Chương 74: You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone

Oscar stood in the underground training hall, his breathing still heavy after an especially grueling practice session. Sweat ran down his forehead as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword.

"Your Majesty, you've been cut on the arm. I'll fetch a physician at once", the soldier said, stepping forward with concern.

"No. It's only a scratch", Oscar replied without even looking at him.

"Tomorrow, same time. Don't be late".

"Certainly, Your Majesty", the soldier answered with a respectful bow before leaving. Oscar was about to sheath his sword when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around.

"Well, well…you've been training quite hard, haven't you, nephew?"

"Aunt?" Oscar said, surprised.

"What are you doing here? This isn't a place for guests".

"Do you really think your aunt is some useless noblewoman?" Matilda replied with a crooked smile.

"I know how to use a sword". Oscar raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Really?" Matilda drew a saber from her belt, its blade gleaming in the torchlight. This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

"En garde". Oscar hesitated for only a moment before taking his stance. Not far from the camp, Felicity sat on a fallen log with her injured leg stretched out in front of her. The pain was still there, sharp and throbbing. Leah approached her slowly.

"How's the wound?"

"Xia stitched it up well", Felicity replied.

"But it still burns". Leah nodded before lowering her voice.

"And the one inside?" Felicity remained silent for a few seconds, her gaze lost in the distance.

"Leandro was the only person left from my childhood", she finally said.

"He was like a second father to me. Seeing him like that…and having to kill him…it felt like losing everything all over again. That wound will take much longer to heal". Leah sat down beside her.

"You're incredibly strong, Feli. I don't think I could've done what you did".

"It's not just about being strong…I'm simply used to suffering".

"Maybe. But you don't have to suffer alone. You have me…and Xia too". Felicity looked at her, then gave a faint smile.

"Want to train? With real swords this time".

"I do…but I don't have one". Felicity pointed at the swords beside her.

"I have two". Leah smiled warmly.

"Then I don't see why not". Back in the underground training hall, Matilda sat on the floor, drenched in sweat and struggling to catch her breath. She laughed softly between breaths.

"Incredible, nephew", she said with a grin.

"You're truly an outstanding swordsman". Oscar walked over and offered her his hand.

"So are you, Aunt. You surprised me". Matilda took his hand and let him pull her to her feet.

"There are still many things you don't know about your dear aunt", she said as she stepped closer.

"But don't worry…we'll make up for all the time we've lost". She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. From the upper floor, Teresa watched the scene through a window. Her expression was stiff. Serious. And far from reassured.