Chapter 65

Leondhart brought cookies made with Cordelia's favorite apple jam.

When she put one in her mouth, the aroma of butter and the sweet-sour taste spread as it crumbled.

The cookies were a bit hard, and the difference in texture with the jam was enjoyable.

(Today, the cookies from His Highness were delicious too. I have to work hard in training to match the cookies I received.)

In a corner of the garden, where no one else was around, Leondhart was holding the holy sword.

The blade had already returned to the length of a long sword.

He stood with the sword in front of his body, gripping the hilt with both hands and pointing the blade straight up.

Leondhart, with the golden blade in hand, looked like a painting come to life.

"I'm going to demonstrate now, so watch me from there."

The tip of the blade lowered and was held diagonally downward.

The golden blade glowed brighter and began to emit light.

"Ha!"

With a shout, he swung the sword.

A trail ran through the air, and a golden flame was released from the blade.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's beautiful..."

The golden flame danced in the air and disappeared before scorching the plants.

All that remained were sparks that shimmered like stardust.

Even these sparks vanished like a mirage before they hit the ground.

It seemed he was controlling his power to avoid unnecessary damage.

"My flames can choose what to burn and can avoid burning plants, but that's an advanced technique. First, I want Cordelia to be able to produce ordinary flames."

"Do I just have to think about producing flames while holding the sword in the current stance?"

"The stance doesn't have to be perfect. Once you get used to it, you can even produce flames from the blade without moving the sword at all. But at first, having a specific movement when using your power will make it easier to grasp the technique."

Indeed, it seemed easier to associate swinging the sword with producing flames rather than just standing still and trying to produce flames.

Cordelia took the holy sword, which was the size of a short sword, and gripped it firmly with both hands.

She mimicked Leondhart and held the holy sword diagonally downward.

"Yaah!"

She shouted and swung the sword upward.

...

...

...

Nothing happened.

(This is quite embarrassing...!)

Cordelia had only swung the sword while shouting.

To cover her embarrassment, she repeated the motion of holding and swinging the sword, but not a single spark appeared.

"Ugh..."

She felt dejected.

Perhaps she lacked talent?

As she was feeling down, Leondhart spoke.

"Don't worry, it's okay. I've read the notes left by an ancestor, and it seems it doesn't work immediately. It took several days of practice for the person given the holy sword to finally produce flames."

"Does that mean I need to practice this motion every day by myself?"

I'm good at consistent practice. Cordelia decided to put in more effort.

"That's right. I want you to practice on your own, but..."

Leondhart suddenly leaned over her from behind.

His hand overlapped hers on the hilt, and their bodies were in close contact.

"Your Highness...?"

"I'll help you adjust your stance and practice the motion together. This way, you might be able to grasp the feeling faster."

"Y-Yes, I understand..."

Leondhart's words made sense.

It might help, but it was hard on Cordelia's heart.

His breath on her nape made her spine shiver.

(Focus, focus!)

Calm your heartbeat. Clear your mind of distractions.

While strongly concentrating, Cordelia repeated the motion, or rather, the practice of producing flames.

(Your Highness's fingers are so big and his arms are so strong, no, focus on the flames. If I can produce flames, I can get out of this close position. Flames, flames, come out, burn, burn, flames, come out—)

Whoosh.

A single golden flame shot out.

It floated weakly, far from the magnificent flames Leondhart had produced, but it was indeed a flame.

"It worked! I produced flames!"

"Ah, that's impressive. You might have a good aptitude for it."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Without focusing on the warmth of his body against her back, Cordelia expressed her gratitude.

"Your Highness, excuse me. I'll try to see if I can do it on my own..."

She slipped out of Leondhart's arms and turned around.

Cordelia froze.

"Your ears..."

"What's wrong, Cordelia?"

Leondhart, looking worried, furrowed his brow.

On top of his golden hair, two small, round ears covered in soft fur were poking out.