Three days passed, and Elsa found herself navigating a new life she never could have imagined. The warmth of the manor's walls, the strange mixture of people, and the oddity that was Natsuki Subaru left her in a whirlwind of thought.
She couldn't quite make sense of him. In her short life, Elsa had learned to expect nothing from others except cruelty and survival instincts as sharp as blades. Yet here was this boy—young, brash, and full of an energy that bordered on reckless—offering kindness so freely. It unsettled her.
What does he want? she often wondered, her eyes following Subaru's every move when she thought no one was looking. Nobody gives anything without expecting something in return.
And yet… no matter how closely she observed him, there was no hidden agenda in his actions. Subaru was, inexplicably, himself—loud, chaotic, and strangely comforting.
Now, standing in the grand main hall, Elsa found herself watching him again. He was practically buzzing with energy, his arms outstretched as he spun in place, making a faint whooshing noise.
"What… is he doing?" she muttered under her breath, one eyebrow raised as she leaned against the wall.
"Flying!" Subaru called out, grinning as he darted past her, weaving between imaginary obstacles.
Elsa crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "Flying?"
"Yeah!" Subaru replied, spreading his arms wider as he tilted his body from side to side. "Like this! Whoosh!"
Elsa blinked. She didn't even have the words to describe how ridiculous he looked. Flying? What even is that supposed to be?
"Why are you buzzing around like that?" she finally asked, her voice tinged with equal parts confusion and amusement.
Subaru stopped mid-spin, his arms dropping to his sides as he tilted his head at her. "What? You don't know what flying is? It's like… soaring through the sky, higher than anything else. Like a bird, but faster!"
Elsa gave him a long, dubious stare. "You mean… a dragon carriage?"
"No, no, no!" Subaru exclaimed, throwing his hands up dramatically. "Way cooler than that! It's…" He trailed off, his expression scrunching up as he realized he couldn't explain it. Finally, he waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind. Just trust me—it's awesome."
Before Elsa could respond, three quick knocks echoed through the hall, sharp and precise.
Subaru immediately froze, his playful demeanor shifting in an instant. He glanced toward the door, his brow furrowing. "Huh. That's weird. We're not expecting anyone, are we?"
Elsa shrugged, her gaze narrowing slightly as she pushed off the wall. "You live here. Shouldn't you know that?"
"Hey, I'm not the one keeping the schedule!" Subaru replied, pouting as he cautiously moved toward the door. He turned back to Elsa, pointing at her. "You, stay here. Just in case it's something sketchy."
Elsa raised an eyebrow but didn't argue, her eyes following Subaru as he approached the door. The knocks came again, louder this time, as if urging him to hurry.
Subaru placed his hand on the handle, hesitating for a moment before pulling it open.
The figure on the other side stepped forward, their form partially obscured by the blizzard raging behind them. The air grew colder as the icy wind swept into the hall, and Subaru squinted against the snow, trying to make out the visitor's face.
"Who's there?" he asked cautiously, his voice steady despite the unease creeping into his chest.
The figure took another step forward, and the faintest flicker of a grin could be seen through the swirling snow. "Why, hello there," came a smooth, confident voice. "I've been looking for you."
The figure stepped into the hall, shaking off the remnants of the blizzard clinging to his well-starched black butler uniform. His tall, lean frame moved with deliberate grace, and the faint glint of a monocle on his left eye reflected the warm light of the manor. His dark blue hair, styled with meticulous care, framed a handsome, youthful face that belied his true age.
Subaru squinted up at him, his curiosity piqued as he felt the air of authority and refinement the man carried. "Uh, hi? Can I help you?"
The man's sharp gaze fell on Subaru, his blue eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the boy for a long, silent moment. Then, with a faint sigh and a subtle shake of his head, he spoke, his voice smooth and tinged with polite disappointment.
"No, not you," he said, his tone neither harsh nor dismissive, but carrying a weight that made Subaru feel inexplicably small.
Subaru blinked, momentarily taken aback. "What's that supposed to mean?!" he sputtered, stepping back slightly, his arms outstretched as if to make himself look bigger. "I don't know who you are, but what's wrong with me?"
The man straightened, a faint, almost amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he adjusted his monocle. "Forgive me. My words may have come across… poorly," he said, dipping his head slightly in a gesture of apology. "You simply are not the one I seek, young man."
