Please Speak!

"You've improved, my lady," the handsome knight said as he sheathed his sword with a smooth motion. "After completing your trial, you're clearly physically stronger. Your technique now rivals mine. However, you still lack experience—you're too rigid and predictable."

"Thank you, Sir Berion," Alice replied calmly, dabbing her forehead with a handkerchief. Her posture remained poised and graceful, as always.

Sir Berion walked over, picked up Alice's dropped sword, and handed it to her. "In a few years, you may very well surpass me in pure skill. That would place you above most Imperial Knights."

He paused, glancing toward his left. "It's nearly time for breakfast. You should return and prepare. Also..." his gaze sharpened slightly, "it seems we have an unexpected audience."

Hearing this, Alice turned and spotted Enzo and Roland standing nearby. Roland froze as their eyes met.

Ah crap. I've been caught staring... Roland panicked internally. What do I do? Should I say something? Greet her? Yeah, greeting works... right?

"G-Good morning, Lady Alice! Fancy meeting you here!" Roland said as he approached them, awkward laugh escaping his lips. "I didn't know you were so good with a sword!"

Alice looked at him for a moment, expression unreadable. "Thank you. Good morning to you too." Without missing a beat, she turned and began walking away, Sir Berion following closely behind.

Eh? Roland blinked, caught off guard. Did she just brush me off?!

"Wait—wait!" he called, turning around hastily.

Alice stopped, glancing back at him with her usual cool gaze. "Yes?"

What was I going to say? Roland's mind went blank. I only called out because I panicked... oh no...

Gripping the cuff of his sleeve, he blurted the first thing that came to mind. "How... how was your trial?"

"It was fine," she said plainly.

Seriously? That's it? Roland grumbled in his head. Do you only speak in short sentences?! Come on! Work with me here, socially inept sword princess!

"I-I see, I'm glad you completed it successfully," Roland said, flashing an awkward smile. "Was it very hard? I felt like I was going to die during mine."

"Not particularly," Alice replied flatly.

Bruh... please, speak dammit! Roland screamed inwardly.

"May I ask where you're heading now?" he asked, still trying desperately to keep the conversation alive.

"To breakfast."

"If that's the case, may I accompany you, Lady Alice?" Roland asked, seizing the opportunity and stepping forward slightly.

The main reason for Roland's persistence in getting closer to Alice Albertine was strategic—he wanted to form an alliance.

Out of all the candidates, ironically, the cold and aloof Alice seemed the most likely to align herself with him. Archduke Cryus and Aurora were probably already working together due to their engagement, and they likely had no reason or desire to bring him into their fold.

Eugene, on the other hand, had been nothing but antagonistic from the very beginning. That bridge was long since burned.

Which left Alice.

Though she rarely expressed her thoughts openly, she had helped him on several occasions—most notably saving his life with the Moonstone, even if unknowingly. That small act created a sense of debt in Roland, nudging him further toward trusting her.

And so, allying with Alice Albertine seemed not only logical—but necessary, if he hoped to stand a chance against the others.

Alice thought for a moment before replying. "Do what you want."

Yes! Roland wanted to jump for joy but managed to contain himself. At the very least, this was a step forward.

The two, along with their attendants, then left the training grounds and began making their way toward the dining hall.

Along the way, Roland attempted to strike up several conversations with Alice—ranging from her opinion on the other candidates to the weather. Needless to say, they all ended in complete failure.

She is really getting on my nerves… Roland's eye twitched as the corners of his mouth stiffened with irritation.

Enzo, walking behind him, tried his best to hold in his laughter. Watching Roland slowly grow more and more frustrated at Alice's lack of response made Enzo's stomach ache from the effort of staying composed.

I can't laugh. I can't laugh. I can't laugh… Enzo repeated to himself like a mantra, trying his best to retain his refined and calm demeanor.

Tsk… This guy's definitely laughing at me. Roland glared over his shoulder, causing Enzo to instantly straighten up, regaining his usual poise.

Like, what the hell is "Cryus is strong" and "Eugene is muscular" supposed to mean? No shit! Anyone with eyes can see that! Roland continued to grumble inwardly.

"Lady Alice, may I ask what your unique ability is?" Roland had originally planned to ease her into the question, but after being stonewalled for so long, he just gave up and asked directly.

Both Enzo and Sir Berion were confused by Roland's words but chose to remain silent.

Tap.

The rhythmic tapping of footsteps suddenly stopped as Alice turned around to face Roland, her eyes reflecting a rare flash of emotion.

"What are you getting at?" she asked, her words sharp and her tone serious.

Was that too far? Roland wondered, taken aback.

"Uh—I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to…" he quickly tried to smooth things over.

Alice continued to glare at him, her cold gaze piercing. After a tense pause, she turned away without a word and resumed walking—this time at a faster pace. Sir Berion followed closely behind, and soon the distance between them and Roland grew.

Sigh… Looks like my plans for an alliance are done for. Roland deflated visibly, his shoulders slumping.

"My lord," Enzo spoke softly, his tone calm and measured. "What exactly did you say to make Lady Alice so agitated?"

"I… also don't really know," Roland sighed, dragging his feet. "All I did was ask about her unique ability—the power each of us gained after completing our trial."

As he spoke, he raised his right palm. A small flame sparked into existence in the center.

"What the hell?!" Enzo exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief.

"I've heard stories of supernatural powers being granted to those who conquer ancient beasts, but I've never actually seen it myself…" Enzo added, unable to tear his gaze away.

"In short," Roland said casually, "each of us vessels gets a unique ability after passing the trial. Mine's called Combustion. I can inject divine energy into an object to turn it into a mini-bomb, and I set it off with a snap of my fingers."

"Wait—so each of you gets, like, a different element or something?" Enzo asked, still trying to wrap his head around it.

"Not exactly," Roland shook his head. "I think all of our powers are based on fire—because of the type of ancient beast we fought. But the unique ability is like a special form or application of that base element."

"Oh, I see..." Enzo nodded, finally understanding.

Maybe she was already annoyed by all my pestering… and that last question about her unique ability just pushed her over the edge, Roland thought. After all, it's the core of our combat potential—it's probably not smart to share that information with others.

Not long after, they arrived at the dining hall. Standing before the two large doors were Sir Berion and John, the butler.

"Sorry Enzo, looks like you have to wait out here for me," Roland said flatly.

"It's fine. Enjoy your meal, my lord." Enzo gave a slight bow.

Roland turned and stepped toward the door, pushing it open.

Inside, he immediately spotted the head elder seated at the head of a long table. Alice and Eugene were already present, sitting on opposite sides near him.

"Ah! Welcome, Roland Erkhart," the head elder called out with a warm smile. "It's good to see you well. Come, have a seat."

He gestured to the open chair on his right—directly next to Alice.