As the sun climbed higher and higher, something stirred quietly beneath the neatly trimmed hedges. Hidden carefully within the foliage, three figures crouched, their eyes wide with curiosity. One's hair gleamed like fresh snow, impossibly pristine despite brushing against leaves and twigs. Another's rippled in playful, watery-blue strands, gathered neatly into dripping pigtails. The last bore short layers of sandy brown hair, spiraling softly around her face, her horns vibrating gently with excitement.

They whispered fiercely among themselves, shifting slightly to better view the small clearing of sand just beyond their hiding place.

Behind them, a rustle startled the trio into tense silence. Sila, basket in hand and gardening gloves still on, peered suspiciously into the bushes. She huffed, a flash of irritation crossing her face.

"Really?" she snapped, hands firmly on her hips, voice edged with annoyance. "Breakfast is late because you three decided to—"

Instantly, three pairs of delicate hands reached out, grabbing hold of her and pulling her roughly down into the shrubbery.

"Quiet!" hissed the blue-haired maid, clamping a hand over Sila's mouth.

"Just watch," the white-haired maid whispered urgently, excitement shining in her eyes.

Sila's initial resistance melted into confused curiosity as she peered through the gaps in the leaves. Her eyes widened at what she saw.

In the sand-covered clearing stood Kaiser and Celestine, facing each other with wooden swords in hand. Celestine's royal dress was utterly ruined, streaked with dirt and torn in places, a few faint bruises blooming like flowers across her pale skin. Yet, for the first time in recent memory, Celestine looked genuinely happy. Her eyes sparkled with determination and joy, her mouth curving into a brilliant smile. The heavy shadow that had lingered over her features was now completely vanished.

Kaiser, too, appeared more at ease than Sila had ever seen him. A rare, quiet smile softened his usually stern expression as he parried Celestine's attacks with casual ease. His movements were minimal and precise; each flick of his wrist or shift of his footing seemed effortless, frustratingly so.

Celestine lunged forward again, swinging her wooden sword with a burst of sudden force. Her strikes carried passion, but little subtlety. Kaiser sidestepped casually, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"You're still fighting as if simply touching me means victory," Kaiser remarked coolly, parrying her blade and sending Celestine stumbling slightly. "You're overcommitting."

Celestine laughed breathlessly, recovering quickly and twirling to face him again. Her golden hair danced wildly around her face, catching the sunlight like spun gold.

"Isn't it?" she teased, her breathing rapid but steady. "If my sword was real, a single touch would end most duels. There's no Titan alive who could withstand it long enough to retaliate."

Kaiser's expression hardened slightly, his tone growing sharper. "And what if you face someone more skilled? What if that touch never comes? You'd trade your safety for a desperate gamble?"

She grinned mischievously, eyes flashing defiantly. "It's hardly desperate. My sword has its own Sol Core—it burns brighter than you'd think. Unless my opponent is a Hope, they won't get a second chance."

Kaiser's brow rose slightly in surprise and mild approval, even as skepticism lingered in his eyes. Celestine noticed his doubt, and without breaking eye contact, she held up her left arm. As if responding to her silent command, the shallow cuts across her skin began to close instantly, the thin trickles of rainbow-white blood dissolving back into flawless porcelain skin.

"See?" she said confidently. "As long as there's light, I can heal myself indefinitely. Trading blows is entirely in my favor."

Kaiser's eyes flickered thoughtfully, noticing a faint dimming of the vivid orange aura surrounding her body as she healed. "It drains your Sol, though—albeit slightly. What happens when your reserves run dry?"

Celestine's smile wavered, her confidence flickering briefly. "Then I suppose I better not let that happen."

From their hidden perch, the maids watched with fascination.

"Did you see that?" whispered the sandy-haired maid, trembling slightly. "She healed instantly! Just like in the stories."

"Maybe she really can beat him," murmured the blue-haired maid eagerly, horns bobbing in excitement.

"No chance," the white-haired maid replied matter-of-factly. "Look at him. He's barely even sweating."

Sila glanced between her sisters, intrigued by their comments but unable to tear her eyes away from the sparring match.

Back in the clearing, Kaiser shook his head gently, clearly unconvinced. "What a single-minded tactic. A skilled opponent will use your confidence against you. You rely too much on surprise, Princess. It's predictable."

He stepped back, raising his wooden sword. He shifted smoothly into a strange, unconventional stance—body turned slightly, blade held parallel to the side of his head, legs perfectly balanced.

"What's that?" whispered Sila.

"I don't know," the sandy-haired maid replied softly, her voice hushed in admiration, "But it looks terrifying."

Celestine hesitated, momentarily thrown off balance by the unfamiliar stance. Kaiser's eyes met hers, calm and challenging.

"Attack," he commanded simply, voice low yet carrying unquestionable authority.

With a determined breath, Celestine sprang forward. She swung with vigor, aiming at what she perceived as Kaiser's exposed side. But in an instant, Kaiser shifted fluidly, pivoting like water flowing around a stone. Her blade cut harmlessly through empty air.

