A.N.: Chapter 15! Back to some calmer, more slice of life stuff now that the insanity of arc 4 is over. Next chapter, a new contender enters the scene!


The inn was surprisingly tidy for a place that hadn't seen its owner for days by this point. Harisson calmly walked through the large dining room, passing a finger on one of the tables. Dust. That would not do. He was expecting guests after all.

Grabbing a broom, some cloth and a tub of water, Harisson began cleaning the inn from top to bottom. The tables were dusted, the floors cleaned, the bed sheets washed and put to dry. He did a check on the food and drinks, throwing away those no longer suitable for consumption. It felt odd, being so peaceful after the sheer frenzy of the past few days. At times, he found himself staring blankly forward for minutes on end, his task all but forgotten as he lost himself to these terrible memories.

Thankfully, he found himself able to snap out of his daze everytime, getting back to his work. Outside, the village was abuzz with activity; He was hardly the only one sorting affairs missed for multiple days.
His eyes glanced at the letter on the countertop. Whilst stuck dealing with the issues at the Sanctuary, his relative at the capital had managed to see their situation resolved thanks to the help of one of the other royal candidats and was planning to come visit with them. Harisson was unsure why a royal candidate would bother doing something so trivial, but he would make sure the place was ready for them. It wouldn't be for a few more days at least. For now, he had other guests to prepare for.

He glanced outside the window. No sign of them yet. Perhaps he had time to check on this ping-pong table to make sure it was still functional.

Wait. Nevermind. He caught sight of a couple people heading this way, a small smile worming its way on his face. Setting himself behind the counter, he waited patiently until…

"Natsuki Subaru enters the scene!" The raven-haired knight proclaimed, bursting through the front door. "Innkeeper! I require your best Appa Juice!"

"So noisy. Betty's contractor has no manners, I suppose." The Great Spirit Beatrice followed closely by, walking next to Subaru as he went up to the counter.

"And hello to the both of you." Harisson said with a smile. "Two glasses, coming right up."

"Alright!" Subaru grinned. "So, how's the inn? Not too much of a mess?"

"It's been a clean and a half for sure." Harisson chuckled. "Still, there's something quite nice about having simple chores and problems after the past few days." He admitted as he placed two glasses on the counter.

"Ugh, don't remind me…" Subaru groaned, grabbing one of the glasses and drinking from it.

"Hmpf. Betty had to work hard and lose her precious library. All thanks to that clown, in fact." The spirit also grabbed her drink, taking a small sip. "Hm." She said, looking satisfied.

"Actually, that reminds me…" Harisson mentioned. "With the manor being burned down and all, where are the lot of you going to stay going forward?"

"Roswaal has another manor by a city called Costuul. We'll be moving there after preparations are done." Subaru answered with a sigh. "Man, I'd just gotten used to the place too."

"Oh." Harisson said in a hollow tone as Beatrice eagerly gulped the rest of her glass down, slamming the empty glass in a request for more. "That's… some distance away. I suppose we won't be seeing each other as much anymore." He said, refilling the spirit's glass absent mindedly.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Subaru asked, confused. "Wait, did Roswaal not tell you?!" He exclaimed in surprise.

"That man is not welcome in my inn." Harisson flatly said. Even if he wasn't sure how exactly he'd enforce such a ban if the clown actually wanted in. "And no, I didn't hear anything from him."

"How unsurprising, I suppose. Letting us do the annoying part." Beatrice shrugged. "I will leave this to you, Subaru. I will go inspect the barrier." With that, she hopped off her seat and left, still holding her half-empty glass.

"...What was that about?" Harisson asked, confused.

"She must have guessed I'd want some privacy. She's so smart, my Beako." Subaru smugly said. "But yeah, long story short, you're coming with us."

Harisson paused in reaching for the bottle of Appa Juice, looking at Subaru with incredulity in his eyes. "I'm… I'm sorry, what?"

"Look, I know it's a bit of a bombshell to drop on you like this…" Subaru tried to raise his hands in placation.

"A bit of an understatement, don't you think?" Harisson said in agitation. "Don't get me wrong, I actually felt quite depressed at the idea of you all being so far away, but I can't just…" He threw his hands in the air. "Pack up and leave! I have a responsibility to this place! Aris left it to my care, I can't just abandon it to go with you guys… tempting as the thought is." He said the last part softly.

