Chapter 53: A Big Ask
Aziel looked at Arthur with an unamused expression, his usual smile fading into a confused frown. The morning light caught in his silver hair as he tilted his head slightly.
"...what?" The single word hung in the air between them, filled with genuine bewilderment.
Arthur sighed deeply and steeled himself again. The roses swayed gently around them, their sweet and dangerous scent wafting through the air as he gathered his courage. His fingers dug into the soft earth beneath him, grounding himself for what he needed to say.
"Because of you, I decided to live..." he began, his voice gaining strength with each word. "To live for the sake of strength and power. But a small problem is that, as I’m sure you have noticed..." He paused, the admission difficult to voice aloud. "I’m weak. Besides my rather useful ability that has allowed me to stay alive until now, I have no skill with my sword or any fighting techniques."
The morning breeze rustled through the endless field of roses, carrying his words to Aziel, who remained silent, watching him with an intensity that was rare for the usually carefree boy.
"I can’t use my power and the amplifications it gives me effectively until then..." Arthur continued, his voice growing more earnest. "I know a sword isn’t your weapon of choice, but I saw how you wielded one back at the academy. You know what you’re doing, so please."
In a gesture that clearly cost him considerable pride, Arthur bowed his head to the ground deeply, pressing his forehead against the bed of roses. The thorns gently pressed against his skin, but he barely noticed them compared to the weight of his request.
"Train me."
The silence that followed was profound. The only sounds were the gentle whisper of the wind through the roses and the sounds of them breathing. Aziel stayed quiet, looking at Arthur with a confused expression as he pondered the unexpected request.