Chapter 69

In terms of swordsmanship, Aegor might not even be half as skilled as the swordmaster hired by Arya's father. But teaching a beginner like Arya, who had no prior experience with swordplay, wasn't a competition. A higher skill level didn't necessarily mean one would be a better teacher.

Aegor still remembered how, back in junior high, his physics classes were taught by a PE teacher. It sounded like a tired old joke, but it was true. His parents had been busy starting a business, and he'd ended up in a small, underfunded school in his hometown. The school didn't lack math teachers, but for every other subject, staffing was improvised. His homeroom teacher, a young woman fresh out of sports school, ended up teaching both physical education and physics.

Her physics knowledge was basic at best. She was learning the subject herself while preparing her lessons. Aegor could still recall the amusing incidents that occurred in class, like when she'd realize she'd taught something wrong the day before and corrected herself in the next lesson. But what stood out most was her earnestness.

Despite the school's poor conditions and her inexperience, the physics scores of her class were consistently higher than those taught by more qualified teachers in other classes.

When it came to teaching, extensive knowledge wasn't always the deciding factor. More important were teaching methods that were engaging, content that was clear and easy to understand, and a genuine willingness to help students learn. A good teacher needed to set a solid foundation, cultivate interest, and inspire confidence.

That PE teacher could never have taught high school physics, but her patience, dedication, and care left a lasting impression on Aegor.

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Now, he found himself stepping into a similar role as Arya's swordsmanship teacher. His own skill level might be average, but he believed that as long as he was serious, patient, and attentive, he could do no worse than Ser Alliser Thorne.

The most practical reason Aegor had agreed to teach Arya was to build a relationship with a member of the Stark family. If the time came when he needed to benefit from Eddard's position as Hand of the King, having Arya's goodwill might prove invaluable. With that goal in mind, he wasn't as strict or meticulous as Syrio Forel had been in the original story. There were no theatrical flourishes, no throwing swords to see if she could catch them. Instead, he handed Arya a lightweight training sword in a straightforward manner and began by teaching her how to hold it and stand correctly.

Arya was left-handed, which he found interesting. He'd once heard that the left hand reacted faster than the right, a possible advantage for a swordsman.

"There's no such thing as one perfect sword style," Aegor explained. "There are countless techniques for attacking and defending: thrusting, chopping, slashing, sweeping, bumping for offense; dodging, blocking, parrying, and deflecting for defense. A swordsman's job is to master these techniques and know how to combine them in the right situations."

He emphasized the basics. "We'll start here. Build a solid foundation, and later you can decide what techniques and style suit you best."

Aegor began teaching Arya the most fundamental movements. Many swordsmen could demonstrate these techniques more beautifully or skillfully than him, but that didn't mean they'd be better teachers. Aegor's own experience worked to his advantage, having only started learning swordsmanship a year ago, he still remembered the struggles and questions he'd faced as a beginner, along with the solutions he'd discovered.

To Aegor's surprise, Arya picked up the basics quickly. She practiced the movements with enthusiasm and soon asked, "How long do I have to keep doing these moves?"

"It's never too long. These are the most basic movements. You've just learned to walk, and now you want to run? If you think you're ready, then come and try to attack me," Aegor said.

After a round of clumsy exchanges, Arya failed to even touch the corner of his clothes.

"My skirt is in the way! Can I take it off?"

"No, deal with it. You're a girl, a lady of the Stark family. There will be plenty of occasions in the future when you'll have to wear a skirt. Do you think an enemy will politely give you time to change into pants?"

"Hmm… but why do girls have to wear skirts? Pants are so much more convenient and comfortable!"

"Don't blame the skirt. Keep practicing!"

"No fair, this sword is heavier than Needle!"

"And it's still much lighter than a real sword. Besides, are you planning to fight with Needle for the rest of your life?"

…

As Arya grumbled about her skirt and the training sword, they continued practicing until lunchtime. After eating, Aegor suggested taking a break. There was no need to rush her progress. Training for long hours was one thing, but whether Arya could handle the strain was another. Besides, Aegor was wary of pushing her too hard, if she learned too quickly, he might run out of material to teach her in less than a month.

Back in the inner office, they relaxed in their chairs and chatted. As "master and apprentice," they had only met a few times before and knew very little about each other. Aegor saw this as a good opportunity to strengthen their bond. He recalled how he'd won Tyrion's attention back in Winterfell by weaving an elaborate tale. Now, he planned to do the same with Arya, tailoring his story to suit the playful, headstrong little girl.

…

As expected, Arya was quickly captivated by the lie he had carefully crafted. Aegor avoided delving into advanced concepts or complex systems from "Tsena" and instead focused on ideas that the rigid and hierarchical world of Westeros lacked most: gender equality and a freer, more open way of life.

He told her that in a distant country west of the Sunset Sea, girls could openly learn swordsmanship, join the army, and even become officials. Perhaps most shocking and enticing for a girl like Arya, women there could choose their own husbands and divorce them if they weren't satisfied.

If Aegor had stopped there, Arya might simply have daydreamed about this fictional land. But when he casually mentioned that he had come to Westeros and joined the Night's Watch after an accident during his travels around the world, Arya's eyes lit up with excitement.

"You're an adventurer!" The girl's blood seemed to boil with enthusiasm or perhaps her youthful imagination was simply running wild. Either way, Aegor instantly became her new idol. "When are you going home? Take me with you on your next adventure!"

"God only knows when I'll be able to go back. There isn't a single ship in Westeros capable of safely crossing the Sunset Sea," Aegor replied with a helpless shrug.

"Is that so…? Well, tell me more adventure stories, then!"

"No more sword practice?"

"Later. No rush."

Arya's sudden change of focus caught Aegor off guard. It was troublesome, to say the least. Making up stories about "Tsena" wasn't difficult—after all, in a sense, he really was from there. But he wasn't a real adventurer. Of course, even if he'd never experienced such things himself, he'd read enough fantasy and adventure novels to weave convincing tales.

Just as Aegor began pulling details from his memory to spin a story, Tyrion's voice called out from outside the door.

"Aegor, come out and meet the guests. The first bond buyer is here!"

***

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