"Aw c'mon man, don't tell me…" Subaru paused. "Wait, you do admit you want to come with us!" He triumphantly said, pointing a victorious finger to Harisson. "I knew you liked us!"

"Of course I like you guys Subaru…" Harisson rolled his eyes. "Hell, Ram, Otto and you are by far my closest friends. I don't exactly like the idea of being left behind."

"Harisson…" Subaru said in a happy tone, a please grin on his face.

"But Aris gave this place to me, knowing I'd take care of it. It's full of memories and history." He smiled painfully. "I can't just leave it behind."

"...I get that. Seriously, I do." Subaru groaned. "Gah! What is it with the people I care about and being stuck in buildings because of promises?!"

"I feel like I'm lacking context…" Harisson said with a confused expression.

"Don't worry. I'll tell you later." Subaru sighed. "But seriously, Harisson, we can't leave you behind. Not just because we don't want to, but because, well…" Subaru's grin grew strained. "We can't."

"...Huh?" Harisson stared at Subaru with suspicion. "What exactly does that mean?"

"Look, I'll be blunt. You know about me…" Subaru gestured to the number over his head. "And worse, you remember the loops. If someone against us, or even just an appointment got their hands on you without us knowing? I won't be able to fix it and it could get really, really bad."

Harisson gulped. If someone, like a witch cultist, learned about Subaru's abilities… "I… I see your point, but even still…"

"In addition to that, Roswaal knows you. And you know what he did. What he can do. He won't let you get too far from his sight, if only to give me more of an advantage if shit hits the fan again." Subaru continued clearly on a roll.

"I…" Harisson started, not even sure what he was going to say.

"AND." Subaru spoke over him. "If… if I end up… you know." Subaru gestured vaguely. "You will suddenly find yourself sent back, with no context, no knowledge of why, when it might happen again, how many times…" Subaru shook his head. "It sounds like absolute hell. I'm not letting you go through that. I won't let you." Subaru spat out, determination burning in his eyes.

"We don't…" Harisson faintly began, having grown pale at the idea of what Subaru was suggesting. "We don't even know if that's how it works… maybe distance stops it…"

"Maybe. Are you taking that risk?" Subaru challenged.

Harisson didn't answer, looking away. "...The matter remains, I can't just leave. Aris is coming over with a…" he paused. "A royal candidate. I'll talk with him then."

"...Did you just say royal candidate?" Subaru shook his head. "You know what, nevermind. I've got enough headaches as it is. Just make sure they don't cause trouble. Just remember, we leave in a few weeks, and you're coming with us. I'll send Ram to drag you along if I have to. She won't need much convincing when it comes to bringing you along. Hell, I might not even need to ask her. She very well could do it on her own." Subaru grumbled. "Better that than letting the clown be the one to do it."

"Won't people have questions?" Harisson asked, grasping at any possible excuse to delay. "I mean, I'm an innkeeper for Od's sake! Why would I leave Arlam to follow you along?!"

"Well, besides opening another inn…" Subaru shrugged. "Roswaal said he had a 'fantastic idea.' Make of that what you will."

"That genuinely terrifies me." Harisson shivered as he spoke. "Still, I guess he is oathbound, so there is only so much he can do…"

"Exactly!" Subaru grinned. "So anyways, you're coming with us and that's final."

Before Harisson could argue further, the door opened, a small drill-haired blond girl in fanciful clothes entering. "Betty is back. I hope you convinced him, I suppose."

Subaru grinned, giving her a thumbs up. "I convinced him he has no choice!"

"How terrible." The girl deadpanned, climbing a stall by the counter, setting her empty glass with an expectant look.

Harisson filled it wordlessly.

"Hm. Having access to this regularly would be nice. Betty wouldn't be opposed to your presence, I suppose."

"I'm honored." He seriously answered. "Still, even if I come…"

"Which you will!" Subaru threatened half-jokingly.

"...I have to take care of some arrangements." He added with a glared to Subaru.

"Then you better hurry. Roswaal is keen on moving soon." She took a sip of her glass. "Relatively speaking."

"Oh Od…" Harisson moaned in despair. "I don't have the money to buy a new inn. Back to being a server for me I guess…" He said despondently.

"I doubt you are being forced to move. It would be unfair to do so with no compensation." The spirit remarked. "Roswaal is obscenely rich. He can afford one measly inn, I suppose."

