Chapter 14 - A New Path

The tournament had ended, but for Leonhardt, his learning had only just begun. After his confrontation with Magnus and Evelyn's revelation, he felt he was advancing by leaps and bounds on his path as a warrior. However, he couldn't afford to remain stagnant.

The following days passed with intense training alongside Evelyn, who had become a strict yet patient instructor. Leonhardt learned to refine his movements, to take advantage of his speed, and to no longer rely solely on his strength.

An Unexpected Proposal

One afternoon, while practicing in an open field, Evelyn lowered her sword and looked at Leonhardt seriously.

—Leonhardt, I have a question for you.

He, sweating from the training, looked at her curiously.

—What is it?

—Would you like to come with me to the capital?

Leonhardt was taken aback.

—To the capital?

Evelyn nodded.

—There's an elite academy for swordsmen. I have contacts who could secure you a place there. With your talent, you could learn from the best and improve much faster than you would on your own.

The idea was tempting. However, his mind immediately went to his family, to Freya and Saya.

—I don't know… My home is here. I don't want to leave them behind.

Evelyn gave him a small smile.

—You don't have to decide now. But think about it.

Leonhardt nodded, though the thought lingered in his mind.

Freya and Saya's Opinions

That night, while having dinner, Leonhardt decided to tell Freya and Saya about Evelyn's proposal.

—Go to the capital? —Freya asked, a mix of surprise and irritation in her voice.

—It's just a possibility… —he replied.

Saya, who had been silent, looked at him with concern.

—That would mean we'd be apart for a long time.

Leonhardt sensed the unease in her words. It was true that they had always been together.

—It's not that I want to leave, it's just… this might be an opportunity I won't get again.

Freya crossed her arms.

—If you go, what will happen to us?

Leonhardt hesitated.

—I don't know… But it's not like I'd be leaving forever.

Saya looked at him intently.

—Do what you think is best… but don't forget that you have a home here.

Their words gave him a lot to think about.

The Meeting with Garet

The next day, Leonhardt went to see his father, Garet, to ask for his advice.

—Go to the capital? —Garet raised an eyebrow—. It's a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility.

—I know… I don't want to leave everyone behind, but I also don't want to turn down something that could help me improve.

Garet observed him for a moment before smiling.

—If you truly want to become stronger, it's not the place that matters, but your determination.

Leonhardt nodded, understanding his father's message.

Leonhardt's Decision

That night, after thinking everything through, he made a decision. He gathered everyone in the hall and spoke with determination.

—I've decided to stay. I don't want to leave my family and friends behind. I'll keep training here and grow stronger on my own.

Freya and Saya smiled, relieved.

—I knew you'd make the right decision! —Freya said excitedly.

Saya simply stepped closer and took his hand in a gesture of support.

Evelyn, who was present, approached him with respect.

—It's your path, and I respect that.

Leonhardt blushed slightly. He knew he had made the best decision.

The future was uncertain, but he was ready to face it.