Yuri spoke with a smile as he placed his hand on the girl's head once more. Seeing that she showed no discomfort, he continued to gently caress her head.
Yuri knew Ais's personality well. Although it didn't show on her face, he understood she was someone who cared deeply about her companions.
She simply couldn't express her feelings well.
Whenever she experienced emotional changes, she would react very directly.
Like a simple animal, as long as you show her kindness and speak to her properly, it's easy to earn her favor and recognition.
"If you agree, I'll come find you every morning to teach you the Breath of the Wind."
Ais was stunned for a moment, then showed a conflicted expression.
"Is it really okay just to show you my magic…? Doesn't that seem a little unfair…?"
"It's nothing. Just a normal exchange, isn't it?"
Yuri casually waved at her and walked off, while the girl continued to watch him until he entered the shop.
"Thanks…"
A barely audible thank-you echoed down the alley.
Though she didn't show her emotions, this innocent girl was no fool.
She had essentially paid nothing to learn the precious Breath of the Wind from Yuri. All she had to do was demonstrate her magic a few times.
This was by no means a fair exchange.
---
**That same night**
After returning to Twilight Manor, Ais ran to the lounge with a pillow in her arms.
Seeing her seek comfort for the first time in so long, Riveria showed a gentle, maternal smile.
"Did something happen?"
The girl said nothing—she simply took Riveria's hand and placed it on her head.
Riveria smiled and stroked her straight, golden hair. After that, the two embraced and fell asleep together.
Riveria didn't notice the confused look in Ais's eyes.
"It was only when he touched me… it felt so warm…"
---
**Early morning**
"Ugh… Tiona, why are you being so noisy out there?"
Tione rubbed her eyes, only to realize her sister was already up and rushing around.
"What's going on? I just got back from an expedition. What are you doing? Aren't these our days off?"
Seeing her sister's odd behavior, Tione quickly woke up. She stood and looked at Tiona in confusion.
"Tione!"
Tiona said urgently, "Yuri is training with Ais!"
"And from what I just saw, they're *really* close!"
"Eh!?"
Upon hearing Tiona's excited words, Tione's eyes widened in shock. She quickly got dressed.
It's not that she liked Yuri as much as her sister did, but Ais had never shown interest in *any* man—much less invited one to train with her.
And now, she had invited Yuri—a super-strong novice adventurer—to train at Twilight Manor?
Something was definitely off!
The two sisters rushed out and peered through the upstairs window.
They weren't the only ones—several other family members were also watching from the windows.
Especially an orange-haired elf, who was muttering incoherently while crying.
Ais and Yuri were completely focused on their training in the spacious Loki Familia training field.
The sound of swords clashing echoed all around.
Ais's swordsmanship was like a storm—quick, relentless strikes that were both precise and powerful.
Each swing of her sword shone with the refined technique she had honed over years of dungeon crawling.
Vertical slashes, horizontal, diagonal, thrusts, fierce strikes… Every movement was sharp and urgent, as if she feared stopping.
But no one could've imagined that such incredible swordsmanship could be matched—let alone countered—by someone like Yuri.
Yuri had already mastered all the breathing techniques he learned in the world of *Demon Slayer*, and now he could combine them fluidly.
**Clang!!**
With another clash, Ais was pushed back a few steps. She planted her feet firmly and held her sword steady, but didn't strike again, letting out a soft sigh.
"I lost again."
She had used all her strength to block Yuri's attack, but even so, her right hand had gone numb—she couldn't launch another strike.
**(End of Chapter)**
Give me some power stones there you go~😉