First Of All, Lets Hide My Younger Brother

Chapter 18

Having learned the basics of fencing, I was able to take lessons with the rest of the students from my class. I was still inexperienced but I was sure that I would learn.

For our final test we had to split up in pairs to spar. Prior to the test I was studying with the master swordsman in charge of the class as a beginner. However, during practice, I saw a lot in common with the kendo that I had done in my previous life.

Judging by the method of capturing the body’s center of gravity, the moment requiring direct force for the attack was the same as in kendo. The only difference was the way the goal was achieved.

Basic fencing is called Guardian Style Fencing here and is very similar to the fencing I would see on TV in my past life.

After learning the fundamentals, I realized that the basic methods were fun and I became more and more confident. I really liked receiving praise from the master swordsman. According to him,  my stance was impeccable.

The guy who was supposed to show up at any moment finally came.

“Hello, we meet for the first time, young Kayla Vesta.”

No one has called me “young” since I entered knight class, but he said it with confidence.

‘He was childish but I was impressed by his slender body, short blond hair, and long, thin face. This is the face of the guy who punched Franz in the stomach in the first chapter of the original story.’

This guy’s name…

“We study in the same class. I am Nicholas Chard.”

Instead of asking to shake his hand, Nicholas leaned over and kissed her hand.

In a formal setting, it was common for the man to ask permission to kiss the back of the woman’s hand. However, we were not in such a situation.

Every eye in class was focused on us. I was embarrassed since the most obvious choice of greeting was a handshake.

“I’m Kayla Vesta from third grade.”

I held out my right hand to request a handshake. Seeing my hand, Nicholas Chard smiled insincerely and shook it.

“Young lady, I’m embarrassed.”

“I don’t want you to call me that at school.”

Nicholas’ jaw dropped when he heard my demand.

“Oh, sorry. When I saw Kayla I was ecstatic.”

He seemed to be amused when he said this, as if he was mocking me.

“I think the Vesta family is admirable. There is considerable improvement. Is it because of the talent flowing in your blood?”

“In that case, don’t hinder me from completing my paired training and please take your seat.”

I thought I had expressed my displeasure enough, but Nicholas did not leave me alone.

“I flatter you.”

I held on to the hilt of the training rapier, pretending not to hear him. My grip on the sword became slippery from the sweat that started to form on my hands.

“You can share breaks with me, Vesta. You have no idea how lonely I am with Franz gone.”

This guy shamelessly brought up Franz.

“Have you heard of my relationship with Franz? We were very close…”

At that moment, I felt my blood boil with anger as memories of the past rushed in.