15 Chapter 15

Despite the chilly cold air of the province, a woman stood her ground, a spear firmly gripped in her hands. The clashing of steel echoed through the frosty air as she faced five muscular men, each brandishing a sword.

With lightning-quick reflexes and a determined gaze, she deflected the first sword strike, redirecting it with a skillful parry. Her movements were precise, fluid, and calculated as she maneuvered gracefully around her opponents. The woman's spear became an extension of her body, an instrument of both defense and offense.

As the second man lunged forward, she swiftly sidestepped his attack, countering with a powerful thrust of her spear. It met its mark, striking the man's armor with a resounding impact, sending him stumbling backward.

The remaining three men closed in, their swords slashing through the air. Undeterred, the woman expertly weaved and dodged, evading their strikes with agility and finesse. Her spear became a blur of motion as she countered each assault, parrying, striking, and maneuvering with breathtaking speed.

One by one, her opponents faltered under the relentless assault. Their attacks grew more desperate as they realized their disadvantage against her skill and determination. With a fluid motion, she disarmed one of them, sending his sword flying through the air. Seizing the opportunity, she unleashed a flurry of strikes, forcing the remaining two men on the defensive.

With a final sweeping strike of her spear, she disarmed another assailant, leaving him disoriented and vulnerable. The woman swiftly incapacitated him with a well-placed strike to his armored chest. Now facing only one opponent, she pressed forward with unwavering resolve.

The last man, realizing his impending defeat, attempted a desperate strike. But the woman anticipated his move, parrying his attack and swiftly disarming him. She stood tall, her spear pointed at his throat, asserting her dominance and victory.

"Well done, daughter," an elderly man praised, his hands coming together in an applause of admiration.

Upon spotting her father, the woman swiftly withdrew her spear from the defeated sparring partner's throat. "When did you arrive, Father?" she inquired, her gaze locking with his.

"Just a moment ago. I wanted to witness your training firsthand, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed," the man responded, a genuine smile gracing his face. "However, I also wish to discuss the matter of you defeating the marquess' son yesterday."

Recalling the events, a hint of annoyance colored the woman's expression. "That arrogant fool believes himself to be superior to all. I couldn't bear his conceit, so I challenged him to a duel and swiftly put him in his place," she recounted with a trace of pride in her voice.

Her father sighed, his gaze filled with a mix of understanding and concern. "Spear, my dear, it is crucial that you consider finding a suitable husband. You cannot simply overpower every man who attempts to court you."

Her cheeks flushed, revealing a rare glimpse of vulnerability. "I care not for marriage," she retorted, her voice tinged with a slight pout.

The man and woman were none other than Chouri, the former Prime Minister of the Empire, and his daughter Spear. After being outmaneuvered in the political arena by Honest, Chouri had chosen retirement in his estate, a land and palace bestowed upon him by the late Emperor. The said estate is situated near the Empire's border, the place offered respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

"I can't have my daughter being an old maiden, how else can she understand the burdens of raising a child," Chouri stated with a chuckle.

"Father!" Spear exclaimed, her annoyance evident in her voice as she lightly stomped her foot, causing Chouri to burst into laughter.

As the father and daughter playfully bickered, the defeated sparring partners of Spear quietly left the training area. They were accustomed to witnessing Chouri teasing his daughter about her inability to land a husband.

Chouri's laughter abruptly ceased when a man approached them. It was the steward of the estate, who greeted both Chouri and Spear before delivering the news, "Sir Chouri, Lady Spear, a messenger from the capital has arrived."

Surprised by the steward's statement, Chouri furrowed his brow and asked, "A messenger from the capital?" It had been years since Chouri had set foot in the capital, and he couldn't fathom why someone would send a message to his estate.

Intrigued, Spear inquired further, "What was the message?"

"I do not know, My lady. He said that the letter he brings is for the eyes of Sir Chouri only," the steward replied.

Father and daughter exchanged glances before instructing the steward to lead them to where the messenger was waiting.

The messenger, dressed in the standard military attire of the Empire, wore a thick coat to combat the chilly weather. He appeared exhausted, his fatigue evident as he consumed a warm bowl of soup with a piece of bread.

As Chouri entered the room, the messenger immediately stood at attention, still clutching his bread and soup.

"At ease, soldier. I am no longer an official of the state," Chouri reassured him with a smile. The soldier, momentarily embarrassed, quickly placed his meal on the nearest table and reached into his pocket, pulling out a sealed letter.

Chouri's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the seal of the office of the Prime Minister on the letter. It wasn't just him who was surprised, but also Spear and the steward. They all remembered how Honest had ousted Chouri from the position of Prime Minister years ago. Their minds raced with the possibility of Honest launching another attack against Chouri.

With the letter in his hand, Chouri swiftly retreated to his private office, with Spear trailing behind.

"What could it be, father?" Spear asked, her voice filled with concern.

Not bothering to answer her daughter, Chouri immediately retrieved his letter opener and tore open the envelope bearing the Prime Minister's seal. Inside, he found multiple sheets of paper. With great anticipation, he read through each one while Spear anxiously waited for her father to finish.

As Chouri placed the final piece of paper down on his table, a burst of joyful laughter escaped his lips, leaving Spear utterly shocked. She wondered if her father had lost his mind.

"Father?" she inquired, seeking an explanation.

Tears of joy streamed down Chouri's face as he looked at his daughter and exclaimed, "We must prepare, my dear."

Perplexed, Spear responded, "Prepare for what?"

"For our return to the capital!" Chouri declared with a beaming smile.