The news dropped like a bombshell. For a second everyone stood still, jaws slack and eyes widened. The youngest, Elric's younger brother Melid even dropped his fork.

The only ones who hadn't shown a surprised were Elric who thought of it as a joyful matter, and Elianor who was about to be betrothed.

Their father eyed his wife for a couple seconds, visibly displeased with how his wife delivered the 'happy' news. But she simply ignored him.

Lord Wakefield cleared his throat. "As your mother said tomorrow evening we'll host a ball and publicisze your engagement," he said, looking at his eldest daughter. Seeing her indifferent expression he continued. "He's a very handsome young man and very promising mage. He's a good lad who'll treat you good."

Elianor nodded curtly, then a couple seconds later she stood up. "I'll have to excuse myself."

As she left, Elond sprang up from his chair wanting to stop her, but his father stopped him. Not resisting duke Wakefields order, he sat back down.

The rest of their jointly breakfast was rather akward. The mood sour. Each and every person having their own thoughts about the sudden news.

Elric who had thought that this was a matter to be celebrated also understood that the sudden engagement was not as simple as he had thought.

His gears shifted in his minds as he came up with a theory. _Noble houses hold much power and by betrothing house Tudors heir and house Wakefields eldest _daughter they might aim for an alliance.

Though without more information and background about the two house's background he didn't further work out his theory.

When all had finished eating, they excused themselves one after another.

When Elric was about to leave, his father called out to him, looking at him with an unreadable gaze. "Elric, go to the training grounds, an instructor will be waiting for you. Prove your worth."

With that he dismissed Elric.

After his son had finally left the head of house Wakefield leaned back into his high back chair that was adorned with the Wakefield coat of arms and two swords on the back. Only the hilts and crossguards were visible from the front.

Slamming down his wooden mug on the table that was filled with fine red wine, he let out a sigh.

His wife looked at him but didn't say anything.

Feeling lost he looked at the ceiling, as though he was searching for something.

***

After having finished breakfast, he was led to the training grounds by his two maids, just as his father had instructed.

A few minutes later he arrived at a courtyard, that was made out of pure black stone. There were a few weapon stands holding all kinds of different weapons and shields. From dagger to greatsword, from kite shield to greatshield there was everything a warriors heart might desire.

Looking around he could see tables and chairs in the corner of the training grounds.

_Is this place also used as a patio? _

He asked inwardly, wondering if they weren't afraid that the furniture would break.

Another thing he noticed was that the Wakefields mansion, was in fact not a mansion but a castle made out of black stone. He was surprised, to say the least, he had clearly underestimated his families wealth and power.

From what he knew, a simple noble house would not be in possession of a castle.

"You're here," the instructor said, pulling Elric out of his thoughts. When Elric's turned to the instructor, he continued. "You should know why you are here. Once you pick a weapon we immediately begin. Don't wory they are all blunted."

The intructor, unsheathed a one-handed straight sword with a relatively short blade. He wore leather armor and chainmail beneath it. He had black hair, dark brown eyes, and sported a full beard.

He stood firm, holding his sword down to his side, his gaze fixated on Elric.

Elric walked over to the weaponstand. Ignoring the axes, hammers, and spears, he took a closer look at the swords.

The first one was a curved saber, he swung it around a few times but the weight distribution felt off. The hilt was way too heavy to swing it properly in battle.

To someone untrained this might not be obvious and once they'd realize it would already be too late.

He put the saber back and reached for another sword. A greatsword. He didn't intend on actually using it, he just wanted to confirm something. He picked it up with just one hand and easily swung it around.

This is way too light for a greatsword, what's the blade made of? Paper?

His told him to 'prove his worth' and Elric was sure that this was the first part of his assessment. Picking the right weapon.

Among the weapons some were deliberately badly balanced or forged. If he were to spar his instructor with this greatsword the blade would shatter on contact with his blade.

Elric turned his head to the instructor who was closely watching him, confirming his suspicion.

The process of trial and error continued for quite a while. It was not that almost all the weapons had some sort of deficiency and he was searching for a needle in a haystack. But rather that those weapons who were of good quality simply didn't match his fighting style.

Until he came across a certain sword. Its hilt was made out of black wood strapped with dark leather, the cross guard was simple, and the blade was close to a meter long.

Just like he had done with the others, he swung it around for a bit, then he hit it a few times. Lastly he gently swung it against the ground.

This sword will do!