Souls Reflected in the Moonlight Garden

When I lifted my head and looked at him, his sword was no longer in his hand. It lay two steps away on the ground. I met the young master's stunned face. As I glanced around, the instructor and the students were frozen in surprise. Even Arthur, Henry, and Oliver had stopped their fights to look at us.

Was it a sin for a noble to drop their sword? Would they cut off my head? What should I do? Should I give the young master his sword back? What did it mean for someone who couldn't even hold a sword to drop a noble's sword?

The instructor came over and told the others to continue their fights. As he walked past us, he looked down on me like a cat. Sycophantic scum. His attitude changed the moment he smelled money.

"Lemi, would you like to fight someone else?" he asked.

The young master ignored him and picked up his dropped sword. Then he turned to me, gritting his teeth as he spoke:

"How long are you going to sit on the ground? Get up, the fight isn't over yet."

I realized, without meaning to, that I had continued sitting on the ground. I quickly got up, and when I saw the instructor's frustrated face, I couldn't help but smile. The instructor narrowed his eyes and gave me a sharp look before walking away. But now, I had a bigger problem: the pride of a defeated teenager.

Looking around, everyone was focused on their own fights. The young master was standing in the same stance. As he suddenly came toward me, this time I didn't run and tried to block his sword. But as I stopped his sword, he swiftly tripped me with his foot, causing me to fall. While he swung his sword faster, I quickly dodged to the side and got back up. My foot had twisted from the trip, and it hurt every time I stepped on it. I was limping, using my sword to support myself, but he kicked it away and swung his sword at me.

Was this brat really going to kill me because he couldn't accept defeat? I should have asked how the previous assistants left their jobs. If I don't do something, I'll be killed on my first day.

So far, I had been holding back, but if I didn't act now, I was going to get seriously hurt. I had initially planned to look weak, but the young master was taking things too seriously.

I might be bad at sword fighting, but who said I was bad at close combat? I hadn't lived a carefree life until now. I've been in plenty of fights and gotten beaten up many times. After a while, you naturally learn how to fight.

Please forgive me for this, young master. But when it comes to my life... things change.

I quickly ducked to avoid a sword strike from the right and kicked the young master's foot hard. His balance faltered, and he nearly fell, but at the last moment, he managed to regain his footing.

"So you're good at close combat," he muttered. "I was wondering how you won the first round... Don't try to throw this one on purpose."

The fire in his eyes burned brightly. If he got fired up from just one move, what would happen if I showed him more?

I didn't win the first round on purpose, but I would never tell him that. His ego needed to be knocked down a notch, the arrogant brat.

Trying to focus on the fight, my twisted foot was now hurting even more. It wasn't pride—I wasn't going to show my pain.

"Don't worry, it will be a fight that will satisfy you."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "I'll be the one to decide that."

Before he finished his sentence, he tossed his sword aside. Clink! It hit the metal ground and rolled a few times. Then, as if nothing had happened, he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and...

He began to shine like a white porcelain statue.

My eyes! Damn it, my eyes! His skin was so bright it must have been reflecting the sunlight. For a moment, I felt like I wasn't in a battlefield, but on a beach sunbathing.

I squinted my eyes and shook my head. I had to get a grip!

Once he got into his fighting stance, I quickly got myself together. He took the first step. He moved towards me, using his fists like a professional. He really was skilled in combat.

But I had one problem. I couldn't punch the young master.

That would not only cost me my job but likely result in some severe punishment as well. So, I was just dodging and blocking his strikes.

After a few moves, the young master frowned. He had figured it out.

He took a step back, maintaining his position, but a dissatisfied expression appeared on his face.

"Why aren't you fighting back? You won't get punished."

He spoke so confidently, as if he was sure nothing would happen if I punched him.

"I'm sorry for disappointing you, Master."

Of course, if punching a brat meant getting fired, it was better not to bother. But if he wasn't satisfied, I could offer him another option.

"I have an offer for you. Shall we make a deal, if you want?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why should I make a deal with you?"

"If you win, I'll do anything you want. But if I win, you'll accept me as your assistant."

"You're already supposed to do whatever I say as my assistant."

Yes, technically, that was true. But...

"But when I say 'anything,' I mean I'll do things no one else would do, without questioning. Please reconsider my offer. It would be beneficial for you in both ways."

The young master tilted his head slightly and raised an eyebrow. I had managed to catch his attention.

"Why do you want to be my assistant so much? And do everything I say?"

"I want a place with good conditions and an established order now."

The young master chuckled lightly. "You're interesting."

Then he took a step forward. "What are the rules?"

Great. I had managed to persuade him.

"In seven minutes, you try to knock me down."

The young master smiled faintly. "Who told you I'm weak?"

"You're not weak, Master. In fact, you're strong. I just want to give you a fight that will satisfy you. I can't punch you, Master. It might cost me my head. So, I'll just avoid you."

The young master rolled his eyes. "If you don't satisfy me, I'll fire you."

Before the fight started, I bowed my head slightly, showing respect. But at that moment, I realized...

The entire academy was watching us.

Yes, you heard that right. Looking around, I realized that the other students had stopped their fights and were watching us. Even the instructor, instead of teaching, was watching us!

And the worst part?

Some of the students had already placed bets among themselves.

One whispered, "If the Lemi wins, will you erase my debt?"

Another grinned slyly. "If the rookie wins, I'll give you my entire weekly allowance."

Great. The whole academy was gathered to watch me humiliate myself. There was no turning back now.