"Since Miss March is so motivated, let's get started right away," Yunli said, nodding at March 7th's spirited demeanor.
"However..."
The very next moment, just as March 7th straightened up, ready to listen intently to the training plan outlined by her two Junior Masters, Yunli abruptly changed the subject.
"Before we begin training, I need to remind you that within the fifteen-day period agreed upon with Scott, there will be three phased exams."
"If you pass these exams, the IPC's scrap metal will be utterly worthless."
"But if you fail, blame Yanqing."
Yunli crossed her arms, delivering this remark with a smug air. Yanqing, who had been standing quietly listening nearby, froze, confusion flickering in his eyes.
Quickly realizing Yunli's ulterior motives, Yanqing retorted, "Heh, if Miss March fails the exams, I'll gladly admit my teaching was inadequate."
"Unlike someone who only knows how to pass the buck, I'll openly admit my mistakes and promptly revise Miss March's training plan."
"Who are you calling a buck-passer?" Yunli retorted, her displeasure evident.
"I didn't name anyone. Why are you taking it so personally?" Yanqing waved his hand dismissively, a mischievous grin spreading across his youthful face.
"You—!" Yunli's small face flushed with anger as she clenched her fists, seemingly itching to punch Yanqing right in the face.
"Ah, I get it now. In Fictional Drama, masters and disciples are practically bound together. If the disciple loses, it's the master who loses face."
Seeing Yanqing and Yunli about to bicker again, March 7th quickly intervened to diffuse the tension.
With a determined expression, she declared, "Don't worry, Junior Masters! I absolutely won't lose!"
"Alright then, enough chatter. Let's begin."
Yanqing and Yunli exchanged glances before nodding in unison to March 7th.
At that moment, March 7th's journey to mastering the sword officially began...
-
"Alright, Miss March, let's end today's sword practice here."
As twilight descended, signaling the end of the day's training session, Yanqing declared the session over. He gazed at March 7th, who stood before him, panting and drenched in sweat, with a mixture of astonishment and satisfaction.
He was astonished that March 7th could still stand upright after a day of grueling, overexerting training. He was also pleased that she had persevered through it all.
Even with the pendant Lady Lumina had given her to sustain her physically, the mental strain must have been nearly as taxing as the physical.
March 7th's endurance truly surprised and pleased Yanqing.
"March 7th, same as yesterday: remember to soak in the herbal bath when you get back," Yunli reminded her. She, too, was slightly surprised by March 7th's endurance but kept her thoughts to herself, instead offering the same reminder as the previous day.
Today's training had been even more intense than yesterday's. While the pendant from Lady Lumina undoubtedly played a crucial role in March 7th's endurance, her own spirit and determination deserved recognition.
"Seriously, don't forget the bath. If you skip it, you'll definitely regret it tomorrow when you wake up stiff and sore."
After giving one last instruction, Yunli glanced at Lumina, Stelle, Little Swarm, and the others beside March 7th. She nodded to them before turning and leaving.
"Oh, right!" Yunli suddenly stopped just a few steps away, turning back to Lumina and March 7th. "Don't be late tomorrow!"
With that, she vanished from sight before either could reply.
"Lady Lumina, Miss March, Master, Miss Little Swarm, see you tomorrow!" Seeing that there was no reason to linger, Yanqing clasped his hands respectfully and bid farewell to the group. After receiving nods in acknowledgment, he followed Yunli's path and departed.
"Hmm... want to stay in my room tonight?" Lumina glanced at March 7th, then at Little Swarm, and finally at Stelle, sensing their expectant gazes. After a moment's thought, she made her decision.
"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm!"
The three girls nodded enthusiastically like chickens pecking at grain.
Stelle's face lit up with excitement, while Little Swarm blushed shyly.
As for March 7th... she seemed to recall the morning's events, her cheeks gradually flushing a delicate crimson.
Her breathing, already heavy and hurried from exhaustion, seemed to quicken even further.
-
"Hmm... March, you should take a bath first. She needs a long soak, which might take quite a while."
"Stelle and Little Swarm can use the other bathroom if they're in a hurry."
In the hotel room, four super adorable beautiful girls had gathered, filling the air with a sweet, cozy atmosphere.
Lumina first gestured for March 7th to bathe first, then pointed to another room nearby, signaling to Little Swarm.
"Um... actually, Stelle or Little Swarm could go first. I'm going to soak for ages, so I can go last," March 7th said, forcing a smile despite her aching body feeling like it was about to fall apart.
"Don't talk so much. Let me prepare your bathwater first," Lumina replied firmly, rejecting March 7th's suggestion.
Without waiting for March 7th's reply, Lumina strode into the bathroom.
Following the routine from yesterday, she filled the tub with water, then dropped in a green bath bomb, dyeing the clear water a vibrant green.
"Uh..."
After finishing all the preparations, just as Lumina was about to leave, the familiar scene triggered a flood of memories from the previous day.
Ugh...
This is getting a bit much.
She quickly shook the images from her mind and sighed.
Well, to be honest, March 7th is...Ahem.
Refusing to dwell further on the thought, Lumina coughed a few times and hurried out of the bathroom.
Regaining her composure, she called out to March 7th, "March, come on! Hurry and wash up so you can soak in the bath. Otherwise, your body won't be able to handle it."
"Just like yesterday, there aren't any clothes. Put on a disposable nightgown when you're done."
Although Lumina could heal March 7th's body instantly, doing so wouldn't benefit March 7th in the long run.
Moreover, after observing March 7th's condition, Lumina realized she could endure the process herself, so she abandoned the idea.
By letting her body cycle between exertion and recovery, March 7th's physical resilience would undoubtedly improve at an astonishing rate.
"Mhm... Sister Lumina, I understand..." Hearing this, March 7th glanced at Stelle, then at Little Swarm, pursed her lips, hesitated, and finally nodded. She stepped into the bathroom.
If only Sister Lumina were there, March 7th wouldn't have hesitated at all.
After all, that morning—no, yesterday—Sister Lumina had already seen everything. So, as far as Sister Lumina was concerned, there was nothing left to hide.
But Stelle and Little Swarm were different. March 7th was still so shy, you know...
After all, she was only wearing a onesie pajama... If she moved too much...
Ugh...
Snap!
"Never mind. As long as I'm careful, it'll be fine."
Lost in thought, March 7th walked into the bathroom. She shook her head sharply, forcing herself to stop overthinking, locked the door, and began undressing...
-
"Stelle, Little Swarm, March 7th will probably be in the shower for a long time. You can use the other bathroom now," Lumina said to the two girls after March 7th closed the bathroom door.
"There are two other bathrooms available, so take your time."
Hearing this, Little Swarm and Stelle exchanged glances, as if communicating through their eyes.
A moment later, Stelle put her hands on her hips, smiled, and declared to Lumina, "Sister Lumina, a beautiful girl is naturally fragrant all over—she doesn't need to shower at all!"
Lumina: ?
A question mark slowly floated above Lumina's head.
While I agree with the sentiment—in fact, I strongly believe it myself—hearing it from a beautiful girl like you... why does it feel... a little off?
Clap, clap, clap! Clap, clap, clap! Clap, clap, clap!
"I agree! I agree!"
Having spent too much time with Stelle, Little Swarm had clearly been corrupted. When Stelle made her declaration, Little Swarm clapped her hands enthusiastically like a devoted fan, echoing Stelle's words.
"..."
Watching Little Swarm's current state, Lumina fell into a stunned silence.
A wave of self-doubt washed over her.
Had sending Little Swarm to be with Stelle been the right or wrong choice?
Though the future remained uncertain, judging by the present, it seemed to have been the wrong one...