The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, mingling with the sharp clang of metal against metal. Two voices rang out in the training yard, each shout representing a precise movement. Reed and Zalias were still sparring, their gazes locked in an intense array of strikes and parries. Every swing carried weight—not of life or death, perhaps, but of pride.

Lorien sat nearby in a quieter corner of the yard, a small book open in his lap. His gaze flitted between the pages and the sparring match, though his attention leaned more toward the latter. The rhythmic clash of swords stirred something faintly familiar in him, a distant echo of his past. But he wasn't dwelling on that now. Instead, he let the sound wash over him like a soothing rhythm.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard. Most of the guards and villagers who had lingered to watch began to drift away, their conversations growing softer as they left. Only a few remained, likely those assigned to the night watch.

Lorien snapped his book shut and with a soft thud stretched his arms lazily, his eyes wandering. The faint glances from the remaining guards didn't bother him; he was used to their curiosity by now. A name like Velmont always seemed to draw whispers, though he had little interest in what they thought or said.

His attention returned briefly to the sparring match as it reached its end.

Zalias landed the final blow, a sharp strike that sent Reed stumbling back. The bout was over. As they lowered their weapons, Reed's frustration was clear, his lips twisting into a scowl as he tried to steady his breath.

Lorien suppressed a small smile.

That red hair loses again, he chuckled silently, though, against Zalias's talent, it's no surprise. His thoughts flickered briefly to a more practical idea: perhaps these two would make decent additions to the Velmont retinue someday. Having capable fighters wouldn't be a bad thing, especially if I need to defend the household from unwelcome guests again.

However, the idea faded just as quickly as it came.

Nah, these thoughts should also wait. No need to stress myself right now.

What couldn't wait, however, was the sharp glare Reed sent his way. It was impossible to ignore, a look filled with almost exaggerated hostility. Lorien's brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

The hell is his problem now?

Curiosity tugged at him, and he rose to his feet, brushing dust from his trousers. He didn't march over with authority or purpose but walked with the casual air of someone who couldn't resist seeking an answer. When he was close enough, he stopped a few paces away, his expression neutral but tinged with curiosity.

"Is something the matter, recruit?" Lorien asked his tone light but carrying just enough weight to suggest he wasn't entirely oblivious to the boy's glare.

Reed flinched. He seemed ready to snap back with a remark, but before he could utter a word, Zalias stepped in.

A frown crossed the older boy's face, his expression conflicted as if weighing his loyalty against his better judgment. Still, he held his ground and tried to de-escalate the situation.

"Reed, don't," Zalias said firmly, his voice steady but low. "Just let it go, man."

Zalias then turned to Lorien, his face composed with an air of stoicism that seemed almost unnatural for someone his age.

"I apologize if my friend bothered you in any way, young lord," he said, his tone polite but measured. He glanced at Reed briefly before continuing, "We're both tired. He probably didn't mean any offense."

Lorien raised an eyebrow, his calm expression betraying a hint of amusement. "Tired or not, he seems awfully bold."

Though the wording was harsh, it was necessary to find out more.

Provoking him is thankfully easy.

Among the gathered onlookers, a few exchanged hushed whispers, their attention drawn by the exchange. Others simply stood still, their gazes darting between the two boys as the tension thickened.

Reed's jaw clenched, but Zalias's hand on his shoulder kept him rooted in place. "It's been a long day," Zalias replied diplomatically. "We'll make sure to cool off before things get out of hand."

Lorien's gaze lingered on Reed for a moment longer before he turned back to Zalias. "Good. Though, I'd recommend he learn to channel that boldness into his training. It might make him less... frustrated."

Reed finally broke his silence, his voice sharp but quiet, a nasty smirk forming on his face. "How about we test your advice?"

Zalias gave Reed a sidelong glance, his patience clearly wearing thin. "No. We're done here. Let's go."

Suddenly, Reed's spiteful gaze turned toward Zalias, his eyes showing clear defiance.

"Shut up, Zalias! This kid is messing with me, and you continue to defend him?" he spat, his voice rising with frustration.

Zalias stiffened, his grip tightening on Reed's shoulder. "Reed, enough. You're acting like a fool. Don't let your anger get the better of you."

Reed shoved Zalias's hand off his shoulder, stepping forward toward Lorien with fire in his eyes.

"What's the matter, Velmont? Afraid to back up your little suggestions?"

Lorien tilted his head slightly, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Afraid? Hardly. But it's amusing to see how quickly you lose control. Is this how you handle all your frustrations?"

Reed's face twisted into a snarl. "Let's see if your mouth is as sharp as your blade then noble brat!"

Around the yard, the remaining onlookers exchanged uneasy glances, their hushed murmurs carrying a mix of anticipation and worry. A few guards straightened up, watching intently as the tension in the air thickened, seemingly unsure whether to intervene or not.

Zalias groaned, stepping between them. "Reed, stop. This isn't worth it."

But Lorien's voice cut through, cool and even. "If he insists, I see no reason to decline."

Zalias's eyes darted to Lorien, concern flickering in his gaze. "You don't have to accept this, young lord."

Reed grinned, his earlier frustration now twisting into something far more dangerous—a mix of excitement and malice. "Let's settle this properly."

Zalias sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he stepped back. "This is a mistake, Reed. You're letting your pride ruin your common sense." Around them, the yard grew quieter still, the air thick with anticipation as all eyes turned to the impending duel.

Ignoring his friend, Reed turned to the nearest rack of practice weapons and grabbed a wooden sword. He tested its weight with a quick swing, the blade slicing cleanly through the air.

"Choose your weapon, Velmont," Reed said, his voice dripping with mock courtesy.

Lilya's voice cut through the rising tension, soft but unmistakably firm. "Reed, don't do this," she said, her brows furrowed with genuine concern. She stepped closer. "This isn't worth it. You're going to regret it later."

For a moment, Reed's gaze flicked to her, and Lorien thought he saw a fleeting softness in his eyes as if her words had struck a chord. But just as quickly, the moment passed, replaced by a defiant glare. "Stay out of this, Lilya," Reed snapped, his tone harsh. "This doesn't concern you."

Lorien's gaze remained steady, unfazed by Reed's behavior. He walked to the rack, his movements calm, and selected a similarly balanced wooden sword. The weapon felt surprisingly light in his hands, almost toy-like compared to the real blades he'd once wielded, but it would be enough.

The few onlookers began to form a loose circle around them, the earlier murmurs now giving way to whispers of curiosity and excitement.

"Think he'll win?" one of the guards muttered, earning a shrug from his companion.

"Reed's quick, but the young lord's being taught by Sir Barts. Who knows what might happen."

Zalias stayed just outside the circle, his expression tense as he watched the scene unfold. "Don't take this too far," he warned, his voice aimed more at Reed than both of them.

"Yeah, yeah. I ain't beating the kid to death. Just teaching him a lesson to respect his seniors." Lorien almost laughed at his words, because that smirk of his betrayed his promise.

Lorien stepped into position. He held the sword lightly, testing the balance as if it were a natural extension of his arm. His stance was relaxed, almost casual, but his eyes locked onto Reed's with an intensity that hinted at something more.

Reed didn't wait for any formalities. With a loud roar, he lunged forward, his blade aimed directly at Lorien's side.

Lorien didn't move to attack but instead took a single step back, his posture relaxed and his sword held lightly at his side. He tilted his head, his expression calm and curious, as if Reed's aggression were more fascinating than threatening.

What a strange boy. I barely said anything, yet he reacts like I'm his nemesis, Lorien thought. Hopefully, it's just childish confidence. Otherwise, this might turn into something more complicated than I'd like.