Chapter 91

The female knight crossed her arms and looked at Chase with a defiant attitude.

Chase nodded silently, as if he didn’t think her words were entirely wrong.

“The Knight Commander has entrusted me with your training and told me to observe your behavior during the group training period. But I don’t have the patience to wait until then. Within the Knight Order, there are complicated procedures to go through before sparring with someone, which is tedious. So, my conclusion is…”

“I already heard you earlier. You want to spar with me, don’t you?”

The female knight frowned at Chase’s response, seemingly displeased with his retort.

“Yes. I need to personally confirm whether your skills are truly exceptional enough to justify the special treatment you’ve received. If you fall below my standards, you’ll fail the knight exam.”

With that, the female knight placed her hand on the sword at her waist.

“As a knight, you won’t refuse my sparring request, will you? Let’s skip the words and head to a place where we can spar.”

“Alright.”

Judith’s mouth fell open as the sparring was decided in an instant.

Are all knights this headstrong and bold? Sparring isn’t some children’s game—how can they agree to it so easily?

But she couldn’t voice her doubts. The atmosphere between Chase and the female knight as they moved toward the sparring ground was too intense.

Soon after, their sparring began in an empty training hall.

Judith could only hold her breath and watch the fierce scene unfold.

Inwardly, she cheered for Chase with all her might.

***

Clang.

The sharp sound of swords clashing echoed through the otherwise silent space.

Or perhaps it felt even sharper because of the tense atmosphere surrounding the two sparring opponents.

Judith flinched every time the metallic sound rang in her ears, her gaze fixed on Chase.

Is he okay?

Beads of sweat had begun to form on Chase’s forehead. It seemed he was struggling to fend off the relentless attacks from his opponent.

No matter how many martial arts tournaments he had won, that had been against other academy students.

His current opponent was a formally appointed knight—a member of the elite Imperial Knight Order, no less.

Although Judith was cheering for Chase, the outcome of the match seemed obvious.

The female knight appeared composed and confident, while Chase was responding with desperate effort.

To an observer, it looked as if the female knight was toying with Chase after cornering him.

The difference in skill and experience between the two was evident.

Chase, who always carried himself with confidence in his swordsmanship, might have his pride shattered after this.

As Judith watched the two with a worried expression, the female knight finally spoke.

“If you can’t handle it, admit defeat and stop.”

But even at her words, Chase said nothing and continued to clash swords. It seemed he had no intention of giving up the sparring match.

The female knight clicked her tongue in disapproval at his stubbornness.

“You have plenty of fighting spirit. But whether that courage is bravery or recklessness remains to be seen. From now on, I won’t hold back.”

At her words, Judith gasped audibly.

Even now, Chase was barely managing to block her attacks. What if he got hurt?

While Judith fretted, the female knight suddenly crouched and swiftly exploited an opening in Chase’s defense.

The distance between them closed in an instant, and Judith held her breath, expecting the worst. However, to her surprise, Chase seemed to anticipate her move. He twisted his hand smoothly, angling his sword downward.

The female knight’s sword, which had been aimed at his abdomen, was blocked by Chase’s blade in an instant.

“…!”

The female knight quickly adjusted her stance, changing the direction of her blade to aim for Chase’s chest.

Chase hurriedly raised his sword to block the second attack, but the force of the blow caused him to stumble back.

The situation looked precarious, making it hard to breathe just watching it.

As the cold air in the training hall swirled, Chase suddenly broke his stance and lunged forward in a surprise attack.

Clatter.

“…!”

The event happened so quickly that it was hard to follow, but the female knight’s sword fell from her hand.

The expression of the female knight, who had maintained a calm demeanor throughout, finally broke.

She immediately reached to pick up her fallen sword, but Chase didn’t miss the opportunity. He pointed his blade at her neck.

“Gasp…”

What… just happened?

Judith stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what had just occurred.

She had been certain the female knight would win, but the victor of the sparring match turned out to be Chase.

