The count greeted Evan with a warm smile, gesturing toward the table where he and his family were seated. "Welcome, Evan. You've arrived at the perfect time. Come, join us for some tea." He turned to the servants and maids standing nearby, his tone firm but polite. "Prepare seats for our guests."
The servants moved swiftly, arranging three chairs for Evan, Alenna, and Ignis. Once they were seated, steaming cups of tea were placed before them, the fragrant aroma mingling with the crisp morning air. The garden was alive with the soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, creating a serene backdrop to the conversation.
The count's gaze shifted to Ignis, his expression curious yet kind. "So, young man, how has your training been progressing? Have you made any notable improvements?"
Ignis met the count's eyes with calm confidence. "My training has been going well, my lord. I've made significant progress. Today, I've come to fulfill the promise I made to you—to spar with Kaelen. I'm ready."
The count's smile widened, and he nodded approvingly. "It's commendable that you've remembered your promise. I must say, with such dedication, you're sure to become an honourable knight in the future."
Ignis inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, my lord. Your words mean a great deal to me."
Evan and Alenna remained silent, their presence quiet but supportive, allowing Ignis to take the lead in the conversation.
The count's attention then turned to Evan, his tone light but inquisitive. "Tell me, Evan, as a father and a knight, who do you think will win this spar—Kaelen or Ignis?"
Evan didn't hesitate. "Based on my sparring sessions with Ignis, I can say with certainty that my son will emerge victorious."
A soft chuckle broke the air, drawing everyone's attention. It was Lady Evelyne Durnholde, the count's first wife and Kaelen's mother. Her tone was playful but laced with a hint of skepticism. "You're his father, Evan. Isn't it possible that your judgment is clouded by fatherly love?"
Evan's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps, my lady. But I speak not only as a father but as a knight who has seen his son's growth firsthand."
The count leaned back in his chair, his smile lingering as he glanced between Evan and Lady Evelyne. "Well, it seems we'll have our answer soon enough. Let's see what the spar brings."
Evan nodded in agreement with the count's words, and the group made their way to the knights' training ground within the mansion. The area was spacious, with a well-maintained arena at its centre. Servants quickly set up chairs at a safe distance from the fighting area, ensuring a clear view for the count, his family, and Evan and Alenna.
The count settled into his seat, flanked by his two wives and his daughter. Evan and Alenna took their places beside them, their expressions a mix of pride and quiet anticipation. All eyes turned to the arena, where Ignis and Kaelen stood facing each other, each holding a wooden training sword suited to their size.
The two boys exchanged a brief bow, a gesture of respect and sportsmanship before the spar began. The air grew tense as they took their stances, the weight of the moment settling over the training ground.
Kaelen, older and taller, exuded confidence. He gripped his wooden sword tightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied his younger opponent. Ignis, on the other hand, stood calm and composed, his posture relaxed but ready. His eyes, sharp and focused, betrayed the experience of someone far beyond his six years.
The count raised his hand. "Begin!"
Kaelen lunged forward immediately, his wooden sword slicing through the air in a wide arc. It was a bold opening move, meant to overwhelm Ignis with sheer aggression. But Ignis sidestepped with ease, his movements fluid and precise. The wooden sword whistled past him, missing by inches.
Before Kaelen could recover, Ignis countered. He stepped in close, his sword darting forward like a snake. Kaelen barely managed to block the strike, the impact jarring his arms. He stumbled back, his confidence wavering as he realized how quickly Ignis had turned the tables.
Ignis didn't give him a moment to breathe. He pressed the attack, his strikes calculated and relentless. Each movement was efficient, devoid of wasted energy. Kaelen struggled to keep up, his blocks growing slower and more desperate.
On the third move, Ignis feinted to the left, drawing Kaelen's guard in that direction. Then, with a swift pivot, he struck from the right, his wooden sword tapping Kaelen's side. The older boy winced, his frustration mounting.
The count's expression was one of mild surprise, while Lady Evelyne's earlier confidence had faded into concern. Evan and Alenna exchanged a knowing glance, their pride in Ignis evident.
For the final move, Ignis took a deep breath, his body coiling like a spring. He concentrated his strength in his legs, his muscles tightening as he prepared to unleash his speed. In an instant, he shot forward, his movements a blur. Before Kaelen could even react, Ignis was behind him, his wooden sword resting gently against the older boy's neck.
The training ground fell silent. Kaelen froze, his eyes wide with shock. He lowered his sword slowly, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
Ignis stepped back and gave a slight bow, his expression calm and respectful. "Good match," he said, his voice steady.
The count was the first to break the silence, clapping his hands in admiration. "Well fought, Ignis! That was impressive indeed."
Kaelen, though clearly disappointed, managed a small nod. "You're… really good," he admitted, his tone a mix of awe and frustration.
Evan and Alenna smiled, their hearts swelling with pride. Ignis had not only won the spar but had done so with a level of skill and composure that belied his age.
Outwardly, the count appeared to be praising Ignis for his victory over Kaelen, his tone gracious and his applause genuine. But beneath the surface, his enthusiasm was far from sincere. The defeat of his son at the hands of a six-year-old was not something he had anticipated, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Though he maintained a composed demeanor, his mind churned with disappointment and a flicker of frustration.
For Lady Evelyne Durnholde, the count's first wife and Kaelen's mother, the loss was nothing short of humiliating. Her son, the heir to the count's legacy, had been soundly defeated by a boy two years his junior. She could feel the weight of the count's unspoken displeasure, and it gnawed at her. She knew her husband had expected Kaelen to win, and she dreaded the conversation that would inevitably follow. Her pride as a mother and her standing within the household had taken a blow, and she struggled to mask her unease.
On the other side of the spectrum, Lady Seraphina Highmoor, the count's second wife, and her daughter, Lyra, watched the scene with a mix of indifference and quiet satisfaction. While they were neither overtly happy nor sad about Kaelen's defeat, it would be an understatement to say that Lady Seraphina wasn't pleased. As the daughter of a baron, her status within the count's mansion had always been overshadowed by Lady Evelyne's higher standing. This unexpected turn of events offered a glimmer of hope. With Kaelen's defeat, perhaps her daughter, Lyra, would gain more attention from the count—attention that could pave the way for greater opportunities in the future.
{If you're enjoying the story and would like to support me while gaining access to advanced chapters, consider joining my Patreon! Every bit of support helps me create more content for you.
🔗 Patreon Link: https://p@treon.com/Hkj822
Thank you for reading! Your support means the world to me. 🙌✨}