In a large training ground where the knights of Valaxar practiced, just beyond was a place even more exclusive.
This building, with its pristine white marble and an aura of sophistication, was solely dedicated to the training of two individuals.
One was the owner of Valaxar and the so-called king of the North, Arvian Valaxar. In truth, since he no longer needed to enhance his prowess, it was fitting that this place was reserved for just one person.
Clang!
The sharp sound of swords clashing echoed throughout the training ground.
“You seem to be brimming with energy these days. Perhaps enjoying something good?”
A middle-aged knight, who appeared somewhat seasoned, adjusted his stance and spoke.
“Mind your own business.”
The reply came from a young girl who seemed reluctant even to lift her sword.
The snowy white hair of the girl, reminiscent of the snow covering the North, testified to her identity.
The middle-aged knight smirked and dashed towards the girl.
“Well, even if you tried, you could never impress His Highness, could you?”
Clang!
Once again, the swords of the two clashed intensely.
Soon, the imposing figure of the knight and the petite, snowy-haired girl began exchanging blows without a word.
To onlookers, it was an incomprehensible sight. How could a knight, known for his sense of honor, wield his sword against such a young girl?
Yet, the middle-aged knight paid no heed. The girl before him was of Valaxar blood, and not just any lineage, but one of the most exceptional in Valaxar’s long history—a prodigy, nonetheless.
As the knight tightened his grip on his sword, a powerful mana began to swirl around the tip.
With determined steps, he lunged towards the girl and struck with his sword, but she stood her ground, facing his attack head-on.
“Ugh…!!”
As the two swords collided, blood sprayed from the girl’s hand gripping her sword, and her face contorted in pain.
“You fool!”
With a mocking laugh, the middle-aged knight struck again forcefully, sending the girl flying backward, crashing onto the ground.
Confident of his victory, the knight approached the motionless girl on the ground and spoke briefly.
“Is this all it takes to knock you out? His Highness would be greatly disappointed if he knew.”
“Hmph.”
Unexpectedly, before the knight could react, the girl who had been lying unconscious moments ago swiftly moved, extending her sword towards the knight’s face at an incredible speed.
“..This!”
Normally, she should have been knocked out by now. Yet, for some reason, she seemed even more energetic than usual.
Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, the knight stumbled backward, but the sword was already inches away from his nose.
Fortunately, the girl changed the direction, only grazing the knight’s cheek as she passed by.
Gulp-
In a situation where his own head could have just been pierced, the knight swallowed dryly. However, as soon as he struck the sword down to the ground with a heavily distorted face, the shockwave caused the girl to once again fly weakly and tumble to the ground.
“A surprise attack. The lineage of Valaxar does not engage in such despicable acts.”
“Today’s training ends here. Let’s hope for a more honorable match next time.”
Without any response to the girl who remained silent, the knight turned away from her and began to walk towards the training grounds. Stepping out of the building made of pristine white marble, he thought to himself while touching his own neck.
“…As monstrous as her speed and strength.”
For a moment, he completely missed her movement; her momentary action was explosive enough. If he were to suddenly receive such an attack… even he, the leader of the Valaxar knights, felt he wouldn’t be able to avoid it.
“Huh…?”
I blinked blankly and looked at the small hand that swiftly passed by my side.
Suddenly waving her hand towards my face like that.
I managed to instinctively turn my head away to avoid it, but I almost got slapped on the cheek.
I won’t allow myself to be hit by a child with blood still not dried on her head.
Throwing a dagger at me out of the blue on our first meeting… and now why is she doing this again?
“Um… did I do something to upset you?”
For some reason, the girl looked at me with quieter eyes than usual.
“…There’s a strange side to her, indeed.”
Of course, I didn’t expect the girl to be as docile as other children, but I wish she would refrain from such sudden attacks.
Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about it yet.
It’s been a week since I became the personal maid of the princess.
Now, I’ve completely adapted to being the girl’s personal maid.
Of course, the way the girl treats me hasn’t changed much since our first meeting…
But if there’s anything that’s different, it’s that now the girl doesn’t show much reluctance towards my food.
