Ella: (It's been two days since Alex started training. He looks close to death, but he keeps going… and I'm just watching.)
Ella: (It's been a week now. I'm still here every day, watching him. But this time… he's doing better. He doesn't tire as easily, finishes faster… and it even looks like he's starting to enjoy it.)
Ella sat on a bench, eyes fixed on him. Alex noticed her, walked over, and asked:
Alex: "Weird… I don't remember seeing benches here yesterday."
Ella looked at him, straight in the eyes, thinking:
(Even though I watch him train every day and I've known him for a week, I still can't get used to that look.)
Ella: "I only noticed them today too."
Alex: "Hmm… you know, you don't have to go out of your way like this."
Ella: "Why do you say that?"
Alex: "You come here every day."
Ella: "Don't worry. I have nothing else to do anyway."
Alex stared at her and said:
"Do as you like. I'm done for today."
Ella: (He's right… maybe it's boredom, but I still feel like I have to come. It's… annoying.)
She stood up and called after him:
"At least wait for me!"
Alex: "I don't think I'll ever take the time for that."
Ella: "Why not?"
Alex: "Ever since I met you, you're always late."
Ella: "Hey, that's not nice. And… you could at least wear a top for training."
Alex looked at his chest and asked:
"Is my body really that ugly?"
Ella: "No, that's not what I meant… Fine, whatever, you win. Do what you want."
The last day of training.
Ella: (Well… I'm still here. Sitting. Watching.)
Alex was drenched in sweat, doing push-ups with a tree trunk on his back. Then he sprinted several laps around the field, followed by squats and sit-ups. Finally, he grabbed his sword.
Arthur, who hadn't been there yet, arrived and sat beside Ella.
Arthur: "You know… I put him through this training. Usually I only show up when he's done. But you… you're always here."
Ella turned to him. Arthur smiled.
Arthur: "Hello, Ella. Well… awake?"
Ella: "Ah, hello Arthur. Just doing what I always do."
Arthur: "You must be joking, right? Before he came, you never even touched the ground of the training field."
Ella: "Well… I guess my habits changed."
Arthur also watched Alex:
"He's improving a lot. He was already good, and soon… he could become a strong fighter."
Ella: "If you say so."
Arthur: "But I think our dear Ella isn't just watching that."
Ella: "What are you talking about now?"
Arthur stood up:
"Well… I think it's time. He's finally done."
He walked toward Alex, who stopped to catch his breath.
During training, his body had changed. He'd gained just enough muscle, and every muscle was now visible. Ella, still watching, muttered:
(Why do I feel… uneasy watching him? Anyway… it should be over now, right?)
She stood to approach, but Arthur said:
"Hold on, Ella. One last thing."
He grabbed two two-handed swords, tossed one to Alex:
"A little duel."
Alex caught it, sighed:
"What's the point? You'll crush me anyway."
Arthur: "True… but just to show you how much you've improved. Ella will notice too."
Alex exhaled:
"If it'll make you happy."
They took their positions. Ella stepped back a little.
Arthur: "Ready, Alex?"
Alex: "Not really… but go ahead."
A moment of silence. Then Arthur launched a horizontal strike. Alex saw it coming, ducked, and slipped behind him.
Arthur spun and unleashed a flurry of strikes in every direction. Alex narrowly dodged each one, slipping behind him again.
Arthur wasn't fooled. He turned and delivered a vertical attack. Alex dodged, grabbed his sword with both hands, and charged through the opening.
Arthur repositioned and charged too. Their blades clashed—and then, without warning, shattered.
Ella froze:
(That was way too fast… I didn't understand anything.)
Applause erupted. Silone and Iris had arrived and seen everything.
Silone: "You've improved a lot, kid. I'm impressed."
Iris: "It's true… you look stronger, Alex."
Alex bowed:
"Thanks for the compliments."
Arthur smiled at their arrival:
"I have an idea, Alex. How about Silone as your next opponent?"
NEXT CHAPTER: The Royal Banquet.
Version 2