SIDE STORY 3 (Part 3)

As Yan and Dian widened the gap and faced off, Yan closed the distance first and launched an attack.

Clang, clang, clang!

In a matter of seconds, a fierce sword fight erupted, and she couldn’t take her eyes off the action. Sword after sword clashed at a speed that was hard to keep up with. Both of them were giants in stature and size, and it was different in many ways from when she and Dian had fought. It was a combat centered around strength, not just speed. Each clash of the swords produced a tremendous sound and vibration, sending ripples of excitement through her.

She watched intently without blinking. Yan attacked, then Dian blocked, then Dian attacked, and Yan defended; the roles switched in the blink of an eye. Clearly, both of them were evenly matched, and the swords clashed properly despite being wooden. The resounding clang of the swords sent shivers down her spine.

I wanted to join in too.

Just watching made her adrenaline rush, and she longed to jump in between them and clash swords. Since it had been a while since they sparred, she patiently waited for them to settle the match. Not surprisingly, Yan began to fall behind gradually. He managed to overcome a few critical moments as his defense was breached. Yan managed to fend off Dian’s attacks with great effort before backing away to catch his breath.

“Yan! Come on, put more effort into it! Push yourself!”

Dian glanced at her briefly, then wore a rare expression of disappointment.

“Rienn…”

Normally, she wouldn’t cheer for Yan, but strangely, at this moment, she found herself rooting for him out of a sense of camaraderie. It didn’t feel right to be pushed around by Dian.

“Haah, easier said than done…”

Yan caught his breath and raised his sword again. In the blink of an eye, the swords clashed once more, and the duel resumed. It was a more fascinating and precious sparring match than any other. She watched with wide eyes, studying the techniques of these skilled fighters, feeling her blood boil with excitement.

Clang, clang!

After a brief interlude, Yan seemed to regain momentum before being pushed back again.

It’s a shame…

Yan wasn’t losing because of his lack of skill; it was just that his opponent was formidable. Yan fought valiantly, blocking and dodging Dian’s fierce attacks before retreating in her direction.

In an instant, the distance between them shortened, and Yan didn’t have time to look behind him to defend himself. It felt like a typhoon was approaching, and just as she was about to get up and get out of the way, Dian swiftly moved, pressing Yan in another direction. Poor Yan was pushed back in the direction Dian intended, and the storm veered aside, leaving her safe.

As Dian moved them farther from her, his attacks became more intense, resulting in a fierce exchange of blows. Yan barely managed to defend, and the sound of clashes echoed one after another.

Dian lied to her. During their practice, he said he would not go easy on her, yet it was all a lie. Seeing how he treated Yan, it was evident he truly was letting her go easy. He unleashed his skills fiercely, without holding back.

Clang!

At the moment when their swords clashed strongly, a sharp sound echoed as Yan’s sword snapped. A broken piece spun in the air before landing on the ground. Yan gasped for breath, wearing a helpless expression.

“Ugh, can’t use the wooden sword anymore.”

“A true master doesn’t blame his tools…”

“No, really. I should have used my own sword, not yours.”

Perhaps it was fortunate that they were using wooden swords. If his cherished real sword had broken, he would have felt even more bitter. She stood up from her seat and approached both of them.

“It’s been a while, I thought I might as well try.”

Yan chuckled wryly and muttered bitterly. He must be talking about his defeat. Even from when they were kids, neither she nor Yan could defeat Dian.

She thought about consoling him, saying that Dian was a special person with divine blood, so he wasn’t easy to beat, but she didn’t because it was a ducal family secret. She didn’t mean to disparage Dian’s unique efforts and talent, but his strength was beyond belief. His speed and power far surpassed human limits and couldn’t be explained without mentioning divine blood.

“Still, you lasted quite long. Now, it’s my turn. There are more wooden swords over there.”

She gestured toward the weapon storage in the corner.

“Sure, but I need a short break.”

Yan walked away wearily.

“Let’s spar, Rienn. Be careful.”