When I cook in front of her and directly offer her the food, she eats everything without leaving anything behind.
Now, after a week, the girl’s complexion has certainly improved slightly compared to before.
Her lips, which used to be pale, now have a faint cherry-red color, and a light blush has appeared on her previously pale skin, giving her face a healthier look.
And most importantly, the girl, who used to have visible bones, has gradually gained some weight.
And this must all be thanks to me.
Hehe…
I didn’t know I had a talent for raising children, did I?
“You.”
“Yes?”
As I tilted my head in response to the sudden call from the girl, she hesitated for a while, then cautiously spoke.
“…Has there been no trouble at all during this time?”
“Excuse me? Is something the matter?”
“Maybe you were sleeping. Did anyone come by last night?”
I blinked in confusion and looked at the young lady.
“Who would come to see you at night?”
“…Never mind.”
With a sarcastic remark from the young lady, I raised an eyebrow in puzzlement as I looked at her.
We stared at each other in silence for a moment, and she was the first to avert her gaze.
“I distinctly said it. Quit being a servant, but since you didn’t heed the warning, don’t complain later.”
“Yes, of course.”
Should I have hesitated a bit?
Perhaps due to my too prompt response, the young lady looked at me with a perplexed expression.
She probably knew what she wanted to say but refrained from voicing it.
“Don’t worry too much, miss.”
With a light smile, I began to take out today’s ingredients in front of her one by one.
“Since you had meat for breakfast, I’ll make a light fruit salad for lunch.”
“…I don’t like vegetables.”
“Pardon?”
I blinked in bewilderment at the stubborn look on the young lady’s face.
Wasn’t she the one who, just a week ago, would eat ingredients without even washing them?
It was quite surprising to see her already throwing a side dish tantrum.
“People are creatures of habit…”
While she used to eat whatever was given to her, lately, signs of pickiness were starting to show.
And what’s wrong with a fruit salad? It’s nutritious, rich, and delicious.
I crossed my arms and spoke firmly to the young lady.
“Don’t throw a tantrum about side dishes, miss. If you only eat what you want every day, your health will deteriorate significantly.”
Ignoring my words and with a cold gesture, the young lady turned her head away.
Nevertheless, whether she reacted or not, I diligently started preparing the dish with the ingredients on the cart.
I washed the vegetables and fruits, sliced them in front of her, made a sauce with various ingredients, and dressed the salad.
Before I knew it, my own fruit salad was completed.
I ate each vegetable and fruit one by one and handed her a fork.
“Please call me when you finish, miss. I’ll also have lunch.”
“Haven’t you eaten yet?”
“I have to go to the servants’ quarters. It’s better for me to prepare and leave, miss.”
The young lady picked at the salad with her fork, avoiding my gaze, and then spoke softly.
“…Let’s… eat together.”
“Pardon?”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
The young lady glared at me fiercely.
I couldn’t say I didn’t hear, but…
The words that came out of the young lady’s mouth were something I couldn’t have imagined,
so I began to doubt my ears.
Did she just suggest eating together?
“She was always sharp and distant, that lady?
My heart was moved by the touching words of the lovely lady.
“Miss… it’s truly touching.”
“Th-that’s unnecessarily touching.”
“But it’s okay. Today, I’m going to eat with a close senior! Still, thank you for suggesting to eat together, Miss.”
Of course, I was very grateful, but unfortunately, I had a prior engagement with Senior Lani, so
I had no choice but to decline.
Still, just the fact that the lady opened up to me was enough to make me happy.
“…What?”
“I really was touched nevertheless. Let’s eat together next time.”
“…Leave.”
“To eat… huh?”
For some reason, I felt a strong hostility in the lady’s eyes.
The lady closed the door with an overwhelmingly chilly atmosphere.
“Leave immediately. It’s an order.”
“Uh… Miss? Are you angry?”
“Not leaving?”
As mana began to swirl intensely from the fork the lady held, I found myself swallowing dry saliva as I watched it.
Why is she so angry?
No, more importantly…
‘Did the lady know how to handle mana to that extent…?’