As Subaru watched Clind's enigmatic exit toward the parlor, Guini's sharp voice cut through the air like a whip. "Oi, Clind! Don't think you're walking out of here without answering a few questions."
Clind paused mid-step, his posture relaxed yet composed, and turned back with an amused glint in his eye. "Master Guini," he said, his tone polite but teasing. "I didn't expect such warmth from you. It's been years, hasn't it?"
Guini leaned back in his chair, his monocle catching the light as he huffed. "Warmth my foot. I'm surprised the Margrave let you wander this far north. Gusteko's not exactly friendly terrain for you Lugnica types."
Clind chuckled softly, his smile faint but undeniably sharp. "Ah, but I'm not here under Lord Mathers' orders. I've taken a position with the Miloeds—a lesser house in Lugnica. They've stationed me just across the border, not far from here. Convenient, wouldn't you say?"
Guini raised an eyebrow, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his chair. "Convenient?"
Clind's smile widened slightly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Perhaps," he admitted, his tone light but deliberate. "But my curiosity is often well-founded."
His sharp gaze swept the room, finally landing on Elsa, who had been quietly lingering near the edge of the conversation. "Speaking of curiosity," Clind continued, his voice softening slightly as he took a step closer. "I understand there's a rather unique student here under your tutelage."
Guini waved his hand lazily in Elsa's direction, his expression a mixture of scorn and disinterest. "If you mean her," he said, gesturing toward the girl, "there she is. A slum rat with no affinity for spirits and a troublesome bloodline to boot."
Elsa stiffened at the words, her head dipping slightly as her hands clenched at her sides. Subaru, who had been silently observing from a corner, frowned, his usual energy dimmed by the weight of the moment.
Clind, however, stepped closer to Elsa, his demeanor calm but his interest palpable. "Ah, so this is the girl," he said, his sharp eyes scanning her with a peculiar intensity. "The one with… vampire blood, was it?"
Guini snorted, crossing his arms. "What of it? She's no threat—not yet, anyway. Just another mouth to feed."
Clind ignored the remark, his gaze remaining fixed on Elsa. "Fascinating," he murmured, his tone almost reverent. "I've met many in my long years, but it's rare to see one of your kind so young. You must have an extraordinary story."
Elsa shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I don't have a story," she muttered, barely audible.
"Everyone has a story," Clind replied, his voice gentle but firm. "Even those who think they don't."
Guini rolled his eyes, waving his hand dismissively. "Enough with the theatrics, Clind. You're here to meddle, not philosophize."
Clind straightened, his sharp smile returning as he turned back to Guini. "Meddling and philosophizing often go hand in hand, wouldn't you agree?" Clind then moved toward Elsa with an almost predatory elegance, his gaze sharp and analytical. Without hesitation, he gently took her hand, turning it over to inspect her palm as if searching for some hidden clue.
Elsa's eyes widened in confusion, her body tensing as he continued his examination.
"Hmmm," Clind murmured thoughtfully, his monocle gleaming as he leaned closer. "Soft hands… but signs of exposure. And these nails—well-kept, despite your circumstances. Interesting…"
Before Elsa could pull away, Clind was already moving, his fingers lightly brushing a strand of her hair. "Such an unusual shade," he mused aloud, letting the black strands fall through his fingers. "And the texture—silky, with excellent natural shine. Remarkable."
Elsa stood frozen, her lips parted in silent protest, but Clind was too absorbed in his task to notice. He dropped to one knee, peering up at her eyes with unnerving intensity. "Your irises are captivating," he commented, tilting his head as if to get a better angle. "Violet, but with an undertone of warmth. Truly unique."
Subaru, standing off to the side, watched the scene unfold with mounting frustration. His hands clenched into fists as Clind pulled out a measuring tape, carefully wrapping it around Elsa's waist. The younger boy's eye twitched as he stepped forward. "What the hell are you doing?!"
Clind ignored Subaru completely, muttering to himself as he jotted down notes on a small pad of paper. "A delicate frame, but strong shoulders… Yes, yes, this will work beautifully."
Finally, Guini cleared his throat loudly with an annoyed "Ahem!"
