Liliya covered her mouth with her hand, forcing a professional maid's expression on her face while desperately trying to hold back her tears.
“W-w-well… I-I’m just a mere maid, how could I possibly… It’s impossible… I’d rather not…”
Her voice trembled, and her expression was filled with terror and disbelief.
Rod walked forward with a smile and took Liliya’s hand, his voice soft but firm.
“The King’s orders are absolute, so you can’t refuse.”
Tears instantly streamed down her face.
Liliya, unable to contain herself, hugged Rod and burst into tears.
“Waaaah… Your Majesty, I love you most!”
Rod was overwhelmed by the mountain pressing against his chest, struggling for breath and trying to get out.
“…..uh, Liliya, it’s a bit stuffy.”
Liliya's cheeks flushed red, her white arms tightening their grip on Rod.
Rita smiled like a proud aunt, a long-forgotten feeling of warmth welling up in her heart.
I seem to have rediscovered something called “beauty.”
Rita narrowed her eyes and looked at Rod with tenderness.
Maybe my arrival was destined to protect this moment.
After a while, Liliya finally calmed down and wiped away her tears with a blush, though her eyes were still red.
“Since Your Majesty bestowed a surname upon me, I must not disappoint your expectations. So, I will use all my strength to train Your Majesty today!”
A resolute glint shone in Liliya’s eyes as she raised her wooden sword, radiating a powerful aura.
“Come on, Your Majesty!”
Rod’s smile faltered.
It felt like he had picked up a rock only to drop it on his own foot…
However, he was eager to witness the strength of a swordsman in this world.
He took a deep breath, gripping his training wooden sword in the universal middle stance.
Seeing this, Liliya’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she reminded him.
“Then, Your Majesty, I’m going to attack!”
Her flawless beauty, coupled with her sun-kissed brown hair tied into a samurai’s single ponytail, made her appear even more imposing.
Her long, white, and strong legs tensed, and in an instant, her well-trained body vanished from its spot!
Liliya’s speed was incredible, but before the six-eyed vision, it was merely a futile attempt at concealment.
It’s behind me!
Bang——!!!
Rod, without turning his head, blocked Liliya’s inevitable sneak attack, but still stumbled back two steps.
Rod frowned slightly, rubbing his wrist, which trembled from the pain.
Even though he could anticipate his opponent’s movements with the six eyes, his physical limitations made him nearly fail to react…
Without using any limitations, a child’s body is completely at a disadvantage against an adult in swordsmanship.
Tsk, it would be great if I had a way to enhance my body with magic.
Rod was dissatisfied with his performance.
“Huh, that was supposed to be a blind spot, why…”
But Liliya was shocked, her mouth agape. She couldn’t fathom how Rod had managed to block that strike, but then her fighting spirit surged even higher.
“Seems like Your Majesty has been secretly working hard in places I couldn’t see. Then, let me see your limits!”
Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang——
Liliya’s blade came crashing down at a speed that was almost suffocating.
But Rod always managed to deflect her attacks with the shortest possible trajectory and the least amount of effort.
The two were like they were playing a rhythm game called "Sekiro."
Even though Rod appeared to be the one being pushed back, Liliya never even got a chance to graze Rod’s clothes!
As an observer, Rita pondered for a moment, glancing at Rod’s covered eyes.
But Liliya, as a participant, was utterly confused.
During their previous swordsmanship training, she could easily defeat Rod with just three-tenths of her strength.
Yet now, even after pouring all her might into her attacks, she still couldn’t take him down.
This filled Liliya with shame for herself, yet also with pride for Rod.
Liliya sighed inwardly, feeling a sense of helplessness despite seemingly having the upper hand.
Why does every attack feel like I’m being seen through… Is it because of His Majesty’s magic eyes?
Although I, the older one, have the advantage in physical strength, if we keep going like this, I might exhaust my stamina first.
As expected of His Majesty, he actually thought of this way to overcome his opponent.
Liliya suddenly stopped attacking.
Rod slightly calmed his breathing and looked up, puzzled.
“What’s wrong?”
“Even if we fight for a whole day, I can’t break through Your Majesty’s defense. So, it’s your turn to attack.”
“Is that okay? I haven’t learned any proper swordsmanship techniques yet.”
“Just attack however you feel like it, Your Majesty. I want to see your full strength!”
“Are you sure it’s alright for me to go all out?”
“Go ahead! Don’t worry, Your Majesty can’t hurt me right now!”
Liliya confidently puffed out her chest, her expression taut, her eyes fixed on Rod’s feet and gaze.
Humph, Your Majesty, don’t get cocky!
Though Your Majesty has a talent for defense that surpasses ordinary people, it could be called absolute defense. But a beginner’s offense will unconsciously reveal more weaknesses!
There is a technique in the Sword God school of thought where you lead the enemy into actively attacking, then take advantage of their weaknesses and kill them.
While you’re still young and inexperienced, I’ll show you how it’s done!