" It's already been six days Xar , any news? " , Kael cleared his voice and asked.
" Kael , we are trying our best . As there is no clue left by the demon god... It's hard to.."
" Shut up ! You know how hard our master is trying right? "
" Shut up? If you think it's easy to find a book in this whole world then why don't you do that yourself? " Xar , a hunter from their group, yelled.
" How dare you to talk on that tone? I will rip your head off ..."
" Silence! " A commanding whispering voice suddenly filled the dark chamber up. Kael and Xar both turned around and bowed down as the voice was none other than the master .
" How many times I have told not to fight ? Children are better than you and you call yourself hunters? " He gasped air.
" Master , I know it's very early to say but it's already been some days and we are unable to locate any book related to dark magic master.... Kael is not even understanding so I was about to seek your guidance..." Xar said calmly .
" I was presuming that ... Anyways last night I sought the help of the demon lord with my remaining power to guide us . He said , "Beneath the rose that never dies,
Lies she who taught the dead to cry." "
" Master that seems like riddle..."
" It is indeed. Demon lord is testing our every intention and determination.... After all he is mighty and clever. If it wasn't for the betrayal of those wrenched species... Anyways...I need to regain a little bit of power... My life exilire is burnt off ... Kael made the preparation. "
" Master ... Sorry to interrupt but Oes will be perfect to help me with this ... But kael somehow will not be granting....."
" Do whatever is needed. I give you the authority to lead the searching team. Now go ! "
" Yes master. May hell follows the way he walks "
Kael looked at Xar angrily...his face was fuming with rage but in front of master he didn't speak. Xar with a smirk gave a sarcastic look and left the chamber. Kael went to prepare a sacrifice for the ritual.
" Xar you imprudent... You think you can take my place ... I will show you where you belong. "
.....
The day stretched long. Felix barked orders sharp as a whip.
"Run. Again."
"strike, Until your arms tremble."
"Stand straighter. Your sword won't respect a crooked back!"
Sweat clung to Tessa's skin, her breath ragged, but she pushed through each demand. Every stumble, every ache—she bore with clenched teeth. The amused smirks of soldiers slowly faded into respect.
When at last a break came, Tessa collapsed onto the grass, gulping air like water. Felix appeared, offering her an actual flask.
She looked up gratefully. "Thank you… coach... I mean teacher. " She drank, her throat burning with relief.
"You're interesting and stubborn," Felix muttered, though there was a note of admiration. "Reminds me of someone."
"Who?"
His lips curved slightly. "His highness. At your age, he was already handling blades most knights couldn't even lift. The way he fights now… it's beyond skill. It's instinct. He breathes the sword."
Tessa's eyes softened. "Of course he does. Although I wasn't lucky enough to see him training."
" Really? "
" Yup , but I have seen him fighting with swords when he is in the verge of being exhausted... he still didn't give up the battle until he lost his cons..." She realised what she was saying out of nowhere , " he is indeed awesome."
" I guess you are talking about the last fight with hunters right? "
"Yes, well Felix , if you don't mind may I know why you decide to be a knight commander? " Tessa asked.
" Because of Jasper. Although I am 2 years younger than him but we are like friends behind the curtains.. I first saw him when he was practicing in the training ground alone ... Maybe he was 7 or 8 years back then ... I used to hate swords because it always kills or sheds blood..... Well that was what I used to think until both have a conversation on it . He made me realise that sword's potential and usage is depended on the user's mindset. If used correctly you can save your dear ones from the bad without intentionally harming anybody.... "
" He said that to you at that young age? "
" Yes he did. Now that I think his highness was always mature and more with the days going, he maturity ripes ... Maybe it was the pressure of his duties..."
" I see...I also think his highness is different from the rest. "
" We share the same thought my lady . I admire him deeply but can't deny that I'm also jealous of his skills and composure..hahaha. "
Tessa hugged the flask against her chest. "I'll catch up. Even if I have to break myself doing it. And if someday I be lucky I will dwell with his highness."
Felix studied her quietly, and for the first time, he almost believed she could. " You must be joking but all the best . Well Tessa now that you know my story , may I know yours? I mean why you want to learn sword? "
" Ummmmmm , i don't have a solid reason but it was my dream to do so. Now that I'm actually learning it I feel good . "
" Strange dream for a young lady like you. Are you coming to the tea party this evening? "
" Yes , Fiona invited me herself. I will go there with the Duchess after she finishes her work in her majesty's castle."
" I will try to be there if possible. I hope my sister don't burden you much . Although she is doing fine. "
" If your sister heard this , I swear you will be beaten up. "
" Umm let me tell you another secret as my mood is good really.. you know my sister has a secret crush 🤫. "
" Really?! Who ? His highness? "
" His highness has thousands of persuers ... Fiona did like him but the way she looks at Captain is totally different. "
" Captain? You mean Sir Alex! "
" Shhhh ... Quietly... If Captain hears he gonna give me detention for sure🤧. "
" Opps... Sorry .. so has she ever tried to confess ? "
" Again you're joking.. my sister might seems fire but she frezzes in front of Captain. I once tried to talk about it but she denied like I am daydreaming! "
" 😂 You are dumb Felix . You shouldn't have done that . Now that I know about this should I take Sir Alex with me to the party ... I never saw him going in any .."
" You can do that? "
" Technically yes because he is my personal knight appointed by his highness for my safety... We can make this work out for them .🤩"
" This will be solid plan . I will definitely try to finish my works fast . Comrade let's fight! "
" Ay ay captain "
They both laughed . The breeze was flowing slightly through their faces .
" See you there then . "
" Yes I'm going to manage Sir Alex. I bid my farewell to the second commander Hun. "
She left the training grounds . " Hmmmm , first I will take a shower... I have barely met him these days .... Is he that busy.... Is he eating properly?... Who knows... " Tessa kept walking towards her room while thinking about all of this. " I'll ask Elisa..I hope she knows something... You idithorn 😑 sometimes atleast you should show your face.... But why am I suddenly thinking about him out of nowhere .. Tessa you are being weird day by day ... But one thing is for sure... I.. I'm happy here..I want to live really this time.. "