Chapter 77: Tenderness

"It's over, Miss Melantha."

The moment the words fell, in the next instant of their exchange, Charlotte seized an opening.

The Sword cane in her hand, after being deflected, abruptly changed direction and stabbed straight towards Mel's throat.

In the nick of time, Mel barely managed to evade the fatal blow, but the Sword cane still nicked her cheek.

Charlotte retracted the Sword cane, took a few steps back, and then shook her head.

Seeing this, Mel gasped for breath and looked at Charlotte in confusion.

"What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

"I noticed a few issues during our exchange just now," Charlotte said seriously.

"Your reaction speed and physical coordination are indeed astonishing, but..."

She paused, then continued, "But you were merely relying on that muscle memory and instinct to fight; you lacked your own combat awareness. In other words, those fighting techniques were controlling you, not you utilizing them."

"But... isn't that good?"

Mel asked, puzzled.

"Sometimes my brain can't keep up, but my body can still react automatically."

Charlotte gently shook her head, then walked over to Mel, and tenderly wiped the wound on her cheek.

"That's certainly true in the short term, but in the long run, it will limit your growth. You need to establish your own combat awareness, not completely rely on the experience of others."

Hearing this, Mel nodded thoughtfully.

Oliver had told her something similar, but she had never really had the motivation or idea to train herself.

"Then... can you teach me?"

Mel asked.

"I apologize, I'm not skilled with this type of assassination-focused weapon," Charlotte gently shook her head.

"However, since you're able to utilize such complex assassination techniques, some basic swordsmanship should be easy for you to pick up."

Saying this, Charlotte pointed to the weapons on the wall.

"How about you choose one and try it?"

"Switching weapons, huh...."

Mel looked down at the gem-encrusted curved knife in her hand, then looked at the various one-handed swords hanging on the wall.

After careful thought, she chose a one-handed sword with a spiral-shaped hilt.

"How about this one?"

"As long as it feels right to you, there's no need to care about my opinion," Charlotte said calmly.

Mel picked up the one-handed sword and examined it closely.

The blade shimmered with a cold light in the candlelight; its weight was moderate, and its balance was excellent.

She swung it a few times, feeling the weapon's compatibility with herself.

"It feels pretty good," Mel whispered.

"Shall we try again, Charlotte?"

"Of course," Charlotte nodded slightly, then raised her Sword cane again.

"But this time, please remember, Miss Melantha—don't just rely on instinct. You must actively think, actively attack, observe my movements, anticipate my intentions, and then react accordingly."

"That sounds complicated..."

Mel took a deep breath, then tightened her grip on the one-handed sword.

"But, I'll try my best!"

"Clang!"

The two weapons collided again, letting out a crisp metallic sound.

Mel tried hard to restrain her instinctive reactions and began to actively observe Charlotte's movements.

Charlotte's Sword cane was flexible and versatile, sometimes thrusting, sometimes cleaving, with a fierce offensive.

To Mel's surprise, she was able to remember every detail of such a confusing sword style and form a corresponding model in her mind.

(She likes to attack from the right side, then quickly switch to the left...)

Mel thought, while nimbly moving her body to evade Charlotte's attacks.

Suddenly, Mel seized an opportunity and launched an active attack.

Her one-handed sword cut a graceful arc, forcing Charlotte to take a step back.

Approval flashed in Charlotte's eyes, and at the same time, she sped up her attack rhythm.

The two traded blows, the sword light flashing, and the fight grew increasingly fierce.

"Clink—!"

A crisp metallic clang sounded, and the tip of Mel's sword stopped less than a centimeter from Charlotte's throat.

At the same time, Charlotte's Sword cane was pressed against Mel's abdomen.

They both stopped moving at the same time and smiled at each other.

—A draw.

"Clang—!"

The tip of Mel's sword heavily struck the ground, issuing a crisp impact sound.

The girl supported herself on the hilt, panting heavily, sweat dripping down her cheeks.

The practice room was filled with the strong scent of sweat and metal, and the residual glow of sparks from the clashing blades lingered in the air.

"I feel like... I think I've understood something. Thank you, Charlotte."

Mel lifted her head, her amber eyes sparkling with excitement.

Her cheeks were flushed from the strenuous exercise, but a satisfied smile curved her lips.

Charlotte elegantly retracted her Sword cane, her movements fluid as if performing a carefully choreographed dance.

She walked to Mel's side and took a clean white towel from a nearby rack.

"You are improving very quickly, Miss Melantha. If I hadn't known beforehand, I wouldn't have thought you were just a beginner."

Charlotte's voice carried a hint of admiration as she gently wiped the sweat beads from Mel's forehead.

Her long, slender fingers moved softly, as if handling something precious.

Mel felt the soft touch of the towel and involuntarily closed her eyes.

The girl's breathing gradually evened out, and the rise and fall of her chest slowly calmed down.

"Your potential is immeasurable. If you continue to maintain this state, I believe you will soon master your own fighting style."

Charlotte's voice was gentle, her gaze lingering on Mel, as if admiring an exquisite work of art.

"I will work hard," Mel smiled slightly.

"I want to become as formidable as you, Charlotte."

Hearing this, Charlotte paused, then gently shook her head.

