Chapter 135: Beneath the Red Dress

"Anna?" Nellas thought, taken aback to see the young miss standing there. Her sudden appearance added a twist to his day. He couldn’t help but wonder, What is she doing here?

As he gazed at Anna, memories of the previous day came rushing back. He remembered the old man’s words—Anna’s grandfather, whom he had saved. The old man had said, "Thank you very much for what you did. If you ever need help, just come to the Alkan family. We’ll be happy to assist you."

A realization struck him like lightning, and he couldn’t hide the surprise on his face. He remembered those words now—the words he had previously brushed aside in the turmoil of his past life.

A faint smile curled at the edge of Nellas’ lips, a mix of amusement and realization. Right then, it clicked for him—Anna was, in fact, part of the respected Alkan family.

As Nellas took his first step forward, ready to continue his journey with Han’s guard following close behind, the maid decided to inform her mistress of his departure.

"Miss Anna, he’s leaving," she said, gently pointing toward Nellas’ retreating figure.

Anna, jolted by the maid’s words, snapped out of her brief daze. "Wait! What!" She stepped out from her hiding place behind the tree, her vibrant red dress standing out vividly amidst the surrounding greenery.

Her heart raced like a sprinting horse, its thunderous beats echoing in her ears. Her fingers instinctively gripped the rough tree bark, seeking comfort amid her inner turmoil.

He’s leaving, Anna thought, a whirlwind of mixed feelings swirling in her mind.

Seeing Nellas walk away, oblivious to her presence, tugged at her emotions. She couldn’t deny the curiosity and fascination that had drawn her to him, like a moth to a flame.

Yet, doubts and uncertainties clouded her thoughts. Should I go after him? What would I even say? Anna’s inner thoughts were a chorus of questions, each filled with nervousness.

The maid, sensing Anna’s inner struggle, felt empathy welling up within her. She took a step closer, speaking softly as she offered a suggestion.

"Miss Anna, maybe it’s a good idea to go talk to him. You never know when you’ll get another chance."

Anna hesitated, torn between her deep feelings and the fear of the unknown. Her cheeks still held that captivating shade of red, reflecting her inner conflict.

But as Nellas’ figure grew smaller in the distance, her decision became clear. A spark of determination flared up within her, dispelling the doubts that had been holding her back.

Nellas continued down the peaceful lane, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The Alkan mansion stood as a symbol of grandeur and luxury, decorated with detailed architecture that caught the eye.

The craftsmanship was superb, every part of the building a piece of art on its own.

Following the guard to the mansion’s rear, they reached a vast courtyard.

Alkan family soldiers were deeply engrossed in rigorous training, their movements precise and purposeful. The rhythmic clash of weapons created a symphony of sound that filled the training area.

Swords clashed, arrows flew, and spears twirled as the soldiers sharpened their combat skills.

The training hall’s sides displayed a striking array of weapons. Blades of various shapes and sizes, bows with different designs, and finely made armor adorned the area, showing the Alkan family’s commitment to martial skill.

The rhythmic sounds of training weapons clashing, armor clinking, and soldiers giving commands filled the air, creating a disciplined and skilled atmosphere. It was a scene of dedication, where each soldier pushed themselves to excel.

Nellas observed the weapons closely. They were unlike the standard-issue gear found in most armies.

Instead, these weapons were crafted with great care, each one a unique work of art. The quality and craftsmanship were evident in every detail, from the well-polished hilts to the razor-sharp blades.

Those weapons... Nellas thought, squinting as he observed. They’re crafted with great care.

The attention to detail and precision was clear, sparking his curiosity.

Before him, the soldiers continued their training with unwavering focus, showcasing their dedication to their craft.

The training hall embodied discipline and skill, reflecting the Alkan family’s values.

As Nellas watched the clash of swords and the soldiers’ shouted commands, his sharp eyes focused on two fighters engaged in a fierce battle.

The first soldier was a formidable figure, swift and powerful in his movements, a testament to his battlefield experience. Each swing of his sword had a clear purpose, and his strikes were precise.

On the other side of the duel, a soldier found himself struggling against his opponent’s fierce attacks. He lacked the speed and strength of his adversary, focusing mainly on defense.

