Chapter 16: Aftermath and Encounter

It was safe to say that everyone watching was stunned by the final sparring session. The instructor had easily dispatched the "Royal squad" in brutal fashion.

"Is that even allowed?"

"Isn't Ser Rheya going to get killed by their parents?"

Many of the students and lower ranked observers murmured similar statements. Obviously in most cases, Ser Rheya's tactics would be seen as excessive for a first day spar. However, those in the know knew that she was actually asked to do this by the headmaster. Though even Lord Rhys was surprised by her methods.

After gathering the students, Ser Rheya began to explain her actions.

"As you might have seen, my actions during our spar is not necessarily what you would call refined or graceful." She opens with the thought on every students mind.

"However, after some discussion with the higher-ups, it was decided that from the start we show you that battles are not always glorious and honorable. Sometimes it is not about impressing with advanced techniques but rather surviving the battle." Ser Rheya continues.

The students, though many conflicted, nod in agreement. Many of them, especially those raises in noble houses had an image of fighting as an honorable and beautiful activity. They had ignored the ugly and brutal side of it.

"Some of you may know me as having a graceful and refined fighting style, but that is only when I believe that I can afford to do so. What you saw awhile ago is how I would fight when forced with a life and death situation. There will be times when you have to deviate from your preconceived notions about fighting. You have to learn to be creative, dynamic, and most of all pragmatic. That is all." Ser Rheya ends her feedback with a challenge to the students to improve.

After class was adjourned, the "Royal Squad" decided to get together and discuss their sparring match.

"Sigh... Pops would laugh me out the dukedom and kick my ass if he knew that we got beaten just like that." Calid states.

"Are we sure it's alright what Ser Rheya did to you Belle? Wouldn't the royal family be mad?" Venia then adds, she is inwardly concerned for her big sister.

"No, it makes sense why my parents didn't tell me anything. They likely wanted to have some fun and surprise me with what Ser Rheya was going to do. I have something to complain about when I get home it seems." Belle replied.

"I agree with that, I didn't know fighting could be like that. All I've ever learnt was what my instructors had taught me." Levik added.

"About that, it's the first time I've seen the eastern sword style. Could I see it more in a spar later?" Calid then asks.

"Sure, but how about you guys? Do you want to do anything first?"

Belle and Venia think for a bit before the princess opens her mouth.

"How about we try some of the dessert shops in town, I know a dessert shop in the noble district that has been garnering favorable reviews.”

Venia is excited at the notion and quickly adds. "That sounds great, how about you guys spar another time and accompany us to the desert shop instead."

Calid and Levik look at each other and proceed to shrug in agreement.

"Alright, luckily the desert shop I have in mind is in the noble district, so we do not have to wear disguises or bring guards." Belle smiles at the boys' agreement.

Sometime later, they arrive at the doors of the dessert shop. Before they enter, someone from the inside opens the door to leave. The four students look at the man and are surprised by his appearance.

The man was hooded and dressed in dark gambeson with a dark minimalist mask that fully covered his facial features.

'This man looks like an adventurer, odd to see one in the high-end noble district. So, he must be of at least good standing. Though I can't say I've seen him here before.' Belle thinks to herself as all four students become curios of the man.

The man stops and looks at all four of them up and down. His gaze stops at the princess, and he bows deeply.

"Good day your highness, this one greets her highness and the young lords and ladies." a neutral voice greets them.

The students nod and the princess notices that the presumed adventurer has experience in etiquette.

"Good day Sir, may I know your name and station? I have not seen you here in the high-noble district before." Belle asks inquisitively.

"Of course, your highness, this one is named Miru, a silver ranked adventurer from Alta. I am here after accompanying the diplomatic delegation to palace a few hours ago. Before leaving the district, I wanted to try some sweets and dessert." The adventurer replies while showing his silver adventurer tag hidden behind his clothing.

"Hmm, I see, if it's alright with you, could you accompany us for a moment. We would like to hear more about the delegation." The princess's sudden request raises her companions' eyebrows for a moment but they eventually attribute it to curiosity about the delegation. It was not every day the gray caravan visited the kingdom.

Once they were inside, the princess requested that Miru sit down with them and tell them his story. As he told his simple story of being an adventurer who was ambushed by bandits on his way to the capital before being picked up by the delegation, food was served to the students. All four students were engrossed with the adventurer's tale however and had difficulty focusing on their food.

"I am surprised by your fortune of being able to travel with the gray caravan, not everyone can do it. By the way, I have noticed that you are oddly articulate and mannered for an adventurer, are you perhaps a third or fourth son from a knight or baron household?"

The adventurer pauses for a moment before replying, "No your highness, as a silver ranked adventurer, this one is expected to have some level of competence in conversing with nobility. Thus, we undergo training before our promotion to be able to do so."

The princess thinks for a moment before nodding.

"I see, well you may go, but before so, may I ask for you to show your face. I would like to recognize such an outstanding adventurer in the future."

The adventure thinks and then declines politely.

"Do not worry your highness, it is likely you will recognize me from the mask I wear. I rarely take it off due to an accident in my younger years leaving me disfigured."

The princess stares at the adventurer and then nods and waives for him to leave. She then turns to the others.

"What do you all think of him?"