Swordsmanship Teacher

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22 - Swordsmanship Teacher

I don't know what your gaze truly holds, but it seems that it has the ability to stop everything around me… ~ Florence Joyce

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Risa was speechless at first. Not because she did not expect for it to turn out to be him, but because her mind was racing a million miles per hour to process everything that she had just been told.

"What is the meaning of this? Why... didn't you tell me your real name before?" she couldn't help asking as she kept fumbling her hands. This was the first time she felt this nervous in front of a man.

And to think this person in front of her who was her savior before turned out to be someone important in the kingdom.

"I hope you do forgive my master for his actions before, Lady Risa," Shuren said, disrupting the silence between her and Prince Alathil. "But I don't think you'd even believe him even if he told you about his true identity."

Well, Shuren does have a point there. Even so, she still couldn't believe this was happening. To think Prince Alathil agreed to train her in swordsmanship. A woman. She wasn't stupid; she knew what a sword was. She could pick up anything in a matter of seconds and knew how to use it effectively, especially against those with magic. But this... this was something different from what she ever thought possible. It made no sense whatsoever.

"Could it be that... you're thinking why I agreed to Lady Enlari's request to train you?" the Second Prince suddenly asked, snapping her out of her reverie.

As much as it surprised her, she still managed to laugh. It wasn't like she could actually lie to him when he was able to point out what she was thinking at the moment. That would only make things more awkward. She was already having trouble keeping her gaze steady on his as it was.

"It seems that I can't hide things from you if you're able to figure that one out," she answered instead when she finally found the courage to look at Prince Alathil.

"I can see it in your face right now. Just as how I found you fascinating the first time I met you."

Oh, does this man have to make her blush like that? It was already hard for her to face the Second Prince in his eyes and now he would say things like this. Just what in the world was happening? It was all very weird, really. And that was putting it lightly.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm. If she wanted to make an impression on the Second Prince then she needed to remain composed. As long as she stayed calm, then maybe he wouldn't suspect anything and would let her train under him.

"Then... I am under your care, Your Highness," Risa said.

Prince Alathil's expression, however, turned somber that made her frown. Did she say something bad?

"Risa..." he started and sighed afterwards. "I'd like it best if... you wouldn't be so formal in addressing me when I start training you. Please... remain calling me as Azi."

That last word... was it supposed to make her heart beat faster or slower? Her mouth went dry at that moment. He said her name again, and now it felt like she couldn't get enough of it. She never dreamed that such a nice sounding name could come from such a charming, charming person.

She took a deep breath and faced the Second Prince. This time, with a smile on her face. "Then Azi it is. I think it would be beneficial for me to have someone I know teach me something I needed to learn while... I'm here in this place."

He smiled back. "You are certainly correct. Forgive me for taking advantage of your kindness, Risa."

She shook her head and smiled. "I don’t think there is anything for you to apologize for." After a few moments she decided to ask the question she wanted to ask earlier on. "May I ask you something personal, Azi?"

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