I didn''t bother to question why Sylv was here, I had my own reasons and her reasons were probably better than mine anyway. The swords themselves were standard wooden short swords as we were only using them for training hopefully.


    Sylv seems to notice me to as we lock eyes before we both silently agree to pretend we never met, at least I believe that''s what we both want. As he lists names and organizes us based on year I fiddle with my sword, the "blade" was somewhat worn, the guard had a few chips in it, and the handle could possibly give me splinters but over all it was better than the others in the box.


    While fidgeting with the practice sword the coach called my name to give me my position, "Lilith, on the very left." I slowly walked over trying my best to pay attention to nothing but the sword I was holding. I didn''t want to talk to anybody at the moment as I was afraid that they would make fun of me even though they were super supportive just earlier.


    While I stared at the sword wondering how much it''d hurt to be bludgeoned by it during spars I heard a familiar voice and flinched preparing for something to come my way, "Hey Xavier, how''s it been?" With a hint of something I couldn''t put my finger to mixed into his voice. Even without looking I knew the boy was the "soup guy" and I assumed that Xavier was the other person he''d been in a fight with during lunch, ''Of course my luck is as a bad as always'' I complained to myself.


    Despite it having not even been a minute they''d already managed to get into an argument, they compared titles, power, wealth all while swinging their swords recklessly, well soup boy was being a bit more aggressive than who I assumed was Xavier. I knew better then to watch but the other students who had already been moved to their sections were also watching so what''s the harm in one more? I could guarantee the instructor had heard all of it but because of the situation of it being two nobles he had to just do his best to ignore the petty squabbling which was honestly quite amusing to me.


    They talked about wealth that I couldn''t ever imagine, magical artifacts, family heirlooms, and the need for treasuries, although I doubted I''d ever reach that high I couldn''t help but be enchanted by the allure of dreaming that one day I could live the same carefree life they had. Keep in mind, I had no idea how nobles actually lived and behaved, most of what I heard was hearsay.


    I scanned around to make sure I hadn''t missed anything as I was reassured by all the other students, including Sylv, intently watching the fight. During their fight the instructor had managed to find some excuse to let them continue and not to interrupt, which I could only assume was not wanting to get on any of the noble''s "bad sides". While they fought I couldn''t help but subconsciously rub my ears which were still very sensitive to touch from the mild burns they had received earlier.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The instructor had returned after only a minute seemingly forced back into teaching us and he slowly "calmed" the nobles down which was closer to pleading for them to just move on as everyone was waiting on them. I doubted that me and the other students having to wait for them was the reason or something that the nobles would care about but honestly it was a good excuse that left little room for them to continue as they settled back into line.


    "So let''s start, how do you hold a sword?" some of the students scoffed at the question but on one responded out of respect. I hadn''t noticed that some other people had come in and taken over the other groups until now.


    The instructor continued "Anyone? Some of you seem very confident, why don''t one of you volunteer?"


    A somewhat tall man walked forward, I couldn''t see much from the angle with other students blocking my line of sight as well as only seeing the back of his head. I could tell he was moving and swinging his sword but I couldn''t see the sword itself clearly and especially couldn''t see his hold on his sword.


    "Why don''t you turn around and let the others see? I know how to hold a sword, there''s nothing to prove to me," The guy spun around his face filled with indignation as if the mere act of interacting with those he believed were beneath him was physically harmful. He held his sword with two hands firmly on top of each other.


    "So can anyone tell me what''s wrong with it?" The boy''s face contorted slightly. We, well the others, started to murmur among each other with no actual consensus with the nobles seemingly too stuffed up with their own business to care, while us "commoners" had no idea. After a while the demonstration tired of the mockery that some of the other students had started, the boy rested his sword to his side leaning on it slightly.


    The coach having noticed this decided to just share the answer, "So what we are starting with is a short sword, although I doubt many of you will stick with it as you buy yourselves real weapons, but you still have to know how to know to basics of every weapon as well," He pauses looking for understanding in our eyes, "So Mordred here is holding a," he pauses for emphasis, "Short sword, which is usually held with a single hand, can anyone tell me why holding it with two hands is not optimal?"


    The other students mutter amongst themselves as I contemplate the problem. It''s hard to focus but I come up with my own idea that the handle being so small makes it too hard to grip but that doesn''t feel like the whole reason. I glance over to my left with Sylv talking with some of the others having gotten off topic and can''t help but look at the two stuffy nobles hoping they won''t end up causing any more trouble.


    The coach glances around as I hear someone clear their throat ready to speak.