The sun hung high in a vast, cerulean sky, a flawless and brilliant dome without a single cloud to mar its perfection.
Within the castle walls, maids diligently performed their daily chores. Some dusted and cleaned the grand rooms, while others laundered clothes or prepared the day's meals in the bustling kitchens.
Just outside lay the massive training grounds. A complex of multiple platforms, some designed for magical practice, others for duels echoed with the sounds of effort. Here, the newest Angel Knights honed their swordsmanship, while mages practiced their spells on enchanted puppets.
A crowd of new recruits had gathered around one particular training ground, their mouths agape. Some wore expressions of sheer surprise, while others had serious, analytical looks as they studied the battle unfolding before them.
Clang!
Two swords met in a shower of sparks, the sharp sound echoing across the field. Seiichi, now ten years old, was locked in a fierce duel with Dómvalka.
With a fluid motion, Dómvalka lunged forward and swung her blade. Seiichi met the strike, but the impact sent a jarring tremor through his arms. He winced, his right eye squeezing shut against the pain that shot through his limbs, feeling as if the bones might shatter.
Dómvalka disengaged, only to surge forward again. This time, as her sword sliced through the air, Seiichi didn't block. Instead, he dropped into a low crouch, the blade whistling harmlessly over his head.
He immediately pressed his advantage, springing forward for a counter-slash. But Dómvalka saw it coming. A confident smirk graced her lips. "Nice try, young master," she said, her voice warm with amusement.
Before his blade could find its mark, she intercepted it with the flat of her own sword.
Seiichi, however, mirrored her smirk. In the same instant, he swept his leg out, aiming to disrupt her balance. Her eyes widened in sudden shock.
A collective gasp rippled through the watching knights, their faces a mix of surprise and admiration.
Seizing the opening, Seiichi put all his strength into a powerful swing. Yet, Dómvalka had already recovered, parrying his attack with flawless precision. The force left Seiichi's arms wide and his body filled with openings. Before he could react, she lunged, mimicking his own sweep perfectly.
Seiichi tumbled to the hard ground. As he struggled to rise, he felt the sharp, cold tip of her sword press gently against his neck.
"I surrender," Seiichi said, his voice flat and laced with frustration.
Dómvalka's smile returned as she gracefully sheathed her sword at her hip. The onlookers erupted into applause, their admiration palpable.
"I think I should just resign, man," one newcomer muttered to his friend. "The young master can give the General a good fight even without any magic, and here I can't even stand firm in her presence."
"Come on, don't say that," his friend reassured him, patting his shoulder. "There's still room for us to grow. Remember, we angels have no limits, we can grow infinitely as long as we train."
"That was the best fight you've given me yet," Dómvalka said, her smile proud. "I'm glad you're improving, young master." She extended a hand to help him up.
Seiichi smirked, grabbing her hand and pulling himself to his feet before dusting off his clothes. "Thanks for the compliment."
Just then, Iris rushed over, a soft, white towel in her hands. She began to gently clean the sweat and dust from his face and hands. "Master, do you need anything? Some water, or perhaps a change of clothes?" she asked, her face beaming.
"I don't need anything. You can go for now, or wait if you wish," Seiichi ordered, his tone commanding and firm.
Iris gave a gentle bow. "As you wish, Master. I'll wait for you." She retreated to a nearby bench, her gaze never leaving him.
Iris had become Seiichi's personal maid when he turned five, and for the past five years, she had remained by his side, attending to his every need.
"Young master, you've made me proud," Dómvalka said, her voice thick with emotion as she wiped a happy tear from her eye. "Even without magic, your strength grows daily. You may even surpass me one day in both power and swordsmanship. That would be my greatest honor."
"No need to be so dramatic," Seiichi deflected.
"Still, it would be an honor. And if, at that time, you were to ask me to marry you, I would accept," she added, a playful, teasing lilt in her voice. "As the last member of my clan, I would need strong heirs to continue my legacy."
Seiichi looked at her awkwardly for a moment before a smirk returned to his face. "Well, if I can't find any other woman by then, I'll consider it. Otherwise, I'd say it's a rather useless proposal." He turned to leave. "I'm going to the castle to bathe."
"I understand. If you ever need me for training, you have but to call. I will be there in an instant," Dómvalka said, bowing her head with a hand over her heart.
As Seiichi walked away, Iris fell into step closely behind him. "Master, would you prefer a cold bath or a hot one?" she asked, leaning slightly closer.
"Mixed," he answered curtly.
"And would you like to wear the red robes or the blue ones?"
"Purple."
Iris sighed, her expression falling. "Master," she murmured, almost inaudibly, "why are you always so cold to me?"
"Because you're annoying and never leave me alone," Seiichi retorted, increasing his pace.
"Huh? You could hear me?" Iris gasped, startled.
"I can always hear you. Even when you whisper, you accidentally speak your thoughts aloud. Not to mention you snore while you sleep, which makes it hard for me to rest," he said, his voice taking on a distinctly annoyed edge.
"I never realized... But you've noticed all that? Does that mean you care about me, since you pay such close attention?" Her face brightened, her voice cheering with hope.
"Whether I care or not is irrelevant. I've been with you for five years, enduring all these things. It's only logical I'd know them," Seiichi stated.
Suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes sharpening like daggers.
"Master, why did you stop?" Iris asked, before following his gaze.
Standing before them was Azariel, a familiar, antagonistic grin plastered on his face. For the past ten years, the relationship between the two brothers had done nothing but deteriorate. Azariel never missed an opportunity to cause trouble for Seiichi.
"How is everything going, my dear little brother?" Azariel said, his smile dripping with false charm.