Everyone focused their gazes on the superior as he spoke. Opposite their line of sight, there was a group of people entering through the gate. Elaine’s gaze then fell on the man walking at the front of the group, leading the other five knights.
White skin and jet-black hair that was dark as ebony. A strong body and broad shoulders, like a knight should have, all below a delicate jawline. There was a cold and sharp atmosphere looming over the man that matched his tall stature.
Then there were his vividly shining eyes that were unique in this world.
Her breath stopped. When she looked into his eyes, her mind went blank. Forgetting to even breath, she couldn’t take her eyes off of the eyes that were the exact same color as Bella’s. For a moment she even had the thought that Bella came back to life. The appearance was so similar to her, the man could easily have been mistaken for Bella at a glance. His dark black hair and purple eyes were Bella’s.
Although his appearance was very different from the young Ash that she had known, she could still recognize him in an instant.
‘Is that really Ash? I’m not dreaming, am I?’
Her body had reacted before her head could even comprehend the situation. Her fingertips trembled and her knees buckled. She felt both overwhelmed and heartbroken at the same time, unable to take her gaze off of the man. She wanted to reach out and touch him.
At that moment, she then heard a voice that snapped her out of her trance.
“Elaine? Are you alright?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m fine.”
“Are you hurt somewhere? You suddenly stumbled and fell for some reason.”
“No, its okay. I’m really fine.”
“Whew, I almost thought you were going to run away.”
Elaine shook her heat at Cezanne and let out a sigh of relief. If Cezanne hadn’t called out to her, she might really have run forward. But that was not an option right now.
She felt like she wanted to embrace Ash right away and make sure this wasn’t a dream, but she knew she couldn’t do that. It was known to the public that the witch had died 20 years ago. However, if a woman who was only 20 years old came forward and said she had known the witch, no one would believe her. Moreover, in the worst-case scenario, there was a risk that they would consider her as someone suspicious and kick her out of the estate.
In order to reveal that she was a close companion of Bella, she would also have to reveal that Bella’s heart was now hers. But she was afraid to reveal the truth. How would he react when he found out that his mother had died because of her? If he knew that Bella’s heart was now beating in her chest?
Would he show fear? Apprehension? Contempt? Hatred?
No matter what, there was no doubt that there would be a negative reaction. Just thinking about it made Elaine’s heart sink. Ash was the only person left in this world who was precious to her. Someone she never wanted to lose. Would she be able to keep living if she saw contempt towards her in his eyes?
She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails were digging into her palms painfully. Elaine took a deep breath and looked at Ash, who had now arrived in front of the group along with the trailing knights.
“Welcome, Sir.”
Ash nodded at the supervisor’s greeting and pulled out his sword from its sheath. He lazily held his sword with his right hand and glanced at the group of applicants standing before him. Soon a cool voice flowed from his mouth.
“I’m sure everyone here already knows who I am, but today I am here, not as the Duke, but as your examiner. So, feel free to give it your best shot, alright?”
“…”
There was only silence. Many of the applicant had become nervous when they came face to face with the Duke of Killiard, whom they had previously only heard rumors about. It was also because of the cold atmosphere that seemed to surround his entire body and the tremendous pressure that naturally flowed from him.
He raised his eyebrows at the unresponsive crowd.
“Answer.”
“Yes!”
A loud cry rang throughout the training grounds in response to the Dukes command.
The superior then called for the first applicant.
“Heather Teige, please step forward.”
“Yes!”
The applicants whose name was called rushed forward. The remaining applicants sat in the waiting area at the edge of the training grounds and watched the exam take place.
The first sparring match of the final exam had started. The two people entered the circle side by side and soon the stating bell rang. As soon as the bell rang, the first applicant stabbed his sword directly at Ash.
It was quite exciting to be able to witness a preemptive attack launched right from the start. It was a fast movement. They indeed possessed skills that were worthy of making it to the finals. Ash watched the scene before him, with his sword hanging down not moving, even when the sword was close enough to almost cut him.
Eventually, when the sword was right in front of his face, did he make his move.
Clang-
Just one swing and the applicant’s sword clashed loudly against Ash’s blade and few from his hands. The applicant tried to grab his sword, but it was too late. Suddenly, the tip of Ash’s sword stopped under the applicant’s chin.
The match was over in an instant. Even before half of a minute had passed. The sound of shocked gasps could be heard all over.
Ash looked back at the waiting are with an unimpressed look on his face.
“Next.”
Finalmente 😁