The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 38: Lightning Fang

As Clara reached out to Valerie, they embraced tightly beneath the golden wash of sunset light. When they finally pulled apart, Clara's smile still lingered on her lips.

Valerie ruffled her hair. "It's been a while, young lady. Four years, hasn't it?" she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I figured you'd be somewhere far off. I couldn't find you anywhere in the manor."

"I guess curiosity got the better of me. I just found this place withering," Clara laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head. "Also, I didn't even bring Ivy with me this time."

Valerie raised a brow and chuckled. "Still here while it's going dark out? Please be careful next time. Though I must admit, you haven't changed at all, young lady."

Her gaze then flicked to the parchment in Clara's left hand. She squinted, as if recognizing the looping handwriting.

"Have you been practicing spells? That's commendable."

Clara quickly folded it and tucked it into her pocket, looking down with a soft smile. "Uhm... thank you. Though I admit I might've overdone it today. My mana's nearly at its limit."

Then she looked up, curiosity filling her face.

"Miss Valerie," Clara said quietly, "what brings you to Uncle's estate? I thought you were stationed beyond the walls."

Valerie's expression shifted slightly. "I had my reasons, my lady. His Grace allowed me to stay here. And... I heard about the attack on the estate weeks ago. I'm sorry for what you went through, and for the knights' complacency. I should've chosen more capable guards for the manor."

Clara shook her head. "It's all right. It caught all of us by surprise. No one could've predicted it." Her golden eyes glanced over at Valerie, drawn to the knight's strong and comforting presence.

"But you're here now. I'll be safe when you're around, because you're the strongest knight in Wintermere after all," she said with a soft laugh.

Valerie raised a brow and smirked. "Strongest? I wouldn't go that far. I still can't beat your uncle in a spar."

Her thoughts drifted to the past, remembering each duel with the Duke. No matter how fast she moved—swift as lightning—he always countered her effortlessly. Perhaps it was his sharp reflexes or the fact that he was trained by his brother, the finest swordsman of his time, Eric Valenhart. It wasn't surprising, really.

"Uncle's on another level, Miss Valerie. There's no comparison," Clara said, grinning.

"I suppose you're right," Valerie replied. "His Grace is full of surprises."

The dame then gestured Clara to walk with her as Clara complied, their footsteps crunching softly against the earth. The sun was already sinking, and darkness crept into the surroundings.

But Clara wasn't afraid, not with the Dame-Captain walking beside her.

Back in Veridonia, four years ago, Clara had first met Valerie one early morning while quietly practicing spells alone in the garden. Valerie had been visiting her former master in Veridonia, Rose, during a short break after completing a successful mission. Though most of her teenage days were spent handling a sword, she was also taught to cast magic spells and finally obtained Voltaris.

Drawn by the faint shimmer of budding magic in the air, she stood by silently for a while, watching Clara struggle with a Sylva-based spell.

She didn't laugh or judge—only stepped in when Clara's frustration became visible.

"Let it breathe," Valerie had said gently. "Elemental magic like Sylva is a bit of a complex one. It flows better when you're not forcing it."

From that morning onward, Clara never forgot her.