Valentine stared at Veda with his usual plain expression.
The training ground became quiet except for the occasional rustling of leaves from the trees beyond the stone walls. Several servants stood at a respectful distance while Stoke and the Duke's personal guards remained stationed around the area without making a sound.
Despite the calm atmosphere, Valentine could clearly see the excitement hidden beneath Veda's composed appearance.
There was also tension.
A lot of it.
After all, standing in front of the Head of the Ashenlocke Family was one thing.
Sparring against him was another.
"You may begin."
Valentine spoke slowly as he shifted into a fighting stance.
The movement looked simply, since there was no flashy display or any intimidating burst of Cognis.
Yet the moment he settled his footing, Veda felt a strange pressure.
It was as if a mountain had suddenly appeared before him.
"Okay."
Veda replied.
