Since the main purpose was dinner, they were led to a prepared banquet. In the meantime, Sonia continued to provoke and loudly demand a duel, but no one paid her any mind.
The banquet was modest by Violetâs standards.
Unlike the starkly quiet dining atmosphere of the Everett familyâs dining hall, the Blaise family members chatted endlessly.
The main focus was naturally on the swordsmanship geniuses, Aldin and Cairn, both of whom gave succinct answers. Yet the conversation flowed effortlessly, a testament to the othersâ conversational skills.
Violet was also asked a few questions out of formality, mostly about her age or life in the capital, which she answered lightly. The focus then shifted back to Cairn, but one pair of eyes remained fixed on her.
The man had wrinkled skin and white hair, yet his robust physique suggested he was still active.
Violet immediately recognized him as her maternal grandfather.
She felt no special emotion toward her grandfather.
Just a bit uncomfortable.
After the mildly awkward dinner ended, Cairn and Aldin were dragged to the training ground for a duel, not just because of Soniaâs persistence but also due to the margraveâs desire to see their skills. Despite being unfamiliar with swords, Violet was also brought along to watch.
ââŠIâm sorry if it was uncomfortable for you.â
Just as she was about to move, a voice apologized. Turning, Violet saw it was the margrave.
âYou remind me of Lacia from the old days. I heard you resembled her, but I didnât realize just how muchâŠâ
With those words, Violet realized he was talking about her grandmother.
It was true that she felt uncomfortable, but it wasnât unpleasant. So, she responded in a refined voice.
ââŠNo, itâs fine. Iâve heard a lot about her.â
âYes. This is the first time seeing you since you were very young.â
ââŠYes.â
A gentle smile reached Violet. It was a story from a time she couldnât remember, yet Violet felt a curious, ticklish sensation.
âJudging by your reaction, it seems you donât remember.â
ââŠâŠâ
âIâve heard a lot about you. It seems youâve had a tough time.â
âWhat hardship could I have gone through?â
âOf course you have. Iâve heard you had a tough time under that rascal, Valder. If you ever want to come to Blaise, youâre always welcome, my dear.â
The old man referred to the Duke of Everett as a ârascalâ.
A rascal named Valderâwas there really such a person above her? For a moment, her face turned pale.
Soon, he laughed cheerfully, saying it was a joke, but Violet couldnât take it as one.
The word ârascalâ lingered in her mind until they reached the well-maintained training ground.
* * *
The sparring match proceeded in order. Sonia got her wish and sparred with Cairn.
Since it was a real sword duel rather than a mock sword fight, the spectatorsâ roles became significant. Violet sat in a position where she could clearly see them and watched the duel that started immediately.
Although Cairn was particularly subdued compared to usual, his skills, hailed as those of a genius, were not diminished. His swordsmanship was sharp, likely due to his recent experience in real combat.
Of course, to Violet, it simply looked like they were moving quickly.
ââŠâŠâ
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ââŠâŠâ
Except for Violet, everyone watching had tense expressions. They watched the duel with stern faces, not uttering a single word of admiration.
To her untrained eyes, Cairn seemed to be winning. Therefore, she couldnât understand why they were reacting that way.
âStop.â
The margraveâs brief command halted the duel. Sonia stomped her foot in frustration, but Cairn merely glanced at her and stepped back.
âActing like that will only anger your opponentâŠâ
Standing next to Violet, Delta muttered. Before she could ask what the problem was, he was called.
âDelta, itâs your turn next.â
âYes.â
Though he appeared delicate, Delta was also a swordsman. Violet had vaguely thought he was a scholar like Roen, so she was surprised. Seeing her reaction, Delta laughed once and headed to the center of the training ground with his sword.
The second duel began.
âHe was toying with meâŠ!â
âHe probably didnât intend to toy with you. Calm down, Sonia.â
Unable to accept her loss, Sonia fumed and sulked throughout the match.
The seemingly even duel ended with Cairn losing as he dropped his sword. It was an anticlimactic defeat for someone called a genius.
Both had exceptional skills, so there were no injuries, but the atmosphere remained somber.
ââŠWere you mocking your opponent?â
ââŠâŠâ
Maintaining a smiling face, Delta sheathed his sword and asked Cairn. Cairn avoided his gaze.
âI didnât intend to mock you. âŠSorry.â
âEven so, not giving your all is disrespectful to your opponent.â
Cairn did not respond, instead walking weakly and sitting far from Violet.
Whether it was true or not, he certainly seemed to be in poor condition.
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