In a large training ground where the knights of Valaxar practiced, just beyond was a place even more exclusive.
This building, with its pristine white marble and an aura of sophistication, was solely dedicated to the training of two individuals.
One was the owner of Valaxar and the so-called king of the North, Arvian Valaxar. In truth, since he no longer needed to enhance his prowess, it was fitting that this place was reserved for just one person.
Clang!
The sharp sound of swords clashing echoed throughout the training ground.
“You seem to be brimming with energy these days. Perhaps enjoying something good?”
A middle-aged knight, who appeared somewhat seasoned, adjusted his stance and spoke.
“Mind your own business.”
The reply came from a young girl who seemed reluctant even to lift her sword.
The snowy white hair of the girl, reminiscent of the snow covering the North, testified to her identity.
The middle-aged knight smirked and dashed towards the girl.
“Well, even if you tried, you could never impress His Highness, could you?”
Clang!
Once again, the swords of the two clashed intensely.
Soon, the imposing figure of the knight and the petite, snowy-haired girl began exchanging blows without a word.
To onlookers, it was an incomprehensible sight. How could a knight, known for his sense of honor, wield his sword against such a young girl?
Yet, the middle-aged knight paid no heed. The girl before him was of Valaxar blood, and not just any lineage, but one of the most exceptional in Valaxar’s long history—a prodigy, nonetheless.
As the knight tightened his grip on his sword, a powerful mana began to swirl around the tip.
With determined steps, he lunged towards the girl and struck with his sword, but she stood her ground, facing his attack head-on.
“Ugh…!!”
As the two swords collided, blood sprayed from the girl’s hand gripping her sword, and her face contorted in pain.
“You fool!”
With a mocking laugh, the middle-aged knight struck again forcefully, sending the girl flying backward, crashing onto the ground.
Confident of his victory, the knight approached the motionless girl on the ground and spoke briefly.
“Is this all it takes to knock you out? His Highness would be greatly disappointed if he knew.”
“Hmph.”
Unexpectedly, before the knight could react, the girl who had been lying unconscious moments ago swiftly moved, extending her sword towards the knight’s face at an incredible speed.
“..This!”
Normally, she should have been knocked out by now. Yet, for some reason, she seemed even more energetic than usual.
Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, the knight stumbled backward, but the sword was already inches away from his nose.
Fortunately, the girl changed the direction, only grazing the knight’s cheek as she passed by.
Gulp-
In a situation where his own head could have just been pierced, the knight swallowed dryly. However, as soon as he struck the sword down to the ground with a heavily distorted face, the shockwave caused the girl to once again fly weakly and tumble to the ground.
“A surprise attack. The lineage of Valaxar does not engage in such despicable acts.”
“Today’s training ends here. Let’s hope for a more honorable match next time.”
Without any response to the girl who remained silent, the knight turned away from her and began to walk towards the training grounds. Stepping out of the building made of pristine white marble, he thought to himself while touching his own neck.
“…As monstrous as her speed and strength.”
For a moment, he completely missed her movement; her momentary action was explosive enough. If he were to suddenly receive such an attack… even he, the leader of the Valaxar knights, felt he wouldn’t be able to avoid it.
“Huh…?”
I blinked blankly and looked at the small hand that swiftly passed by my side.
Suddenly waving her hand towards my face like that.
I managed to instinctively turn my head away to avoid it, but I almost got slapped on the cheek.
I won’t allow myself to be hit by a child with blood still not dried on her head.
Throwing a dagger at me out of the blue on our first meeting… and now why is she doing this again?
“Um… did I do something to upset you?”
For some reason, the girl looked at me with quieter eyes than usual.
“…There’s a strange side to her, indeed.”
Of course, I didn’t expect the girl to be as docile as other children, but I wish she would refrain from such sudden attacks.
Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about it yet.
It’s been a week since I became the personal maid of the princess.
Now, I’ve completely adapted to being the girl’s personal maid.
Of course, the way the girl treats me hasn’t changed much since our first meeting…
But if there’s anything that’s different, it’s that now the girl doesn’t show much reluctance towards my food.