"Too obvious," he murmured, stepping back into his stance, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Celestine attacked again, frustration creeping into her movements. Kaiser deflected her blows easily, his demeanor calm but increasingly annoyed by her reckless attacks. His wooden sword blurred gracefully, turning aside each desperate strike.

"Think, Celestine!" he urged sharply, stepping around her assault. "Stop merely reacting. Anticipate. Control your movements."

She lunged again, determined to prove herself, but this time Kaiser swiftly caught her blade on his own, twisting his wrist deftly. The wooden sword was knocked from Celestine's grip, skidding across the sand and coming to rest at the clearing's edge.

Breathing heavily, Celestine's hands curled into frustrated fists. Her cheeks were flushed, her golden eyes blazing not with anger but stubborn resolve.

The maids behind the bushes collectively held their breath, exchanging nervous, excited glances.

Kaiser lowered his sword slightly, his voice softening with patient explanation. "You fight as though victory is guaranteed the moment you strike. That arrogance blinds you. If you trade a blow you believe you can heal, what happens if the blow is fatal, Celestine? No healing can save you from a strike that never allows you the chance to think."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

She exhaled sharply, absorbing his critique, then nodded with reluctant acceptance. "I understand. You're right. I have relied too heavily on my power."

Kaiser gave a faint nod of approval. "Power is no substitute for skill. Learn control and patience. Then use your power to enhance it."

The maids, still hidden, relaxed slightly, exhaling simultaneously.

"They're incredible together," the white-haired maid said softly, eyes wide in admiration. "It has been a long time since I've seen her so full of determination."

"They balance each other," murmured Sila thoughtfully, her earlier irritation forgotten. "Maybe this is exactly what she needs."

As Kaiser retrieved Celestine's fallen sword and tossed it gently back to her, he caught her eye, offering an encouraging nod. "Again, Princess."

"Looks like breakfast will have to wait," murmured the blue-haired maid happily.

"No one will mind," Sila replied warmly, her voice gentle with relief. "Not when the princess is smiling again."

Kaiser moved smoothly back into his unusual stance, feet spread precisely shoulder-width apart. His blade rose deliberately, aligned horizontally beside his head, the wooden tip pointed straight toward Celestine. His crimson eyes, intense yet calm, fixed on her with unwavering determination.

"This stance is called the McBane," Kaiser announced, voice steady and cool. "Specifically developed for people like you. Powerful but reckless."

Celestine's eyes narrowed in curiosity, catching her breath as she steadied her sword. Sweat glistened delicately on her forehead beneath the rising sunlight, betraying a mixture of anticipation and growing excitement.

"I will teach it to you later," Kaiser continued, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But first, you should experience its true potential when wielded by someone who's mastered it."

Celestine swallowed hard, sensing the gravity of his words. She quickly adopted a defensive stance, raising her wooden sword directly before her, gripping it tightly with both hands. Her gaze, bright yet wary, stayed fixed on Kaiser's every slight movement.

From their hidden vantage, the maids squealed in unrestrained excitement, voices barely whispers but filled with eager intensity.

"Go, Princess!" urged the sandy-haired maid, hands trembling with enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkled brilliantly, reflecting admiration for Celestine's bravery.

"You can do it!" echoed the blue-haired maid, bouncing slightly in excitement, her horns bobbing joyously.

"Idiots," hissed the white-haired maid sharply, voice sharp with seriousness. Her gaze was riveted on Kaiser, white hair glowing softly, utterly immaculate despite their surroundings. "You don't understand. Not even Master Regulus displayed this level of skill."

The other maids scoffed lightly, giggling quietly.

"Regulus was a Titan," the sandy-haired maid whispered dismissively. "Kaiser's just a Hero. There's no comparison."

Only Sila noticed her white-haired sister's quiet, severe expression, the subtle fear flickering in her eyes as she watched Kaiser intently, as if glimpsing a storm on the distant horizon.

Before they could debate further, Kaiser surged forward, a blur of controlled aggression. His feet tore through the sand, leaving a cloud of dust behind him, obscuring his movement momentarily. Celestine barely had a chance to blink before Kaiser appeared before her, blade darting forward with the precision of a striking viper, swift and mercilessly targeted at every exposed weakness.

Each strike was a needle-thin thrust, delivered with surgical precision—shoulders, knees, elbows—all spots where Celestine was vulnerable. The attacks were rapid, relentless; each thrust was instantly withdrawn, offering no opportunity for her to regain her footing or anticipate the next strike.

Yet, to everyone's shock, including Kaiser's, Celestine began to match his attacks. Her reactions accelerated dramatically, a startling shift from her previous sluggishness. Each clash of wooden swords sent reverberating echoes ringing through the garden. Her golden eyes were locked fiercely onto his blade, tracking each strike with laser-focused intensity. Her entire body shimmered brighter by the second, skin beginning to radiate a soft, pulsing glow.

A grin spread across Kaiser's face, genuine and dangerous, excitement burning within his crimson eyes. He sprang back, smoothly disengaging, feet skidding gracefully across the sand.

