Neither a short nor a long amount of time passed. After speaking, Irene lowered his gaze again.

  Looking at him, Ian didn’t speak for a long time.

  Stroking his chin, he touched the empty teacup.

  As he continued to think, Ian opened his mouth.

  “So, in summary, you want advice for reconciling with other trainees?”


  “Yes.”


  “And that trainee is none other than Miss Ilya Lindsay?”


  “Yes.”


  “Hmm.”


  “I am sorry if this was a rude request. Just… since no one has done that, this was the only way I… I am just sorry.”


  “As you all know, even the swordsmanship is different depending on the kind of sword one wields. It means that the power of a weak scholar, a healthy woodcutter and a knight’s diagonal slash are all very different.”


  Ahmed glanced at the trainees. Every single one, without any exceptions.

  And he looked at Irene.

  As he made eye contact, he smiled and spoke.

  “Everyone move ahead. Fully feel the achievements of the past four months.”