29 - Breakfast
Morning sunlight slipped quietly through the gaps in Mariana's curtains. The room that had been dark and fortress-like the night before was now warm with golden light.
Mariana lay sprawled across her bed in the exact same chaotic position she had fallen asleep in-blankets twisted around her legs, hair covering half her face, and one arm hanging limply off the mattress.
For a noble lady of the Forebros Grand Dukedom, it was a disgraceful sight. The door opened softly.
Grand Duchess Darelene entered the room carrying a silver breakfast tray. She paused. Her elegant brows lifted slightly. "... my daughter," she murmured, amused.
Mariana looked like she had wrestled a dragon in her sleep. Darelene carefully set the tray down on the bedside table before gently pulling back the curtains. Sunlight flooded the room.
"Mariana, dear," she said gently. No response. The Grand Duchess leaned down and tapped her daughter's shoulder. "Mariana."
Mariana groaned. "... five more minutes..."
Darelene blinked. Then she smiled faintly. "Very well." She picked up a teacup from the tray and deliberately let the spoon clink against it.
Clink. Mariana's eyes snapped open instantly. "... breakfast?" Her gaze landed on the tray. Fresh bread. Honey. Fruit. Warm tea. Her survival instincts activated immediately. She sat upright so quickly that the blankets flew off her shoulders. "Mother!"
Darelene chuckled softly and pushed the tray toward her. "I thought you might not come down for breakfast today."
Mariana froze mid-bite. "... why would you think that?"
Darelene gave her a knowing look. "My daughter barricaded herself in her room yesterday."
Mariana coughed into her tea.
Right... that.
"... I was resting."
"Of course." Darelene's smile was elegant. And clearly unconvinced.
Mariana hurriedly stuffed a piece of bread into her mouth to avoid further interrogation. Darelene sat beside her on the edge of the bed. "I came to speak with you about something important."
Mariana swallowed. "... important?"
Darelene nodded. "Yes. Your wardrobe."
Mariana blinked. "... my wardrobe?"
The Grand Duchess gestured toward the large dressing area. "The season has changed."
Spring was slowly giving way to early summer. That meant lighter fabrics. Different colors. And an entirely new wardrobe appropriate for the changing climate. Mariana slowly chewed her bread. Her brain processed the information. Then her eyes widened.
A trip outside.
Specifically, a trip away from the estate... away from the Crown Prince. Her spoon clattered slightly against the plate.
Darelene tilted her head. "Is something wrong?"
Mariana quickly shook her head. "No...! Nothing at all...!" Her smile was suspiciously enthusiastic. "Going to the modiste sounds wonderful."
Darelene blinked once. Then smiled again. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
Mariana tried very hard not to grin like someone who had just discovered a secret escape route. If she left the estate for the day, There was no chance of accidentally running into Crown Prince Zafiel. Her survival plan was working perfectly.
Meanwhile, across the estate. At the Grand Ducal training grounds.
The atmosphere was far less peaceful. The vast stone courtyard echoed with the sharp sounds of clashing steel.
Grand Ducal knights stood in a wide circle, watching with tense expressions.
At the center, Zafiel stood calmly with a practice sword resting on his shoulder.
Opposite him was a knight already breathing heavily.
"Ready?" Zafiel asked mildly.
The knight swallowed. "... yes, Your Imperial Highness."
The match resumed. The knight lunged forward with impressive speed. Steel flashed. Zafiel moved. It was almost lazy. His sword intercepted the attack with effortless precision.
Clang. The impact reverberated through the courtyard. Before the knight could recover, Zafiel's blade lightly tapped his chest. The duel was over. The watching knights winced collectively.
"... again?" Zafiel asked.
The defeated knight quickly bowed. "No, Your Imperial Highness!" He retreated immediately.
Another knight stepped forward nervously. The next spar began. Then the next. And the next. Each one ended the same way. Effortlessly. Zafiel stood there like an immovable wall. His movements were smooth, efficient, and frighteningly precise.
The difference in skill was overwhelming. Even the strongest knights struggled to last more than a few exchanges. At the edge of the training ground, a tall young man watched with narrowed eyes.
Aguerico Chanda la Vernon. One of the Grand Duke's sons. And a Swordmaster. A level reached only by the most elite warriors in the empire. But still, one step below a Sword Saint. Aguerico crossed his arms as he watched another knight lose. His jaw tightened. "... tch."
He stepped forward. The watching knights immediately parted. Zafiel noticed the movement and turned slightly. Golden eyes met sharp purple ones.
Aguerico picked up a training sword from the rack. "Your Imperial Highness." His tone was respectful, but firm. "I would like to challenge you."
The courtyard fell silent.
Several knights exchanged uneasy glances. A Swordmaster challenging a Sword Saint. Technically possible. But realistically? Everyone knew the outcome.
Zafiel studied Aguerico for a moment. Then he smiled faintly. "... very well." He lowered his sword into a ready stance. "Let's see what the Forebros heir can do."
Aguerico stepped into the arena. The air between them grew tense.
Swordmaster versus Sword Saint.
The watching knights instinctively stepped farther back. Because even a training duel between warriors of this level could become dangerous. Aguerico tightened his grip on the sword. His aura slowly ignited. A pale silver light surrounded him like flickering flame.
Zafiel observed calmly. Then, purplish aura erupted around him like a purple sun breaking through clouds. The difference was immediate.
Aguerico felt it instantly. The pressure. The overwhelming presence of someone who had already reached the pinnacle. Still, he stepped forward. "Begin."
Steel flashed. And the duel started.