The duel between the twosted for as long as an hour.


    ng!


    The swords collided.


    Gasp


    Gasp!


    Both Jermi and Tundra were exhausted, though Tundra had a lot of minor wounds here and there while Jermi was unscathed


    In terms of skill, the small storm had the upper hand.


    It was undeniable. No matter how naturally talented Tundra was, the time he took to master the sword itself was still not enough.


    Vi watched the duel between the two carefully.


    Hickson smiled and said, But you still fight pretty well, right?


    Yes.


    Well, itll be hard to win.


    No. You have to win against Tundra because hes fighting on behalf of me.


    Jermi and Tundra collided again.


    Jermis sword stretched sharply toward Tundras neck, and Tundra quickly avoided the sword and stabbed his opponent.


    Tundra. Is that all my hunting dog can do?


    He was definitely doing well. He was almost on par with a swordsman who had twice the amount of experience.


    Vis intervention temporarily stopped the duel.


    Gasp! Tundra was very tired, but his eyes were zing.


    Rather, the fire in his eyes was more alive than the first time.


    Prince Jermi has a habit of giving strength to his index finger before the sword isunched.


    Vi did not discover this herself. It was mentioned in the novel. Later, it was a big weakness for him.


    It would be helpful to distinguish between a true attack and a feint.


    When it came to a real attack, strength went into the index finger.


    As the force is applied to the index finger, the little finger is rtively slightly stretched out.


    It was Jermis bad habit.


    Feel the rhythm, but also observe the patterns.


    Jermis first attack was always a light stab.


    Now every attack of the Storm Sword begins with a stab.


    The movement itself was simple.


    It was just that it was so fast and natural that it was hard to parry.


    ording to the response to the stab, Prince Jermis next move is decided.


    If it was a retreat, there was a nine out of ten chance that he would go deep.


    If it was a counterattack, he would step to the right.


    Hearing those words, Jermi smiled involuntarily.


    Come to think of it Thats true, right?


    The movements that remained in his subconscious now seemed to be clearly visible to Vi.


    As expected of a Verratoux! Howd you figure it out? You must be more skilled than me; thats the only way you can see right through me, right?


    Although she was still young and her physicality was not astounding, it was said that she was born with the ability to read the flow. A few yearster, as time went by, Vi might be a stronger master far beyond himself.


    ng!


    Jermis sword was broken.


    Being cheap, it likely could no longer endure the sheer amount of strain it had experienced over the past hours.


    Flop.


    Tundra, who broke Jermis sword, passed out.


    Okay, its a tie.


    One had a broken sword and the other fainted.


    Jermi shrugged as if regretful. It was a draw against Vis hound, so it was his loss. Yes, it is a draw. I know its only been a few years since hes learned the sword, but yourpanions sword here is truly worthy of protecting you. I think he deserves to be Sir Hicksons disciple. His gaze shifted to vi, a soft smile on his face. And Princess Vi. Thank you. Thanks to you, I caught a bad habit.


    I didnt mean to help..


    Thank you for the good teaching, Medea. One day, I will surely ovee you and capture the house of Verratoux. Thank you for saving me today.


    That was how it was said in the novel.


    At that point, Medea was both an enemy and a benefactor.


    The weaknesses of Jermi that Vi pointed out were actually those that Medea hadter pointed out.


    Is Schr Jermi still learning the Storm Sword?


    Yes, that is correct.


    Same as Tundras style, that one has a strong momentum and consumes mana very quickly, doesnt it?


    Yes.


    I think it will be of great help if he practices meditation.


    Is yoga considered meditation?


    As soon as he heard that, Hickson burst intoughter. The yoga meditation ceremony was the breathing method and basic exercise method that noble girls of this world learned.


    However, it was also something that wouldter be re-evaluated by Jermi.


    If I had learned the Yoga meditation five years earlier, I would have achieved a lot more.


    Anyway, at this point in time, the yoga meditation ceremony was the kind that the warriors were learning. It was not a meditation ceremony.


    Are youughing at me for barely having a draw with your dog?


    No way. I respect those who do their best. Thank you for honoring my swordsman.


    Jermi looked at Vi for a long time with interested eyes.


    Vi seemed sincere.


    You want me to learn how to meditate?


    It wasnt a joke.


    He didnt know why she said that, but he understood.


    I see. Princess Vis words are worthy of deep consideration. Anyway, I noticed a bad habit thanks to Princess Vi today, and I think I can improve upon it.


    Thats a relief.


    And since I tied with your dog


    Yes.


    I sincerely apologize for all my actions. I was just motivated to be close to the princess.


    Are you apologizing only with words?


    Is there anything you want?