Blocking the first soldier’s unrelenting strikes demanded all his effort, and sweat formed on his forehead as he strained to keep up.

"Is that all you’ve got?" the first soldier taunted, wearing a sly grin. "And you want to be an Alkan family knight?" His words dripped with mockery as he continued his relentless assault.

It seemed like he aimed to humiliate his opponent both with his swordplay and his words.

The struggling soldier could only defend and deflect, his attempts to counter the attacks thwarted by his opponent’s speed and skill. He panted heavily, almost unable to speak due to the intensity of the duel.

"You can’t even block properly," the first soldier sneered, his voice full of disdain. "I’ve seen poor people like you without any background before. You all are pieces of trash who come to a prestigious family hoping to leech off their wealth." With each word, he intensified his attacks, pushing his opponent to the edge.

In one powerful strike, the first soldier sent his opponent’s sword flying through the air.

A collective gasp filled the training hall as the blade sped dangerously toward Nellas and the guard standing beside him. The sword moved so swiftly it was almost hard to follow with the eye.

Hearts raced, and breaths were held as the sword aimed directly at the guard’s neck. Tension hung in the air like a heavy weight, and time seemed to slow down as the blade approached its target.

But just before disaster could strike, an unexpected hero emerged.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Nellas’ hand shot out, grabbing the sword’s hilt just an inch from the vulnerable neck of the guard. It was a breathtaking moment, frozen in time like an epic scene.

Nellas stood there gracefully, his fingers firmly gripping the sword’s hilt. His posture exuded confidence, as if he had effortlessly plucked the weapon from thin air.

The sword’s tip hovered dangerously close to the guard’s neck but didn’t make contact, all thanks to Nellas’ quick and precise action.

A hushed silence filled the training hall as the soldiers watched, completely captivated by Nellas’ incredible feat.

Their astonishment was tangible, like a charge in the air, leaving them momentarily speechless. Even the skeptical guard beside Nellas stared in wide-eyed disbelief.

The tension in the air grew, each passing second feeling longer than the last. Time seemed to stretch, prolonging the suspense with every heartbeat.

Nellas’ sharp cerulean eyes, as keen as the sharpest blade, remained fixed on the soldier who had recklessly thrown the sword.

In his gaze burned a glimmer of intense determination, a hint of something powerful and formidable. His stare was like a challenge, unspoken but unmistakable.

Underneath Nellas’ calm exterior, a smoldering ember of anger simmered, a fiery intensity ready to flare if pushed further.

The silence was thick with unspoken words and the promise of a looming confrontation.

"What did you just say?" Nellas’ voice, like distant thunder before a storm, shattered the silence. His tone held a dangerous edge, a restrained anger demanding answers.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Anna and her maid watched from a distance, hidden behind the sheltering branches of a tree.

Their wide eyes mirrored the amazement of the soldiers, and they held their breath as they witnessed the unfolding drama.

"Wow..." Anna and her maid breathed in harmony, their voices barely above a whisper. Nellas’ incredible sword-catching skill left them stunned, their attention fixed on his every move.

However, when Anna heard her maid’s admiring remark, a sudden possessive feeling washed over her.

She wasn’t ready to reveal her emotions so openly. She discreetly coughed, covering her mouth with a closed hand, trying to mask her maid’s unintended praise.

The cough, though subtle, served as a gentle reminder to her maid, a sign to be cautious. Anna’s eyes met her maid’s, silently conveying an unspoken message.

"Oh... Ah...," the maid stuttered.

Anna’s quiet cough and their exchanged glances communicated a mutual understanding. Anna preferred not to have her maid openly admire Nellas’ skill.

"It was a mistake. I’m sorry," the maid whispered, her voice trembling as she understood her mistress’s unspoken request, still captivated by the intense standoff.

Anna, her eyes fixed on Nellas’ remarkable feat, felt a surge of mixed emotions. Her heart still raced from the near-disaster, and a protective instinct welled up inside her.

"It better be," Anna replied in a quiet voice, with a hint of firmness.

She couldn’t deny the admiration that had sparked within her, but she was determined to maintain her composure, not wanting to reveal too much too soon.

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