The Baron's estate rarely entertained guests of high rank . Nestled on the fertile land , Lord Harold Throne's household was modest compared to the sprawling castles of Duke's and Viscount.
Yet that day , the courtyard was filled with banners , armored guards and carriages.
A high ranking count , Lord Dastan Revier ,
had come to " inspect " the barony .
Baron Harold stood at the gate , posture straight through his left shoulder bore the faint stiffness of an old wound .
He greeted the noble politely , his wife Emilia beside him , Reina clutching her mother's skirts .
" Lord Revier, Welcome to Versth Town and my land . "
The Count sneered slightly, his purple cloak sweeping behind him . " A Baron's lands indeed. Modest . Weak. " His eyes slid over Harold with disdain .
" They say you once serve as knight in capital ...and yet you settled here , farming ? Perhaps you lacked a strengthen to rise higher . "
The words struck sharper than a blade . Reina's small hand clenched , fury boiling in her chest .
How dare he .....insult my father ?
Lord Revier' son, a tall boy of ten , Edward , smirked at Reina . " Is that your daughter ? She looks frail . Perhaps weaker than the rabbits in the forest . "
Reina stepped toward him , her emerald eyes flashing . " Take that ....back !!! "
Edward laughed . " Or what ? Gonna cry ? "
" No ," Reina said firmly , her voice carrying through the courtyard. " I'll defeat you in a duel. "
Gasps rippled through the servants and knights present . Baron Harold's face paled.
" Reina -!!! "
Lord Revier chuckled cruelly . " Amusing . A child without even a Mark challenging my son . Very well . Let us see this farce . "
The duel was arranged swiftly. Two wooden practice blades were bought forth . The nobel guest circled , murmuring eager for entertainment .
Reina held the wooden sword lightly , her stance natural , balanced . She heard her father's anxious voice behind her .
" Reina , you don't need to -----
But she looked back , meeting his eyes . For the first time in his life , Harold saw not his daughter but a warrior's unyielding spirit .
Father ..... This pride ... I'll defend it for you .
Edward charged first , laughing . His swings are high and wild , relying on strength alone . Reina sidestepped , parried smoothly and tapped his wrist . The boy hissed , and pressed on , slashing down hard .
Reina's feet instinctively . She shifted weight, pivoted and with a precise strike, knocked his blade aside . The wood clattered across courtyard .
Silence fell .
Edward's eyes widened in disbelief . " N-no ,
I wasn't ready ! "
Edward snatched his sword back , rushing again . But Reina's calm never flatered . This time , struck thrice in rapid succession - shoulder ,knee and chest . Edward stumbled backward dropping his weapon for good .
Again , Edward took real sword and rushing toward Reina . " Die , you little freak !!! "
Baron Harold gasped. " Reinaaaaa!!!!! "
Reina closed her eye . When Edward about to attacked ,she griped the hilt of sword . Edward strike , Reina spinned her body . And with the full power of her leg , Reina jumped higher .
Then , landed on sword . Reina smirked ,
" Pardon , my lord , but ass needed to be kicked. "
Then ,kicked on his face and next second he was lying on the ground .
It was over in second , in flash .
The duel was over .
A stunned hush swept the courtyard.
" She's only seven . "
" And no Mark . "
" Yet she fights like a trained knight . "
Reina lowered her wooden blade , her emerald eyes fierce. " Now apologize to my father . "
Little blood of Edward mouth .
Edward humiliated, looked at his father. Lord Revier's jaw was tight but the murmuring crowd left him no choice. Grinding his teeth he forced his son's head down .
" I-I apologize , Lord Baron Harold . " Edward mumbled .
Reina' chest swelled with pride as she glanced back at her father .
Baron Harold's lips trembled . His daughter - Reina had defended his honor before nobles far greater than him . His hands curled into fists no in anger but in pride so deep it made his eyes sting .
Lay Emilia placed her hands over her mouth , tears glimmering as she whispered. " Reina ---
Lord Revier face dark with anger , turned sharply . " We're leaving. " His cloak snapped behind him as he strode away , dragging his son .
The carriages rattled out of the estate , but their words had already spread .
That evening , as sun bled gold over the horizon , whispers filled the villages and towns .
" Baron Harold ' s daughter ..... Defeated Higher Count's Son at duel . "
" At seven , year old . Fighting with older boy . She's brave . "
" They said she fight like a knight . "
The tales of Reina Throne had traveled even to the ears of passing merchants .
That night , Harold sat by Reina's bed , his large hand resting on her hair . She pretended to be in asleep but his voice was trembling.
" Reina ..... I've carried this wound for years . this shame of being seen as weak . Yet , today , you stood for me .... You stood for me. "
His hand slightly . " I don't care if you never bear a Mark . To me , you're my pride , my world , and happiness of my life . "
Reina's little fingers curled in the sheets ,warmth spreading her chest . Father .... This is the family I never had before . And I swore to protect ,everything that's important to me .
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In the divine realm
Far above the shimmering veil of divinity , Goddess Myril watched through her silver pond . The child's emerald green eyes glowed faintly with her blessing . Even though , no one could see it .
" You shine too brightly, Ray Throne .....or should I say Reina Throne . Even when you try to hide , the world cannot help but notice ."
She smiled softly , her voice carried only to stars . " But perhaps ,this time ,you will not walk that road alone . "
The next morning, Liora brusts into Baron's Hall , cheeks flushed with excitement .
" Reina , Everyone's talking about you ! They say you're amazing , that you're like a knight already . You're my hero . "
Reina's groaned , dragging pillow over her face . " I just wanted a quiet life . "
But Liora crashing into bed , laughing ,pulling the pillow away and grinning . " Too late ..... You already my champion , right ? "
Reina sighed ..... But she couldn't hide her smile .
Fine . For you , I'll endure it .