I Was the Hero, But She Turned Me Into the Villain

«Daven» said Lucius firmly, interrupting my thoughts. "Have you come to train?"

—And what else would I be doing in a place like this? —I replied indifferently.

Lucius seemed to weigh my words, though he said nothing at first. I felt his gaze linger on me for a few seconds.

—It would be interesting to see the young master in action... but that will be for another time. —he said, holding back a laugh to avoid sounding impertinent.

—Suppose so —I answered flatly, with a barely visible shrug.

Beside me, Alice lowered her gaze nervously. Then she stepped slightly closer and whispered in a trembling voice:

—Young master... is it alright to speak to him like that?

—It doesn’t matter —Lucius replied before I could, letting out a faint smile.

Alice was startled. Perhaps she thought no one else had heard her whisper. But of course... Lucius was no longer an ordinary man.

—Then, I’ll take my leave —Lucius added, adjusting his cape over his shoulder—. Good luck in the duel.

—I won’t need it —I replied naturally.

I turned without looking back and walked toward the training field. The wind blew harder there, dragging dust and dry leaves.