Chapter 6: Bringing an Albino to the Military Camp? She Can't Even Hold a Sword Steady |
Early the next morning.
Olivia was already waiting at Jonas's door.
When Jonas opened the door, he saw the still somewhat dazed Olivia and asked:
"How was it? Did you sleep well last night?"
Olivia looked completely different from yesterday.
After being carefully bathed by the maids,
Her white shoulder-length hair now flowed smoothly with a healthy shine.
All the dirt had been washed from her face, revealing delicate features and a high nose bridge that made her resemble a noble young lady.
It was hard to believe she was the same Albino who had looked like a beggar yesterday.
Unaccustomed to such clothes, she seemed somewhat ill at ease.
Jonas circled the girl, inspecting her.
"How does the outfit fit?"
Olivia was wearing a maid uniform Jonas had specially designed to suit his preferences.
This world didn't yet have modern-style maid outfits, but servants' work clothes already showed some basic similarities.
Jonas had instructed the tailor to modify it according to his tastes -
Shortening the long skirt and sleeves into a short-sleeved dress with a round collar and bow tie.
The result was quite satisfactory.
Being scrutinized so closely by Jonas made Olivia visibly uncomfortable.
"It's... no, it's wonderful!"
Even now, Olivia still couldn't believe her situation was real.
Yesterday, a group of maids had swarmed in.
Those people she'd always envied had busied themselves undressing and bathing her, scrubbing every inch - even under her fingernails.
Then they'd dressed her in these clothes.
She'd never imagined having attendants to help her change clothes.
Even more surprising was how comfortable the fabric felt - so soft against her skin she barely noticed any friction.
A world apart from the rough cloth she'd worn before.
When she'd looked in the mirror, she'd barely recognized herself.
She'd fallen asleep quickly last night.
The bed was the softest Olivia had ever experienced - she'd drifted off the moment she lay down.
Upon waking, breakfast had already been brought to her room.
Bread, cheese, steak...
All things she could never have dreamed of before.
Eating with this surreal feeling had brought tears to her eyes.
The rich meat juices blended with black pepper, the savory flavors mixing with the cheese's sweetness - it all felt like a dream.
With a life like this, she'd have the courage to do even the most dangerous tasks for the young master...
Now her only fear was failing to meet Jonas's expectations.
What if she lacked the talent he claimed to see? Would he be disappointed? Would he abandon her?
Return her to that filthy, stinking corner?
At this thought, her hands unconsciously tightened on her skirt.
Seeing Olivia's expression, Jonas smiled.
"Wear this outfit around me from now on. I like it."
Olivia nodded quietly: "Yes..."
"Come, let's go to the military camp."
...
Soon, Jonas had Olivia change into different clothes as they arrived at the swordsmanship training grounds in the military camp.
He carried an exquisite sword in hand.
Many trainees were practicing here - future warriors for the territory undergoing rigorous training.
The head instructor was Asher, whose face bore a terrifying scar.
He currently wielded a long wooden stick, using it to correct the trainees' stances.
"Hold your swords steady!
If you can't even grip your weapon properly, how will you protect your futures?"
Asher had once been the most skilled warrior under Jonas's father, a master swordsman.
But during a brutal battle, he'd been ambushed and crippled by a leg wound.
Even disabled, his combat experience and skill still made him an invaluable instructor for the territory.
Tap tap tap—
As Jonas approached, Asher frowned.
He'd always despised good-for-nothings like Jonas - how could such a wise lord father such a worthless son?
But since Jonas was the lord's only son,
Asher halted the training and gave a curt bow. "Young master, to what do we owe this visit?"
He was genuinely puzzled.
Given the young master's usual habits, he should be in some tavern wench's bed, not this sweat-stinking training ground.
Jonas pulled Olivia forward from behind him and stated bluntly: "I want her to join the swordsmanship class."
Seeing the frail Albino girl, Asher's face showed open disgust.
"Young master, I won't accept an Albino as my student - especially a female one!"
Training stopped as nearby recruits began whispering.
"Why would the young master bring an Albino here? Isn't that bad luck?"
"And wants her in swordsmanship training?
With that physique, can she even lift a sword?"
"You don't understand - Young Master Jonas is notorious. This must be some perverse fantasy!
Who wouldn't want a sword-wielding maid?"
Someone muttered even lower: "Only Young Master Jonas would dare bring an Albino - and an underage girl at that - into the military camp."
...
Though the whispers were indistinct, Olivia could read the disdain in their expressions and eyes.
Under such gazes, she bit her lip, her neck flushing red.
Facing them calmly, Jonas declared: "First, she's my retainer. Second, she happens to be Albino. I don't believe race determines everything.
Ability does!"
The trainees looked stunned.
Young Master Jonas had taken an Albino as a retainer?
"Huh?"
"Won't this disgrace the lord?"
"This goes beyond mere willfulness..."
...
Hearing Jonas, Asher couldn't help a scornful laugh.
"Ability?
What ability could this weak Albino possibly have?"
Jonas stated flatly: "She has swordsmanship talent rivaling my sister's."
Asher scoffed: "Don't joke, young master!
She looks like she can't even hold a sword steady.
And I'm certain the lord wouldn't approve of you bringing such a person here. Please leave."
Other servants might humor the young master, but not Asher.
He was blunt by nature and had no respect for Jonas's lazy, spoiled ways.
...