The Second Day (1)

The following day dawned with the whispers of Guren Village's miraculous restoration echoing through the streets, though Fionella's role in the restoration remained shrouded in discretion. The festival's initial night had slipped past them in their late return, but Fionella bore no regrets about missing the grand parade.

In the early morning light, Lord Gerald delivered a detailed report of Guren Village's revival to the emperor and the assembly. Despite the significant achievement, Fionella's mother remained silent, offering neither praise nor acknowledgment. Shortly after, the imperial family summoned Cassandra, Kairon, Andrei, and Fionella for a private audience to commend their efforts.

The assembly, consisting of influential families and the four great powers of Averia, needed to be informed of the new antidote to the water flame. Given the sensitivity of this knowledge, only a few select individuals were granted the details to safeguard the youngest Hera's well-being."Are you feeling alright? Any unusual sensations?" Thealaine's concern was palpable. It was the first time anyone had witnessed the power of the Arrow of Life, and such curiosity was only natural.

Fionella offered a reassuring smile. "Never been better, sister." Her calm demeanor eased the assembly's unease, prompting a collective sigh of relief.

"In matters concerning the village restoration, the Minister of External Affairs will oversee the process, with support from the House of Lionel," the emperor declared.

Both the Minister of External Affairs and the head mage of Lionel bowed respectfully. "Understood, Your Imperial Majesty."

With the morning meeting adjourned, attention shifted to the upcoming Grand Festival events. The second day's highlight was a sword fight featuring the young nobles trained at Haris Fortress, an event showcasing their prowess and dedication to protecting the empire.

The duel between the crown prince and Kairon, highly anticipated by all, was set to take place in the grandeur of the Capital's colosseum.

As they left the castle grounds, Kairon paid his respects to the Hera family with a nod. "You're skilled with a sword, but the crown prince is a formidable opponent. I wish you the best of luck," Germaine said, stepping into her carriage with Lord Leon.

"Mother's right. I've sparred with him for years. Good luck, Kairon," Rozel said, clapping Kairon on the shoulder before helping Thealaine into the carriage.

With only Fionella and Cassandra remaining, Kairon's earlier somber mood had given way to his characteristic confidence and playful demeanor. Fionella felt a wave of relief at the sight of his restored spirit. "And what about my good luck, my lady?" Kairon asked with a teasing grin.

Fionella raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "I don't think you need it."Kairon laughed softly. "I didn't get a chance to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I'm genuinely sorry, my lady."

Fionella shook her head. "There's no need to apologize. You did what you believed was right. I'm just glad everything turned out well."

Kairon nodded in agreement. "I hope you'll come to the colosseum to watch my duel later, instead of wandering the city again."

Fionella chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I will be there. I've enjoyed my exploration, but I suppose I should heed my mother's wish to stay put until the Grand Festival concludes. I'll follow her guidance for now."

"Very well. I'll see you later, then," Kairon said, his smile widening.

Fionella nodded, and with a final wave, she stepped into her carriage. As the vehicle rolled away, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension for the day ahead, her thoughts lingering on the duel and the vibrant event she would soon return to.

Back at the residence, Fionella shed her opulent gown for the more practical attire of a Hera disciple. The silver uniform, embroidered with shimmering jewels, was both elegant and functional, designed to allow ease of movement during combat. She made her way to the training grounds, her mind focused and determined. The air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of the grand festival, and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot marked her steps.

In the training grounds, she surveyed the array of equipment laid out before her. Selecting a bow with a smooth, polished finish, she picked up a quiver of arrows, each one meticulously crafted. The targets before her glowed faintly with magical energy, a testament to the advanced training tools provided by Hera's Fortress.

Fionella drew the bowstring back with practiced ease, her movements fluid and precise. The targets, set at various distances, challenged her skills, and she focused intently on each one. The repetitive sound of arrows slicing through the air was rhythmic and meditative, punctuated only by the thud of arrows hitting their marks. Her surroundings—lush greenery and the distant murmur of the festival—seemed to blur into insignificance as she immersed herself in the task at hand.

