Chapitre 4: Sparring

<p>After the instructor shouted to start, Leo grinned and charged toward Ren, swinging his sword in a steady vertical slash. The attack was neither too fast nor too slow, giving Ren just enough time to sidestep it with ease.<br/><br/>Ren smirked and countered with a sharp, precise slash, but Leo swiftly blocked her. 'Not bad,' she thought, impressed by his skill. The excitement between them grew as they exchanged swings, each testing the other's limits.<br/><br/>Leo's movements were fluid and disciplined, showing his training. Ren clenched her sword and rushed forward to meet him, their swords clashing as they both tried to overpower the other. Their faces were close, foreheads beaded with sweat, but neither was willing to yield.<br/><br/>"I don't know what style you're using, Ren, but I'm impressed!" Leo said, grinning as he struggled to press her back.<br/><br/>Ren smiled, matching his energy. "Likewise, Leo. You're better than I expected." A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek as she continued pressing against him.<br/><br/>Unlike a real battle where anything goes, this sparring match adhered to strict rules—no kicking, punching, or tricks, unless allowed by the instructor beforehand. Today, they were to rely solely on their swords.<br/><br/>The two stepped back, their eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's end this!" Leo called, assuming a new stance, sharper and more focused.<br/><br/>Ren braced herself as he charged, his speed and precision now noticeably improved. Each of his strikes was sharper, his gaze intense. She smiled inwardly, thrilled by the friendly competition. 'All right, Leo, I'll give you a real challenge.'<br/><br/>Instead of blocking, Ren dodged his next five strikes, weaving smoothly out of reach. She took a deep breath, focusing her energy, then closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. As Leo's next attack neared, she opened her eyes and swung her sword in a single, precise motion.<br/><br/>For a moment, silence filled the air. Leo and the instructor both stared, eyes wide, as the top half of Leo's wooden sword dropped to the floor, cleanly sliced in two. Ren's sword was wooden too—so how had she cut through his?<br/><br/>Ren took a step back, giving a calm smile as she observed Leo, who stood frozen in shock. "Leo?"<br/><br/>He blinked, snapping out of his trance, then laughed. "Sorry! It took a moment to process what just happened." Shaking her hand with enthusiasm, he beamed. "That last move was incredible!"<br/><br/>"Thank you," Ren replied, smiling back. "But I was even more impressed when you got serious."<br/><br/>Their instructor approached, still astonished. "You both did well today. I am truly impressed." He glanced at Ren with particular interest, still marveling at her remarkable improvement. She and Leo bowed in thanks for his praise.<br/><br/>After their sparring session, they parted to change clothes and then met in the garden pavilion. A table had been set with tea and biscuits, prepared by the maids. Rosalyn and Leo's maid stood at a respectful distance, awaiting further instructions.<br/><br/>Seated across from Ren, Leo took an elegant sip of his tea, setting the cup back down with practiced ease. "Next month, we're hosting a birthday celebration for my mother. I'd like you to come—can you make it?"<br/><br/>Ren placed her cup down gently and nodded. "I'll ask Father, but I think he'll agree," she said with a warm smile.<br/><br/>"Great! I'll introduce you to some friends our age." Leo's excitement was contagious, and Ren laughed, nodding.<br/><br/>They chatted for hours until it was time for Leo to leave. Ren walked him to the door and then returned inside with Rosalyn. Her eyes scanned the grand hallways, admiring the elegance of the mansion. She sighed just as another maid approached, bowing. "Young Miss, your parents are waiting for you at dinner."<br/><br/>Ren followed the maid to the dining room, where her father sat, engaged in conversation with her mother—a beautiful woman with long, sky-blue hair and gentle lavender eyes, the opposite of her father's cool, steady gaze. Her mother looked to be in her twenties, radiating a soft warmth. In her diary, Ren had read that her parents were about the same age, her father being just thirty. But before she could recall the exact number, her mother's sparkling smile drew her out of her thoughts.<br/><br/>"Ren, come and sit," her mother invited. Ren took her seat across from her.<br/><br/>"So, how was my Ren's day?" her mother asked with a gentle smile.<br/><br/>"It was wonderful, Mother," Ren replied, her voice soft but warm.<br/><br/>Her mother nodded approvingly. Her father watched them, smiling contently. Once the food was served, they began their meal, a beautifully prepared steak—a favorite from Ren's past life, which she savored with every bite.<br/><br/>After the meal, Ren looked at her father. "Father…"<br/><br/>He turned to her attentively. "Yes?"<br/><br/>Choosing her words carefully, Ren explained, "When Leo and I spoke earlier, he invited me to his family's celebration next month. May I go?"<br/><br/>Her father nodded, smiling. "Of course. Your mother and I have also been invited, so we'll attend with you."<br/><br/>Ren smiled, bowing slightly in thanks. "Thank you, Father."<br/><br/>Both her parents looked at her with gentle smiles, clearly pleased.<br/><br/></p>