Chapter 23: Gifted Skills?
“How is this even possible…”
The Duke muttered to himself, his expression a mix of disbelief and more importantly, confusion.
I could guess what was going on in his mind. He must be comparing me to Peilo, wondering what sort of transformation a girl with such a weak constitution could possibly have gone through to end up like me.
Too bad I can’t clear that up for you; I’m still just as muddled and confused as you are!
“So, what do you think, Your Grace?” Carlos chimed in.
“Hmm, I’ve got the general situation now. Since Miss Silvya’s physical strength is so solid, I can boldly give this a try, pushing the range and lethality of my attacks to the limit. However, the scythe is a rather unique weapon among trick weapons; without a certain foundation, it might be less effective than a dagger. Before we proceed…” The Duke tapped his fingers on the table, paused for a moment, and then said, “Miss Silvya, I know you’ve single-handedly slain creatures from the Abyss, which is impressive. But have you trained in combat skills properly?”
Combat skills? What are those? I guess no one ever thought to inform me about that.
For the past three months, my understanding and application of the Frost Order, including the chaotic powers from the Abyss, have been purely based on my own wild guessing. It’s all been driven by instinct or maybe feelings; I really have no idea what these so-called ‘skills’ are supposed to be.
For example, does what Carlos does with his dazzling speed count as a skill?
How on earth does he manage that?
Noticing the confused expression on my face, the Duke looked quite surprised.
“Carlos, you didn’t teach her?”
“How could I? The techniques supported by the Lightning Order are beyond her grasp. And honestly, in Little Shay’s case… let’s just say it’s a bit special.” Carlos said, reaching out to ruffle my hair, but after I shot him a glare, he shrugged nonchalantly, retracting his hand as if nothing happened and continued, “She has an incredibly sharp intuition and a unique talent for combat. However, the sword techniques and footwork used to train knights in the Church are based on the standards of ordinary people. Such rigid training holds no value for her; her skills can only be honed through real combat.”
“But more importantly, what she really needs to learn right now is how to control the Power of Order… Honestly, I haven’t come across many who can connect with the source to this degree; even you and I can’t hold a candle to her. But right now, her control over this power is still at the novice level, which is why the Pope insisted she go to the Royal Academy in the first place.”
Carlos’s concern caught me by surprise. I didn’t expect him to care about my situation… especially since he’s never said anything nice to me before.
“I handle the scythe just fine, no issues there.”
The Duke pondered for a moment.
“Got it. Leave the rest to me.”
I nodded and then asked, “How many coins?”
Since I’m asking someone for help, it’s only fair that I pay them properly; that’s basic common sense. But the Duke turned a bit blank when he heard me and then burst into laughter.
“Ha ha ha, Miss Silvya, I don’t charge coins here, but you do have to promise me one thing.”
Trading favors, huh?
Well, that makes sense; a Duke of his stature likely wouldn’t be interested in a few coins. So asking for something in return is understandable.
I was thrilled not to have to shell out cash. I trusted the Duke wouldn’t ask for anything outrageous, so I asked, “What is it?”
Just then, Lady Catherine walked into the dining hall, leading several maids who placed plate after plate of delicious food on the table.
The aroma of the food hit me like a tidal wave, and I couldn’t help but twitch my nose a little, swallowing quietly.
“What are you three chatting about?” Lady Catherine asked curiously.
“Oh, we’re just discussing designing a weapon for Miss Silvya,” Carlos replied casually.
“Weapon design? Who needs a weapon designed?” Pasifal yawned as he walked in, still looking half-asleep. “Peilo, did you sleep well? Yawn— I actually wanted to find you to chat last night, but the old man wouldn’t let me— how cruel!”
“Who are you calling cruel?” Duke Skarlij suddenly turned sour-faced.
“Ah! Old man, I didn’t see you there—sorry, sorry! Ha ha ha.”
Pasifal gave a couple of awkward chuckles before pulling out the chair next to me and plopping down, flashing me his perfectly white teeth.
“Hey, Peilo! Just thinking about you being back makes me happy— I couldn’t sleep a wink last night! Am I getting dark circles under my eyes? …Hey, you’ve got dark circles too!”
I stared at his good-looking face inching closer as he spoke, my brows furrowing slightly at his assumption that I’m Peilo. I felt a surge of discomfort and instinctively shrank back.
“Pasifal! Move to that side!” Lady Catherine noticed my unease and quickly reprimanded her son.
“Why? I want to sit with Peilo.”
“How old are you? Still acting like a kid? Come over here.”
“But—”
“Pasifal, listen to your mother.”
“…Oh.”
Watching Pasifal glance at me with disappointment before sulking off to the other side made me feel a bit guilty.
Honestly, I didn’t find him that annoying. I knew he regarded me as his sister, and I could sympathize with his feelings of having found a long-lost family member.
But unfortunately, I couldn’t share in that sentiment. I had no emotional connection to Peilo and didn’t know what kind of bond she had with her brother; in my memory, Pasifal was just a stranger I happened to meet for the second time.
However, this subtle emotion passed quickly; now was not the time for such thoughts.
I hadn’t eaten much for dinner last night, and I was really hungry. Can I dig in now?
Eager to get to the food, I shot a quick look at Carlos, who winked back to let me know he understood.
“Lady Catherine, did you cook all of this yourself?” Carlos asked as if casually.
“Yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked, so I feel a little rusty. Let me know if it’s good!”
That was the line I was waiting for; I immediately grabbed a delicious-looking sausage and dug into it with the soft bread.
“How does it taste?”
With Lady Catherine’s expectant gaze on me, I nodded vigorously.
“Mm hmm.”
Honestly, besides the delicious food aroma, there might have been some extra flavors mixed in there too.
“Pasifal, you’re coming with me to the central workshop this afternoon.”
“Why? I still have to patrol the West Gate!”
“Let Bella take your place; there are more important things to do.”
“Like what—”
“We’re selecting materials for designing a weapon for Miss Silvya. You’re coming to help!”
“Ah, okay.”
“Miss Silvya, do you want to come along and check it out?”
………..
