Chapter 416

The day after my brief excursion with Ethan in the bath for a little extra motivation, we returned to the training ground as if nothing had happened. Today, however, something had changed—while Ethan may not have noticed yet, I certainly had. The floundering swordswoman Lilith Blackwood Rosewood of yesterday was gone. Today, I stood as a warrior, focused solely on victory.

With each swing of my twin blades, I felt an unusual clarity, a heightened sense of purpose. The paths of Ethan’s sword moves were almost visible, as if guiding my own attacks.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

“L-Lilith?!”

“…”

Ethan, taken aback by my new intensity, struggled to keep up, and for once, he had no time to offer his usual advice on my form. His surprise told me all I needed to know: I was giving him a run for his money.

*Whoosh!*

*This direction…!*

*Clang!*

“Huff, huff…”

“Pant… pant…”

In the midst of our clashing swords, I found myself anticipating his moves and intercepting them with my own. We both realized the significance of the moment, locking eyes as our swords collided once more.

“I didn’t expect you to catch that, Lilith.”

“I didn’t either. I just… felt like that was where I needed to be.”

“You’ve improved drastically overnight. Did you train while I wasn’t looking?”

“…No, nothing like that.”

In a way, I had, but my “training” hadn’t been of the typical sort. After all, I couldn’t very well admit that handling Ethan’s body the previous evening had fueled my desire to win. I just gave a vague response and left it at that.

“Maybe we should rest a bit. We’ve been at it for ten minutes straight.”

“If that’s what you wish, Ethan.”

“Aren’t you worn out? You sound more exhausted than I do.”

“I’m a little tired, but I can still go on.”

“It’s better to take a break than push ourselves to the limit and pass out in this heat.”

“…Understood, Ethan.”

Though I could have continued, I knew the importance of preserving my strength. I wanted a clean, well-earned victory, one that left no room for doubt.

*I’m twice as strong today.*

I could barely stand after just a few rounds yesterday, but today I had withstood Ethan’s attacks and had only been forced down twice. It was a vast improvement, no matter how I looked at it.

*Say, can you cool down the canteen with a wind spell?*

*…Sure.*

Handing Ethan the freshly chilled water, I gestured for him to drink.

“Ethan, you should hydrate during the break.”

“You look thirstier than I do. Go ahead and drink first.”

“No, it’s proper that you go first.”

“…Thanks.”@@novelbin@@

Though I was thirsty, etiquette demanded that Ethan go first. Watching him drink from the canteen, I had a fleeting thought.

*Wait, is this… an indirect kiss?*

I shouldn’t be concerned about something so trivial now, right? After everything we’ve been through, including actual kisses and far more intimate moments, an indirect kiss was hardly worth dwelling on.

After Ethan quenched his thirst, he passed the canteen back to me.

“Your turn, Lilith.”

“Yes, Ethan.”

Despite my minor revelation, I raised the canteen to my lips without a second thought. Indirect kisses were nothing; it was direct ones I was craving. When was the last time we even kissed? The beach, maybe? No… that was… other things.

*Wait, has it really been this long since we kissed? Could we be… in a sort of rut?*

Physical intimacy was one thing, but real affection required more. Though I didn’t doubt Ethan’s love for me, the idea that we hadn’t shared a meaningful kiss in ages was a bit of a wake-up call.

*Maybe I should ask for a kiss if I win this time. It’s hardly a scandalous request.*

“Lilith, aren’t you going to drink?”

“Uh—yes?!”

“You’ve just been holding the canteen. Worried about the indirect kiss?”

“Wha—?! You can’t be serious, Ethan! I’m certainly not the sort to fret over something as trivial as an indirect kiss with you, given that I—uh, well, never mind!”

“Well, it’s not the indirect kiss part that bothers me, but maybe that last bit was more than you needed to say.”

In an attempt to brush it off, I drank from the canteen without hesitation. I had nothing to prove here—our relationship had already surpassed such trivialities.

*Gulp, gulp.*

“Alright, I’ve rested enough! Shall we resume our match, Ethan?”

“…Sure, Lilith.”

My resolve was now solidified; there was no turning back.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

After a brief break, we resumed, and an hour passed by in a blur.

“Huff, huff…”

“Pant… pant…”

By now, we had spent most of the afternoon sparring. We were both worn down, but in a way, we were evenly matched. I had managed to keep pace with Ethan, even targeting his vulnerable spots.

*I can almost feel it—one more strike and I might actually win a round.*

Sword Expert’s “Sword Path” became increasingly clear to me. My anticipation grew, and I knew this could be the last round of the day.

The clock was approaching 7 PM; this would be our final match. I was determined to secure my reward today.

*I can’t let this chance slip by.*

With both hands gripping my daggers, I readied myself for Ethan’s approach.

*Thud, thud.*

*It’s visible.*

His first move—a swift downward strike to unbalance me. I evaded it by twisting my body to the side, throwing Ethan off slightly.

*Whoosh!*

“Gah…!”

He stumbled, and for a split second, I saw the opening I’d been waiting for. I lunged forward, aiming at his left side.

*Clang!*

“Urgh…!”

I had misjudged it, but only slightly. I thought I had him, but Ethan managed a quick recovery, deflecting my dagger.

Yet, the momentum was mine now. I forced him into a defensive position, pressing my advantage. If I could just exploit one more opening, I would have him.

*Clang! Clang!*

*There!*

This was it—Ethan’s feigned vulnerability, the same bait he always dangled. But this time, I could see through it. As he prepared to sidestep, I anticipated his move and twisted to counter.

*Whoosh!*

“Wha—?!”

*Now!*

While he tried to regain his stance, I threw my dagger, aiming directly at his exposed side.

*Clang!*

The sound of his mana barrier shattering filled the air as my blade found its mark. I had done it—I had won a round.

For the first time in ten days of intense sparring, I had finally scored a victory.