Clind froze mid-measurement, glancing back with an expression of mild surprise. "Ah, my apologies," he said smoothly, retracting the tape and standing up with a slight bow. "I may have gotten… carried away."
"May have?" Subaru snapped, glaring at the older man. "You're making her uncomfortable, you creep!"
Elsa, still bewildered, blinked rapidly as her gaze darted between Subaru and Clind. "I, um… It's fine, I think?" she said hesitantly, though her body language suggested otherwise.
Clind, seemingly unbothered by the tension, adjusted his monocle and stepped back. "Forgive me, Miss Elsa. My intentions were purely professional. Now, to the matter at hand." He turned to his suitcase, clicking it open with a flourish. Inside were neatly folded fabrics of various colors and textures, along with spools of thread and sewing tools.
"I will tailor your uniform now," Clind announced, holding up a deep indigo fabric with a satisfied smile. "This shade will complement your hair and eyes beautifully. Function and elegance—both are essential for a proper maid's attire."
Guini nodded in approval, standing and gesturing toward the hallway. "Fine. Take her to the workshop and get it done. I expect results."
Clind bowed slightly. "Of course, Master Guini. You'll have nothing less than perfection."
With that, Clind and Guini departed, leaving Elsa and Subaru alone in the parlor. The door clicked shut behind them, and silence filled the room.
Subaru crossed his arms, his expression stormy as he muttered, "What a creep."
Elsa glanced at him, her lips twitching in a faint smile. "He's… strange, isn't he?"
Subaru scoffed. "That's putting it lightly. If he pulls that tape measure stunt again, I'll make sure his 'inspection' days are over."
Despite her lingering discomfort, Elsa couldn't help but chuckle softly at Subaru's fiery reaction. For a moment, the tension in the room eased, and the two sat in quiet understanding, both equally baffled by the eccentric butler's behavior.
Three days had passed since Elsa had begun her new life as a maid, and her inner monologue painted her experience in bleak, unrelenting tones. Butt-busting. That was the only way to describe the workload Clind had thrust upon her.
She wasn't just scrubbing floors or dusting shelves; no, Clind's expectations demanded perfection. Every movement had to be precise, every corner spotless, and every task completed with the efficiency of a seasoned professional.
"Again!" Clind barked, his normally smooth voice now sharp as he supervised Elsa polishing a brass candlestick. "Circular motions, Miss Elsa, not side to side. And don't forget to breathe elegance into your work!"
Elegance. How does one even breathe elegance? she wondered bitterly. Her arms ached, her legs felt like they were ready to give out, and her mind swam with the endless rules and expectations Clind seemed to pull out of thin air.
Meanwhile, Subaru seemed to be enjoying himself more than ever. She would catch glimpses of him through the manor windows, laughing as he chased his spirits around the garden or sparred playfully with Irene. His carefree demeanor was almost maddening in contrast to her struggles.
One morning, while she scrubbed the stone floor of the dining hall, her thoughts darkened. Despite the warmth of her full belly and the relative safety of the manor, the weight of everything pressed down on her. Maybe it would have been better to die in that snowstorm… she thought to herself, pausing as the cold truth of her words settled over her.
But the thought was fleeting. She clenched her fists, gripping the damp rag in her hands. She couldn't think like that—not anymore.
Later that day, the usual shenanigans ensued as Clind continued his eccentric approach to maid training. He stood before Elsa with a perfectly polished tray balanced on one hand and a tea set on the other.
"Balance, poise, and grace," he instructed, his monocle gleaming as he demonstrated an exaggerated twirl. "Now, you try."
Elsa took the tray with trembling hands, her expression somewhere between focused and terrified. She managed one step before the teapot wobbled precariously, nearly toppling off the edge.
"Stop!" Clind's voice rang out, and she froze. He adjusted the tray, clicking his tongue as if deeply disappointed. "You must become one with the tray, Miss Elsa. It is not merely a tool but an extension of your very soul!"
In the corner of the room, Guini sat with a mug of ale, his sharp eyes never leaving Elsa. Though he said nothing, his gaze carried a weight that Elsa couldn't ignore. It was clear that the old man barely trusted her presence in the manor, his skepticism palpable even in his silence.
Subaru, meanwhile, wandered into the room at that moment, a mischievous grin on his face. "Still torturing her, huh?" he said casually, leaning against the doorframe.