"Why the hell were you holding back before?" he demanded, genuine intrigue mingling with irritation. "You could have moved like this from the beginning."

Celestine lowered her sword, cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. Her breath came in short, uneven gasps as embarrassment colored her expression.

"I—I believed what I heard about you," she confessed hesitantly, voice gentle but honest. "I trusted the stories, that I could learn from you. But—"

She hesitated, biting her lip as though ashamed of what she was about to say next.

"But what?" Kaiser prompted sharply, his irritation deepening.

Celestine winced slightly, raising her eyes to meet his reluctantly. "But you're still ranked a Hero, Kaiser. I'm a Saint-ranked Liberator. I'm a whole rank higher then you. I thought…perhaps I shouldn't go all-out."

The hidden maids gasped simultaneously, covering their mouths to muffle their reactions.

"Oh no," whispered the sandy-haired maid worriedly. "She shouldn't have said that."

Even the blue-haired maid grew pale, swallowing nervously. "That was a mistake."

Kaiser's entire posture changed abruptly, a sudden, ominous stillness settling over him. His expression hardened into a mask of cold determination. Celestine felt a sudden, sharp chill run down her spine, realizing she had deeply offended him.

"A Saint?" he echoed, voice dangerously soft. "You truly think ranks alone matter in real battle?"

Before Celestine could respond, Kaiser's wooden sword flashed forward again—twice as fast, trice as powerful. His strikes were merciless, each blow shaking her grip painfully, forcing her backwards step by desperate step. She fought with all her might, her earlier confidence evaporating beneath his relentless assault.

Their wooden blades clashed violently, sand erupting beneath their feet with every fierce exchange. Celestine grunted with effort, eyes wide with disbelief as Kaiser's overwhelming strength and skill pushed her relentlessly backward.

Hidden in the bushes, the maids watched, breathless and entranced.

"He's… incredible," murmured Sila quietly, voice filled with awe and uncertainty.

"Terrifying," whispered the sandy-haired maid, voice shaking.

"Beautiful," breathed the white-haired maid softly, admiration gleaming in her wide, mesmerized eyes.

Kaiser's assault intensified, each blow delivered with overwhelming force. His voice came steady, low, precise between strikes: "You think being a Saint matters on the battlefield, Celestine?" he questioned sharply, blade cracking against hers. "Do you think it protects you when your enemy's sword is inches from your throat!?"

Celestine could only gasp and parry desperately, her strength fading under his relentless pressure. Her skin glowed brighter, desperately healing minor cuts as they appeared, but Kaiser's barrage seemed endless.

"Ranks are labels," Kaiser continued fiercely, eyes burning with intensity. "They give a false sense of security. On the field, there is only survival."

Celestine grunted in pain as Kaiser's sword landed heavily against her guard, driving her back yet another step. Her eyes widened in shock and realization, the reality of Kaiser's words sinking in deeply.

"Never underestimate your opponent," Kaiser growled sharply, driving another devastating blow toward her weakened guard. "And never hold back out of pride."

The maids trembled, captivated and frightened by Kaiser's raw power. They watched Celestine's desperate defense, hearts pounding in unison.

"Fight!" Kaiser shouted, voice ringing fiercely through the garden. "Show me what you're truly capable of, Princess!"

With a sudden burst of resolve, Celestine gritted her teeth, gathering her courage. Her aura exploded outward, blazing vividly orange-gold. Her movements became faster, more determined, clashing now with equal ferocity. Their swords met repeatedly, sending shockwaves rippling through the clearing.

"Yes!" Kaiser urged, fierce joy gleaming in his eyes. "That's it! Fight for your life!"

"She's matching him!" exclaimed the sandy-haired maid, joyously breathless.

"Impossible," breathed Sila, eyes shining with pride.

Yet even as Celestine's defense grew desperate and impressive, Kaiser's skill was undeniable. His movements were flawless, anticipating every action she made, guiding their battle with calculated precision. The wooden swords cracked fiercely together, echoes of their duel screaming through the entire garden.

Finally, with a surge of overwhelming strength, Kaiser knocked Celestine's blade aside, sending it spiraling through the air. Celestine stumbled backward, collapsing onto the sand, panting heavily, sweat streaming down her flushed face.

Kaiser stood over her, breathing steady, expression solemn yet filled with respect.

"Now," he said softly, offering a hand down to her, crimson eyes gentle yet stern. "Now you begin to understand."

She let out a shaky laugh, half defiance, half relief. "I don't know if I understand, Kaiser," she panted, brushing tangled hair from her face. "But I feel it. Every muscle, every bruise… this feeling will be reminding me for days."

Her eyes rose to meet his, and instead of pure humility, there was the old spark again: wounded pride, stubbornness, and a hunger to get stronger.

"I suppose I deserved that," she admitted, a rueful smile breaking through. "But don't think for a second I'm satisfied. Next time, you'll be the one eating sand."

She straightened her posture, breathing ragged but proud, and added, "And don't tell anyone I said thank you."

Kaiser smiled. "Good. I expect nothing less, Princess."

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