Chase had defeated an Imperial Knight in a duel. And he hadn’t even graduated from the academy yet…

Judith felt a chill run down her spine.

Meanwhile, Chase lowered his blade from the female knight’s neck and spoke.

“It seems I’ve won this sparring match.”

“Hah.”

The female knight stared at her fallen sword for a moment before letting out a dry laugh.

“To think you’d exploit that brief moment when I closed my eyes because of the wind. You’re impressive at seizing opportunities while lying in wait.”

Her explanation helped Judith finally understand what had happened.

There was now a hint of admiration in the female knight’s voice as she addressed Chase.

“In terms of pure skill, you still have much to learn. But your ability to adapt and respond is undoubtedly a strength. You have the potential to become an excellent swordsman.”

Chase, still catching his breath, sheathed his sword and replied.

“Then, as promised, please acknowledge me as a member of the Knight Order. Next time, I’ll defeat you without relying on luck.”

“…”

Judith watched the two with a mix of anxiety and astonishment.

To say he would win without relying on luck… Wasn’t that a bit too arrogant for a rookie who hadn’t even officially joined the Knight Order yet?

However, the female knight, who had been cold and stern until now, suddenly blushed. Her frosty gaze softened into something almost coquettish.

Why is she making that expression all of a sudden?

Judith was puzzled by the subtle shift in the female knight’s demeanor. Then, the knight spoke abruptly.

“You’re quite a strong man, aren’t you?”

“Pardon?”

“Not just physically, but mentally as well. You’re truly a strong man.”

…What?

Judith wasn’t the only one caught off guard. Chase also seemed completely flustered.

The female knight approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Now I understand why the Knight Commander was so insistent on recruiting you. I like you.”

With that, the female knight turned her gaze toward Judith.

“…It’s a shame you’re already spoken for.”

“…”

Judith couldn’t help but notice the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

It was fortunate that the female knight’s attitude toward Chase had turned favorable, but if her feelings bordered on romantic interest…

Judith unconsciously narrowed her eyes at the female knight. However, the knight, as if to provoke her, shook hands with Chase and left the training hall.

***

After the female knight left, Chase approached Judith with a bright smile. He seemed genuinely happy about his victory in the sparring match.

But Judith wasn’t in the mood to greet him warmly.

Noticing her serious expression, Chase hesitated and cautiously observed her.

“…What’s wrong, Judith?”

“…”

Judith glared at him with a face full of dissatisfaction.

With his handsome looks, sturdy physique, and exceptional swordsmanship, Chase was undeniably attractive.

Though she hadn’t paid much attention to it before, he was surprisingly popular with both men and women.

Had I been too complacent, relying on the fact that Chase’s feelings for me had always been unwavering?

After letting out a deep sigh, Judith suppressed her discomfort and finally replied.

“It’s nothing. By the way, you were amazing earlier.”

When she smiled, Chase seemed relieved and smiled back.

“Really? Hearing you say that makes me happy.”

“But before she left, that knight mentioned something about group training… What was that about?”

“Oh.”

Chase frowned slightly at her question.

“I was going to tell you today anyway. Apparently, before the induction ceremony, the new recruits are required to undergo training together.”

“…I see. How long will it last?”

“About two weeks, I think? We won’t be able to see each other during that time.”

Chase said this as he fiddled with Judith’s hand, clearly feeling regretful.

“So, I was thinking we should visit my parents before then.”

“…Sure. I don’t have anything urgent, so I’m fine with any time.”

Judith felt selfish. Seeing Chase express regret about not being able to see her made her feel happy.

Then, a thought crossed her mind.

“By the way, during the group training… will that knight from earlier be there too?”

“Hmm… Since the senior knights are responsible for training the new recruits, probably? Why?”

Chase looked at her with a bright expression, as if delighted by her interest.

Seeing his gaze, Judith couldn’t bring herself to admit that the female knight from earlier was bothering her.