Chapter 7

The following day, Shiri arranged a meeting with a retired knight renowned throughout the kingdom for his martial and healing abilities. Sir Roderick had served Duke Lucius Greystone for over twenty years—and was even credited with teaching Regas, Evelina’s older brother, the art of the sword.

In a quiet training hall of the manor, Sir Roderick greeted her with a respectful nod.

"Young lady Evelina, why have I been called here today?" he inquired in a measured tone.

Hope—still residing in Evelina’s body yet determined to chart her own course—answered confidently, "As you may have guessed, sir, I wish to become your student. I want to learn how to wield a sword."

Sir Roderick’s eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "May I ask why you desire to learn swordsmanship?"

She hesitated only a moment before replying with quiet resolve, "I refuse to be the only useless one in my family. Beyond that, in a world rife with intrigue and danger, I must be capable of defending myself."

The knight smiled approvingly. "Very well, my lady. Would you like to follow me to the training ground where your brothers and other knights train?"

Hope didn’t miss the chance to agree, and together they left the hall. Sir Roderick led her through the ornate corridors of Greystone Manor until they reached an open courtyard. There, several wooden dummies and practice targets were arranged, and a group of shirtless knights was seen training their bodies vigorously.

Roderick guided her further into the courtyard, past clusters of seasoned knights—the first-grade warriors who worked directly under the Duke and were responsible for his safety. Finally, he motioned for her to stand in a long stretch of cleared space.

"Observe, Miss Evelina," he said. "A sword is more than just a weapon—it is an extension of your will. Each swing, each parry, must be deliberate and precise."

Inside, Hope mused silently, I know what he’s thinking. He’s trying to impress upon me just how challenging this training will be. He probably assumes I’ll lose interest as soon as I realize how difficult it is… Yet, her determination was unyielding.

Before she could reply, a voice cut through the calm of the courtyard. The young man known for his impetuous nature—Theon Greystone, the youngest lord of Greystone Manor —strode into the space without any formal greeting.

"What are you doing here, Evelina?" Theon barked, his tone laced with disrespect toward both Sir Roderick and his elder sister.

A surge of irritation flashed in Hope’s eyes. Turning sharply, she fixed him with a steely gaze and said, "Theon, you are the youngest lord of Greystone Manor and son of Duke Lucius Greystone. Show some manners."

Sir Roderick observed the exchange with an approving smile, clearly impressed by her composure. Theon, caught off guard, stuttered, "I—I meant no disrespect. I was merely curious… why are you here?" His expression remained cool, though his eyes betrayed uncertainty.

Crossing her arms, Hope replied coolly, "I’m here to learn swordsmanship, Theon. And I intend to master it—so that one day, you won’t be surprised if you find yourself bested by your own sister on the field."

Theon burst into a loud, incredulous laugh that echoed around the courtyard. Yet Hope’s smile only grew wilder, a glimmer of mischief lighting her eyes. "Train harder, Theon," she teased. "You wouldn’t want to be defeated by me, would you?"

For a moment, Theon’s laughter subsided into a grudging smirk as he replied, "We’ll see about that, Evelina."

After Theon departed, Hope turned to Sir Roderick and asked, "Sir, will accept me as your student?"

"Lady Evelina, before we begin, you must secure permission from Duke Lucius," Sir Roderick replied. "

Without wasting time, Hope thanked him and made her way to Duke Lucius’s private chamber. There, she found Duke Lucius in quiet conversation with Regas, who was discussing something in low, disapproving tones. Ignoring Regas, she stepped forward confidently and greeted the Duke.

"Father, I require your permission to begin sword training with Sir Roderick," she announced.

Duke Lucius looked up, his expression cool and detached. "Do you need something, Evelina?" he asked curtly.

Before she could respond, Regas muttered under his breath, "What mischief are you planning now?" as if expecting yet another reckless whim from his sister. Duke Lucius, however, waved his hand dismissively. "Very well," he said, "but remember, Evelina, this is what you are asking from me . I expect you won’t lose interest as quickly as you start"

Relieved yet determined, Hope thanked him and turned to leave. As she passed through the corridor, Regas stopped her.

"Evelina, why did you make Selene cry last night?" he demanded.

She paused, feigning surprise. "I made her cry...?" she echoed, her tone mixed with disbelief.

"Yes, Theon told me so," Regas insisted, his tone heavy with reproach.

Rolling her eyes, she replied sharply, "Why don't you ask Selene first what really happened?"

Inside, Hope seethed with irritation. Please leave my sight before I seriously throw a punch at your handsome face and make it ugly, she thought. With that final internal remark, she rolled her eyes one last time and strode away, determined to focus on her training and her own destiny.

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