This Villain Is Mine Now

Chapter 56

“A rapier? Do you think that kind of weapon can even pierce through leather?”

The training grounds had been noisy since morning. Leo had visited the Grant estate, unaware that the knight order had gathered for training.

While the sparring sessions were a regular occurrence, today was special because there was an audience.

“My lord! The captain is a monster. You won’t stand a chance with that skewer-like sword!”

Loud laughter erupted, and Leo shouted in annoyance. He couldn’t understand why these commoners spoke so casually to the son of a count. In Leo’s world, the glow of the Bonaparte family name demanded respect and decorum. As a result, he wasn’t used to dealing with people who talked to him in such an irreverent way.

Even though Leo knew better than to engage, he couldn’t let their remarks slide. He shot back at the knights, “Do you think swinging a sword is all about brute strength? The rapier has its own kind of destructive power.”

“Well, I have to admit, I’m curious. We never saw anyone wielding a weapon like that on the battlefield. If the captain didn’t go easy on you, then that must mean you’re exceptionally skilled.”

“Captain, did you really go easy on him? Wow, becoming a noble has made you quite delicate.”

Lyle chuckled softly at his subordinates’ jokes and unsheathed his sword. “Sir Bonaparte is quite skilled. I don’t have the luxury of going easy on him.”

There were more jeers and laughter, as if they couldn’t believe Lyle’s words.

Standing on the sidelines, Elaina chimed in to support Leo. “Leo is an excellent knight. Why does everyone think Lyle went easy on him?”

“That’s because you didn’t know the captain when he was younger, Lady Elaina.”

“Exactly. Honestly, he was so terrifying back then that I had nightmares about him.”

“I knew he was tough when he started swinging a sword as tall as he was.”

“I told you all to shut up!” Leo exploded in frustration, unsheathing his sword and glaring at Lyle.

“Understood, my lord. Then, just one more question! How’s your record so far?”

Leo glared at Colin, his face flushed with irritation. Colin, sensing trouble, put on a guilty expression and tried to play it off, pretending to be distracted.

There was no need to mention the score. Every time they sparred, Lyle always won. The only difference was that in the beginning, Leo lost completely, but now he could at least hold his ground long enough to counterattack once or twice.

It hurt Leo’s pride, but the reason he kept coming back to spar with Lyle was that he was improving.

Leo, despite being only twenty and a top graduate of the academy, was already the deputy commander of the imperial guard. No one in the guard, except for the commander, could match him in swordsmanship, which meant his skills had plateaued.

But Lyle had become the stimulus Leo needed to keep advancing.

Physically, Lyle was built perfectly for wielding a sword. The power behind his strikes was immense. In contrast, the rapier, a light and quick weapon, required the ability to read and dodge an opponent’s moves, striking at weak points. Every time they sparred, Leo’s ability to read Lyle’s attacks improved drastically.

“Today, I’ll win for sure.”

With a determined expression, Leo took his stance. As their eyes met, the distance between the two men closed in an instant.

Lyle’s sword cut through the air with a menacing sound, as if daring anything in its path to block it.

But there was no loud clash of blades. Leo dodged Lyle’s attack and thrust his rapier forward. The longer reach of Leo’s weapon made the onlookers, who had been laughing moments ago, suddenly fall silent.

“…Not bad.”

“I’ve never seen the captain retreat before.”

Every time Leo’s rapier darted forward, it struck a weak spot: the wrist, the solar plexus, the heart. Each strike was precise and lethal.

However, after exchanging about ten blows, Leo’s sword began to waver. He couldn’t maintain his assault, and eventually, Lyle’s sword met his rapier. With a loud clatter, the rapier was knocked to the ground. Once again, Lyle was victorious.

“Damn it.”

Leo’s face turned red with embarrassment at losing in front of everyone. He expected the knights to mock him again, but instead, they applauded him.

“Wow. That was incredible.”

“How did you do that? Hey, remember that guy with the warhammer who tried to take on the captain?”

“Oh yeah! I remember. He was knocked out in one hit. But you? That was impressive. Look, I’ve got goosebumps.”

“Get away from me. Stop shoving your arm in my face.”

Even though Leo responded irritably, the knights continued to pat his arm and shoulder in admiration.

“I thought you were just a fragile noble, but I guess the deputy commander is something else.”

“Right? In the ten years I’ve been with the captain, I’ve never seen him retreat.”

“When will you be back? If you keep this up, you might actually beat the captain one day.”

They laughed, insisting that Leo had to return to spar with Lyle again because they didn’t want to miss it when the captain finally lost.

“Don’t act so familiar. Let go of me already.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. We’ll be seeing each other often. Why not act like we’re already friends?”

“Ha! That’s right. Next time there’s a sparring match, make sure to invite us. If I miss out on this, I won’t be able to sleep.”

As much as he hated their casual familiarity, Leo was equally unaccustomed to receiving praise. His ears were turning red despite his gruff exterior.

“Captain, say something. Honestly, it won’t be long before you two are evenly matched. One of these days, Lord Bonaparte’s rapier might just pierce your wrist, and you’ll be unable to hold a sword for months.”

Leo glanced over at Lyle. Though his face was expressionless, Leo saw him nod.

“I’ve never underestimated Lord Bonaparte. It’s you who kept running your mouths. He’s a good knight.”

A good knight. Lyle’s simple statement was like a breeze, but it left Leo flustered.

“I’m leaving.”

Leo always left immediately after sparring, and today was no exception. But this time, he felt an urgent need to leave, partly because he realized that, despite his dislike for the rude commoners and Lyle, he didn’t entirely mind being around them.

“Is something urgent?”

Lyle’s voice stopped Leo in his tracks. Leo turned to look at him, confused. It was the first time Lyle had asked such a question.

“No… not really.”

“I wanted to ask you about running a knight order. If you have some time, I’d appreciate your help.”

Leo’s eyes widened at Lyle’s request.

The knights chuckled and chimed in. “We were recruited to become knights, but we don’t really know what we’re supposed to do. It looks like the captain is facing some challenges too, huh?”

“Learn as much as you can from the deputy commander! People already mock us for having no class, but we should at least get the basics right.”

“We’ll head off now. Watching the sparring match has made me eager to train.”

“Wait for me! I just remembered something that happened on the battlefield. All the guys there swung their swords like brutes.”

The knights, always quick to take a hint, gave Lyle and Leo some space.

Leo stared at Lyle, still processing the fact that Lyle had asked him for help. His surprise must have shown on his face because Lyle spoke again, his tone calm but sincere.

“If you can’t help, that’s fine. I’m already grateful for the information about Marquis Redwood.”

“Who said I couldn’t help? As it happens, I’m free today. Let’s go. But first, I need to wash up.”

Leo’s brusque reply made Elaina stifle a laugh. “Come on. There should be clothes in the guest room. The bathroom isn’t fully renovated yet, but the hot water works.”

“Why do you treat me like a pampered noble too, Elaina?”

Leo’s steps were oddly stiff as he walked ahead, and Elaina whispered to Lyle, “It seems like Leo actually likes your knights.”

“Really? To me, he looked like he couldn’t stand them.”

“If he truly hated them, he would’ve yelled at them by now. You know how picky he is.”

Leo, walking in front, cut in, “I can hear you, Elaina. It’s not good to badmouth your friend right behind their back.”

“Badmouth? I only said you’re picky, which is the truth.”

The banter between Elaina and Leo continued all the way back to the mansion. Though Lyle pretended not to listen, a faint smile played on his lips as he walked with them.