Grim was in the training yard, practicing the drawing motion for Sundering Slash. The sun had barely risen, but he'd been at it for nearly an hour already. His muscles still ached from D's training, but in a good way. It was like they were rebuilding themselves stronger than before.
He drew the sword again, trying to achieve the lightning-fast motion D had demonstrated. Aurora energy gathered along the blade's edge, but the release was still too weak to create more than a faint arc of light.
"You've improved."
Grim whirled around to see his father standing at the edge of the yard. Rowan looked tired, his clothes still dusty from travel, but his eyes were alert as they observed Grim's form.
"Father," Grim said, sheathing his sword. "You're back."
Rowan walked closer, studying his son with the careful eye of a master swordsman. "Your stance is different. More balanced."
"I've been training," Grim replied, trying to sound casual.
"Clearly." Rowan circled him slowly. "Your mana circulation has changed too. It's... more focused."
Grim tensed slightly. "You can tell?"
"Of course. Did you think I wouldn't notice?" Rowan stopped in front of him. "Who taught you while I was gone?"
For a moment, Grim considered lying, but what was the point? "His name was D. The Empress arranged it."
Something flickered in Rowan's eyes. It seemed like recognition, perhaps even concern. "Describe him."
"Tall. Gray beard. Red aura. Mean as fuck."
Rowan's expression tightened at the language but he let it pass. "And what did this... D... teach you?"
"Aurora Flash Sword Dao," Grim said, unable to keep a hint of pride from his voice.
"Show me."
Grim nodded and took his stance. Drawing in aurora energy as D had taught him, he executed the horizontal slash that released a multicolored flash. It hung in the air for just over a second before fading.
Rowan's eyes widened slightly. The closest to surprise Grim had ever seen on his father's face.
"Aurora Flash," Rowan murmured. "One of Caius's techniques. And you learned this in two weeks?"
"The basics, yeah," Grim said with a shrug, though internally he was pleased by his father's reaction. "Im still working on Sundering Slash."
Rowan was quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "These techniques... they're not to be used lightly, Grim. There are consequences to wielding such power."
"D mentioned something about that," Grim said. "But he didn't explain much."
"He wouldn't," Rowan replied cryptically. "We'll discuss this further, but first, I must report to the Empress. The situation at the southern border was... complicated."
Grim wanted to ask more, but before he could, a familiar voice called out across the training yard.
"Grim! You're back!"
Princess Liona was running toward them, her dress fluttering behind her. She looked delighted, a bright smile lighting up her face.
Rowan bowed formally. "Your Highness."
"Lord Ambrose, welcome back," Liona said politely before turning her full attention to Grim. "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you for days!"
"Training," Grim said simply.
"Well, you're done training now," she declared. "You promised me a whole day together, no questions asked. I'm here to collect."
Grim had completely forgotten about that promise. He looked to his father, hoping for a reprieve.
"A promise to the princess should be honored," Rowan said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. Was that amusement? Grim thought. "We'll continue our discussion later."
"But..." Grim began.
"No buts," Liona interrupted, grabbing his hand. "You promised."
Grim sighed in defeat. "Fine. Let me at least clean up first."
"You have ten minutes," Liona said firmly. "Meet me at the east garden gate. Don't be late!"
She dashed off as quickly as she had appeared, leaving Grim staring after her.
"She's quite... determined," Rowan observed.
"She's a pain in the ass," Grim muttered.
"Mind your language," Rowan chided automatically. "And honor your promise. The ball is tomorrow night. You can afford one day of leisure."
Grim wanted to argue but knew it would be futile. "Yes, father."
....
....
....
Exactly ten minutes later, Grim arrived at the east garden gate, cleaned up and wearing fresh clothes. Liona was waiting, practically bouncing with excitement.
"You came!" she said, sounding almost surprised.
"I promised, didn't I?" Grim replied.
"Yes, but you're always trying to get out of spending time with me." She grabbed his hand again, pulling him through the gate. "But not today! Today, you're all mine."
The garden beyond was lush and private, filled with more trees Grim hadn't seen before. It was clearly part of the royal family's personal grounds.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"First, breakfast," Liona said. "I had it all arranged."
She led him to a small pavilion where a table had been set with an array of food. Fresh bread, fruits, pastries, and other food Grim hadn't seen before. A single servant stood nearby, ready to serve.
Grim was still surprised to see so much of this world that was just like earth. There were some subtle differences, but most food was the same.
"You planned this," Grim realized as they sat down.
"Of course I did. I've been planning our day since you made your promise." Liona gestured for him to eat. "I even had the chef make those spicy egg things you like."
Grim was surprised she'd noticed his preferences. "Thanks," he said, somewhat awkwardly.
As they ate, Liona chattered about what had happened in the palace while he was "mysteriously absent" according to Liona. She was easier to be around when she wasn't trying to impress anyone, Grim realized. Her natural personality was actually kind of... nice.
After breakfast, she took him on what she called "the royal tour." Parts of the palace he'd never seen before. Ahidden observatory at the top of the east tower, the royal aviary where messenger birds were trained, and high outlook where Grim could see the west half of the empire.