When I cook in front of her and directly offer her the food, she eats everything without leaving anything behind.
Now, after a week, the girl’s complexion has certainly improved slightly compared to before.
Her lips, which used to be pale, now have a faint cherry-red color, and a light blush has appeared on her previously pale skin, giving her face a healthier look.
And most importantly, the girl, who used to have visible bones, has gradually gained some weight.
And this must all be thanks to me.
Hehe…
I didn’t know I had a talent for raising children, did I?
“You.”
“Yes?”
As I tilted my head in response to the sudden call from the girl, she hesitated for a while, then cautiously spoke.
“…Has there been no trouble at all during this time?”
“Excuse me? Is something the matter?”
“Maybe you were sleeping. Did anyone come by last night?”
I blinked in confusion and looked at the young lady.
“Who would come to see you at night?”
“…Never mind.”
With a sarcastic remark from the young lady, I raised an eyebrow in puzzlement as I looked at her.
We stared at each other in silence for a moment, and she was the first to avert her gaze.
“I distinctly said it. Quit being a servant, but since you didn’t heed the warning, don’t complain later.”
“Yes, of course.”
Should I have hesitated a bit?
Perhaps due to my too prompt response, the young lady looked at me with a perplexed expression.
She probably knew what she wanted to say but refrained from voicing it.
“Don’t worry too much, miss.”
With a light smile, I began to take out today’s ingredients in front of her one by one.
“Since you had meat for breakfast, I’ll make a light fruit salad for lunch.”
“…I don’t like vegetables.”
“Pardon?”
I blinked in bewilderment at the stubborn look on the young lady’s face.
Wasn’t she the one who, just a week ago, would eat ingredients without even washing them?
It was quite surprising to see her already throwing a side dish tantrum.
“People are creatures of habit…”
While she used to eat whatever was given to her, lately, signs of pickiness were starting to show.
And what’s wrong with a fruit salad? It’s nutritious, rich, and delicious.
I crossed my arms and spoke firmly to the young lady.
“Don’t throw a tantrum about side dishes, miss. If you only eat what you want every day, your health will deteriorate significantly.”
Ignoring my words and with a cold gesture, the young lady turned her head away.
Nevertheless, whether she reacted or not, I diligently started preparing the dish with the ingredients on the cart.
I washed the vegetables and fruits, sliced them in front of her, made a sauce with various ingredients, and dressed the salad.
Before I knew it, my own fruit salad was completed.
I ate each vegetable and fruit one by one and handed her a fork.
“Please call me when you finish, miss. I’ll also have lunch.”
“Haven’t you eaten yet?”
“I have to go to the servants’ quarters. It’s better for me to prepare and leave, miss.”
The young lady picked at the salad with her fork, avoiding my gaze, and then spoke softly.
“…Let’s… eat together.”
“Pardon?”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
The young lady glared at me fiercely.
I couldn’t say I didn’t hear, but…
The words that came out of the young lady’s mouth were something I couldn’t have imagined,
so I began to doubt my ears.
Did she just suggest eating together?
“She was always sharp and distant, that lady?
My heart was moved by the touching words of the lovely lady.
“Miss… it’s truly touching.”
“Th-that’s unnecessarily touching.”
“But it’s okay. Today, I’m going to eat with a close senior! Still, thank you for suggesting to eat together, Miss.”
Of course, I was very grateful, but unfortunately, I had a prior engagement with Senior Lani, so
I had no choice but to decline.
Still, just the fact that the lady opened up to me was enough to make me happy.
“…What?”
“I really was touched nevertheless. Let’s eat together next time.”
“…Leave.”
“To eat… huh?”
For some reason, I felt a strong hostility in the lady’s eyes.
The lady closed the door with an overwhelmingly chilly atmosphere.
“Leave immediately. It’s an order.”
“Uh… Miss? Are you angry?”
“Not leaving?”
As mana began to swirl intensely from the fork the lady held, I found myself swallowing dry saliva as I watched it.
Why is she so angry?
No, more importantly…
‘Did the lady know how to handle mana to that extent…?’