"Ugh… I feel I am being swept away in some madness." Harisson sighed. "It could be worse, I suppose."

"Do not!" Beatrice whacked his arm, making him yelp. "Steal Betty's catchphrases!"

"Ow!"

"Aw, you guys are bonding." Subaru said happily. "Anyways Harisson, ready for a game of ping pong?"

Harisson shrugged. "I suppose I can spare some time to beat you."

"Oh?" Subaru stretched, a competitive look in his eyes. "These are fighting words, ya know?" He turned to the great spirit. "Oi Beako, wanna join in?"

"Hmph. I can indulge you, I suppose."

Harisson had a sudden flash of memories of a blue demon exploding his wall.

"Um… please be careful, the wall was repaired only days ago…"

"I am no thug. I can control my strength." Beatrice confidently said. "Try and keep up, I suppose."


Harisson stared.

Subaru stared.

Beatrice resolutely refused to look back at them.

"So…" Subaru drawled. "That's twelve-zero for Harisson."

"Are…" Harisson stuttered in disbelief. "Are you actually super weak?!" He exclaimed in shock.

"I am not!" Beatrice angrily said, stomping her foot on the ground. "It is merely you who is freakishly strong!" She pointed at him with a vicious pout. "You and all that training with the demon maid!"

"No, I think it's just you being weak physically…" Harisson muttered as Subaru laughed.

The spirit whirled towards him, snarling. "Don't laugh at Betty! You lost too!"

"H…hey!" Subaru squawked indignantly. "I only lost twelve to ten! Mine was actually close!"

"You still lost! Loser!" She retorted, pointing at him from above as she stood on one of the inn's tables. "You are as incompetent as Betty is at this ping-pong!"

"When did you climb that table…" Harisson said as Subaru fell to his knees, expression desolate.

"No… no, it can't be! I'm actually good at this game!" He looked up at the smug Beatrice, pointing at Harisson. "He's just got stupid reflexes!"

"I kind of have to with Ram…" Harisson admitted. "She's ridiculously fast…" If anything, the ball felt slightly slower now, despite having only really trained for a week or so with the maid. Then again, when accounting for the loops… It had been much more than that.

"Ugh. We'll see how well you do against Ram when she comes to visit!"

"I mean, we both know I'm going to get destroyed…" Harisson chuckled. "Ram isn't exactly mercyful."

"You got that right." Subaru stretched, sighing. "Anyways, we should be heading back now."

"Go ahead. Betty needs a word with the innkeep first, in fact." Beatrice said, taking a sip of her drink.

Harisson exchanged a concerned look with Subaru.

"Alright… but remember, blasting someone for beating you makes you a sore loser." Subaru teased.

"That is not!" Beatrice closed her eyes. "You are baiting Betty, I suppose. That will not work."

"Fine, spoil my fun." Subaru chuckled. "I'll see you later Harisson!" He added with a laugh, exiting the inn.

"Please don't blast me." Harisson said in a whimper as they were left alone.

"Betty wouldn't do something so childish." The spirit placed down her empty glass, shaking her head when Harisson went to refill it. "Betty wants to talk about Subaru."

"Oh?" Harisson took a seat in front of the centuries-old girl. "Alright then. What would you like to discuss about him?"

"You know something the others don't." She started. It wasn't a question.

"...What do you mean?" Harisson asked continuously. "He trusts you in a way he doesn't with others. He trusts Betty to be powerful. He trusts Emilia to be kind. He trusts Ram to be blunt." She narrowed her eyes. "But you. He trusts you to listen to him."

"Well, we are good friends." Harisson said with a slightly forced grin.

"There's more than that here." She retorted. "He trusts you will follow his lead. He made that clear, even if he doesn't realize it when he talks about you. Betty listens. She listens very carefully." She leaned forward. "Betty isn't sure what it is that you know that we do not, and will not make you break Subaru's trust." She glared. "But Subaru is MY contractor. I will protect him from any threat. Even internal. Understood?"

Surprisingly, the fierce protectiveness of the spirit didn't frighten him. He had no doubts she could back her claims, no doubt about it. However… "Understood." He said with a gentle smile. "You really like him, huh."

"He is Betty's contractor." The spirit said with a faint embarrassed blush. "It is only natural for Betty to look out for him."