Time seemed to warp in her intense concentration. Each arrow was released with deliberate intent, her form a blend of grace and strength. Her sweat-slicked brow and the dampness soaking through her uniform were forgotten in the wake of her focus.

When she finally ceased, Cassandra appeared at her side, offering a towel with a look of quiet amusement. "Here, my lady."

Fionella took the towel, her gratitude evident in her relieved smile. "Thank you. This is just what I needed."

Cassandra's gaze lingered with a hint of admiration. "Indeed, my lady. You've discharged nearly a thousand arrows."

Fionella blinked, momentarily stunned by the revelation. "Almost a thousand? How long have I been practicing?"

"An hour, my lady," Cassandra responded, her voice calm and steady. "You were so absorbed in your training that I chose not to interrupt."

Fionella glanced down at her sweat-drenched uniform, the realization hitting her that what felt like a brief practice session had stretched to a full hour. Her focus had been so total that time had slipped by unnoticed. If the supply of arrows had been endless, she mused, she might have continued indefinitely, lost in the rhythm of her practice.

Fionella let out a hearty laugh, shaking her head at her own insistence. Despite having discharged nearly a thousand arrows, she still felt a restless edge. With a determined gleam in her eye, she retrieved a sword from the rack beside her and handed it to Cassandra.

Cassandra looked at the weapon in confusion. "What is this for, my lady?"

Fionella grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's been ages since I've wielded a sword. Besides, our last duel ended in a tie. Don't you think it's time we settle it?"

Without giving Cassandra a chance to respond, Fionella lunged forward with swift, practiced movements. Cassandra's reflexes were sharp as she deflected the incoming strike with skillful precision. This was their usual routine—one that helped them gauge their progress and keep their skills sharp. Despite Fionella's primary focus on archery and Cassandra's on magic, both had honed their abilities with other weapons.

Cassandra retaliated with a swift swipe, but Fionella's agility allowed her to dodge the attack and pivot to strike from behind.

"Oh, you've improved, my lady," Cassandra remarked, her voice laced with genuine admiration as she launched a counterattack.

"Really? I guess I have," Fionella responded with a grin, pushing forward with renewed vigor.Their swords clashed rhythmically, each movement a blend of elegance and force. The intense duel was a dance of skill and competitive spirit, neither willing to concede defeat.

Watching from a distance, Rozel carried a tray of drinks that he had collected from the maids earlier. He observed his sister with a mixture of pride and admiration. The sight of Fionella's impressive swordplay and Cassandra's adept countering was both exhilarating and endearing.

Rozel couldn't help but admire Cassandra's proficiency; it was rare for a mage to display such combat prowess, and he found himself increasingly impressed by her skill.

With a smile, Rozel approached, ready to serve the drinks and take a moment to appreciate the bond and skill shared between his sister and her close friend.

"You both should grab a drink," Rozel called out, halting the intense duel. The clash of swords ceased as Cassandra and Fionella turned toward him. Cassandra immediately offered her respects, while Fionella stood there, momentarily stunned, her gaze fixed on the tray Rozel held.

"Here," Rozel said, lifting the tray with a warm smile.

"Brother Rozel, how long have you been standing there?" Fionella asked as she took the tray and set it on a nearby table. Cassandra, with a hint of embarrassment, carefully returned the swords to their original place.

"Both of you are quite skilled with the sword," Rozel remarked. "It was fascinating to watch such an impressive duel."

Cassandra's cheeks flushed with surprise at the unexpected praise, and she quickly averted her eyes.

Fionella's eyes sparkled with delight at the compliment from her brother, who was known for his skill with both sword and bow. He was the perfect sparring partner for the crown prince. "Really? Then would you like to have a duel with me sometime, brother?"

Rozel's smile widened at his sister's enthusiasm. "Certainly, once we return home."

Fionella's excitement was palpable. She could hardly wait to return home and engage in a duel with her brother, eager to further hone her skills against a formidable opponent.

"We'll be leaving after lunch," Rozel informed them. "I suggest both of you prepare yourselves."

With that, both Fionella and Cassandra nodded in agreement and excused themselves, heading off to get ready for the next part of their day.

To be continued