Amplifying

"Damn… that was insane…" I mutter, still reeling from the sheer precision and power of Ariella's strike.

Even I hadn't expected the rapier to cut that cleanly. That means…

Ariella's swordsmanship is even more refined than I originally thought.

I clear my throat. "Ahem."

Both girls turn to me.

"Lisa, you want to give it a go? You look like you're itching to try."

Sophia blinks in surprise, her eyes widening. "Huh? C-can I?"

"Of course!" Ariella beams, handing the rapier over without hesitation.

I observe the exchange with narrowed eyes. Good.

It looks like Sophia has finally learned to control her emotions around Ariella.

Back when we first started staying at the Harrow estate, she was still struggling. But now?

Now, she can interact with Ariella naturally, without that burning storm of resentment clouding her every action.

That's progress.

I turn to the catgirl maid.