TVIMN 56

Chapter 56

“Rapier? You think that thing could even pierce leather armor?”

The training grounds were noisy from early morning. The commotion started because Leo had visited the Grand Duke’s estate without realizing the knights were gathered for training.

Dueling was a daily routine here, but today was special — they had an audience.

“Sir! The Captain’s a monster, I tell you! You can’t beat him with a toothpick like that!”

Amid the raucous laughter, Leo shouted over them, annoyed by the noise. The idea that mere commoners could speak so casually to a count’s son was beyond comprehension for him.

Because of the Bonaparte family’s influence, everyone usually acted polite and careful around Leo. That’s why he had little resistance to people who so openly got on his nerves.

“You think swordsmanship is all about brute strength? A rapier has its own kind of destructive power.”

He knew he shouldn’t rise to the bait, but Leo couldn’t ignore their jeers any longer and snapped at the knights.

“Well, I am curious. Never seen anyone use that kind of weapon on a battlefield before. Unless the Captain went easy on you, that means you’re actually pretty good.”

“Captain, don’t tell me you really went easy on him? Wow, you’ve gotten soft now that you’re a noble, huh?”

At his men’s teasing, Lyle smirked faintly and drew his sword.

“Sir Bonaparte’s quite skilled. I didn’t have any leeway to hold back.”

A chorus of mocking “boos” erupted. Their tone clearly said they didn’t believe a word of it.

Watching from the side, Elaina decided to speak up for Leo.

“Leo is an excellent knight. Why do you all assume Lyle went easy on him?”

“That’s because you never knew what the Captain was like when he was younger, my lady.”

“Exactly. He was terrifying — still gives me nightmares just thinking about it.”

“Even as a kid, swinging a sword as tall as himself — you could tell he was a demon in training.”

“Enough already! All of you, shut it!”

Enraged by their mocking tone, Leo shouted, pulling out his sword and glaring at Lyle.

“All right, sir! Then answer me this — what’s your record so far?”

Leo turned sharply toward Colin, who flinched and pretended not to hear.

There wasn’t much of a “record” to speak of. Lyle had always won every single duel.

The only difference now was that while Leo used to lose one-sidedly, he could at least hold his ground for a while — even counter once or twice.

It was frustrating, but this was why Leo came to Lyle almost every day.

He had graduated from the Academy at the top of his class and, at only twenty, already held the position of Vice Captain of the Royal Guard. His swordsmanship was unmatched except for the Captain’s. Because of that, his skills had stagnated for quite some time — until Lyle came along to reignite his progress.

Physically, Lyle had a body made for swordsmanship, and every strike he made was devastating.

A rapier, on the other hand, relied on agility — reading the sword’s trajectory, evading, and exploiting openings. With every duel, Leo’s ability to read those movements grew sharper.

“Today, I’m going to win.”

Leo tightened his stance, determination burning in his eyes. The moment their gazes met, both men closed the distance in a blur.

Lyle’s sword cut through the air with a chilling sound — the kind that promised anything in its path would be cleaved in two.

Yet no clang of metal-on-metal followed. Leo had dodged and thrust his rapier forward. His longer reach forced Lyle back, and the knights who’d been laughing moments ago fell silent.

“…Not bad.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen the Captain step back.”

Each thrust of Leo’s rapier aimed precisely at a weak point — the wrist, the chest, the heart. Not a single wasted move.

But after about ten exchanges, the tip of his rapier began to tremble. He couldn’t deflect all of Lyle’s strikes. Finally, the two swords collided with a loud clang — and Leo’s rapier was sent flying. Once again, Lyle had won.

“Damn it.”

Leo’s face flushed red as the knights burst into applause — not laughter, as he had expected.

“Wow, that was incredible.”

“How’d you manage that? Hey, remember that guy who tried the same thing with a war hammer?”

“Oh yeah! He got flattened in one hit. I swear, I got goosebumps watching that. Look, see? Actual goosebumps.”

“Get that arm away from me!”

Even as Leo scowled in irritation, the knights clapped his shoulders in admiration.

“Didn’t think a dainty noble could fight like that. Guess the Vice Captain title isn’t for show.”

“Right? I’ve fought beside the Captain for ten years, and I’ve never seen him back off before.”

“When are you coming again? A few more duels and you might actually beat him!”

They chuckled and teased, insisting he come back soon so they could witness Lyle lose for once.

“What are you acting friendly for? Let go of me.”

“Oh, come on. We’ll be seeing each other often anyway. No harm in getting along early.”

“Haha! Exactly! Next time you duel, call us over — can’t miss entertainment like this!”

Leo was just as unaccustomed to over-the-top praise as he was to ridicule. His ears turned bright red.

“Captain, you should say something too. Be honest — at this rate, he’ll be your equal soon. If that rapier hits your wrist, you’ll be out for months!”

All eyes turned to Lyle. His expression didn’t change, but Leo caught the subtle nod.

“I never underestimated Sir Bonaparte. The ones running their mouths are you lot.”

He’s a fine knight.

The quiet words, spoken like a passing breeze, made Leo avert his gaze quickly.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Normally, Leo left right after a duel — nothing unusual there. But today, he truly needed to leave quickly, before he started admitting he didn’t actually dislike these unruly “commoners” or Lyle himself.

“Something urgent?”

Lyle’s voice stopped him. It was the first time he had ever asked that.

“No… not exactly.”

“I wanted to ask about the Knight Order’s management. If you have time, I’d like your advice.”

Leo’s eyes widened. The knights around them snickered.

“He called us knights, but none of us have a clue what we’re supposed to do. Guess even the Captain’s been worrying, huh?”

“Yeah, you should learn from the Vice Captain! People already call us rootless scum — we should at least look the part.”

“We’ll get going then. Watching the match fired me up.”

“Same here. Makes me miss the battlefield — back when everyone just swung their swords like maniacs.”

Despite their noisy chatter, the knights were quick to take the hint and left.

Leo, still stunned that Lyle was asking for his help, looked flustered. Mistaking his silence for refusal, Lyle added calmly,

“If you can’t help, that’s fine. I still appreciate what you told me about the Marquis of Redwood.”

“Who said I wouldn’t? Luckily, I’ve got some free time today. Let’s go — I’ll just wash up first.”

Elaina had to stifle a laugh at the gruff tone of his so-called “refusal.”

“Come on. There should be clean clothes in the guest room. The bath’s a mess since the renovations aren’t done, but the water’s hot.”

“Don’t start treating me like a pampered noble too, Elaina.”

Leo’s stiff, awkward gait made Elaina grin. Walking behind him, she whispered to Lyle,

“I think Leo actually likes your knights.”

“Really? Looked more like he was about to break out in hives from them.”

“If he really hated them, he’d have snapped already. You have no idea how picky he is.”

A voice came from ahead.

“I can hear you, Elaina. Talking about your friend behind his back isn’t a good habit.”

“Who said I was talking behind your back? I only said you were picky — which is true.”

Their bickering continued all the way back to the mansion. Lyle pretended not to listen, but the faint smile curving his lips betrayed him.