"This is not torture," Clind replied smoothly, his tone dripping with feigned offense. "This is refinement. A delicate art that—"
"Yeah, yeah," Subaru interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "Pretty sure all I heard was 'torture.'" He turned to Elsa with a grin. "Hang in there, though. You're doing great."
Elsa, struggling to maintain the tray's balance, gave him a weak smile. "Thanks," she muttered, though she couldn't help but envy his easygoing nature.
Clind sighed, adjusting his gloves dramatically. "If you're quite finished interrupting, young man, perhaps you'd like to try your hand at balancing the tray?"
Subaru immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Oh, no, I'll leave the elegance-breathing to her. I've got, uh, important spirit stuff to do."
As Subaru sauntered out, laughing to himself, Elsa couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so carefree. Her thoughts drifted once more to the life she had left behind, to the snowstorm that had almost claimed her, and to the warmth she now felt despite the hardships. The day had been another grueling one, the kind that left Elsa's arms aching and her legs wobbling. She had been tasked with assisting Clind in the kitchen, peeling and slicing vegetables for the evening meal. The knife in her hand felt familiar—too familiar—and despite her exhaustion, she moved with natural precision.
The way Elsa handled the blade caught Clind's sharp eye. He watched her movements with quiet interest, noting the smoothness of her cuts and the instinctual grace in her grip. Curious, he thought, his mind already spinning with questions he would save for later.
But he said nothing, only offering a faint smile and an approving nod before moving on to another task.
By the time Elsa finally returned to her room, her body felt as though it might give out at any moment. She collapsed onto her small bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her mind wandered, drifting back to the life she had led before the manor. The cold streets of Glacia, the biting hunger, the emptiness that had filled her days…
She sighed, closing her eyes, when suddenly a faint glow caught her attention.
Turning her head, Elsa noticed a tiny orb of light hovering in the corner of her room. It pulsed gently, almost playfully, as it floated toward her. She sat up slowly, watching in awe as the orb came closer, its soft radiance lighting up her dim quarters.
"A spirit," she murmured, reaching out a tentative hand.
The little orb swirled around her fingers, brushing against her skin. A warmth spread through her, not just physical but something deeper, something comforting. For the first time all day, the exhaustion weighing her down seemed to lift just a little.
She smiled faintly, a rare expression for her. "Subaru must've sent you," she whispered, her voice carrying a touch of gratitude.
The spirit didn't answer, of course, but its playful dance around her made her feel less alone. It lingered for a moment longer before darting toward the door, as if beckoning her to follow.
Curiosity piqued, Elsa stood and moved toward the doorframe. She peeked into the hallway, her eyes adjusting to the darkness, and that's when she noticed it—a bright light emanating from further down the corridor.
The glow was unmistakable, coming from the direction of the library. Her brows furrowed as she stepped out cautiously, the little spirit flitting ahead of her like a guide. The light grew brighter as she approached, spilling out from the partially open door of the library.
Elsa hesitated, her hand hovering near the doorknob. What's going on in there? she wondered, her heart beating faster as she slowly pushed the door open to see for herself.
When Elsa entered the library, she was immediately struck by the surreal beauty of the scene before her. The room, usually cloaked in shadow, was now bathed in a soft, almost ethereal light. Hundreds of glowing orbs—spirits—hovered in the air, their radiance casting shimmering patterns across the walls and ceiling.
In the center of it all sat Subaru, cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in deep concentration. The glow of the spirits seemed to pulse in time with his breathing, as though they were an extension of him.
Elsa, captivated by the sight, accidentally stumbled forward, her foot catching on the edge of a rug. The sound broke the serene atmosphere, and Subaru's eyes snapped open. He turned to look at her, his expression shifting from surprise to recognition.
"Elsa?" he asked, quickly standing to his feet. He moved to her side as she steadied herself, his hand lightly brushing her arm to help her regain her balance.
"I—I'm sorry," Elsa stammered, her cheeks flushing. "I didn't mean to interrupt…"
Subaru waved off her apology with a small, awkward smile. "No need to apologize. I didn't lock the door or anything," he said, taking a step back to give her space.
For a moment, the two stood in silence, the glow of the spirits casting soft hues across their faces. Elsa glanced away, her fingers brushing against her sleeve. Subaru, meanwhile, scratched the back of his neck, equally unsure of what to say.
