Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 56

***

"Did you hear about the new girl?"

It was like a pebble tossed into calm water—no, more like a rock splashing into the sea with a loud crash.

"Sir Eric's pride must be pretty bruised."

"He took after the Count and never takes a vacation. He's been in seclusion for several days now... Anyway, that new recruit is quite something."

Recently, Tenearha had talked about Erica at a gathering.

Several knights from the First Army had witnessed the fight between her and Eric that day.

The duel was so intense that everyone had to keep their distance, the deafening noise forcing them back.

It was interrupted by a knight captain who rushed in just as it was about to conclude.

'...Eric was pushed back a bit.'

There was no way the swordmasters, each casting sneaky glances, could miss it.

It ended in a draw, but if it had continued, it would have been Eric's loss.

Everyone was stunned.

A monstrous newcomer.

Only eighteen!

A girl, so young, less than half the average age in Tenearha.

A girl, with a frame and stature half that of a man.

A commoner who clearly hadn't received any formal swordsmanship training.

The more they pondered it, the more they could only wonder one thing.

'Where did that come from?'

It was pure admiration.

Most of Tenearha's members were nobles, but their selection was based on merit, not status.

It was officially recognized by the Imperial Court and known throughout the Empire.

An elite group chosen solely to become Swordmasters.

Their pride didn't stem from their nobility.

"Have you seen that child's aura?"

The sound of her sword, combined with the intensity of her aura, made their hearts race.

That brilliant, powerful light.

"Yes. She is nearly unbeatable based on aura light alone."

"Sir Dominic has witnessed it himself and raves about it."

More than any other knightly order, the Order of Tenearha was a meritocracy.

It could not afford to overlook a knight of merit.

Erica's name quickly spread throughout the Order.

Moreover, at the first day's assembly.

"Oh! Marquis! How have you been?"

Everyone could hardly believe what they were witnessing.

"The oranges were delicious."

Smiling warmly at Erica was the unmistakable Marquis Knobel.

'...Oranges?'

'...Oranges??? That ordinary yellow fruit, sweet and sour, grown in the South?'

Was this some kind of code word?

Did His Excellency really enjoy oranges?

The flurry of activity was brief but intense.

Marquis Knobel was the most powerful nobleman on the island, let alone in Tenearha.