"Well, you don't need to fear anything from me." Harisson reassured her. "I also want to keep him safe after all."

"Then we are allies in this." She said with utmost seriousness. "I will protect you as well. If only to retain the Appa Juice."

"And I will have your back, what little my abilities can do." Harisson agreed as they exchanged a nod, mutual understanding passing between them.

"I believe I am beginning to understand how you made the red-haired maid so tolerant of you." Beatrice said, hopping off her stool as she headed for the door. "Thank you for the drinks. And…" She hesitated as she reached the door. "For visiting Betty, when she was still within the library."

"Please." Harisson chuckled. "You were doing me a favor if anything."

"Indeed." She smiled, a tiny smile and gone in an instant but there nonetheless. "Have a good day innkeeper."

"And you, Great Spirit."

The door closed, leaving Harisson alone with his thoughts.


Harisson stared at the room around him as the last villager left for the night. Leaving this place to go so far away… what a prospect. And yet, hadn't he taken that chance when he first came to Arlam? For better and for worse.

Did he regret it? Sometimes. He'd experienced more heartbreak and pain in a week than he had for his entire life up to that point. But the thought of having the people he'd only recently met leave his life… It made him feel cold and empty.

Of course, the matter was irrelevant. He was going whether he liked it or not.

But deep down, he knew… he would have said yes. Maybe not at first. But after some thought… he would have.

Ah well.

He had some tables to clear, and then he could go practice his sword and do the exercices Ram had given him.


The next day brought another group of visitors. This time, the inn was actually quite crowded, Harisson not spotting them until they reached the counter itself. One he'd been expecting. Otto and he had been planning on going over his finances and they'd agreed on today to be the date. The other two on the other hand…

"Otto!" Glad you could make it." Harisson greeted with a grin, before turning to the sibling duo. "Frederica. Garfiel. Welcome to my inn." He said happily, giving them a smile. Despite how nervous Garfiel still made him, he had gotten a bit better, and the presence of Frederica only served to reassure him further. "What can I get you?"

"Damn, look at ya, apron an'all! You're a proper innkeep aren'cha!" Garfiel said at a volume barely below a shout. "I'll have three of every meal, two ales, and…" He yelped as Frederica grabbed him by the ear, glaring. "Gah! What gives?!"

"Barely five seconds in and you're already causing a scene." She sighed, giving Harisson a short bow. "Apologies Harisson. We heard sir Otto was coming to visit you and thought we would tag along."

"Yeah! We're buddies after all!" Garfiel exclaimed, freeing himself from Frederica's clutches. "Not sure why you came though sis."

"Garfiel…" She said with a hint of warning.

"Fine, fine." He rolled his eyes.

Harisson chuckled, bringing their attention back to him. "Well, I'm happy you decided to do so. I'll make something for the lot of you."

"Mind if I follow you?" Otto asked. "I've been checking your ledgers, and there's a few things I'd like to point out…"

They started discussing finance as Frederica and Garfiel went to grab a table, the sibling duo chatting between themselves as they waited.

"So, Subaru told you about Roswaal's plans I hear?" Otto asked as Harisson put the finishing touches on the trio's meal.

"Yeah, he did." Harisson groaned. "Wasn't subtle about it either."

"No use avoiding the issue." Otto argued. "Still, I have to admit myself surprised at how insistent Roswaal proved himself on the matter. No offense, but I am unsure why he cares so much."

"None taken." Harisson didn't comment further. He knew why. But he wouldn't… couldn't say. And he didn't want to lie to Otto. "So what about you? What are your next plans?"

"Well…" Otto chuckled. "I was actually recruited into the Emilia camp."

"Huh?!" Harisson blinked in surprise. "Oh. Well, that's good news. Did they also blackmail you?"

"Not quite." Otto chuckled. "Subaru offered me a position, and well… it sounded better than what I have been doing until now."

"I suppose I can't argue with that. It certainly doesn't stay boring for long around here…" Harisson grinned. "Well I'm glad you'll be joining along. I would have missed having you around."

"G… Geez, cut it out with the praise…" Otto stuttered with a pleased blush. "We really should go join the others…"

"Hm." Harisson hummed in agreement, grabbing the plates and heading to the main room.

Thankfully, it seemed Frederica had successfully kept her siblings out of trouble.