    Vi smiled lightly.


    Jermi somehow felt afraid of that smile, feeling as if the skin of his face was being pricked.


    I already know Schr Jermis advantage.


    Really?


    That process and method were just wrong.


    Yes.


    Thats why Im going to take that same favor and win.


    The so-called Mad Wizards Laboratory.


    There, Jermi signed a contract with a spirit with the name of Kell, whichter grew into the Spirit of the Wind.


    If I could sign a contract with a spirit there


    It would make her life so much easier.


    The Mad Wizards Laboratory was a very special ce, a strange historic site where one could make a contract with a spirit even without a high affinity with the spirit world.


    In other words, it was an opportunity to meet a bodyguard, no, the guardian spirit.


    So, Im going to visit the ruins with Sir Jermi.


    I thought you would say no.


    I was going to say no until I saw you really fighting with my dog.


    That was a lie, she had no intention of rejecting it. She was trying to get all the benefits possible while maintaining a proper distance from Jermi.


    Jermi, who was currently feeling equal parts confused and foolish.


    I have decided to acknowledge Sir Jermi as a warrior, so Ive decided to apany you. I enjoyed seeing you fight in the way of the storm. Its a great achievement.


    Hehe. He rubbed his nose.


    It made him feel good that such a skilled Verratoux such as Vi seemed to be recognizing his skills.


    Instead, Vi brought up the topic. Agree to give me priority if I get anything there.


    Jermi pondered for a moment. Nobody knew what woulde out of the ruins. It was even possible to get nothing at all.


    But Princess Vi deliberately taught me by pointing out my weaknesses and wrong habits.


    If it were his enemy, he wouldnt have taught them.


    In addition, she even protected my pride.


    She didnt teach him in person. By pretending to give Tundra advice, she handed Jermi the information.


    He judged that it was Vis meticulous and warm consideration. I think my father will be angry if I blindly ept the condition. Actually, its information that my father gave me.


    Then I wont apany you.


    Why are you in such a hurry? Jermiughed. Ill make an additional condition, too. Listen. It wont be a loss.


    What is it?


    I became interested in the princess. I want to get close to you. Its amazing that you have those eyes at that age. I think we have to let go of our grudges to get to know each other. I was going to let go fromst time, but I ended up losing.


    Jermi bit his lip slightly to show his determination.


    A strongmitment made it easier to speak.


    As soon as possible, he spoke quickly, If you refuse to talk, I will officially ask the Verratoux family for an engagement.


    Engagement?


    Vi was well aware that he had no interest in women or marriage.


    Even at this moment, the curiosity in Jermis eyes was not at all curiosity in her as a woman.


    Vi Verratoux was mysterious in this mans eyes for her strange kindness.


    Im not interested in women or marriage anyway. If I have to get married anyway, it wouldnt be bad to have a rtionship with a Verratoux. Theres no reason to reject me, right? In my own way, I am the sessor to the Storm Fortress, and the House of Verratoux can get their hands on a southern fortress. Geographically, its a very, very good position to keep the empire in check, and your family can also kill two birds with one stone. Perhaps Princess Vi, a white Verratoux, thinks so too. What do you think?


    Viughed incredulously at how marriage was being used as a negotiation point. As a condition of transferring the priority ofpensation, I ept informal speech.


    You dont want to be engaged with me?


    I dont.


    Jermi was one of the main supporting actors, a person who grew up oveing all kinds of dangers and adversity.


    There were always viins and traps around him.


    If one wasnt a fan living for Jermis face, its best to stay away.


    People say Im handsome.


    Youre handsome.


    Then why wont you ept the engagement?


    What was wrong with him? He wasnt even interested in her like that.


    Vi sighed. Its not my cup of tea.


    Your face is my preference, but your life is too dangerous.


    She wasnt about to ruin her ns for a safe, happy life for a pretty face.


    Im so sad to hear that. I think Princess Vi is cute.


    Thank you for the empty words.


    Hicksons eyes widened.


    That kid!


    There was another human who recognized Vis cuteness hidden the cold demeanor and wintry tone.


    Isnt he a pretty good guy?


    No one else that Vi Verratoux was cute. There werent many people who had taste.


    Even Vi herself didnt know how cute she was.


    But I dont like it either.


    It was as if someone else had learned a secret which only he had known. The realization was strangely upsetting.


    Anyway, Hickson was happy that Vi refused the engagement immediately.


    So, we decided to speak casually.


    Okay.


    Then were friends now, right?


    Vi agreed expressionlessly, while Jermis smile was beatific.


    At that point, Tundra came to his senses and heard the tail end of their conversation. His eyes opened wide.