was indeed sitting there again.
[Since she's here, I need to get closer to her, just as Master said.]
"Hi. How are you?" I greeted her.
"Hello," she replied quietly, saying nothing more.
"Mind if I sit here and read too?"
Anna peeked out from behind her book.
"I'll take that as a yes." I picked a book from a nearby shelf and sat down to read. We sat together silently for a long time.
But after a few hours, I started getting bored. Honestly, at this rate, I'd never get closer to her.
So, to spark a conversation, I asked a question.
"Anna, what kind of book are you reading?"
As always, she didn't respond. Still, I didn't want to give up. I got up and walked over to see the book she was reading.
But Anna didn't let me—she quickly closed the book and hid its cover and pages. Still, I managed to catch a glimpse of it. Inside were pictures of different plants, and information on how to use magical creatures for healing.
"Are you interested in healing people?"
"No," she replied after thinking for a moment.
"Then why are you reading medical books? Are you trying to heal someone?"
"Yes."
"You're trying to heal the Duke, aren't you?"
[Judging by her expression, I could tell I was right. She was trying to heal her grandfather.]
"Yes, I want to save my grandfather."
"I understand you. Like you, I also have no parents. Now I understand why you've been studying so much. You want to do everything you can for the last person you hold dear. Isn't that right?"
"Yes. My grandfather is the last close person I have. I don't want to lose him. That's why I'm trying to do whatever I can."
"I understand. But there are some things we simply can't change. In front of those, we are powerless."
"So you're saying I should give up?" she said, sounding upset.
"Quite the opposite. I'm saying don't hold back—do everything in your power to save the one you love. I don't know why, but these words just came to me. What I do know is this: you're a good person. I like girls like you."
After hearing my words, Anna's face turned bright red. Seeing her sudden blush, I thought she might be sick and reached out to feel her forehead.
"Are you alright? Your face is really red. Do you have a fever?"
Just then, Suna entered the library. She overheard us but pretended like she hadn't.
"Attu, it's time for dinner."
"Suna, I think Anna might have a fever. You should give her some medicine," I said as I left the library.
"I'll give her something right away," she said, running over to Anna.
Anna had lowered her head onto the book.
"So… how was your first kiss among the books?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Didn't Attu kiss you?"
"No! Nothing like that happened! Where'd you get that idea?"
"Then why were you blushing?"
"I… I just…" she trailed off.
"Did he kiss you? Hug you? Hold your waist?"
"Nooo! He just touched my forehead to see if I had a fever."
"Aww, I thought something juicy had happened."
"None of the things you're thinking happened. Don't even hope for it!"