The Useless Duchess' Second Chance

First Training

When Ariana got to the practice room, she found that someone had arrived there earlier than herself. In the center of the practice room, stood a man in his thirties with an armor bearing the image of a lion, who became the symbol of the Alison family. On the shoulders, his armor is specifically black, a sign that he is the captain of a knight who swore to serve the Alison family.

Seeing the heroic attitude shown by the man, Ariana involuntarily showed a sad smile. The man who dedicated his life to Alison's family, had to face a tragic death for trying to give justice for Ariana in their previous life. Against all warnings given by those around him, the man continues to investigate the culprit who gave Ariana the poison on Crown Prince Emilio's coronation day. The end of the man filled with a sense of justice was predictable after that. One night, his house caught by fire that killed the man and his entire family.

Valencia is the last descendant of the man's family. But her end wasn't that much different from the rest of her family. Months later, Valencia also follows the death of her family after trying to protect Ariana from atrocities in the palace.

Such a great family was destroyed because of her stupidity. Although Ariana doesn't have much memory of Valencia's father in her previous life, his story of constantly attempting to find justice for Ariana is enough to make the girl appreciate the man with sincere feelings.

“I hope I didn't keep you for waiting too long, Sir Albert. As a student, I really regret not being able to come sooner than the teacher.”

Earnestly, Ariana bowed to apologize to the man. Seeing Ariana suddenly bowed to him make Albert surprised by the girl's sudden action. The power of the Alison family was well known throughout the kingdom. Apart from the royal family, members of the Alison family were not allowed to bow too deeply to anyone. However, the next heir of the Alison family casually bowed to him, who was just a head knight right now.

“There's no need for you to apologize for such a thing, Lady Aria. I'm in the wrong here. His Grace said that you were determined to learn the Alison family's sword techniques. I was so excited that I didn't notice that I came earlier than the promised time.”

Seeing Albert, who didn't like to see her continue to bend down, Ariana immediately straightened herself. The girl smiled politely, as she looked at Albert, who was slightly taken aback by Ariana's politeness.

“Sir Albert, before we begin the training, I actually want you to agree on certain things.”

After Ariana gave Valencia the code, the maid immediately came out of her hiding place and appeared in front of her father. Albert's stiff face changed slightly as he watched his daughter enter the sword training ground. Letting Ariana into a place where only men should enter was extraordinary enough for Albert. But now, even his daughter could enter the room where the Alison family's techniques were passed down through generations.

“Lady Aria … Does His Grace knew about this?”

The first thing that Albert thought of was the approval of the Alison family head on this matter. Duke Andrew is known to be stricter than him when it comes to the rules. Albert was afraid that Ariana would bring his daughter into the practice room without permission, which could result in his daughter being punished if this news reached Duke Andrew's ears.

“Unfortunately, my grandfather left early, so I didn't have time to tell him anything for today.” Ariana immediately continued her speech when she saw Albert turn pale after hearing her words. “But I promise I won't let anyone hurt Valencia, even if it's my grandfather who tries to threaten him. Sir Albert himself is aware of Valencia's potential as a swordsman, right? I will persuade my grandfather when he returns later. But for today, please let Valencia came here as an observer.”

Hearing Ariana's words, Albert couldn't be sure and continued to frown in disapproval. Presently, Ariana is just a child who often caused trouble before her accident. The girl might have succeeded in convincing her grandfather so that she could learn swordsmanship. But no one can guarantee Valencia's safety, if the girl remains in that special place to watch Ariana's training.

“Sir Albert, Valencia is my most valuable friend. I have been determined to help Valencia achieve her dream. And I know that Valencia wants to become a knight, just like her father and brothers. If my grandfather is serious about punishing her, then he should be willing to punish me too.”

“Father, even if His Grace will punish me later, I have no regrets as long as I am allowed to see Lady Aria's training!”

Seeing Ariana trying so hard to get her father to allow her to stay in the training room, Valencia also spoke up to express her wish. The traces of doubt slowly disappeared as Albert saw the earnestness in the girls' eyes. Seeing the earnest sincerity of the two girl in front of him, Albert felt he would be a bad person if he rejected both of them at this time.