"Took ya long enough!" Garfiel exclaimed as they set the meals down.

"Garf." Frederica's voice held a hint of warning.

"Tsch." The demi-human clicked his tongue.

"It's a lovely inn you have, Harisson." Frederica commented with a gentle smile. "You can tell you take good care of it."

"Thank you." Harisson grinned back, before his smile dimmed. "A shame I will have to leave soon."

"Yeah, heard about that." Garfiel groaned. "You seem alright to have around, but don't get any ideas about Ram eh?" Garfiel glared playfully. "Or you'll have me as a rival."

"I will not consider a fourteen year-old my rival in anything thank you very much." Harisson retorted. "Besides. Ram loves Roswaal. We both know that. And I don't see her that way." Even if he did, he wasn't sure he'd know. He'd never been in love before.

"Tsk. Don't remind me." Garfiel's glare grew darker. "Damn clown."

"Garfiel. Stop bothering Harisson with your questions. OF course he doesn't have a crush on dear Ram." Frederica said with a wide smile full of teeth.

"Right…" Garfiel nervously said, shuffling slightly to the side.

"Damn that's cool." Harisson said with an impressed whistle at the sight of the rows of teeth.

"Why thank you." Frederica said with a pleased smirk.

Garfiel looked between the two, an expression of disgust and a tinge of fear growing. "Oh fuck no. No, no. No."

"Huh?" Harisson blinked, confused. "What is it Garfiel?"

"You." Garfiel pointed a finger at him. "No. That… that's worse than Ram. No."

"Garf…" Frederica groaned. "It is not like that and you know it."

"Like hell I do. You kidding me?! Him?!" Garfiel gestured to Harisson angrily.

"Um… I think I'm starting to get what Garfiel is trying to say…" Otto muttered. "It's a bit rude, you know, I hardly think it's our business if they…"

"You. Shut up." Garfiel snapped. "That's not your sister!"

"Garfiel." Frederica's voice was cold. "For one, again, it is not like that. Secondly, I can make my own decisions, thank you very much." She glared. "THAT is my own decision."

"You… I…" Garfiel choked angrily, before a painful resignation fell over his face. "Ugh. Fine."

"I'm still confused over what's going on." Harisson squinted, before a wild blush appeared on his face. "Oh. OH." He looked down. "Um. I'm sorry Garfiel but I agree with Frederica. You're misunderstanding. I just…" He blushed deeper, looking away. "I just find the teeth really cool."

"Uhuh." Garfiel didn't seem convinced.

"Seriously!"

"Yup."

"Harisson. I am so sorry for my little brother's idiocy." She said, slamming her fist on Garfiel's head, eliciting a yelp of pain. "Regarding your departure from this inn, do you have any plans?"

"Nope." Harisson sighed. "But the previous owner, my relative, is going to be visiting in a couple of days. They're coming with a royal candidate."

"Oi, oi…" Garfiel said, surprised. "Ain't that a big deal?! How the hell did ya relative meet someone like that?!"

"I have to admit that's surprising." Otto agreed. "Do you even know which one?"

"It seems they helped them out of some trouble." Harisson answered to Garfiel. "And… no idea. They didn't specify." He shivered. "I hope it's not that Volachian Priscilla. The rumors I hear about that woman…"

"Ha. Regardless, you're shit out of luck." Garfiel grinned. "A royal candidate coming into another one's territory? That's a fight begging to happen. You're gonna have yer hands full preventing that."

Harisson stared at Garfiel's smug expression.

"You bastard. You're right." He moaned in despair, his head falling in his hands. "Oh Od, I might not even have to worry about the inn, they could just demolish it. Otto…" He grabbed the merchant, desperation etched in his face. "Otto, Otto, you need to help me man, I can't do this on my own!"

"Harisson…" The merchant said sympathetically. "Honestly, it might be for the best if you're left on your own for this one. Anyone else could be seen as being there on behalf of Lady Emilia."

"He's right. You're the only one who isn't officially a part of our camp." Frederica agreed. "You can be seen as a neutral party. Anyone else's presence could escalate things into a confrontation."

"And that's the last thing any of us need right now…" Harisson groaned. "Damn it all. When has life become so complicated?"

"Subaru." Otto immediately said.

"Subaru." Frederica agreed.

"Cap'ain." Garfiel noded wisely.