Finally, Elsa broke the quiet. "You're… incredible," she said, her voice quiet but sincere. "A brilliant spirit arts user. I've never seen anything like this."
Subaru's eyes widened slightly before he straightened, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, I won't argue with that," he said, puffing out his chest a little. Behind him, the spirits seemed to glow brighter, as though agreeing with her praise.
Elsa chuckled softly at his prideful display. Her gaze shifted to the spirits floating behind him, their light mesmerizing. "What's it like?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "To communicate with spirits like this?"
Subaru's grin faltered, and he paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "It's… hard to explain," he admitted, his voice softer now. "But I guess the best way to put it is… they're like friends. Little voices always with me, always watching. They're warm, kind of like family in a way."
He hesitated, glancing back at the spirits. "But what's really strange is that I can actually talk to them. Not just sense their presence or feel their emotions like most spirit arts users. I mean, full-on conversations. Actual words."
Elsa blinked, her brow furrowing slightly. "Isn't that normal for spirit arts users?"
Subaru shook his head. "Nope. As far as I know, I'm the only one who can do that—at least, with minor spirits. It's really rare, apparently. Back home, at school, no one else could do it. Not even the really talented ones."
Elsa's eyes widened slightly as she processed his words. "That's… incredible," she said, her tone tinged with awe.
Subaru shrugged, his grin returning. "Yeah, it's pretty cool. But it can also get a little annoying sometimes. They're always around, you know? Always watching." He glanced back at the spirits, giving them a mock glare. "Like nosy neighbors."
The spirits flickered playfully in response, as though laughing at his joke.
Elsa smiled faintly, the warmth of the room and Subaru's presence easing the tension she'd felt earlier.
The day dawned cold and crisp, with the winter wind sweeping across the open fields surrounding the manor. Elsa stood in the snow-covered courtyard, gripping the wooden sword Clind had handed her. The manor loomed in the background, its towering silhouette stark against the gray sky. Elsa glanced at the blade in her hands, then at Clind, who stood before her with an air of calm detachment.
To the side, Guini, Lublik, and Subaru watched intently. Subaru, bundled up against the chill, crossed his arms and gave Elsa a half-encouraging, half-concerned look.
"This seems… unnecessary," Subaru muttered, blowing warm air into his gloved hands.
Guini, seated in a weathered wooden chair with his arms crossed, let out a derisive scoff. "Nonsense. She should be scrubbing floors, not wasting time with this pointless sparring. Clind's just amusing himself."
Clind adjusted his monocle, his polite smile never wavering. "Master Guini, a capable servant should be prepared for any situation. Defense is as much a part of service as cleaning or cooking. Besides…" His gaze sharpened as it locked onto Elsa. "This one shows promise."
"Promise?" Guini sneered, arching a brow. "Don't be ridiculous."
Clind ignored the remark, lightly tapping the wooden sword against the snowy ground. "Words mean little. Let me demonstrate."
Elsa tightened her grip on the hilt, her fingers trembling slightly. She'd never used a sword before, but the weight of it in her hands felt strangely familiar. A flicker of something—instinct, maybe—stirred in her chest.
"Ready yourself," Clind instructed, his voice soft but commanding.
Elsa nodded, raising the sword awkwardly. No sooner had she steadied her stance than Clind moved.
He was fast—so fast that Elsa barely managed to block his strike. The impact jolted her arms, but she gritted her teeth and held firm. Without thinking, she countered with a clumsy thrust, only for Clind to sidestep it effortlessly.
"Not bad," Clind remarked, his tone almost teasing. "Your instincts are quite sharp."
Elsa didn't respond, her focus narrowing as she pressed forward. Strike, block, thrust—each movement was unrefined, but something inside her began to awaken. Her body moved with an almost primal rhythm, adjusting to the flow of the spar.
Lublik, standing nearby with his arms crossed, watched with growing interest. "She's doing better than I expected," he muttered under his breath.
Guini scoffed. "She's lucky. Clind's toying with her."
Subaru leaned forward, his breath visible in the cold air. "She's… actually not bad," he said, surprised.
The spar continued, Clind remaining firmly in control. His strikes were precise and unrelenting, his movements fluid and confident. Yet Elsa endured, her determination shining through with every swing and every block.
