That day, March 7th showed up in the rear gardens of the Palace of Astrum without skipping class. Yanqing and Yunli were already waiting there.
"Now that Miss March has arrived, let us begin today's lesson," Yanqing said.
"I'm not good at putting on airs as a master. Since Grandpa asked me to teach you swordsmanship, I won't hold anything back."
"Oh, you're too kind, Masters," March 7th said with a smile. Then she suddenly realized something was off. "Huh? Wait, our lessons are only officially starting now?"
"Yep!" Yunli nodded. "We needed to watch you practice over the past few days before we could judge your aptitude."
March 7th's mouth twitched at Yunli's words. Thinking back on the grueling practice of the past few days, she suddenly worried about whether she could stick with it.
But soon, her attention shifted to something else. "Then, Masters, how's my aptitude?"
"You're naturally bright, Miss March, and you have a talent for the sword," Yanqing said.
March 7th immediately beamed. Turning her head, she spotted Stelle coming to check on them and eagerly called out, "Stelle, you're here! Did you hear that? My masters said I'm a swordsmanship prodigy."
"That's our March 7th for you," Stelle said, obligingly praising her.
"Hehe." March 7th's smile grew even wider. "Once I finish learning and go back, everyone's going to see me in a whole new light."
Watching March 7th bounce with excitement, Yanqing sighed and said earnestly:
"Training in swordsmanship has always demanded hard work. Since you've decided to learn the sword, Miss March, you must find a reason that will keep you going before your formal training begins. That reason may be great or small, but it cannot be vague."
"In other words, even if you became our student without much say in