She walked toward me quickly, a faint smile on her face.
"So you're the boy who insulted my student," she said. "You look average. And your affinity is dark? How are you even alive as a mercenary?"
Her words stung.
But I didn't react.
Student…?
I glanced at Lerana va Raonelet.
Then I understood.
This woman… she was her instructor. The one teaching her the thorn-style techniques the duke mentioned.
I gave a short greeting.
"My name is Raven Kalyndor."
She didn't bother introducing herself.
"My student told me everything," she said coldly. "You humiliated her."
She stepped closer.
"So… how about a spar?"
She demanded not asked
"I'm not fully recovered," I replied calmly. "Basic movement is possible, but using weapons will take two or three more days. If you can wait—"
"No need," she cut in. "Bare-handed. My student will fight you bare-handed too."
For a moment, I thought—
Is this woman insane?
My body still ached. My right arm wasn't fully healed.
And now she wanted a spar?
I swallowed my anger and tried to refuse politely.
Then she said it.
"If you refuse… I'll make sure your mount is killed."
Something inside me snapped.
Logic disappeared.
First her student made a mistake.
Now this woman was forcing a fight… and threatening Rusty?
I closed my eyes for a moment.
A memory surfaced—
Siena's voice:
"Idiots don't listen to words. Hit them ten times—they'll understand."
I opened my eyes.
"…Fine," I said. "Let's spar."
"I knew this was dangerous… but I didn't stop."
We moved to an open space near the servants' quarters.
The instructor stood to the side, watching closely.
Lerana stepped forward.
I closed my eyes briefly, recalling Siena's movements—her timing, her strikes.
When I opened them again, the spar was about to begin.
Suddenly, Ranile appeared.
"I will act as judge," he said calmly.
The instructor frowned, about to argue, but Ranile's gaze stopped her.
"My lord anticipated this," he added. "Observe."
Then he turned to me.
"A fair match. Do not hold back."
I nodded.
"Start."
I raised my stance.
Right hand near my chest.
Left hand guarding my face.
Lerana dashed forward.
Her footwork was flashy—zigzags, sudden bursts, controlled momentum.
Like a sword thrust—direct and fast.
As she entered my range, she planted her right foot and shifted slightly back, then drove a punch toward my chin.
I slipped to the left and stepped back, dodging.
Immediately, I countered.
My right leg snapped upward in a kick toward her face.
She blocked it with both hands.
Then she tried to grab my leg to break my balance.
I reacted instantly—dropping my leg and resetting my stance.
Right leg back.
Left leg forward.
Before I could move further, she unleashed a barrage of punches.
Fast.
Relentless.
I dodged most of them—but the final strike slipped through.
I tried to block—
Too late.
It hit my stomach.
I staggered back, coughing.
She smirked.
I saw her instructor smirking too… and glancing at Ranile.
Something burned inside me.
That smirk…
I wanted to erase it.
She taunted me with her hand.
"Come."
I took a breath.
Then I moved.
I stepped forward—
Then suddenly dropped my body and launched forward low, using my momentum.
She reacted quickly, raising her guard for a punch or kick.
But I didn't attack with either.
I drove my shoulder toward her stomach.
She lowered her guard to block it.
Exactly as I expected.
The moment she looked down—
I straightened my body sharply.
And slammed my head upward into her chin.
Her body jerked back.
She staggered a few steps, holding her face.
I turned slightly and looked at her instructor.
"Foul!" she shouted. "Ranile! Why aren't you saying anything? That's not proper!"
Ranile glanced at her, expression calm.
"Be quiet."
He gestured toward us.
"Can't you see? The children are fighting."
"Observe."
The instructor fell silent—but her eyes burned with anger as she stared at me.
Like she wanted to kill me.
Lerana took few steps back after that hit and now looking at me.