As per Valentina's request to the instructor, after Sigrid finished her training, it was her turn. The instructor provided her with a dull and slender sword that suited her age, particularly because she looked even younger than her ten years. The instructor started with the basics, like the proper way to hold the sword and basic movements. Once she had those down, he began teaching her defensive techniques.
Next, he instructed her in some offensive maneuvers, with the instructor himself using a practice sword. Charlotte found these movements easy; in her previous life, even though she had not wielded a sword, the motions were similar to using a knife or staff. The instructor was surprised by how adeptly she could attack, and her defense was just as competent.
"Remarkable, Lady Leroux has a talent for this," he complimented.
"Thank you, instructor. I just did what you showed me," she responded with a smile.
"Lady Charlotte is amazing," applauded Sigrid.
The boy sat beside Valentina, who was also impressed by the girl's skill. Had she been a boy, her talent would have assured her a bright future. But in their society, being a woman made things difficult. Men disliked it when a woman competed with them and appeared more intelligent, limiting their opportunities to advance professionally. Valentina, who became a widow at a young age, also faced challenges. Without the support of Sigrid's father, she might have been forced to sell everything or leave it in the hands of her son, which she was loath to do because of his wife's character.
"Young Duke, I believe I have found my heir. Tell me, would you be willing to support her in the future?" Valentina inquired.
"Of course, Madam. I will take care of your granddaughter," he replied with a kind smile.
After the lesson, the children first went to bathe and then joined Valentina for a peaceful lunch. However, their repose was interrupted when a maid notified Valentina she had visitors in the lounge. Proceeding there, Valentina sighed upon seeing two maids and several palace guards outside the room and entered.
Behind a column, Charlotte and Sigrid watched the situation unfold.
"What does the royal family want with my grandmother?" Charlotte wondered.
Until that point, she had no idea that her grandmother had connections with the royal family, and the story never mentioned Sigrid's acquaintance with her in childhood since it was said Charlotte only went to live with her grandmother upon her engagement to the second prince.
"I recognize those maids; they’re the nannies of the second prince," she frowned.
"What? That's not possible..."
It seemed everything was changing since she arrived in this body, but regardless of the changes, her plans remained unchanged. Yet, Sigrid seemed displeased with the prince's presence, evident by his annoyed expression.
"Your Highness, do you hate the prince because he's the heir to the throne?"
"What kind of question is that? Why would I hate him?" he asked, irritated.
"It's just that you frowned when you learned he was here," she said, pressing her index finger between the blonde’s brows.
Sigrid recoiled at her touch, unsettled by the closeness.
"I just don't like him; he's always issuing orders."
Moments later, Valentina emerged from the lounge with a boy who shared Sigrid's blond hair but had honey-colored eyes. As he neared Sigrid and Charlotte, he offered a friendly smile.
"Charlotte, this young man is the second prince, Hugo Richardson," Valentina introduced.
Charlotte curtseyed.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I am Charlotte Leroux, daughter of Marquis Leroux and granddaughter of the baroness here."
Hugo watched Charlotte. She was very pretty, and her eyes, like jewels, stood out.
"A pleasure, Lady Leroux. And nice to see you too, cousin Sigrid," he said with a hint of annoyance.
Valentina sensed the tension between the boys and couldn't understand why the prince was so insistent on staying during Sigrid's visit.
"Well, Your Highness Hugo will be staying with us for a few days," she informed them.
"Why? I see no reason for him to stay here," Sigrid protested.
"Mother sent me to be your playmate," Hugo smirked.
Yet, Hugo noticed Charlotte's displeased expression at his presence. Barely acquainted, she already seemed not to fancy him, but he thought this could change; as a prince, he felt everyone should want the privilege of his company.
***
The next day proved Hugo wrong. Charlotte devoted herself solely to her lessons and barely spoke to him. After the final class, he followed Sigrid to the training field and was astonished to see Charlotte also carrying a sword.
"Cousin Sigrid, isn't it rude to have a girl carry your sword?" he assumed.
"The sword belongs to her. Lady Leroux also practices," Sigrid corrected him.
"What? Girls don't do that. Lady Leroux, you wouldn't want to earn a bad reputation that impedes a good marriage," he said arrogantly.
Hugo aimed to show off his knowledge, but Charlotte just looked at him in annoyance.
"What makes you believe my sole desire is to find a husband? To undervalue me in such a manner is insulting," she retorted.
Charlotte quickened her pace, leaving Sigrid to smirk mockingly at Hugo.
"Lady Leroux, wait, let's train together today," Sigrid followed Charlotte.
Left behind, Hugo couldn't hide his irritation—it was the first time he'd been rebuffed like this, especially by Charlotte's blunt response. On the training field, he watched Charlotte skillfully fence with Sigrid. She was adept in both offense and defense, a first for Hugo to witness in a girl. Charlotte had genuinely captured his attention.
Post-training, the maids brought lemonade to refresh them, and Hugo approached Charlotte.
"I apologize for offending you; you are remarkable," he complimented.
"I am aware, no need for you to say so," Charlotte replied, clearly still irritated by the prince.
Her attack was strong, but as Sigrid advised, she needed to work on defense.
"The instructor said the same. I think I'll start practicing in my room..."
They continued discussing the class, ignoring Hugo, whose frown didn't escape Charlotte's attention, although she didn't care.
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