Bang~~

Aifei swiftly tilted her body aside. The tiny magic sword whizzed past her and embedded itself into a nearby stone.

“Master, what are you doing?! Trying to kill me? Phew~ Good thing I dodged fast. Otherwise, my head would’ve been smashed to pieces!” Aifei cried out in panic after evading my strike. If she hadn’t trusted her sixth sense, she’d already be in heaven.

“What’s wrong? I’m only doing what I should,” I said, unable to suppress my suspicion. “Didn’t I tell you? Tonight’s training is for sharpening your intuition… Aifei, you’ve been acting strangely since earlier. Tell me—what exactly are you imagining?”

I had a hunch the girl was overthinking things… Though maybe it was just because I wasn’t quite human.

“Aren’t you… going to do *that* thing?”

“What ‘thing’? Speak up.”

“It’s… you know… *that* kind of thing,” Aifei stammered, her face flushed crimson. How could she possibly say it outright?

“…I don’t know what you mean, but let’s continue training. If ‘that thing’ is important—don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

Completely lost, I could only offer those words, still clueless about what “that thing” was.

“Understood. I’ll… prepare myself later.”

*So it’s really happening?? Ugh, this is torture. Just be direct already,* Aifei mentally groaned.

“Each round, I’ll add one more hidden weapon. But relax—as long as your body isn’t completely shattered, I can heal you. You’re too weak right now. Only dancing on the edge of life and death will sharpen you fast.”

“I understand. I’ll overcome my fear,” Aifei said firmly, pushing all distractions aside.

“Good. Then begin.” I hurled two magic swords in an instant.

-------------------------

“My heart can’t take it, Master! I’ll collapse if this keeps up!”

After nearly two hours, Aifei lay sprawled on the ground, utterly drained. These invisible attacks were nerve-wracking—several times, the tiny blades had nearly claimed her life.

“That’s enough for today. Rest is necessary. Resume training at 5 a.m. Let’s go.” I turned toward the prince’s manor. Aide had placed my room right beside Aifei’s.

*5 a.m.…? Oh god, it’s already past 3! Less than two hours?!* Aifei felt utterly speechless. *Is Master trying to kill me? Not even time for a shower… Ugh, whatever. Just sleep.*

She bolted toward her room, exhaustion swallowing every thought but rest.

“Mr. Platinum, His Highness the Prince requests your presence,” a servant said, stepping into my path. I’d never shared my name—they only knew my adventurer alias.

“I see. Summoning me at this hour… must be confidential.”

“Precisely, Mr. Platinum. This way, please,” the servant bowed deeply and led on.

“Your Highness, what brings this late summons?” I asked, candlelight flickering across Prince Aide seated on his throne.

“…I’ll be blunt, Mr. Platinum,” Aide said gravely. “Release my daughter from serving as your sword attendant and disciple. Name your price—I’ll grant any wealth you desire.”

“Impossible. Aifei is *my* knight. I won’t let her go—and her will matches mine. As for money? Hah! Keep it, Your Highness.” *Does this prince think his life’s too long?*

Seeing my resolve, Aide sighed. “Truthfully… this comes from my elder brother, King Slado. He commands Aifei to wed Hero Cherthesis. Royal decrees cannot be defied. Born of this kingdom, she must serve it with all she has.”