A Birthday Surprise
A swordsmanship cleaner than what Ashytara had demonstrated sliced through the air of the training ground. It wasn't rushed, and the momentum surging forward was utterly fearsome. By actively incorporating body rotations, the blade clung to the greatsword with greater speed, unleashing strikes of even more devastating power. Just watching it, Ashytara had no choice but to admit it. Even though the technique had been tailored specifically for her, Ludenberg Lavante wielded it far better. And a direct spar would let her spot her own flaws even more clearly.
Ashytara turned to Ludenberg.
“Rud. Wanna spar with me sometime?”
“Spar? You were just telling me to rest.”
“Well...”
Ashytara was at a loss for words. He was right. She'd only just urged him to take it easy. Asking him to move after showing off a single form felt wrong—like pushing a patient too soon.
“N-no, forget it. Do it later when you're all better.”
“Nah, I was kidding. Of course I'll do it.”
Ludenberg chuckled at her hesitation.
“Thanks.”
“No big deal. I was itching to move anyway—perfect timing. Gimme a sec to grab a greatsword.”
“Weapon rack's right over there. Pick whatever you want.”
“Got it.”
Ludenberg quickly selected a greatsword similar in size to the one in Ashytara's hands. He swung it a few times to test its balance, then took position in front of her.
“Ready? No divine power.”
Ludenberg nodded at her words.
“Yeah.”
She dropped into a low stance and charged, the ground thumping under her feet. Her massive cross greatsword swept upward in a brutal arc aimed straight at him.
Whoosh!
The strike carried terrifying force, but Ludenberg didn't flinch. He brought his own blade down slowly, deliberately, meeting hers head-on.
Clang!
The two greatswords rebounded. Ashytara and Ludenberg mirrored each other perfectly—using the recoil to spin their bodies and unleash a second strike.
Another clash, the metallic ring even fiercer than before, echoing across the training ground like an explosion. Their movements gained speed, momentum building.
But with every sword-on-sword collision, Ashytara's momentum faltered. The same technique, yet the gap in mastery was glaring.
She ignored it, eyes locked on his form, absorbing every detail. In that moment, she realized exactly where her own swordsmanship fell short.
'Ludenberg said I was too hasty.'
He was right. She'd fixated on speed, swinging impatiently, so her greatsword lacked real weight. Ludenberg's style fully exploited the weapon's nature—heavy yet steadily accelerating, that ponderous force compounding relentlessly.
His deliberate pressure slowly wore her down, his blade quickening as it bore in. Her form began to crumble.
But what about hers? She'd botched the fundamentals, treating the overwhelming mass like a flimsy board. No wonder it carried no true power. Without that weight behind it, the pressure on her opponent was negligible. She'd compensated with divine power so far, but only against peers. Her shaky basics were why she'd crumbled against Jepita last time.
Clang!
Before long, she couldn't withstand the mounting pressure. Her greatsword flew from her grip, skittering across the dirt.
“Get it?”
“Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Rud.”
Ashytara felt no resentment that he outshone her in a style made for her. If anything, it made sense. He'd trained alongside her when she first learned it, and his skill had long surpassed hers. The flaws stood out plain as day.
She'd always known that. Accepting her shortcomings came naturally.
“Glad it helped, Tara. Anyway, we'll head to Lavante together, so Dad'll iron out anything I miss. Don't rush it—you're plenty strong.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Wanna take a break? I'll check your form more closely later. Rest for now.”
“Sure.”
Ludenberg and Ashytara flopped onto the grass under a tree's shade near the training ground, sprawling out like stars.
“Feels like forever since we did this, huh?”
“Totally. Not since your dad trained us and we crashed out for a nap after.”
A cool breeze rustled through the branches as they lay there, gazing at the sky.
“Whatcha gonna do in Lavante?”
Ashytara asked Ludenberg.
“Dunno... probably special training with Dad. Nothing else comes to mind.”
“Sounds rough.”
“But it'll make life at Solemnute Adem easier.”
