Chapter 313: Surprises
What was she meant to say? A part of her wanted to go to Felix and curse him out for keeping something so shocking from their commander. She liked to think that her achievements thus far were enough for at least a mere mention of her.
"It seems they didn’t warn you about me," she realized. "Will you not spar with a woman, Commander?"
There it was, her test.
She had been having such an easy time with all the knights she considered her brothers. Only when she went around the duchy did she get a few shocked glances and unnecessary comments. However, most were aware of her at this point. With her hair that stood out amongst a crowd, she was someone hard to miss. In eighteen years of life, she had learned as much.
And then, his response to her test.
"It’s an honor to spar with anyone who has such effortless control of their blade," he explained. "But please tell me your name."
Was it rude of her to size him up for a few moments? While he didn’t outwardly show he was shocked at that moment, it had been blatant to her before.
"Irene Litharion," she answered, but then she decided she needed to get something straight. "Please don’t call me the Cub. I would prefer to prove myself beyond what my father has laid out for me."
"Fair enough," he responded. "Ready your sword, Lady Irene."
Rather than dwelling further, Irene tucked her practice sword underneath her arm and twisted her hair so that it would fit underneath the helmet she wore. Once it was back on her head, she readied her practice sword and her gaze was set on the larger man before her.
Her heart felt heavy with anticipation.