“I understand. However, Lady Aria has to promise to allow me to take part in the punishment if His Grace gets angry because of this matter,” Albert informed. Ariana smiled secretly because she knew Albert had a soft spot for people who really determined to do something. The girl nodded, then signaled for Valencia to find a suitable place to observe her sword training for today.

“I will be under your care from now on, Sir Albert,” Ariana said as she began to take the sword that the man had given her.

***

“Again!”

Ariana felt pain all over her body as she fell again because her legs were no longer able to support her body. As expected from Albert, the man gave Ariana absolutely no leniency when he's teaching the girl swordsmanship. In the first session, Ariana almost fainted because Albert asked her to run to strengthen her body. But thereafter, learning to strengthen her arms by swinging the sword made Ariana feel like her hands could fall off at any moment due to exhaustion.

“Are you tired, My Lady?”

Ariana looked up to look at Albert, who was standing and looking at her with a straight look. Everyone had been testing her ever since she decided to become the heir to her grandfather's title. They kept asking if Ariana was tired, and if Ariana wanted to take a break from her busy schedule. Ariana knew they just wanted to see how far Ariana was determined to be a reliable heir. The girl forced herself to stand up, though she only succeeded when her trembling hands rested her body on the sword she was wielding.

“I'm fine.”

Just to speak, Ariana felt like all her oxygen was running out just to say those words. Her vision slowly dimmed. What makes Ariana still able to answer and stand up, is her strong determination to change into a better person.

Of course, the strong determination reflected in Ariana's eyes could not escape Albert's gaze. The stiff-faced man finally smiled faintly, as he turned to stare at Valencia, who had been watching on the edge of the practice room.

“Today's training ends here. Valencia, please help Lady Aria to return to her room and rest.”

“I, I can still train!”

Valencia didn't have time to answer when Ariana shouted stubbornly. Even if her entire body was shaking like a leaf, the girl still stubbornly tried to stand up. Albert crouched down to look at Ariana's slightly lowered face. His face turned soft, as he looked into Ariana's teary eyes, who felt she failed to meet her teacher's expectations.

“My apologies, My Lady. Even when I knew you had just woken up, I had forced you to undergo strenuous training today. I didn't expect you to make it this far. You did well, My Lady. Even if it was my daughter, she probably won't be able to stand as long as you when Valencia are at your age.”

“That's right, Lady Aria. You are simply extraordinary. Not to mention that you train after you are done with your lessons. In the future, you will definitely become one of the most powerful swordsmen in this kingdom.”

Ariana looked up when she saw that Valencia also joined in praising her with a sincere expression. Only when Ariana knew she had done well did the girl finally let go of the sword she had been holding. Ariana just wants to be the best for her family from now on. She would only stop, if her family had said enough.

“Okay ….”

Ariana had just answered when darkness suddenly took over her vision. When her body no longer depended on the sword's hilt, Ariana immediately fainted and almost hit the ground if Valencia didn't immediately hold her body. Valencia knew Ariana had passed out from exhaustion. She didn't panic at all, as the girl carried Ariana with her slender body.

“Then, I'll go back and call the doctor for Lady Aria, Father.”

“Okay.”

Albert watched as his tough daughter carried Ariana without the slightest difficulty. The man clenched his fists, before shouting for Valencia to stop the girl in her tracks.

“Show your best to His Grace, Valencia. I can't wait to see you wearing the same armor that your brothers and I are currently wearing.”

Valencia smiled as she realized that her father was trying to encourage her, even though it sounded a little awkward. To be honest, Valencia relationship with her father was a bit strained after the maid family refused to support Valencia learning swordsmanship and appointed her as Ariana's personal maid. But today, Valencia knew that her family only wanted to protect her from the laws imposed by the kingdom. No one in her family actually forbade Valencia from using a sword. At least her father, the man wants Valencia to be able to achieve her biggest dream this time.

“I will definitely become a knight even greater than you in the future, Father!”

Albert smiled in relief, as his daughter was determined and answered him in a confident voice.