The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 60. Hidden Talent?

Sarah, Sharon and I arrived at the balcony to enjoy our lunch and we were greeted by Anna, Asha and Cynthia who were already waiting for us. Seems like they were all used to the schedule at this point. Sarah sat down on one side of the table and beckoned for me to join her. I ended up sitting with Sarah on my left and Cynthia on my right. Just like last night at dinner. Lunch was pleasant, it seemed like whatever problems the sisters had, were worked out by now, as they both were enjoying each other's company while we all talked amongst ourselves. During the conversation, I asked a question I was mildly curious about to the people at the table.

" So, girls, what did you all do today after class?"

Everyone was all smiles as they began to explain how they trained by themselves. Asha's day was the most concerning though. She spoke about how she went through her forms and was practicing but she didn't mention anything about sparring, or her mana not being taken by the sword. I asked if we all were still going to spar today later like all of the last 2 months. Everyone was in agreement to do it. They all decided to get an early start and spar while I went and meditated. Anna went with me to meditate; I asked if she wanted to spar instead, but she said she enjoyed the time she had to rest while I was meditating.

After finishing up my meditation Anna and I proceeded to go to the training grounds. Anna was very conservative today, seems she's still not comfortable with the goddess watching us yet. We arrived at the training grounds to see Sarah and Sharon instructing Asha on her swordsmanship. Cynthia was sitting on the grass a few paces away from them. I decided to join her since I was still recovering my mana from my meditation and earlier training session.

" Hey Cynthia, mind if we join you?"

Cynthia was surprised to hear my voice; she jumped when I spoke to her. Once she saw it was Anna and me, she relaxed and smiled. I wonder if she will still be shy around new people? I mean she's been pretty colorful in her emotions since we rescued Sarah. Granted most of that was being angry at me for recklessness but still. She answered me while I was pondering that thought.

" Sure! Why not?"

We both sat down next to Cynthia. I was sandwiched between them. I originally thought Anna would sit next to Cynthia but instead, she wanted to sit next to me. I started conversation with Cynthia by asking her what was going on. She replied to me with a bit of the same tone as Aqua had when she taught us.

" Basically, Asha isn't skilled enough with her sword to defend against us. Because of that, Sarah and Sharon decided to spend their time teaching her swordsmanship so she can be better prepared for the mana cost of the blade as well as be ready for when we all actually fight the Hero Party."

" I see. I was afraid of that happening. Hopefully she can improve a bit with the time we have left."

" Why? Will you try to stop her from coming with us?"

" No. I plan on bringing her. Her skills with magic make her a valuable member of the team in my eyes."

Cynthia simply hummed at my words like she was just enlightened about something.

" You have quite a different tone compared to when we first wanted to fight."

She brought up my different attitude I have since meeting everyone regarding them fighting with me. I agreed with her, so I started to explain why.

" Well yeah, of course. I realized you're all quite capable warriors in your own right. Heck you guys beat the crap out of me during training. If you'd ask if I'd rather have you with me or not though. I prefer you all being safe and sound instead of fighting the Hero Party because of my selfishness. But with that kidnapping, I started to see that my way, may not always be the right way. And maybe it's fine to accept your help. Heck if it wasn't for you snapping me out of that episode back when I killed those 2 guards, who knows what would've happened. Thank you again for that by the way Cynthia. I really needed you in that moment."