Gentle Oso's face flushes with anger at her taunt. "Show some respect, Princess! You may have caught me off guard, but that won't happen again."
He lunges forward with renewed aggression, his sword clashing against hers in a series of rapid strikes. Esmeray's movements are fluid and precise, each parry and counterattack executed with practiced ease.
From the sidelines, Captain Levi watches with growing admiration. "She fights like she was born with a sword in her hand," he remarks to a nearby soldier. "Where did she learn that?"
The soldier shakes his head in amazement. "I've never seen anyone move like that before. She's got the instincts of a natural warrior."
Gentle Oso presses his advantage, thinking he has finally worn her down. His breathing is heavy as he drives forward with a series of relentless attacks.
But Esmeray's movements become sharper, more focused. She uses his momentum against him, sidestepping his final lunge and spinning around to disarm him completely.
The sword clatters to the ground as she presses the tip of her blade against his throat, her chest barely rising and falling while he pants heavily.
"Yield," she commands quietly, her voice carrying an authority.
Gentle Oso raises his hands in surrender, sweat dripping from his brow. "Damn it all," he mutters through gritted teeth. "You're good."But he refuses to stay down. By now a full crowd is surrounding the training grounds. Zaiden finds himself in the mix of crowd, once he spots her, all he does is smile. There is no point in stopping the fight.
Esmeray picks up a second sword
The crowd murmurs with excitement as Gentle Oso retrieves his fallen weapon, his pride stinging from the defeat.
"Alright, Princess," he says with a smirk, wiping sweat from his brow. "Two swords against one? That's hardly fair."
Captain Levi steps forward, his expression serious. "Enough games. If you're going to fight again, do it properly."
Esmeray nods respectfully, adopting a two sword fighting stance she learned from Zaiden years ago. The twin blades move in perfect sync as she circles her opponent.
From the edge of the crowd, Zaiden watches with intense focus, his hands clenching at his sides. He knows exactly what Esmeray is capable of when she fights with two weapons.
Gentle Oso's eyes widen as he sees Esmeray's grip on the second sword, recognizing the advanced technique immediately. "Two blades? You're not just a princess playing with toys."
The soldier's movements become more cautious as he adjusts his stance to defend against multiple attacks coming from different angles.
Captain Levi leans forward intently, his expression a mix of concern and admiration. "She's using the dualwielding form taught by the northern masters. Where did she learn that?"
The crowd presses closer, their murmurs growing louder as word spreads about the princess's incredible skill.
Zaiden pushes through the onlookers until he stands near the training grounds fence, his dark eyes fixed on Esmeray with a look of possessive pride.She takes a step forward, her opponent launching at her with all his strength, she uses both hands to stop his attack.
The impact of Gentle Oso's attack sends a jolt up Esmeray's arms, but she holds firm, her grip on both swords unwavering. The crowd gasps as the clash echoes across the training grounds.
Captain Levi's jaw drops in disbelief. "By the gods," he breathes, "she's holding him off with two weapons."
Gentle Oso grunts with effort, realizing he can't overpower her strength. "Where did you learn that form?" he demands between clenched teeth.
Esmeray's response is to twist her wrists slightly, using leverage to push him back slightly. "Some things are better kept secret."
From the sidelines, Zaiden's knuckles are white as he grips the fence railing.She manages to distract him, and in that split second her eyes leave his landing on a female gaze. Her blue eyes piercing through her, her blonde hair shining with the sun. Oso notices her distraction and calims victory, he manages to break through her wall. Giving blow after blow, until she is unarmed and on the ground.
Gentle Oso stands over Esmeray triumphantly, his chest heaving as he catches his breath. "Victory is mine, Princess! Admit defeat."
From the edge of the crowd, Zaiden's expression darkens as he watches Esmeray's momentary distraction. His gaze follows hers to where Lady Isabella stands with a smug smile on her face.
"Looks like the princess isn't as tough as she thought," Isabella calls out loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Maybe she should stick to embroidery instead of weapons."
Captain Levi steps forward angrily. "That's enough! This is a training ground, not a royal gossip circle."
But Esmeray remains on the ground, her eyes locked on Isabella while ignoring Gentle Oso completely.