Amidst the clashing of swords, there stood a man who was captivated by the art of combat.
His eyes were fixated on the sparring match between the two young royals who are formidable enough for their age to displayed such an intense battle.
As the clash of steel resonated through the air, his heart started to pound in anticipation.
He relished every parry, every strike, and every evasive maneuver.
The skill demonstrated by the young royals fascinated him, drawing him further into the spectacle unfolding before his eyes.
This is Arnel, a battle hardened veteran who's a fan of an amazing match.
'As expected of Lance, he has the tools to become a powerful swordsman in the future. Though, his sister is on a league of her own.'
Arnel said to himself.
He continues to watch the match with passion.
The longer the fight goes on, the harder it would be for his student to win.
At this point, Lance was beaten badly by his own sister but he kept fighting.
Arnel knew what Lance is thinking about, and he trust his student's adaptability.
'But can he adopt to Leisha before he suffer a lifetime injury?'
As an instructor of Lance, he knew what this sparring match meant to his student.
Interfering to the match just so he can save Lance would be fine because he have the responsibility to protect him as his instructor.
However, he already knew what his simple-minded student would say if he stop the fight.
Furthermore, it is the first time he saw Lance having a determine look on his face.
Due to his talent, Lance learn faster from normal kids.
It's also the reason why Arnel never seen Lance looks troubled or determine to what he was teaching him.
In his perspective, Lance is simply doing swordsmanship because he was told to.
Due to Lance nature of being a happy go lucky boy, Arnel could never imagined Lance being a swordsman.
It's true that Lance enjoy his time practicing with the sword, but his enjoyment toward swordsmanship is not enough to convince Arnel that he actually likes it.
After all, Lance finds joy at almost everything.
'It's impossible for an innocent young boy to become a fighter.'
Is what he thought.
However, the innocent young boy in his eyes is now having a determine and passionate look on his face.
All of his misunderstanding towards Lance vanished like thin air because of this.
'It's a sign that he's growing from this sparring match. It would be unethical for me as his master to interfere.'
As his master, he decided to stand by and let his student grow from this match.
He looks at Leisha's direction and judging from her expression, it seems like Leisha didn't want to give her own brother a lifetime injury.
Although she's still aiming at Lance already battered right arm.
'It pains me to see my student struggle, but as someone who lives for battle, I can't helped but to appreciate the outstanding talent by Leisha.
'Both Lance and his sister possess remarkable talent and innate gifts, yet their strength differs.
'Lance strength lies in his adaptive nature, seamlessly adjusting his tactics to counter his opponents. His adaptability is yet to be useful in an actual battle but maybe in this match...'
Arnel carries on with his inner dialogue, evaluating the prowess of the two young royalties. He glanced once again at Leisha and their eyes meet.
He was dumbfounded when it happens, despite being in the middle of a match, Leisha still have the leisure to look at him, a spectator.
'On the other hand, the young lady is truly magnificent! Her prowess lies in her perceptive observation.
'Her exceptional ability to observe, coupled with eyes that delve into her adversaries, will make her an invaluable asset in the fight against the monsters in the future.'
This sparring match is truly a test of their strength, swordsmanship, attribute abilities, and talents.
And yet, Lance is the only one struggling.
Arnel's eyes were fixated on Leisha, observing her if she would attack with full intent to end this match
If that moment happens, he will stepped in to block her attack also signaling the end of the fight.
He thought Lance won't be able to object to him at that point.
His student might loathe him for it but his safety is his priority right now.
However, the moment he imagined where Leisha ended her brother's suffering didn't come true.
Gradually, Lance started to adapt and slowly turn the tides against Leisha.
'His adaptability finally showed up, but he's badly injured. Can he win?
'It is good that the fight starting to favor my precious student, but it might just provoke Leisha to use more power to her attacks.'
A doubt remains in his mind. Despite Lance's efforts, Arnel kept himself prepared to interfere with the match at any given moment.
He watched the fight closely, every movement they made, every change to their face, every change in the attack power.
All of it were observe by his experienced eyes but there was one thing in particular that change the momentum of the match.
'It's Lance attack pattern.
'He came into the realization that his sister way of fighting is a bad matchup for his fire attribute so he stopped relying on it.
'However, that is not it.
'Somehow, Lance tempo changed a lot making his attacks unpredictable. Due to that, Leisha is now on the defensive.
'Though, it was still amazing that Leisha was managing to anticipate Lance's attacks, albeit barely.
'I heard that the eldest of the triplets is doing good as a ranger despite being a male.
'Are these the results of the Geayforth bloodline? On top of that, they also have his blood.'
Arnel thought having a conversation to himself while watching the fight at the same time.
He then glanced quickly at the youngest member of the royalty, who was watching the match with such vehemence despite being an infant, before he continued to get back to his thoughts.
'So, is it fine to expect the youngest to be talented as his older siblings? If he's not talented as them, I would be disappointed.'
It's the last question to himself for this moment. As for his last question, the answer lies in the future.
But for the time being, he must focus on the match that's nearing its end.
Lance continued to pit Leisha into a corner and finally grazing her face.
Arnel clenched his fist unconsciously in support to his student's success.
His worried face is nowhere to be seen as it changed into an excited one.
When Arnel and everyone thought that Lance next attack will end the match...
An unexpected development occured.
The match ended and Lance became the 'winner' but his sword is not the cause of it.
Leisha surrendering ended the match which anger a warrior like Arnel who respected the custom.
(See last chapter for that 'custom')
Not knowing the custom before even picking up a sword is already a sign of disrespect, let alone completely ignoring it.
He wants to point it out but couldn't, knowing it would be overstepping his boundaries.
Leisha still a princess after all.
He won't be able to get back at her for disrespecting the custom he was so fond of.
However, an idea came up in his head.
'Thankfully, my student only have an injured right arm. Supports can heal it without a problem. I will use him to get revenge.
'It might take a long time before Lance and Leisha face each other again considering the consequences of this sparring match.
'Until that time comes, I will train this kid to become the strongest out of the triplets to beat and humiliate that rude princess.'
Arnel took a deep breather to calmed himself down and change his gaze towards Lance.
He started talking to himself again planning to use Lance as a tool for his revenge.
(For real? He's planning to get back to a child?)
'Prepare yourself for a harsh training my precious student, your sister is better than you currently after all.
'My precious student, I can see it in your eyes that you're frustrated too with her behavior. From now on, you don't have to worry and be patient.
'For I, as your master, it is my responsibility to ensure that you surpass your sister.
'I didn't know being an instructor of a royal would be this thrilling.'
Arnel exclaimed having fun with the idea of making Lance stronger with his guidance.