(#9)Unwanted Companion

"Have you thought it through, My Lady?" Belle asked. "Good Belle, I am going to be fine. It's not like I'm going to die." I said. "But still this is dangerous." She said.

"I want to do something of worth for the House of Aesther." I said. "But Young Master Aesther didn't ask for it." Belle said.

"This is something that I know is right. And I am also sure that my Father supports me in this. Why should I ask Father? He also might not agree thinking that this will hurt me. So, it's up to me." I said.

"No one asked you to do this." She said. "I, Anastasia Aesther, don't work according to the likes of others. Everything I do, will be for the golden future of the House of Aesther." I said.

"As much as I know how dangerous this, I am happy for the change that you have went through, My Lady." Belle said.

"What did I tell you to call me in private?" I asked. "A-Ana." She stuttered. I grinned. "See. No so hard, right?" I asked.

"Look." I said as I reached the end of the stairs.

The specialty of this place was that, from this position, one can view the whole courtyard.

I remember, in my past life, I and Maylene, used to watch the knights practicing in the courtyard, from this position. We used to giggle telling how much handsome one is, over another.

I shook my head. "Oh My Goodness, Ana, you are alright, right?" Belle asked. I smirked.

"Why are you smiling like that?" She asked. "Because you just called me Ana." I said. Her face suddenly went red in color. She then his her face with her palm.

"Hey, Come on. I like it when you call me Ana. I was only too happy to hear you say that." I said.

"Yes, Ana. Now what were we going to talk about?" She asked and I looked around for a minute, trying to remember.

"Ah, yeah. I want you to stand from this point of view and check me. You can view the whole courtyard from here. So, I want you to monitor me." Said and she nodded.

I heaved a sigh. "My Lady we can still go back." She said. "No. I want to do this." I said and she nodded in understanding.

I walked into the courtyard to the first formers. Sir Cross was the one leading them. I walked towards him.

When I got near him, the batch of first formers began to lower their voice.

"Ah! I forgot to tell you all. Today, a new Dame will be joining into the army of the House of Aesther." Sir Cross said to the first formers and turned to me.

"Now, introduce yourself." He said.

Shit, among all that I had prepared, I forgot about my name. Well, this is a name, what is so hard about it.

"Ella." I told to his face. Then I turned around to face the first squad. "Ella Auburn." I said. Shit, why did I say Auburn? That is the name of my maternal side.

"Auburn?" Sir Cross, for the first time in my past life and present life looked at me with interest.

In my past life, like everyone else, even Sir Cross looked at me with a look of disappointment. And the first time he saw me, was when I was receiving the punishment for falling into the Holy Pond.

Thankfully, in this life, the first time him seeing me, will not be for a bad cause.

"No wonder I was told about your name." He said.

"Respected Sir, I left the House of Auburn for the same reason that I hope that you would not create here." I said.

He nodded with understanding. "I never thought that an Auburn Lady, or any family member would call me, Respected Sir." He said.

Can't blame him. The Auburns are famous for their pride that touches the sky.

"What can I do? I have an excellent pair of parents." I said and he raised his eyebrows.

"They are humble and modest but also have proudness in them. And thankfully, they raised me up to it." I said.

"I haven't heard of them yet." He said. "You will soon." I said and smiled.

"Alright, Miss Auburn, you can join the First squad, and stand according to your height." He said and I nodded.

I was standing in the first position of the second line from the right.

House Aesther, unlike other houses, have only three squads of Knights/Dames. Whereas, other houses have from five to eight.

But the specialty is that, the strength of the three squads of knight from House Aesther is equal to the strength of the five to eight from other houses.

The credit goes to Sir Cross.

Before coming to the House of Aesther to train the knights, he was a high army official, who is well known for his tremendous strength.

But then he was involved in a scandal with the King's sister, which is almost true. Because of that, he lost his position in the army.

But then, when he tried to work in other houses, they refused to let him, to kiss up the King. But the House of Aesther welcomed him with open hands, which I think is something between my Father and King.

And now, all the other houses are regretting not taking in Sir Cross when they had the chance.

When Sir Cross teaches sword fighting, it seems so easy. But when you try to get a quick recap on what you have just learned, you will find it too complicated.

But going through each step, one at a time, remembering Sir Cross's teaching, it all seems as easy as ABC...

The timetable for the first formers is like, morning session from 9 am to 11 am, and evening session from 4 pm to 6 pm.

After 11 am, I informed Belle that I will be practicing for a bit more time. She seemed reluctant at first, but I paid no heed to her wailings.

I was practicing near the pond in the garden. The fresh and smooth air of the garden, can beat all the other places that you can find to practice.

I was wielding the sword, cutting through the air, when I felt like someone was watching me, again.

I moved a bit near to the pond, and checked my surroundings. My guess was right. There was a black figure on a tree, situated outside of the House of Aesther.

I then kept my sword at rest. Took out my small, sharp, iron arrows. I then cut it through the air, increasing the pressure.

It seemed like I was having the disadvantage. I could view him, by without him knowing. I can throw my weapon, when he least expects it, and acquire the element of surprise.

Finally, he will think that I am too under experienced.

Then with no further warnings, I shot it. And as expected, he first thought that it slipped out of my hands.

Only when it was too near to him, he realized that it was meant for him. But he was too surprised to react.

It made a cut on his left cheekbone.

He then soon left. But that is still counted as a victory.

And now, the important thing remains,

Who must have sent him?

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"I am very sorry Master. I didn't expect her Ladyship to do that suddenly. I was so mesmerized by her practice, and thought that the weapon slipped from her hands. I only realized when it was too late." He said.

It's not your fault. Who would have thought that, the rumored spoiled lady, decided to train as a knight, one Sunday Morning?" He asked.

"Everything is getting too interesting. Anyway, keep watch on her as usual. Take extra precaution." The Master said.

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