How to court a storm | 𝘈𝘯 𝘐𝘴𝘦𝘬𝘢𝘪 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭

(12)

The early morning mist gently caresses the hunting grounds as I embark on a quiet walk. The nobles are still lost in their sleep, too early for their day to begin before dawn. As I make my way through the serene landscape, a glimmer of movement catches my eye near a tranquil lake.

Curiosity piques within me, drawing me closer to the source of the commotion. I wonder who's awake at this time, having not encountered any one the days before. As I approach, I see a young girl engaged in a dedicated practice of her sword.

I see a flash of gold before anything else.

Dressed in simple training attire, her form radiates both elegance and strength. Her eyes, alight with fiery determination, barley noticing anything around her as I draw nearer. Her nimble movements cut through the air with a graceful precision, each strike a burning with focus and determination. The sound of her sword swinging through the air repeats over and over again, as if she's trying to get something right.

I stare at her, hand in my pocket. She looks a little familiar. But a name takes a little time to come to mind as I observe her appearance.

Her golden hair cascades like a radiant waterfall, glistening under the gentle caress of the morning sun. Each strand shimmers with a lustrous sheen, as if capturing the essence of a sunbeam within its embrace. It dances with every movement she makes, lending an ethereal quality to her appearance.

Her sky blue eyes, clear and serene like a tranquil summer sky, hold a depth of determination and unwavering resolve. They mirror the vast expanse of the sky above her, reflecting a spirit that's unrestrained and carries an undeniable strength.

My lips twitch into a smirk. Interesting girl.

Her training attire bears the emblem of her family, a signet weaved into the top right corner of her chest, the way a knight would. Her clothing, though simple in design, exudes and shows off a privileged heritage. It makes it easier to identify her.

She's the daughter of the Alfonse family.

Duchy Alfonse, a name that resonates with echoes of valor and battle prowess throughout the realm. Nestled in the heart of the empire, this noble title is renowned for its unwavering commitment to the art of war and the mastery of weaponry.

With a heritage steeped in tradition and producing generations of legendary knights, Alfonse stands as a bastion of strength and skill.
If I'm not mistaken, more than half of the weapons carved in the empire are sold by the Alfonse family. Their material is known to be the strongest and sturdiest.

The one strapped to my inner thigh being one of them.

Within the vast expanse of Alfonse's territory, hidden mines yield the secret to their exceptional steel. They say that deep beneath the earth, veins of ore imbued with rare minerals converge, giving birth to a material unlike any other in their territory. This almost legendary steel possesses an unparalleled hardness and a keen edge, capable of slicing through even the toughest armor with ease.

It is the envy of kingdoms, sought after by those who crave the pinnacle of weapon craftsmanship. And the knights of Alfonse, revered as a prime example of knights, are trained from an early age in the art of combat. Their education encompasses more than just aspects of warfare.

From the jousting fields where lances shatter and splinters fly, to the training grounds where the clash of sword against shield reverberates, Alfonse's knights hone their skills to perfection. They are a force to be reckoned with, embodying the essence of discipline and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to their craft has earned them a reputation as one of the most formidable warriors in the empire.