Finally, Clind disarmed her with a swift motion, sending her sword clattering into the snow. Elsa stumbled, falling to one knee, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath.
Clind stepped back, lowering his sword with a faint smile. "Remarkable," he said, genuine admiration in his voice.
Guini rolled his eyes, rising from his chair. "You call that remarkable? She didn't land a single hit."
Clind turned to face him, his monocle glinting in the pale light. "She lasted far longer than most untrained individuals, Master Guini. Her form, while raw, shows clear potential. With proper guidance, she could become quite skilled."
Guini waved a dismissive hand. "Spare me. She's here to clean floors, not wield swords."
Clind's polite smile remained, though his tone grew firm. "Even servants must be prepared to defend their lord, Master Guini. It is a mark of loyalty and versatility."
Elsa, still kneeling in the snow, glanced up at Clind, her expression a mixture of frustration and exhaustion. "I… lost," she muttered, her voice tinged with defeat.
Clind offered her a hand, his expression softening. "You endured, Miss Elsa. That is more valuable than victory."
After a moment's hesitation, Elsa took his hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. Subaru jogged over, a wide grin on his face.
"You were awesome!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm catching Elsa off guard. "I thought you were gonna be down in, like, five seconds, but you lasted so long!"
Elsa blinked, unsure how to respond. "Thanks," she said quietly, her cheeks warming despite the chill in the air.
Clind stepped aside, his gaze thoughtful as he studied Elsa.
Elsa for her part couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride as Clind offered her a small, sharp blade. It wasn't anything grand—more akin to a dagger than a proper sword—but it was real, its cold steel glinting faintly in the winter sun.
"You'll be a great sword wielder one day, Miss Elsa," Clind said smoothly, handing her the blade with a polite bow of his head.
Elsa hesitated as she took it, the weight both thrilling and daunting in her hands. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, glancing at Clind's wooden sword. "You're using that, and I've got the real thing."
Clind adjusted his monocle, his calm smile unwavering. "I'll be fine. Please, do not hold back on my account. Strike as you would an enemy."
Her brow furrowed, but the gleam of determination returned to her eyes. She nodded. "If you're sure."
Subaru, who was standing off to the side, cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "You've got this, Elsa! Just swing harder!"
Elsa threw him a small smirk, then turned her full attention to Clind. She gripped the hilt tightly and lunged.
Clind sidestepped with ease, his movements so fluid and swift that Elsa barely saw him shift. She swung again, her strikes becoming faster and more precise, but Clind parried each one with his wooden sword, the sound of clashing wood and metal echoing across the courtyard.
"Excellent form," Clind remarked as he dodged another strike, his tone infuriatingly casual. "Your instincts are quite sharp."
Elsa pressed on, her focus narrowing as she aimed for his midsection, then his shoulder, then his legs. No matter where she aimed, Clind evaded her with an almost supernatural grace.
"Come on, Elsa! You're getting closer!" Subaru shouted, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
"Closer doesn't count!" Elsa snapped, her frustration bleeding through as she lunged again, only for Clind to deftly sidestep her attack.
"Calm your mind, Miss Elsa," Clind said, his voice steady even as he spun out of her reach. "You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Precision over power, always."
She growled under her breath but adjusted her grip, taking a slower, more measured approach. She aimed a quick slash at his side, followed by a feint toward his shoulder, but Clind blocked them both effortlessly.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Clind disarmed her with a quick flick of his wooden sword. The blade fell from her hand, landing in the snow with a muted thud. Elsa stumbled back, panting heavily, her breath visible in the frosty air.
"Well done," Clind said, lowering his sword and offering her a slight bow. "Your progress is remarkable."
Elsa bent down to pick up the blade, her shoulders rising and falling with each breath. Despite her exhaustion, she felt a small swell of pride at his words.
"Yeah, you did great!" Subaru chimed in, running up to her with a wide grin. "I thought you were gonna land a hit for sure that time!"
Elsa gave him a tired smile, shaking her head. "Not even close."
Clind's eyes glinted with a knowing look. "Perhaps not today. But in time, you may surprise yourself."
With that, the sparring session came to an end, and while Elsa didn't claim victory, she walked away with a newfound determination—and a lingering curiosity about what Clind truly saw in her.