Chapter 49

Chapter 23: Natural Talent?

“How is that possible…”

The Duke muttered to himself, his face showing disbelief but more confusion.

I could guess what he was thinking. He must be comparing me with Peyello’s standards. He must be wondering how a frail girl like her could have turned out like me.

Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that. I’m still trying to figure it out myself.

“How is it going? Your Grace,” Carlos asked.

“Hmm, I’ve got the general idea. Since Lady Silvera’s physical strength is so solid, I can go ahead and try my best, pushing the limits of the attack range and damage. However, scythes are quite special even among devious weapons. Without a certain foundation, they might not be as useful as daggers. Before we proceed…” The Duke tapped the table with his fingers, paused for a moment, and then said, “Lady Silvera, I know you’ve slain an abyss alone. That’s remarkable. But have you had proper training in combat techniques?”

Combat techniques? What’s that? I don’t remember anyone ever telling me about this.

In these three months, my understanding and application of the Frost Order, including the Abyssal Chaos Power, were mostly self-taught. It was all based on instinct or feeling, and I didn’t really understand what technique meant.

For example, could Carlos’s dazzling speed be considered a technique?

How did he manage to do that?

Seeing my puzzled look, the Duke was surprised.

“Carlos, haven’t you taught her?”

“How can I teach her? She can’t learn techniques supported by the Lightning Order. And given Hil’s situation… well, it’s a bit special,” Carlos said, reaching out to ruffle my hair, but after I glared at him, he shrugged nonchalantly, withdrew his hand, and continued as if nothing had happened, “Her intuition is very sharp, and she has extraordinary talent for combat. But the sword and step methods used to train knights in the church are tailored to ordinary people. Such rigid training is meaningless for her. Her techniques can only be learned through actual combat.”

“But those aren’t what she needs most urgently right now. What Hil needs to learn the most is control over the power of order… honestly, I’ve rarely seen someone who can get so close to the source as she does. At least you and I can’t compare to her. But her current use of this power is only at the beginner level, which is why His Holiness arranged for her to go to the Royal Academy.”

Hearing Carlos’s words, I felt somewhat surprised. I hadn’t expected him to care so much about my affairs… he had never said anything nice to me before.

“The scythe, I use it very… comfortably.”

The Duke pondered for a moment after hearing this.

“I see. Leave the rest to me.”

I nodded and then asked, “How much gold?”

Since asking for help means paying the corresponding fee, it’s a simple matter. But after hearing my words, the Duke paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, Lady Silvera, I don’t accept gold here, but you need to promise me something.”

An equal exchange?

Yes, a great duke like him wouldn’t be interested in such a small amount of gold. So wanting equal compensation as a condition is understandable.

Not having to pay money naturally made me happy. I believe the Duke wouldn’t ask for anything unreasonable.

Making excessive demands, she asked, “What’s up?”

At that moment, Lady Catherine led several maids into the dining room, placing dish after dish of delicious food on the table.

The aroma of the food immediately filled the air. I couldn’t help but sniff lightly and discreetly swallowed my saliva.

“What are the three of you chatting about?” Lady Catherine asked curiously.

“This isn’t about discussing weapon design for Miss Silvija?”

“Weapon design? Who’s designing weapons?” Persephone yawned as she walked in, her face showing signs of not being fully awake. “Pepe, did you sleep well? Yawn—I actually wanted to find you last night to chat, but the old man wouldn’t let me go, how evil.”

“Who are you calling evil?” Duke Scargill’s expression darkened instantly.

“Oh, Old Man, you’re here. Sorry, sorry, I didn’t see you. Haha.”

Persephone chuckled dryly, then pulled out the chair next to me and sat down, flashing his neat white teeth at me.

“Hehe, Pepe. Just thinking you’re back makes me happy. I couldn’t sleep all night! Look, do I have dark circles… Eh, why do you have dark circles too?”

I looked at his increasingly close handsome face, my eyebrows slightly furrowing. I felt uncomfortable with him treating me like Peylo without permission, and an instinctive resistance arose within me, causing me to lean back involuntarily.

“Persephone! Come sit over here.” The Duchess noticed my discomfort and promptly reprimanded her son.

“Why? I want to sit with Pepe.”

“How old are you? Why are you still acting like a child? Come over here.”

“But—”

“Persephone, listen to your mother.”

“…Okay.”

Seeing Persephone’s disappointed look at me, then lowering his head and walking to the opposite side, I felt a bit guilty.

Actually, I don’t find Persephone so annoying. I know he believes I am his sister, and I understand the feeling of regaining a loved one.

But unfortunately, I cannot empathize. Because I don’t have Peylo’s emotions, nor do I know what kind of bond she had with her brother. In my memory, Persephone is just a stranger I met for the second time.

However, this subtle emotion passed quickly. Now is not the time to think about these things.

Last night’s dinner was barely touched. I’m really hungry. Can I start eating?

To eat quickly, I hurriedly gave Carlos a glance, and saw him wink back at me, indicating he understood.

“Madam Catherine, were you the one who cooked this time?” Carlos asked casually.

“Yes. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked, I feel a bit rusty. Try it and tell me if it’s good or not?”

I was waiting for you to say that. I immediately picked up a piece of sausage and ate it heartily with soft bread.

“How is it?”

Looking at Catherine’s expectant gaze, I nodded heavily.

“Mm-hm.”

How to describe it? Besides the aroma of the food, there seemed to be other flavors mixed in.

“Persephone, go with me to the Central Workshop this afternoon.”

“Why? I still need to patrol the West Gate.”

“Let Bella take your place. There’s something more important to do.”

“What is it—”

“To design weapons for Miss Silvija. You can come with me to select materials.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Does Miss Silvija want to come along and take a look?”

……..