"Od damn it all, you're right. It's all that bastard's fault." He clenched his fist. "He so owes me!"

"Hear hear." Otto agreed, raising a glass.

They clinked their glasses together, continuing to chat throughout the hour about their various misfortunes and recent adventures. Harisson felt… content. Happy in a way he hadn't really felt before moving to Arlam.

It had cost a lot to reach this point. And yet, Harisson could not bring himself to regret it. Was this what gave Subaru such strength? The capacity to keep moving on, no matter what?

Even then, Subaru's willpower was astounding. Terrifying, under the right circumstances. An unwinnable enemy, so long as they did not give up. And Od, was it hard to make Subaru give up.

He let a small smile settle on his face.

What else to do but stand on his side?


Harisson grunted as he dodged a swipe from Ram, ducking under her blow and trying to hit her side. Again, he failed, but managed to avoid the inevitable counterattack. He quickly dashed back, trying to grab his fallen sword.

Ram was immediately onto him, her eyes glowing with power. He grit his teeth. Damn the maid! She was utterly relentless!

He gave up on getting his sword back, trying instead to intercept her with a kick.

In an instant, crippling pain radiated through it as she shattered his knee with a single kick. He bit back a scream of pain, letting out only a low strangled yelp. Thankfully, Ram stopped there, taking a step back with a nod.

"Better. Much better. But you still tend to overexpose yourself."

"Healing… first…" He moaned in pain. "Lecture… after…"

"Fine, you big baby." The soothing glow of healing magic brought upon him immense relief, making him sigh in contentment. "So. As I was saying, you overextended yourself. I outspeed you. Trying to prevent an attack with your own was never going to work. I was going to react anyway. You need to wait until I've hit a point where countering your own counterattack isn't possible."

"...Understood." He grumbled.

"You should be grateful I even dain training you if that is how you are going to thank me you mutt." She glared at him, making him lower his head.

"No, no, I am grateful. It's just…" He twitched, getting up. "There's a… how do I put it." He stayed silent as he considered his words. "A gap. Between what I can do and what most people around me can do."

"Obviously. That is why I am training you."

"No. I mean…" He shrugged. "Even with the training. How could I ever close the gap with someone like Garfiel? Or hell, you?" He laughed. "Even if I grow more skilled, you guys' strength is impossible to match."

"You compare yourself to someone far stronger than the average person."

"But the people who came for us were able to fight you." He argued back. "Elsa. The witch cultists. Hell, the Od damn Great Rabbit!" He threw his arms in the air. "And before that, Subaru fought the White Whale! By the Od Laguna, one of the sin arch bishops came here to kill us all!" He laughed, near hysterical. "These are the threats that come for Subaru and Emilia! If I'm going to be joining your camp… then these are the kind of things I will be expected to fight with you!" He lowered his arms, despondent. "How in the world am I meant to survive, much less keep up?"

"You did alright with Garfiel." She countered. "You need not be strong enough to defeat such monstrous threats yourself. Not everyone in the camp need be combat trained."

"...You're wrong." He whispered with utter certainty. "It could have gone worse. It could have gone so much worse. The events of the Sanctuary…" He shook his head. "Our victory was a fluke baked on an insane, desperate plan." Victory was inevitable as long as Subaru was on their side, yes. But Harisson… Harisson was not so resilient. "It would have been so easy for me to break." He'd come dangerously close more than once.

"...You're right." She shrugged at his surprised look. "What? You are. But what do you expect me to say?" She walked up to him, glaring. "If you wish to be coddled, go to Otto or Emilia. If you wish for reassurance, or some grand inspiring speech, go to Barusu." She grabbed him by the collar, pulling him close, her eyes burning with intensity. "But if you want to live? If you want to survive? To have even a sliver more of a chance in the face of the impossible? You come to ME." She put him down. "And you train. You grow stronger. You will not be stronger than Garfiel, likely ever. You will not be more powerful than Roswaal. But you won't be as easy to take down. Won't be as inexperienced. You will be better than you are, and that just, JUST, might make the difference." She pushed him away, Harisson stumbling. "...And I refuse to let you go into the fray unprepared."

"...I'm sorry." Harisson slowly said. "I asked for this. And here I am…" He shook his head. "Complaining like a child. You're right." He grabbed the sword. "Again."

Ram's eyes gained a glint of approval as she entered her stance.

"Again."