Chapter 22
The next morning, Aurora woke before sunrise. Sleep had come only in short bursts. Her mother's attack, the murders, the missing mastermind, and her father's imminent return weighed heavily on her mind.
If she wanted to protect the people she loved, she could no longer rely solely on others.
In her previous life, she had attended karate and kickboxing classes, but this world was different. Here, swords and daggers decided life and death.
After checking on her mother, Aurora carefully examined the wound. Duchess Eleanor's breathing was steady, her temperature normal. Relief eased some of the tension in Aurora's chest.
"You need to recover quickly, Mother," Aurora whispered softly as she adjusted the blankets.
Once satisfied that her mother was resting comfortably, Aurora headed to her room and changed into clothes more suitable for training.
She wore fitted leather trousers, a maroon tunic, and a short waistcoat that allowed easy movement. Her long brown hair was tied into a high ponytail.
The moment she stepped into the corridor, the servants froze.
One maid nearly dropped an entire basket of laundry.
Another turned bright red and quickly looked away.
Emily, who had already seen the outfit, pressed a hand to her forehead.
"My Lady, every time I think you can no longer shock me, you somehow prove me wrong."
Aurora smiled innocently, "I'll take that as a compliment."
When they reached the training grounds, the reaction was even worse.
Several knights stopped mid-conversation.
One nearly walked into a wooden post.
Another forgot he was carrying a practice spear and dropped it onto his own foot.
A muffled curse followed.
Aurora pretended not to notice.
Philip, however, looked moments away from collapsing.
"My Lady!" he cried. "You cannot possibly wear that outside!"
Aurora glanced down, "Why not?"
"Because... because..." Philip struggled for words. "Because you are a noble lady!"
"And?"
Philip looked ready to faint.
The nearby knights quickly turned away, trying and failing to hide their laughter.
"Good morning," Aurora greeted cheerfully.
"My Lady," the knights replied in unison.
"Is Sir Turner here?"
From the far side of the training grounds, Sir Turner approached.
For a moment, he stopped. Aurora looked completely different from her usual appearance. Without the heavy gowns and elaborate hairstyles, she looked confident, energetic, and surprisingly approachable.
Turner quickly forced his expression back into neutrality.
"My Lady. What brings you here this early?"
Aurora crossed her arms, "I want you to teach me how to use a sword."
Turner blinked, "A sword?"
"Yes."
"My Lady, that's unnecessary. The knights are here to protect you."
Aurora's smile faded slightly, "Sir Turner, yesterday my mother nearly died."
The training grounds fell silent.
"What happens if danger comes when no knight is nearby?"
Turner hesitated.
Aurora continued quietly, "What if someone enters my room while I'm sleeping? What if I cannot reach help in time? I don't want to be helpless."
The seriousness in her voice erased any remaining objections.
Finally, Turner nodded, "Very well."
Aurora's face brightened immediately, "And may I call you Turner?"
The knight looked confused, "My Lady?"
"'Sir Turner' makes you sound old."
Several nearby knights burst into laughter.
Turner sighed heavily, "You may call me Turner."
The laughter grew louder.
"Thank you, Turner"
The knight suddenly regretted agreeing. Training began shortly afterward. Turner showed her the proper stance, correcting her posture and grip.
"Keep your feet shoulder-width apart."
Aurora adjusted her stance.
"Good."
"Relax your shoulders."
She obeyed.
"Lower your centre of gravity."
Aurora nearly lost her balance. The surrounding knights struggled not to laugh. After several attempts, she finally managed the position correctly.
"That's it," Turner said with approval. "Now move forward."
Aurora stepped.
"Not like you're attending a tea party."
The knights laughed.
Aurora narrowed her eyes, "Careful, Turner. I may become better than you one day."
The entire training yard erupted into laughter.
Meanwhile, at the manor entrance, Philip was greeting unexpected visitors.
"Good morning, Duke Brian. Duke Charles."
Both young men nodded.
"We need to discuss yesterday's investigation with Lady Aurora."
Philip forced a polite smile, "Lady Aurora is currently occupied."
"Occupied with what?" Charles asked.
Before Philip could answer, Emily came running down the corridor.
"Philip! It's a disaster!"
Philip immediately looked alarmed, "What happened?"
Emily finally noticed the guests and bowed hurriedly, "My apologies, Your Graces."
Brian raised an eyebrow, "What exactly is the disaster?"
Emily looked uncomfortable, "Well..."
"Go on."
"The men have abandoned their posts."
"What?"
"The gardeners. The stable hands. Half the knights."
Brian frowned, "And where are they?"
Emily pointed toward the training grounds.
"They're all watching Lady Aurora."
Philip closed his eyes. For a moment, he seriously considered retiring.
Without another word, the group headed toward the training yard. As they approached, they found dozens of men hiding behind pillars, walls, and training dummies.
All of them were staring in the same direction.
Brian and Charles followed their gaze.
And froze.
There, in the centre of the yard, stood Aurora. Sword in hand. Hair flowing behind her. Listening attentively as Turner instructed her. Neither duke said a word. They simply stared.
Charles was the first to recover, "...Lady Aurora?"
Aurora turned. A bright smile appeared on her face.
"Oh. Good morning, Dukes."
Turner immediately stepped back and bowed.
Aurora handed him the training sword.
"Thank you, Turner. Same time tomorrow."
The knight sighed.
For some reason, he had a feeling his peaceful mornings were gone forever.
Aurora's outfit
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