The training ground of the Exelio estate was filled with the sound of clashing blades.
Cassian swung his sword with grace. His movements were refined and sharp for someone of his age.
"You've improved, Lionel," Cassian said. The corner of his mouth rose upward, forming into a playful smile as he stepped back and adjusted his grip on his sword.
"I could say the same to you, cousin," Lionel replied evenly, before their swords met.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
They exchanged a few movements before retreating a step back.
"The academy's been tough, but I guess it paid off. You'll see once you get there next year, Lionel. You'll eventually get as strong as me," Cassian's grin widened. "I hope you take your studies seriously, too. You can just follow my steps.""
"I'll remember that cousin."
The two circled each other again.
Cassian was the first to move, his blade coming fast from the side, but Lionel bloked it cleanly.
A few more strikes followed, each faster than before. They were both pushing harder, testing each other's limits.
After a while, Cassian lowered his sword slightly, catching his breath. "By the way," he began casually, "have you already decided which knights you'll be bringing to the forest?"
"Yes, I have someone in mind. Don't worry." Lionel smiled sweetly at his cousin's question. He was sure as hell that it wasn't just a casual question.
"Oh, really?" Cassian tilted his head to the side. There was a glint of annoyance in his eyes as he heard the answer. It wasn't what he was expecting.
"Well, if you ever find them unreliable, you could always count on mine. I can lend you a few of my men since they're well-trained."
"That's generous of you, but there's no need. I trust the knights under our house." Lionel smiled faintly.
Something flickered in Cassian's expression.
"I see," he said simply, his voice becoming just a little quieter. "That's… good, I guess."
Then, without warning, Cassian lunged forward again. All of a sudden, his attacks became heavier.
Lionel, who was already expecting something like this, brought his sword up in time. The force rattled through his arm, but his stance didn't break. Their blades locked, eyes meeting in the middle.
Cassian's grin had returned, but there was an edge to it now.
"You've gotten sturdier," he muttered with a slight confusion in his eyes. As far as eh could remember, Lionel was not that good at swordsmanship.
Lionel pushed back, forcing Cassian to step away.
"You too," he replied coolly.
The duel continued for another few minutes, both moving with speed and precision. But despite Cassian's advantage in strength and experience from the academy, Lionel's technique was somehow cleaner and better.
His footwork was more stable, and his swings were more controlled. It was the same with his timing, which was almost perfect for his age.
'What happened to Lionel? Why did he suddenly become better?' Cassian thought in irritation. In the past, it was always his joy to see his cousin defeated.
It was because, since childhood, Lionel had never been known as a good student. He skipped lessons whenever he could. He avoided books, and he treated training as something optional.
Everyone said he lacked discipline, especially when compared to Cassian, who was always diligent. That's why Cassian enjoyed being with Lionel. He get to be in the spotlight,
But there was one thing no one could deny about Lionel. It was that he had innate talent in swordsmanship.
After all, his father, Duke Arden Exelio, was not just any noble. He was one of the most renowned generals in the empire. A man who led armies to victory and returned alive from countless battlefields.
Even if he had talent, in his past life he wasted half of his years slacking. He believed his family… and Cassian would always be there, so he did nothing.
It was only after his father's death that Lionel became serious.
Now, as his sword met Cassian's again, Lionel understood that clearly.
He was really stupid that time.
"Ha…"
"Hah…"
The duel became longer than they expected. If it were any normal day, Lionel should be on the ground now, panting for air as he commended his cousin for being great.
But that's not what's happening right now.
All the time, Cassian's swings carried power, fueled by both pride and irritation because Lionel just can't seem to lose. Lionel, on the other hand, moved with calmness. He was not as strong, but he was obviously far more composed.
Every time Cassian tried to overpower him, Lionel would just step back to exhaust him.
Because of this, the knights and servants watching from the sides couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"They're incredible…"
"The young master's really holding his ground against Lord Cassian?"
"I heard Lord Cassian's already at the top of his class in the academy, but young master Lionel's keeping up?"
"Our young master was really growing!"
"He'll make the whole estate proud soon!"
Cassian gritted his teeth as he blocked Lionel's counter. He could feel that the difference between their skill had suddenly lessened.
Is Lionel suddenly training? That's why his skills drastically improved?
That thought made him annoyed. He was obviously older. He was even trained by elite instructors for years, and yet why was Lionel, who hadn't even entered the academy, pushing him this far?
With a short breath, Cassian shifted his stance and lunged forward. Lionel blocked the first few blows, but the weight behind them was different now. His arms trembled slightly from the impact. His young body was struggling to keep up with the force.
Then—
Clang!
Cassian twisted his wrist and knocked Lionel's sword out of his hand. The blade flew a few feet away and landed on the ground with a loud sound.
Silence followed for a moment before the knights broke into applause for Cassian's victory.
Cassian stood straight, his sword was still pointed at Lionel. Now, he had a genuine smile on his face again.
Yes, just like this.
"Looks like I win again this time."
"Yeah," Lionel smiled. He didn't sound disappointed at all. If anything, he was even amused.
Because even though Cassian technically won, everyone could tell how close it had been.
"It's alright, young master! You're still amazing!"
"I know, right. To think he could stand toe-to-toe with Lord Cassian!"
"At this rate, I'm sure our young master here will become one of the Empire's greatest knights!"
"Our young master had really improved a lot within just a week!"
Cassian froze for a second at the comments. Why are the compliments going to Lionel when they should have been for me?
His fingers slowly tightened around his sword hilt to his annoyance.
"Lionel, it was a good match," he said quickly, forcing a polite smile on his face. "But I should excuse myself now. I forgot there are matters I need to attend to."
Before anyone could respond, Cassian turned around and walked away. He was slightly stomping his feet on the ground.
Lionel stood still for a few seconds, watching his cousin's retreating back.
"Did he get annoyed at the soldier's words?" He couldn't help but chuckle softly under his breath.
The knights and servants nearby blinked in confusion. "Young master?" one of them asked.
Lionel just laughed again, shaking his head.
Then, as he looked up, his gaze caught two familiar figures standing with the soldiers on the training ground.
A slow smile tugged at his lips.
"Well, speaking of the devils…" he murmured under his breath.