"How do you know all these places?" Grim asked as they climbed yet another narrow staircase.
"I explore when I'm bored," Liona explained. "And I'm bored a lot. Being a princess means everyone watches what you do, so I find places where they can't see me."
That, Grim could understand. He'd spent plenty of time avoiding scrutiny himself.
The staircase led to a small door that opened onto the palace roof. The view was breathtaking—the entire capital spread out below them, with the mountains visible in the distance.
"This is my favorite spot," Liona said, sitting on the edge of the roof, her legs dangling over the side.
Grim joined her, careful to keep a respectful distance. "It's not bad."
"Not bad?" Liona laughed. "You're impossible to impress."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the wind ruffling their hair.
"Why do you hate me?" Liona suddenly asked.
The question caught Grim off guard. "I don't hate you."
"You act like you do," she said, her voice smaller than usual. "You always try to avoid me."
Grim sighed. "I don't hate you, princess. I just... I'm not good at..." He gestured vaguely.
"People?" she suggested.
"Yeah. People."
Liona smiled slightly. "Me neither, actually. Not real people, anyway. Everyone treats me differently because I'm the princess. They only see the crown, not me."
"I don't see a crown," Grim said. "I just see an annoying girl who follows me around."
To his surprise, Liona laughed. "At least you're honest. That's why I like you, you know. You never pretend."
Grim felt strangely uncomfortable with the sudden seriousness of the conversation. "So what's next on this tour of yours?"
Liona brightened immediately. "Lunch in the royal gardens, then I'm going to show you the palace library. It has books from all over the world."
The rest of the day passed more quickly than Grim expected. The library was actually impressive, with scrolls and books he'd never seen before. Liona knew her way around the shelves and showed him several rare volumes on mana cultivation that he genuinely found interesting.
Later, they visited the palace kitchens, where Liona convinced the chef to let them sample desserts being prepared for the ball. Grim had to admit the princess had a talent for getting people to do what she wanted without seeming demanding.
As the sun began to set, Liona led him to a small garden courtyard with a fountain at its center. Lanterns hung from the trees, not yet lit in the fading daylight.
"Last stop on our tour," she said, sitting on the edge of the fountain. "This is where my mother used to bring me when I was little. She said the sound of water helped her think."
Grim sat beside her, watching the water cascade down the stone tiers. "Your mom seems... intense."
Liona nodded. "She is. She has to be. Running an empire isn't easy." She trailed her fingers through the water. "But she's different when we're alone. Softer."
Grim thought about his own father. He was always controlled. "Parents are weird like that."
"Did you really disappear to train?" Liona asked suddenly. "Or were you avoiding me?"
"I was training," Grim said truthfully. "Light mana cultivation."
Liona's eyes widened. "Can you show me?"
Grim hesitated. D had warned him to be discrete, but a small demonstration couldn't hurt. He raised his hand, channeling a tiny amount of light mana to his palm. It glowed softly in the gathering dusk, shifting colors like a miniature aurora.
"It's beautiful," Liona whispered, staring at the light. "Like rainbow fire."
Grim let the light fade. "It's just basic control. Nothing special."
"Liar," Liona said, but she was smiling. "You're proud of it."
Before Grim could respond, servants appeared to light the lanterns hanging in the trees. The garden transformed as dozens of soft golden lights illuminated the space, reflecting in the fountain water.
"Do you know why I wanted to spend the day with you?" Liona asked, her voice softer than usual.
"Because you like annoying me?" Grim suggested.
She rolled her eyes. "No, idiot. Because I wanted to know if you were worth liking when we weren't being watched or tested or trained."
"And?" Grim asked, suddenly feeling oddly vulnerable.
"And I decided you are." She stood up, smoothing her dress. "Even if you pretend to be all dark and grumpy, I can tell there's more underneath."
"You don't know me," Grim muttered.
"I know enough," she replied confidently. "I know you kept your promise today, even though you didn't want to. I know you actually listened when I talked about things I care about. And I know you're the only person who treats me like a normal girl instead of a princess."
Grim didn't know how to respond to that. Part of him wanted to argue, to push her away with a sharp comment.
"Thank you for today," Liona said, suddenly formal. "I release you from your promise. It has been fulfilled."
She leaned forward quickly and pressed a kiss to his cheek, then stepped back, a slight blush coloring her face.
"See you at the ball tomorrow, Grim van Ambrose," she said with a small smile, then turned and walked quickly away, disappearing into the palace before Grim could react.
He sat there for a long moment, one hand absently touching the spot where she'd kissed him. His thoughts were a confused mess. Something bothered him, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was.
[Well, well,] the voice commented, sounding amused. [The princess has claimed her knight.]
"Shut up," Grim thought back. "It's not like that."
[If you say so,] the voice replied skeptically. [But fair warning. That girl knows what she wants. And right now, what she wants is you.]
Grim scowled and stood up, heading back toward his quarters. He had more important things to think about than Liona's feelings.
But as he walked, he found his thoughts returning to the princess's words. "I know you're the only person who treats me like a normal girl instead of a princess."