The training intensified.
Aeva struggled to keep her breathing steady while manipulating the winds around her blades. Nysha's Mirage blade forced her to rely on instinct, and Serenil had her train blindfolded to sharpen her senses. Rennie's control over the Crimson Bloom caused shockwaves with every misstep, leaving scorch marks on the ground.
"Don't hesitate," Serenil said to Rennie, stepping in to intercept one of her wild swings. "Control. Let the weapon move with you, not against you."
Sweating and panting, the girls bowed their heads. "Yes, Master Serenil!"
Serenil paused. Their loyalty was absolute. Perhaps too absolute. But such was the nature of the bond forged not just from combat, but salvation.
By midafternoon, all three collapsed onto the stone floor, exhausted but smiling.
"You've done well," Serenil said, handing them water. "Tomorrow, we continue with defensive forms."
As the girls rested, the princesses approached.
Astarotte raised an eyebrow. "So… you're turning assassins into knight-maids now?"
"They're already stronger than most guards," Serenil replied. "And loyal."
Roanna smirked. "Still, I hope you won't ignore your other fiancées."
"I won't," Serenil replied. "Each of you has a role in the future I plan to forge."
Liselotte grabbed his hand suddenly. "When do we get our Soul Gear training too?!"
Serenil tilted his head slightly. "When you're ready."
Piglette offered him a handkerchief. "You've worked hard… Prince Serenil."
As they all stood together in the courtyard bathed in the golden hue of dusk, a new chapter of power and bonds began—one where loyalty, strength, and affection would shape the path of the Sword King's legacy.