The training ground behind the Exelio estate was filled with the sound of clashing blades.
Cassian swung his sword with grace. His movements were refined and sharp for someone of his age.
"You've improved, Lionel," Cassian said. The corner of his mouth rose upward, forming into a playful smile as he stepped back and adjusted his grip on his sword.
"I could say the same to you," Lionel replied evenly, before their swords met.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
They exchanged a few movements before retreating a step back.
"The academy's been tough, but I guess it paid off. You'll see once you get there next year, Lionel. You'll eventually get as strong as me," Cassian's grin widened.
"I'll look forward to that."
The two circled each other again.
Cassian was the first to move, his blade coming fast from the side, but Lionel parried it cleanly.
A few more strikes followed, each faster than before. They were both pushing harder now, testing each other's limits.
After a while, Cassian lowered his sword slightly, catching his breath. "By the way," he began casually, "have you already decided which knights you'll be bringing to the forest?"
"Yes, I have someone in mind. Don't worry." Lionel smiled sweetly at his cousin's question. He was sure as hell that it wasn't just a casual question.
"Oh, really?" Cassian tilted his head to the side. There was a glint of annoyance in his eyes as he heard the answer. It wasn't what he was expecting.
"Well, if you ever find them unreliable, you could always count on mine. I can lend you a few of my men since they're well-trained."
"That's generous of you, cousin. But there's no need. I trust the knights under our house." Lionel smiled faintly.
Something flickered in Cassian's expression.
"I see," he said simply, his voice becoming just a little quieter. "That's… good."
Then, without warning, Cassian lunged forward again. All of a sudden, his attacks became heavier.
Lionel, who was already expecting something like this, brought his sword up in time. The force rattled through his arm, but his stance didn't break. Their blades locked, eyes meeting in the middle.
Cassian's grin had returned, but there was an edge to it now.
"You've gotten sturdier," he muttered.
Lionel pushed back, forcing Cassian to step away.
"You too," he replied coolly.
The duel continued for another few minutes, both moving with speed and precision. But despite Cassian's advantage in strength and experience from the academy, Lionel's technique was cleaner and better.
His footwork was more stable, and his swings were more controlled. It was the same with his timing, which was almost perfect for his age.
Since childhood, Lionel had always been gifted with the talent for swordsmanship. Maybe it was because his father was a good general that he naturally inherited it.
On the other hand, Cassian's father was not gifted with the talent of swords, but rather the mind. Since he was often sick in his younger days, he spent most of his time reading and studying. Over the years, he became good at politics.
The duel became longer than what they expected.
All the time, Cassian's swings carried power, fueled by both pride and irritation. Lionel, on the other hand, moved with calmness. He was not as strong, but he was obviously far more composed.
Every time Cassian tried to overpower him, Lionel would just step back to exhaust him.
Because of this, the knights and servants watching from the sides couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"They're incredible…"
"The young master's really holding his ground against Lord Cassian."
"I heard Lord Cassian's already at the top of his class in the academy, but young master Lionel's keeping up!"
Cassian gritted his teeth as he blocked Lionel's counter. He could feel it. The difference between them was not that huge.
He was obviously older. He was even trained by elite instructors, and yet why was Lionel, who hadn't even entered the academy, pushing him this far?
With a short breath, Cassian shifted his stance and lunged forward. Lionel blocked the first few blows, but the weight behind them was different now. His arms trembled slightly from the impact. His young body was struggling to keep up with the force.
Then—
Clang!
Cassian twisted his wrist and knocked Lionel's sword out of his hand. The blade flew a few feet away and landed on the ground with a dull sound.
Silence followed for a moment before the knights broke into applause for Cassian's victory.
Cassian stood straight, his sword still pointed down at the ground. Now, he had a genuine smile on his face again.
"Looks like I win this time."
"Yeah," Lionel smiled. He didn't sound disappointed at all. If anything, he was even amused.
Because even though Cassian technically won, everyone could tell how close it had been.
"It's alright, young master! You're still amazing!"
"I know, right. To think he could stand toe-to-toe with Lord Cassian!"
"At this rate, I'm sure our young master here will become one of the Empire's greatest knights!"
Cassian froze for a second at the comments. Why are the compliments going to Lionel when they should have been for him?
His fingers slowly tightened around his sword hilt to his annoyance.
"Lionel, it was a good match," he said quickly, forcing a polite smile on his face. "But I should excuse myself now. I forgot there are matters I need to attend to."
Before anyone could respond, Cassian turned around and walked away. He was slightly stomping his feet on the ground.
Lionel stood still for a few seconds, watching his cousin's retreating back.
"Did he get annoyed at the soldier's words?" He couldn't help but chuckle softly under his breath.
The knights and servants nearby blinked in confusion. "Young master?" one of them asked.
Lionel just laughed again, shaking his head.
Then, as he looked up, his gaze caught two familiar figures standing with the soldiers on the training ground.
A slow smile tugged at his lips.
"Well, speaking of the devils…" he murmured under his breath.