"No, Miss Melantha, you don't need to become someone like me," she said.

"You should become your own unique self."

Her finger gently tucked the strands of hair clinging to Mel's face behind her ear, the movement as light as a feather.

"You possess infinite possibilities. I merely opened a door for you. But the true journey still requires you to explore it yourself."

Mel felt the warmth of Charlotte's finger, and her heart involuntarily began to beat faster.

The two met each other's eyes, and then Charlotte was the first to pull her hand away.

"Ahem... it's still early," Charlotte awkwardly moved her gaze to the clock on the wall.

"I'll go prepare hot water for you first. You can take a hot bath to relax, and then I'll prepare new clothes for you."

With that, Charlotte fled the practice room as if escaping.

Her steps were quick, as if she wanted the cool air rushing against her face to blow away the heat.

Mel watched Charlotte's retreating back, then put the sword back in its place and walked towards the exit.

Back in the room, Mel initially wanted to lie directly on the bed, but upon thinking about her sweaty state, she obediently chose to sit in the chair instead.

Listening to the constant sound of water running in the bathroom, Mel scratched her face.

"I feel like these things should be done by me instead...."

The girl looked down at the silver-white ring on her index finger.

The ruby on the ring flickered on and off, as if greeting her.

"Sister," Mel's eyes softened, carrying a hint of imperceptible sorrow.

She whispered softly, her voice filled with longing and attachment.

"Wait for me a little longer, I will definitely find a way."

As soon as the words fell, the ring emitted a gentle warmth, as if someone were gently stroking her hand.

Mel gently curled her fingers, as if grasping that invisible hand.

Suddenly, Charlotte walked out of the bathroom, the sound of her footsteps interrupting Mel's thoughts.

"The hot water is ready, Miss Melantha. Please go in."

"Mhm, okay."

Mel nodded, then got up from the chair and walked into the bathroom.

As soon as she stepped into the bathroom, the warm steam immediately enveloped Mel's entire body.

The bathroom was filled with a faint scent of roses, clearly carefully prepared by Charlotte.

The girl slowly took off her sweat-soaked clothes, revealing her fair body.

Her skin, enveloped in steam, was faintly pink, looking especially alluring.

Mel carefully removed the ring and placed it on the side tray, then slowly stepped into the bathtub.

"Splash—"

The warm water enveloped Mel's body, causing her to let out a comfortable sigh.

She could feel the discomfort in her body slowly dissipating under the soothing warmth of the hot water.

Mel closed her eyes and completely submerged herself in the water, leaving only a small tip of her nose above the surface.

After soaking for an unknown amount of time, Mel suddenly heard Charlotte's voice outside the door.

"Miss Melantha, you've been in there for quite a while."

Mel suddenly opened her eyes, as if startled awake from a dream.

She quickly sat up, splashing water everywhere.

"Sorry! I'm coming out now!"

Mel hurried out of the bathtub.

Water droplets slid down Mel's slender body, leaving trails on the floor.

She picked up a towel nearby and began to wipe her body, then put on the clothes Charlotte had prepared.

After seeing Mel emerge, Charlotte finally sighed in relief.

"I thought you had fainted inside."

"Sorry..."

Mel smiled a little sheepishly.

"I almost fell asleep just now."

"It's alright, you can soak a little longer if you need to."

"No, no, that's enough," Mel shook her head.

"You go soak now, Miss Charlotte, I need to dry my hair."

"I understand."

Charlotte nodded, then turned and walked into the bathroom.

Mel sat in front of the dressing table, slowly drying her wet long hair.

The mirror reflected the girl's fair skin and slightly tired but bright eyes.

Her movements were gentle and graceful, as if performing a sacred ritual.

A moment later, the bathroom door was gently pushed open.

Charlotte walked out wrapped in a bathrobe, her long hair clinging to her cheeks, emitting a faint rose scent.

"Do you need me to help you dry your hair, Charlotte?"

Mel asked.

Hearing this, Charlotte was about to refuse, but for some reason, she nodded as if possessed.

"Then... I'll trouble you."

Mel smiled and stood up, giving her seat to Charlotte.

Charlotte gracefully sat down, her wet long hair hanging down her back.

Mel picked up the towel and began to gently wipe Charlotte's strands of hair.

The room fell into silence for a moment, with only the slight sound of the towel rubbing against the hair.

Mel's movements were gentle and meticulous, as if she were handling something precious.

"Miss Charlotte's hair is very beautiful," Mel praised softly, her fingers running through the silky smooth strands.

Charlotte looked at Mel through the mirror, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

"Thank you, your hair is beautiful too, Miss Melantha."

Their eyes met in the mirror, and a subtle, strange atmosphere quietly spread.

Charlotte felt her heart suddenly quicken, and she lowered her head, avoiding her reflection in the mirror.

"Miss Melantha's movements... are very practiced."

Hearing this, Mel paused slightly, then chuckled.

"Mhm, my sister used to help me comb my hair."

"Your sister...."

Charlotte mused for a moment, then said, "She must be a very gentle person."

"Mhm, she is," Mel nodded, her finger stroking the silver ring on her index finger, as if recalling something beautiful.

"There's no one in the world gentler than her."