“Don't overdo it. Rest sometimes.”
“Even if I rest... no idea what to do.”
“Hang with me then. Like at the festival.”
“Lavante won't have spots that fun.”
“Who needs a spot? It's the company. Friends make fun anywhere.”
“Fair. Fine, if you're dragging me around, I'll play along.”
Ashytara beamed at his firm reply. They lingered under the tree a bit longer before getting up, and Ludenberg resumed critiquing her swordplay.
As he guided her through more forms, Ludenberg sensed the time was right.
“Getting hungry? Let's eat.”
“Huh? Oh... sure.”
Ashytara followed reluctantly, hand in his. She'd assumed they'd head to the Itara Palace banquet hall, but the path felt off. She glanced at him.
“Rud, where we going?”
“Lunch.”
“This is the garden...?”
“You'll see.”
“Huh?”
Bewildered, she trailed him to the garden's heart. And then...
“Happy seventeenth birthday, Princess Ashytara!”
Everyone staying at Itara Palace had gathered to celebrate her.
“Wha...?”
Ashytara jumped, staring blankly at Ludenberg in confusion. He burst out laughing at her puzzled face.
“It's your birthday today. Happy birthday, Tara.”
Snapping to, her stunned expression bloomed into pure joy.
“When'd you plan this?”
“About a week ago. Kinda embarrassing—I forgot too, but the maids reminded me. Remember when you asked where I'd been? And suspected Nah Tes? That was me prepping your party. Couldn't say a word.”
“Oh...”
Ashytara realized his late returns to the palace had been for her. Guilt flickered—she'd grilled him without knowing. But joy overrode it, a smile spreading across her face.
“And this is your gift.”
Ludenberg handed her a neatly wrapped box from a maid.
“A gift?”
“Yeah. Open it.”
“Okay.”
Excitement lit her face as she untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside gleamed a round golden pendant etched with a delicate flower.
“A pendant?”
“Heard you don't like flashy jewels, so I went simple. But it's pricey—made of Solium.”
“Solium? How...?”
“Maids recommended Solium Merhen. Turns out it's run by imperial collaterals.”
“Oh!”
Ashytara knew it—her sister Sione Solenute ordered accessories there for events.
“Hope you like it. Took some thought—even had them engrave a flower, which isn't my style.”
“Hey, this flower's just like the ones in the garden.”
“Yeah. Figured a gift needs something you love. That's your favorite, right?”
“It is. You remembered.”
She gazed at him anew, then smiled warmly.
“Was debating what to get... wanted something you could wear anytime, even in armor or swinging a sword. Hairpins, earrings, rings get in the way. Pendant seemed safe.”
“I love it. Really, truly—thank you, Rud. And all of you. I knew it was my birthday, but... not like this.”
“We wanted other royals too, but with the crisis, everyone's swamped. So we kept it small, just us.”
“You know I hate crowds. This is perfect. I'm so, so happy.”
Her smile was radiant, genuine, as she beamed at everyone.
“Lemme put it on.”
“Okay.”
Ludenberg took the pendant and fastened it around her neck.
“How's it look?”
It suited her perfectly.
“Great. Way better than gaudy gems.”
“...Thanks.”
She smiled shyly, gratitude shining in her eyes. As everyone watched fondly, a maid spoke up.
“Oh, Princess.”
“Yes?”
“There's a letter at the bottom of the box.”
“A letter?”
“Yes! One Lord Ludenberg agonized over for three days and nights, and ones from us too!”
“...Rud?”
“Yup.”
“Really?”
“You've sent me letters steadily, so I figured I owed a reply. Read it later, though—not now.”
Ashytara stared at him in disbelief. Ludenberg looked sheepish.
And in that instant, she threw her arms around him, joy bursting from every fiber.
“...!”
“Thank you so much, Rud. That's all I can say.”
“Anyway, happy birthday, Tara. Hope it's a happy day for you.”
“It already is!”
Ludenberg just smiled at her overflowing delight. The maids and others grinned brightly at the pair.