After the afternoon training session, I found myself in the Blackwood family’s grand bath. Thanks to Ethan’s consideration, I was able to relax in this luxurious tub instead of the small showers typically reserved for the servants. But despite the fine bath, my mood remained gloomy.

A week of bitter defeat wasn’t something a warm bath could easily wash away.

Splash, splash.

“Ahhh…”

…This is exhausting.

For a week now, I’d been sparring with Ethan, and yet I hadn’t found a single weakness. Even though we both used dual swords, Ethan seemed to see and react to so much more …