Chapter 16: The Sword That Watches

The morning sun bathed the Valenhardt estate in a soft golden hue, its light streaming through the translucent curtains of the garden terrace where Evelyne and Arinay sat together. Dew clung to the petals of blooming amaryllis and sun lilies, sparkling like tiny gems as a breeze carried their scent through the air. Evelyne's elegant fingers moved gently over Arinay's wild hair, attempting to comb it into some semblance of order while he munched on a small honey biscuit, legs dangling from the edge of the marble bench.

Birdsong filled the warm air, harmonizing with the rustle of leaves. Nearby, a pair of sparrows danced between rose-covered arches, and the faint hum of mana-infused fountains created a peaceful rhythm that matched the tranquil expressions of mother and child.

"I don't want to sit still anymore," Arinay mumbled between bites, his mouth full.

Evelyne chuckled softly, her voice like wind chimes. "You must learn patience if you want to become strong, little knight."

"I have lots of patience." He puffed his cheeks dramatically. "Just not when I'm excited."

Evelyne smiled, brushing a strand of his hair back. "And what has you so excited today?"

Before Arinay could answer, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. Caldris emerged from the corridor that led into the garden, his black cloak trailing behind him. But it wasn't him alone that drew their attention.

Beside him walked a woman—striking and unfamiliar.

She moved with the grace of a stalking predator and the silent poise of a trained warrior. Midnight-black hair fell in layered waves just past her shoulders, sleek and untouched by the wind. Her skin was porcelain-pale, almost radiant beneath the sun's touch, and her eyes—icy blue, sharp as daggers—scanned the garden like a predator taking in its terrain. She wore a fitted tunic of dark slate, cropped just enough to reveal her toned midsection, and light armor plates laced with silver etched runes. A single ornate sword, sheathed in velvet-blue and carved metal, hung at her side with quiet menace. Every inch of her radiated danger—and beauty.

Caldris's voice broke the silence. "Arinay, let me introduce you to the person who will be teaching you swordsmanship."

The boy stood, brushing crumbs from his tunic, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Caldris continued, tone reverent, "Her name is Selene Virelain. She holds the title 'Sword of Valenhardt.' Her bloodline has served this family for generations. Their loyalty, unmatched. Their skill, legendary. Thanks to their lineage, the Valenhardt name still rules Serenthia without opposition. Many have tried… none succeeded."

He glanced at Selene with the faintest smile. "She has never lost a single duel, not in this dimension… nor to those foolish enough to challenge her from others. Some sought her as an ally. Others… as a trophy. She refused them all. Some… she defeated so utterly, they never returned."

Selene said nothing, her expression unreadable.

"I'll be honest with you, son," Caldris added, rubbing his chin, "her temperament isn't the gentlest. But when it comes to teaching the blade… there is no better choice."

Arinay's eyes sparkled. He turned to her, visibly impressed. "She looks so cool," he whispered to himself. But curiosity quickly followed awe. "But Father… I've never seen her in the estate. Not once."

Caldris's smile faltered for a moment—just enough for Arinay to notice. "She was… away. On an assignment."

Arinay tilted his head, squinting at his father, then inwardly sighed.

Father is really the worst liar… worse than Aetheris.

Within his mind, the spirit's voice echoed with confusion. "Huh? What was that just now?"

Arinay didn't respond aloud, only smiled to himself. Then mentally replied, "She was on an assignment, yes… but she was here. The whole time."

Aetheris's amusement faltered. "Wait… what? She's been here? All along? But I didn't sense anything—"

"Exactly," Arinay interrupted. "I only noticed after forming my advanced mana circuit. Even now, her presence is like mist—there, but ungraspable. She's been watching. Guarding. Since the day I was born."

For a long moment, Aetheris said nothing. Then he muttered, "…Creepy… and impressive. She cloaked herself even from me?"

Arinay's gaze was fixed on Selene now, excitement building in his chest. What kind of teacher will she be? What secrets does she carry?

He stepped forward, taking a breath, then bowed slightly the way he'd seen his father do in formal gatherings.

"I'm Arinay Valenhardt," he said with a smile, "It's an honor to meet you, Lady Selene."

For a moment, those piercing eyes softened.

Selene's voice was calm and cold as a highland breeze, but it held something else—an odd gentleness buried deep. "Selene Virelain. I accept the duty of being your sword instructor, Young master Arinay."

Then she straightened her posture. "Your training begins now. From this moment onward, you are not a noble heir… you are my student. You will treat your blade as your breath. And you will give this everything."

Arinay gave an eager nod.

But when he looked up again, his signature wide-eyed, innocent cute excited smile plastered across his face, something changed in Selene.

Her breath caught.

A faint blush crept into her pale cheeks—so subtle one might miss it—but unmistakable. She turned sharply, her hair whipping over her shoulder.

"W-Well then… be fast. Meet me in the training ground."

And without waiting, she walked away briskly, her hips swaying slightly beneath the curve of her armor, the sword at her waist swaying with her.

Arinay blinked.

"…Was it something I said?"

Evelyne covered her mouth, trying—and failing—to stifle a chuckle. Caldris simply raised a brow, clearly amused but wise enough not to comment.

Inside his mind, Aetheris burst out laughing. "Oh you little menace. You've already made the coldest sword in Serenthia blush on day one. The King of Cute strikes again!"

"Stop calling me that…" Arinay muttered internally, blushing a little himself.

But the moment passed, and as he turned toward the direction Selene had gone, his eyes filled with determination. Six years… six whole years to train under the greatest swordmaster this dimension has to offer.

He clenched his small fists.

I won't waste a single moment.

The path to the training ground lay through a corridor lined with carved statues of ancient Valenhardt champions—silent guardians of honor and power. Outside, the wind stirred the banners of the house, their golden embroidery shining beneath the morning sun.

As Arinay took that first step forward, he felt it—not just excitement, but a deeper fire. A sense of purpose igniting.

Behind him, his mother whispered to Caldris, "He's growing too fast."

Caldris nodded, watching his son walk away. "We always knew he would."

They stood in silence, the blooming flowers rustling with the wind. And in the distance, from the shadowed edges of the estate walls, unseen eyes—Selene's—watched as her young pupil approached.

The blade had awakened.

And in six years, it would carve a path through fate itself.

To be continued....