Happy Endings Are Lies

~Few months later, outside in the mansion's courtyard, afternoon~

"Okay come at me! And show me what I've taught you. I'll hold back for your sake."

"Okay."

For the past few months, Tinro taught Denear how to fight and put him through harsh training a 5 year old would cry and go on an insane meltdown if they went through it. Audrey would sometimes watch Denear's training from her bedroom balcony and would give Tinro a one-on-one lecture afterwards. Right now, Denear and Tinro were having a friendly match. Well, if you would think about it logically, a prodigy 5 year old noble who went through intense training vs a war veteran who hasn't practiced in years.

Denear was standing 5 meters away from Tinro, and had gone into an offensive stance that he had shown him. He adjusted his speed and strength to make sure that Tinro won't get hurt and notice that his stat screen information is fake.

The duel began

Denear ran, almost flying, and swung his sword at Tinro, aiming for his neck. Tinro managed to dodge the side in time and found an opening. He did a round-house kick at Denears waist. Denear took the hit and flew a few meters backwards to stabilized himself. Denear continued advancing and sliced at Tinro with his sword. Tinro blocked and both of their swords collided, but Denear wasn't finished. He loosened his grip of the sword and let it go. In a split second, Denear twisted his body and struck at Tinro's head with his elbow. Tinro wasn't able to block in time and lean to the opposite side of the incoming elbow to lessen Denear's attack.

Both of them were sweating and excitement filled Tinro's eyes. 'This kid is pretty good for his age!'

While Denear was in the air attacking Tinro, he was able to grab his sword which was falling to the ground in a split second and immediately retreated 2 meters to rethink his strategy. Tinro, who seemed to be enjoying himself, threw his wooden sword to the ground and did went into the "Tiger stance". This stance was created and especially meant for him in hand-to-hand combat.

Denear went into the same stance. Tinro had taught him this stance and other personal combat stances during his training. Tinro's eyebrows raised. 'He wants to use the same stance and combat style? Is he even capable? This combat style is pretty hard.'

Tinro attacked first. Denear also attacked and faced Tinro's attack head-on. This combat style was more on the offensive and disregarded all defense. It was an all loose brawl that only relied on ones strength and speed and in ones fists. Tinro did a back fist punch. Denear grabbed his arm and ducked underneath it to dodge, jumped and did a right-uppercut to Tinro's chin.

Tinro maneuvered backwards to a safe distance and said,

"Wow!! I wasn't expecting you to be this good!"

"You know what they say: "Never underestimate your opponents." Denear answered.

"You are a genius among your peers! He he he.."

"Flattery won't get you anywhere with me so just stop." Denear went over to pick up his wooden sword. "Should we stop here teacher?"

"Sure kid!!" Tinro said putting his arm around Denear. "That was good practice! For you to get to this level, I guess I really am a great teacher!! Hahahaha!"

"Please don't get to buddy-buddy with me."

"Why what's wrong? Oh and I forgot to ask you for some nice vintage wine your dad keeps."

Denear went out of his arm and stared back and shouted, "I knew it!" and walked back into the mansion.

Inside, in the dining hall, everyone was there. This time, compared to months before, Tinro actually ate like a decent person and not like a wild pig. Everyone ate with proper etiquette and table manners.

Heins: Looking at Denear. "I've been told that you're doing very well in your studies and training."

Audrey: "He more than doing well, he's a genius!"

Tinro: "Yup, he's pretty good...but his personality needs a little adjusting."

Denear: "Oh really..... says the guy who goes everyday into the wine cellar for my dad's vintage wine.."

Tinro: "Damn you! You traitor!"

Heins looking at Tinro very amused, said, "What's this I hear about my vintage wine?"

Tinro: "*fake coughs*..It has none of your concern. You probably just heard wrong..."

Heins: "Oh? Then come to my study later and let' discuss whether "it is" none of my concern."

Tinro: Laughing a pitiful laugh. "He he he.....okay."

Lilian: "Seeing you all like this makes me feel so happy." She said, smiling.

Denear: "I wouldn't want to disappoint you or make you feel sad mother."

Heins: "Which academy do you wanna go to when you come of age?"

Denear: "Why are you bringing that up father? I don't really think i'm that smart to be picky about it."

Audrey objected. "I think you could get into any academy you want!"

Lilian: "You can just say and mom and dad will arrange it for you."

Tinro: "Of course you can get into any school! I was your teacher after all."

Everyone else : "That has nothing to do with it...."

Tinro: "Why are you all ganging up on me today?"

They all burst into laughter except Denear who made no noise. But one could clearly tell that his eyes were laughing the loudest and was treasuring this moment in his heart. He was excited on going to school for the first time in both of his lifetimes. He was mostly home-schooled by his big sister to avoid him from getting spotted from their psycho father. He had always wished to go to school and live the normal school life.

"I can't wait for that day.."