45 The Path to the Sword Saint
"...I don't believe you."
William pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Of course you don't."
"What else am I supposed to think?" she snapped. "You separated from the rest, locked away—why, if not for my body? I'm just a worthless maid—what other reason could you possibly have?"
William's response was imdiate.
"Swordsmanship."
Felicia blinked.
"...What?"
"I separated you because of your talent with the sword. I'm offering you the chance to hone it," William said plainly. "I want you to fight at my side. To wield your blade to its full potential."
Felicia's face twisted, caught between disbelief and suspicion.
It wasn't that she trusted his words. No, she was wary—wondering if this was just another ploy to keep her close.
William reached into his coat and pulled out the ace up his sleeve.
"I'm offering you a recomndation to beco a disciple of Swordmaster Aizen."
Felicia's breath hitched.
Her grip on the tal shard wavered.
"My father has already approved it. Aizen has been notified. If you wish, you can et him right now."
Felicia stared at him, completely frozen.
It was an absurd offer.
No re maid, no matter how skilled, would ever be given such an opportunity.
And yet… it was a bait too tempting to ignore.
For soone who had trained in swordsmanship alone, the desire for a true master was insatiable.
And a chance to be trained by a swordmaster, one who had reached the pinnacle of the blade?
Felicia hesitated for a long mont before finally locking eyes with William.
"...Are you serious?"
William t Felicia's gaze steadily.
"Do you really think I'm lying?"
"Given the circumstances, the chances of this being a deception are far higher than the chances of it being true," Felicia countered. "For all I know, you're just making an appealing offer to stop from harming myself."
William tilted his head slightly.
"You really think I'd go as far as ntioning Sir Aizen just to manipulate a re maid? Why would I bother? If I just wanted you alive, I could've promised to let you go. That would've been enough."
Felicia bit her lip.
Death was preferable to being defiled, but that didn't an she had no attachnt to life.
He was right. If he had simply promised her freedom, she would have been tempted. But instead, before anything else, he had spoken of Aizen, the Sword Saint. That alone was proof that his words weren't just empty talk.
Still…
"Wait a mont," she said suddenly, a frown forming. "When did I ever say I wanted to learn the sword?"
Felicia's voice was sharp, suspicious.
Thinking back, she had never once voiced such a desire.
Yet this entire conversation had been built around swordsmanship.
If soone were trying to persuade a maid, wouldn't they offer money first? That would have been the obvious bargaining chip.
"You didn't need to say it," William replied smoothly. "A swordsman doesn't have to speak their desire. It's sothing I can see."
Felicia stared at him, stunned.
"Swordsman?" she echoed, her voice unsteady. "You're calling a swordsman?"
"Aren't you?"
The question stopped her cold.
For the first ti in her life, soone had acknowledged her—not as an impudent maid who dared to wield a sword, but as an actual swordsman.
"Are you really going to introduce to the Sword Saint?" she asked, voice trembling.
William didn't hesitate.
"I swear it on the na of William Hern."
Felicia sucked in a sharp breath.
A noble declaring their na in full wasn't just a personal promise—it was a vow tied to their family's honor.
Her fists clenched.
It was insane. It was impossible.
And yet, she wanted to believe it.
Felicia closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and then—she stood.
Even if it was a lie, even if it was an illusion, this was the one lie she was willing to take a chance on.
William wasted no ti.
A ssenger was sent to Aizen imdiately. The request was simple:
I have found a potential disciple. Please et her.
Aizen's response was swift.
"The Third Prince is not one to speak lightly. I will et her."
And so, the Sword Saint himself would be arriving at the training grounds.
William gathered Hugo and Hans, bringing them along as he made his way there.
Hugo, having been abruptly summoned, looked utterly bewildered.
"Is there a reason I need to be here?" he grumbled. "I don't see how my presence makes any difference."
William smirked.
"Why not? Might as well take the chance to et Sir Aizen."
"That's exactly why I don't want to go," Hugo muttered. "A forr lowlife like ? What would a Sword Saint even think of soone like ?"
"You've turned over a new leaf," William said easily. "And Aizen doesn't care about people's pasts. Relax."
Despite William's reassurances, Hugo looked anything but relaxed.
But William had a reason for bringing him.
Felicia's acceptance as Aizen's disciple ant Hugo had lost his chance at the reward.
If she didn't prove herself here—if she didn't demonstrate overwhelming, undeniable talent—then Hugo would rightfully feel cheated. Even if he never voiced it aloud, resentnt would fester.
This wasn't just about Felicia's future. It was also about ensuring Hugo saw her worth for himself.
They arrived at the training grounds—only for William to halt in surprise.
Standing there, arms crossed, was the Grand Duke.
"...Father?"
The older man's eyes narrowed.
"You insolent brat," the Grand Duke grumbled. "Keeping Aizen waiting until the exact ti of the eting? At least pretend to have so respect and arrive early."
William blinked.
"Why are you here?"
"Why?" The Grand Duke scoffed. "I heard you were recomnding soone to the Sword Saint. Did you think I wouldn't be present for sothing this important?"
William had no rebuttal.
Aizen wasn't just a renowned master—he was one of the most influential figures in the Empire, even within House Hern itself.
For the heir to personally recomnd a disciple to such a man? Of course the Grand Duke would take an interest.
Reviews
All reviews (0)