"You paid me to kill people. If you want me to say nice things, that'll cost extra." Bronn was unconcerned. "If the money's good enough, I can wean you too. In a way far less gentle than his."
Ian rolled his eyes and ignored the bastard. He understood what Bronn meant. Roar's training methods had been too restrained, which meant Ian had barely taken any beatings.
And as everyone knew, getting beaten up was the fastest way to improve.
But at this stage, Ian believed rapidly increasing his strength was less important than maintaining his image. After all, he had gained a position nearly equal to a leader within Ser Veld's alliance for two reasons: the Lannister name, and the image he had presented, which Veld called the "Crone descended into the world."
If he got beaten black and blue during training, his aura would take a serious hit.
Still, in Ian's view, Bronn's suggestion was worth considering. Compared to the mock combat training he had been doing with Roar, honestly mastering the basic movements might be even more helpful at his current stage.
With that in mind, Ian cast Roar a questioning look.
Roar nodded, indicating that the plan was feasible. He beckoned Cheggan over and ordered him to bring back two straw dummies from the manor's training yard. Then he turned to Ian. "Then today, we'll begin with the simplest and most fundamental movement—thrusting."
"Thrusting?"
"Slashing is most effective only against enemies without armor or wearing light armor. In battles between knights, thrusting is the sword's most effective use." Roar patiently explained, "A knight skilled in thrusting can easily break through chainmail, light brigandine, and the protection of most Coats of Plates. With the right angle, they can even pierce some lower-quality plate armor."
Ian nodded thoughtfully. He