𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Ten

【CHAPTER 10】

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The two girls remained like that, their gazes locked on each other, feeling a deeper connection than ever before. The room was imbued with a soothing warmth, a welcome contrast to the tumultuous events of the day.

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The clinking of swords clashing echoed in the training yard. Minji sat beside Danielle, Hanni, and Hyein, all of them watching Haerin sparring with others. Minji observed Haerin with wonder. "I didn't know Haerin could handle a sword," she remarked, admiration evident in her voice as she watched the fluidity and precision of Haerin's movements.

It had been two months since the incident with the prisoner. Minji had feared for her life, but thanks to Haerin, she had been saved. During these two months, Haerin and Minji had grown closer, becoming very close friends. Minji was beginning to understand Haerin better, sensing the inner strength and determination that defined her.

"Since she was young, she knows how to fight. We were forced to learn when we were little, but Haerin surpasses me by far," explained Danielle, smiling.

Minji nodded, still fascinated by Haerin. "She's incredible," she murmured. Haerin's movements were graceful, each sword strike precise and calculated. She moved with feline grace, her face focused and determined. Spectators around the training yard murmured admiring comments, impressed by her skills. "I want to try, can I, unnie?" asked Hyein, her eyes shining with excitement as she looked at Haerin. She then turned to Danielle to ask, "Do you think Haerin will let me try after the training?"

Danielle smiled, amused by Hyein's enthusiasm. "I'm sure Haerin will let you try after the training. She loves sharing her knowledge."

Meanwhile, Hanni approached Minji, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Are you going to try?" she whispered to Minji, who shrugged with hesitation.

"I've never tried," Minji admitted, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

"Come on, let's try. I'm sure you can handle it, you're strong," Hanni encouraged, touching Minji's arms to reassure her. "And besides, it'll be fun to learn together." "Okay," Minji agreed, a shy smile appearing on her face. Hanni smiled satisfactorily.

After Haerin's training, Danielle stood with her in front of the girls, who watched them eagerly. "Come on, let's see how you do," said Danielle, handing a wooden sword to Hyein, who grinned excitedly. She positioned herself in front of Danielle, eager to start.

Meanwhile, Haerin, Hanni, and Minji had moved away a bit, observing the scene. "Aren't you tired?" Minji asked Haerin, who turned away from Danielle and Hyein to smile gently at her friend.

"No, I'm fine. I'm used to training, so it's normal," Haerin replied, returning her attention to the fight before her, which was not really a fight. Danielle was just playing with Hyein, dodging her attacks with ease while Hyein tried desperately to hit her.

Minji nodded, intrigued. "Why do you practice sword fighting?" she asked, curious.

"Our parents forced us to learn since we were young," explained Haerin, sighing slightly. "For them, it's important that we know how to defend ourselves. And for my father, it's crucial that his successor knows how to fight."

"Oh, I thought princesses weren't supposed to fight," said Minji, surprised.

Haerin turned to her, laughing. "You read too many novels, Minji," she said, laughing. "Princesses in books are often depicted as fragile and dependent on others, but reality is different."