Dian looked at her stomach with concern.

“Alright.”

The excitement of combat surged through her like an infectious energy. Dian seemed to need no rest; She was right, so she launched an attack immediately. Clang, clang! Their swords clashed as they exchanged blows…

“Dian, are you really going to be like this?”

His previous combat strength had vanished without a trace, and he was defending weakly and falteringly.

“I’m worried you might get hurt.”

Dian whispered with a pained expression.

“I’m not going to get hurt, are you going to hurt me?”

She looked up at him with an irritated gaze.

“There’s no way I would. But think about it, Rienn. Haven’t you been injured in sparring before?”

“That’s why I’m being careful.”

“So am I.”

“…Where’s Yan?”

Turning her head to find him, Yan was sitting on the chair she had vacated, resting. 

Was this Dian’s calculated move?

Sparring Yan in a one-on-one to tire him out while he himself deals with her in a relaxed manner. Since Dian was the only opponent left, she attacked again.

Slowly, cautiously, they gently clashed swords. Slowing down the pace as if time itself had decelerated, she observed Dian responding passively. It was like a child’s play. Despite clashing swords so harmlessly, he exuded tension. He wasn’t like this before, but ever since she got pregnant, Dian had become more anxious.

“You worry too much.”

“Because you’re so precious to me.”

She didn’t know what to say. As they exchanged blows slowly like turtles, Yan chuckled.

“Are you two sparring or playing?”

He suddenly stood up and approached. 

Perfect, it was lame and boring. 

“Let’s make it a two-on-one, Yan.”

Yan didn’t even glance at her.

“Alright. It’s been a while since I faced you.”

“Yan.”

Dian urgently called his name.

“Rienn is pregnant right now.”

“I know, of course. That’s why we are using a false sword, right?”

Yan held up his new false sword sideways. Before Dian could say anything, Rienn closed the distance and attacked Yan.

Clang!

Their swords clashed forcefully. Finally, engaging in a proper duel excited her. Gripping the sword with both hands, she unleashed a flurry of attacks before releasing with one hand, drawing arcs.

She never forgot the fact that she was pregnant for a moment, but she had a gut feeling that this level of activity wouldn’t harm the baby. She didn’t push her speed to its limit but swung the sword at a moderate pace.

The swords danced with numerous diagonal and horizontal slashes. Since they weren’t going all out, Yan easily defended himself. He seemed to have his own sense of decency, not putting his full strength into it either. It wasn’t as weak as Dian’s, but it wasn’t as strong as usual either, so it was just right. Despite keeping it moderate, Dian kept exhaling heavily.

“Dian, why don’t you sit in that chair over there?”

It bothered her that he kept hovering around.

“No…….”

His voice sounded sad. She was just doing what she wanted to do, not doing anything wrong, yet she felt guilty for some reason. Before she could dwell on it, Yan retaliated.

Clang, clang!

She stepped back, blocking his attacks. Smoothly deflecting and parrying, Yan gradually increased his strength and speed. She also raised her guard higher,

“!”

Just in time, Dian’s sword intercepted Yan’s attack.

“Yan, please.”

Yan chuckled as he lowered his sword.

“Did you just say ‘please’?”

“I could have blocked it!”

She exclaimed in frustration to Dian.

“Yeah, I know. I stopped when I saw you getting worked up. Overdoing it isn’t good, Rienn.”

He pleaded as he met her gaze.

“….”

“Can we call it a day and go inside?”

After hesitating for a moment, she nodded as Dian’s expression didn’t look good.

“….Alright.”

His expression brightened noticeably when she agreed to stop sparring.

“Thanks, let’s go in quickly.”

She looked at Yan and asked.

“What about you?”

He was giggling at something funny.

“I’m going to another training ground. It’s been a while since I sparred with Hidesen’s knights.”

I envy you…

“Sure.”

Dian hurriedly replied and wrapped one arm around the small of her back as they started walking. He gave a weak push as if he wanted to leave the training grounds as soon as possible, and she automatically followed the step.