//2// INTENSE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM

Irena was peeking as she heard Erin said,

"Can I join the royal academy?"

She couldn't control her laughter. It was satisfying to see Erin get scolded.

"Ah, this is what you deserve," Irena thought, mocking her. "Such a fool you are to think you'll join the royal academy?"

Edward was startled by the sudden request; it was the first time Erin had asked for something. He regained his composure, his lips curling up slightly as he blurted out in a mocking tone,

"You? The very idea of you sitting with prestigious children of the capital is absurd, laughable. Forget about my permission; just passing the entrance exam is impossible for a lowly dirt like you to even dream of."

"Go and rot in your corner, Erin Walker."

By using the surname "Walker," Edward hinted that he didn't even recognize her as part of the family.

Erin didn't flinch at the insults; instead, her anger flared up. She growled, "Why…?"

Edward raised his eyebrows.

"Why? Kid, you should blame your mother for giving birth to you. You're weak; go and rot in the corners and thank me for keeping you alive."

"ENOUGH!"

Edward and Irena were startled by Erin's sudden outburst. She looked up at Edward, eye to eye. Edward was surprised to see Erin's eyes turn red, burning with courage and a firm will.

"Raisis?..."

Irena saw the red eyes too, her own eyes widening in shock.

"How…? It's the inherited power of the dukedom of Elmar, one I'll never have." She mumbled.

Just then, Erin growled, "Do you really believe I won't get selected? I have no will to return to that corner. Talking about being weak…."

Irena was shaking, never having thought that this brat would dare to speak in such a tone in front of her father.

"Does she want to die?" Irena thought.

"Your Grace, if I defeat one of your knights, will you allow me?"

Edward pursed his lips, wanting to kill her. But not now, when he could see the power of Raisis in her eyes.

"You dare to challenge me? Brat, know your place. Instead of thanking me for letting you live till today, you're ordering me? Raising your voice?" Irena huffed, scared but still mocking Erin.

"She should know her place," Edward continued.

"Well, then, beat my knight. I'll think about your wish if you do so. But if you lose…."

Edward walked straight toward Erin, placing his hand on her small shoulders. He looked into her eyes and continued,

"I'll gauge them out."

Her mind went cold, but still, she didn't show it. She firmly replied,

"All right."

He grinned and walked out, leaving her alone in the room. Suddenly, she heard some claps.

"My, my."

Erin looked toward the sound, getting more disgusted. "Why are you here?"

"I should ask you this, my dear bastard sister," Irena said, trying to mock Erin. But Erin ignored her and walked straight out.

Fueling her anger, "YOU BITCH!"

**

Erin headed toward the gloomy side again. She closed the door, and tears started flowing from her eyes.

"I'm scared," she finally admitted, removing the mask of firmness she had been wearing. "Why did he look at me with disgust?"

"Am I that bad?"

Erin started crying, frightened by the thought that Edward would have killed her. She was playing with fire, and for a kid like her, it was difficult.

"Still, I'll do it," she gulped, continuing,

"I'll do it for you, Your Highness."

***

The next day, Edward waited on the training ground, remembering those red eyes. He had called for his best knight, Ser Estrid. Today, he was sure to gauge Erin's eyes out.

"That lowly princess dares to challenge me?" The very thought was filthy.

Beside him stood Irena, his beloved daughter. "Daddy, look, I'm good at swords now."

He patted her head. Irena wasn't talented, to say the least; she was spoiled. But Edward never admitted this; for him, Irena could make mistakes – she was just a kid.

Just then, he saw the gloomy figure entering the ground. Erin held a wooden sword, but her eyes were firm, as if she knew she was destined to win.

"Start," Edward commanded.

The fight began, with Erin using her low weight and flexibility to her advantage.

"Father, is she insane? Is she trying to fight without using Raisis?"

Edward ignored Irena, having expected Erin to use Raisis as well. But now, it was clear that Erin was mocking them. "I can defeat him without using your bloody power," she seemed to say.

Estrid slashed through the air, directly hitting Erin's elbows. Erin blocked the attack, her movements well-taught but lacking experience. Estrid was a tough competitor for her. Each time their swords clashed, it created an intense sound.

Edward never expected Erin to be this talented, but her competitor was on another level. If it were Irena or some other trainee, they would have lost by now.

"Is she going to… win?" Irena mumbled.

"No," Edward replied, seeing their movements clearly. "Even if it looks like they're on par, Estrid has the upper hand. She lacks experience."

Erin's elbow ached from a previous injury, but she tried her best, blocking each move. Her opponent attacked her from every corner, having experienced fierce battlefields. It was difficult for Erin to judge his moves.

As time passed, her stamina depleted, and she received several injuries, enough to make her fall to the ground. Erin coughed up blood. With victory clearly in Estrid's favor, Edward was disappointed, having thought Erin might win. But the results were clear. Estrid continued,

"You lost, Princess…."