Surprises

What was Irene meant to say? A part of her wanted to go to Felix and curse him out for keeping something so shocking from their commander. She liked to think that her achievements thus far were enough for at least a mere mention of her. 

"It seems they didn't warn you about me," she realized. "Will you not spar with a woman, Commander?" 

There it was, her test. 

She had been having such an easy time with all the knights she considered her brothers. Only when she went around the duchy did she get a few shocked glances and unnecessary comments. However, most were aware of her at this point. With her hair that stood out amongst a crowd, she was someone hard to miss. In eighteen years of life, she had learned as much. 

And then, his response to her test. 

"It's an honor to spar with anyone who has such effortless control of their blade," he explained. "But please tell me your name."