//3// THE RESULT

Irena's lips curled up. As she and Edward decided to leave, Erin spoke up,

"No…"

They both look towards her. Irena's eyes in disgust at her dirty self.

"Not until I win."

Erin was on her knees, she wiped the blood from her mouth with her hands and pushed back her bangs, exposing her crimson eyes, burning with determination.

"It feels like my veins are burning,"

Erin said, her voice laced with pain.

"Raisis…"

Irena's eyes widened in shock and fury. She clenched her fist, drawing blood.

"Father, stop this fight. Using her powers against Ser Estrid is unfair. He'll get burned at this rate." She showed concern for the knight.

Meanwhile, Edward was shocked. He ignored Irena's plea, wanting to see the outcome. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of closeness, sensing his blood running through Erin's veins, which he had neglected for years.

"I want to see the end," Edward said, his eyes fixed on Erin.

Their battle resumed, fast and intense. Irena struggled to keep up with their movements. Erin and Estrid clashed swords, backing away to create distance.

"You're good,"

Estrid said calmly, adjusting his posture.

Erin closed the distance in an instant.

"Well, I want you to use your full strength."

She attacked his elbow, but he blocked it.

"You'll lose," Estrid said, dodging her next attack.

Erin jumped onto his back. "I don't think so." She attempted to strike his elbow again, but he dodged.

"Princess, Raisis will only increase your strength. If you want to win, you need to use the fire element," Estrid advised.

Erin attacked again, but Estrid dodged, striking the ground and creating an 30-cm crack.

"You'll be burned, Ser," Erin warned.

"This is my last attack," she said, clashing swords with Estrid. The impact created an intense vibration, filling the air with dry dirt.

After a moment, Irena spoke up,

"Ser… Estrid… he… lost?"

The dirt settled, revealing Estrid on his knees, his sword slipping from his grasp.

Edward shook his head.

"No."

He looked at Erin's sword, now crumbled into pieces. Erin lay on the ground, her sword's hilt still clutched in her hand. Her eyes had returned to their original blue color.

"It's a draw," Edward said, his eyes cold.

'I never expected this,' Edward thought. 'I never trained her. No knights did. So how did she become this skilled?'

"Father, is it because of… Raisis?" Irena asked, trembling.

She now understands the fact that Erin can kill her in an instant.

's-she can't do anything without my father's blood..'

"Raisis doesn't give you knowledge,"

Edward explained.

"It's just a battle enhancement that gives someone a strength boost and fire elemental powers."

"So… she did this herself?" Irena asked, shocked.

Edward nodded, surprised. Seeing Erin, a "filthy thing" in his eyes, being strong enough to make him impressed.

Erin felt a strong burning sensation in her heart.

'Aftereffect, I see.'

She stumbled, trying to stand up. Suddenly, Edward approached her.

"It was good,"

he said, his words surprised Erin. Her eyes widened, for the first time, she had heard praise from him.

"But still, you didn't win. Come to my office in three hours," Edward said, his expression unreadable.

Erin walked away, not expecting help. She didn't see Edward's expression, but she knew it wouldn't be positive.

Edward gazed at Erin, a newfound interest in his eyes.

"Looks like the Shadow Princess has gained some help."

He grinned, showing no regret.

Erin stumbled, making her way toward the exit. Her body ached, and she felt like her veins were bursting.

"Not Edward, nor Irena, or any maid helped me to walk." The treatment she received was nothing new.

Erin sighed, entering her room to clean up.

"I hope he won't gauge my eyes."

She thought about her failed attempt.

"Thank goodness I managed to come here," she mumbled, her vision blurring.

Throughout the hallway, she felt an intense burning sensation in her body.

"Did I do well, Your Highness?"

Erin asked, not expecting a reply.

She lay down, resting her body and soul.