Chapter 19: Lessons and Mischief

The morning sun peeked through the windows as Zian woke up, stretching after a peaceful night's sleep. After getting dressed and preparing for the day, he stepped outside, joining the others in the training courtyard.

Master had already started the day's lesson, speaking with authority as the students gathered around.

Yu leaned over to Zian, his trademark grin plastered across his face. "Hey, Beauty, did you sleep well last night? Or were you too busy thinking about me?"

Zian stiffened, the memory of their midnight conversation rushing back to him. His ears turned bright red as he averted his gaze. Yu, noticing his reaction, burst out laughing.

"What's so funny, Yu?" a deep voice interrupted from behind them.

Both Yu and Zian froze. It was Master, standing right behind them with a smile that sent shivers down Yu's spine. "Care to share the joke with the rest of us? Or perhaps you'd like to tell your father instead?"

Yu gulped, quickly standing to attention. "Master, you told me that in class, you're my teacher, not my father. So it wouldn't be appropriate to share everything with you, right?"

Master's smile remained, but his tone sharpened. "Yu, when will you learn to take things seriously? If you can't focus on learning, then perhaps I should stop teaching altogether."

Just as he was about to continue, a servant approached, bowing respectfully. "Master, someone has arrived to meet you."

Master sighed, glancing back at the class. "You're lucky this time, Yu. But don't think you'll always escape so easily. Class is dismissed for now."

The students cheered, leaping from their seats and rushing toward the exit.

"Hold on!" Master called after them. "Just because the lesson is over doesn't mean you can slack off. Head to the practice grounds and work on your sword skills. Pair up in teams of two and practice together. Is that clear?"

The smiles on the students' faces faded, but they nodded reluctantly and began making their way to the training field.

Once Master turned to leave, Yu smirked and whispered to the group, "Master's gone now. How will he know if we practice or just have a little fun?"

Before anyone could respond, Master appeared behind Yu, twisting his ear. "I had a feeling you'd say that, so I didn't leave. I was waiting to see which one of you would suggest playing instead of practicing."

Yu winced. "Master, I'm sorry!"

Master released his ear and sighed. "Yu, you're too old for this behavior. You need to grow up and take things seriously. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," Yu replied sheepishly.

"Good. Now all of you, to the training grounds. And Yu, I'll be keeping an eye on you."

The students shuffled away reluctantly, with Master watching until they were out of sight.

As they reached the practice area, Zian whispered to Yu, "Why do you always get yourself into trouble?"

Yu grinned. "Because it's worth it to see your face turn red."

Zian rolled his eyes and focused on his sword, trying to ignore the mischievous boy beside him.

Meanwhile, Master headed toward the guest hall to meet his visitor, muttering to himself, "These children will be the end of me."

When he reached the guest, he was composed once again. "I apologize for the delay. Let's discuss what brought you here."

Though his tone was formal, his mind remained partially on the training field, silently hoping the students were taking his words seriously—especially his ever-rebellious son, Yu.