Here we are at Chapter 3. Like I said before, this one features Lisolette as Inglis' love interest. I do not own Reborn to Master the Blade. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 3. Enjoy.

Chapter 3: Suitors

"Ah, nothing beats a nice workout on a bright, sunny day," Inglis mutters as she jogs while carrying one of the flygears above her head.

Anyone who happens to spot her can only watch in shock and awe as a beautiful girl lifts up a heavy piece of equipment as if it was made of tissue paper. If they knew she was using magic to increase the level of gravity upon her to add to her training, they'd think she'd might be crazy. And they might be partially right, too. Inglis runs around the lake by the academy in her routine, but slows down when she spots Lisolette sitting by the lake, apparently sulking.

"Hey Lisolette!" Inglis calls out, but her friend doesn't answer. So, Inglis drops her flygear weight and steps on next to her friend. "Hey, Lisolette!"

"Ah! Wha-Inglis?!" Lisolette finally reacts, albeit dramatically. "What are you doing?"

"I could be asking you that. I was in the middle of an exercise when I spotted you. I called out, but you didn't answer," Inglis replies.

"Oh, my apologies. I guess I was lost in thought," Lisolette replies, looking back out to the lake.

Inglis sits next to her, "So, what were you thinking about? It must've been important if it's got you this out of sorts,"

"It's... no, I don't want to bother you with it. It's not that important," Lisolette shakes her head.

"Hey, we're friends, Lisolette. So if something's troubling you, then I want to help," Inglis replies.

Lisolette sighs. If she knows Inglis, she knows that Inglis won't be dissuaded once she's set her mind on something. The only one who could possibly steer her in another direction would be Rafinha and she's not here.

"It's my father," Lisolette confesses.

"The prime minister? Did something happen to him?" Inglis asks, concerned.

"No, he's alright. It's just... recent events have made him very concerned about my wellbeing. Honestly, he's being very stupid and overprotective right now. He doesn't consider my feelings on the matter at all," Lisolette explains.

"What happened?" Inglis asks.

"My father said that I... should hurry up and find a suitor and get married as soon as I can. And leave the knights academy. Basically, he wants me to marry some stranger and stay away from the battlefield and play housewife, despite the combat skills I possess. Honestly, it's so annoying," Lisolette pouts.

"And you simply can't refuse him because of obligations as the daughter of the prime minister, huh," Inglis figures out the rest.

If Lisolette could do that, she would. But, being a noble's daughter, the prime minister's no less, makes it that much more difficult. She has a duty to continue the family bloodline as his only child.

"Something tells me there's more to this, huh," Inglis surmises.

Lisolette sighs again, "Yes. This weekend, when we're free from classes, I am to greet one of my potential suitors at home. They're the eldest son of a high-ranking family from among the nobility. Unfortunately, I've heard plenty of stories about this young man, and none of them are too flattering. Basically, he's a very flamboyant daddy's boy who thinks too much of himself. I even heard that he's a womanizer as well,"

"Can't you convince your father to reconsider?" Inglis asks.

"I already did, but he won't listen. He once supported me in my goal to become a knight. But now, he's too frightened at the idea that I could die in battle or to the political machinations behind the scenes," Lisolette says, looking melancholy. She stands up. "I've come to love it here at the school. I'll dearly miss it. But... I was really looking forward to fighting alongside Leone, Rafinha, and especially you in battle, Inglis. I suppose dreams are simply that: dreams," and Lisolette walks away.

Inglis watches her leave before getting an idea in her head. She wasn't about to let it end like this.

...

That following weekend, Lisolette waits in a room for guests. Her prospective suitor would be arriving shortly. Her father is sitting next to her. Lisolette is all dressed up for the occasion.

"You look lovely, Lisolette," Chancellor Arcia says, trying to make her feel better. It doesn't work. "I know you're not happy about this arrangement. I'm only trying to do what's best for you. I lost your mother a long time ago. I can't bear to lose you too,"

"So, you'll shackle me instead. Prevent me from honoring our family as a knight and reduce me to a trophy," Lisolette rebukes bitterly.

"Lisolette. You can still bring honor to our family this way. A noble woman getting married to a high-ranking family is a great honor and responsibility. And this way, our family line will continue and you won't have to die needlessly. I'm just trying to protect my daughter," the chancellor says.

Lisolette doesn't look at him, "I know, Father,"

Just then, a servant opens the door, "Lord Bradford has arrived, Chancellor," they say.

A moment later, a young man wearing a frilled white shirt under a black and gold vest, dark pants and boots, and white gloves enters. He has shoulder-length red hair and an arrogant look about him.

"Ah, my dear Lisolette, such a joy to finally meet in person. Truly, your beauty is without equal. And of course, a pleasure to see you again, Chancellor Arcia," Bradford walks over in front of them.

"A pleasure, Lord Bradford. Well, I'll let you two get better acquainted. I'll be back soon," the chancellor leaves the room, leaving his daughter to fend for herself.

"So much for protecting me," Lisolette groans.

"My dear Lisolette. Do not be so gloom. For soon, we shall be married. I promise you that you will want for nothing. As the man that will soon be your future husband, I can think of no better woman to be my wife than you," Bradford takes her hand and plants a kiss on it.

Lisolette summons all her willpower not to vomit on his face, "I am... looking forward to it, Lord Bradford,"

How she wished she could say what she really feel. But, she has her duty. And she cannot run from that. Just then, they hear some noise outside the room.

"Hey, who are you? You can't be here!" one voice rings out.

"What the Hell is going on?" Bradford curses.

Just then, the door bursts open and in walks Inglis, "I object to this engagement," she declares.

"Inglis?!" Lisolette wasn't expecting her friend to show up.

"Who the Hell are you?!" Bradford yells.

Just then, Chancellor Arcia returns, "You... You are Inglis Eucus. What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Chancellor Arcia. I am here to voice my objection to this arranged marriage. You can't let this man marry your daughter," Inglis says.

"Miss Eucus, despite your accomplishments and saving his Majesty during that one event, I can't just let you walk in here and interfere in my family's affairs. This has nothing to do with you," Chancellor Arcia argues.

"Oh, it has everything to do with me. Lisolette is important to me. And besides, I didn't come here empty handed. I am here, not just to stop this arranged marriage that your daughter clearly doesn't want. I'm also here... to announce my candidacy as Lisolette's potential groom," Inglis declares.

"Inglis!" Lisolette yells with a blush.

"Her what?!" Bradford can't believe his ears.

"Miss Inglis, what madness are you spouting? I have respect for you and your deeds, but this is ridiculous," the chancellor retorts.

"No, what's ridiculous is that you're trying to force your only daughter into a union she wants no part of. I know you're only worried for her safety, but putting her in a cage is not how you can protect her. Your daughter is skilled, and she will become a great knight for the kingdom in the future. That, I have no doubt about. You want her to live? Then let her live. At least if she sharpens her skills, she can better defend herself from any threats. Look at what happened to the king. He's the ruler of our kingdom, but that didn't help him when conflict came to his front door and he lost an arm in the process; even if Rani and I were able to reattach it and heal him. You love your daughter? Then at least have some faith in her. Let her spread her wings and soar. If you're worried about her safety, then I can guarantee it for you. If you know me, then you know how strong I am," Inglis says.

Chancellor Arcia hesitates to retort because he knows she has a point there. Inglis took on the Archlord and the leader of the Steelblood Front and proved she was a match for both of them, even beating back the former. Few in the kingdom could accomplish such a feat. She is strong, and has earned the king's gratitude and respect for saving his life and protecting the kingdom. At this rate, she'll become known by all in the kingdom; maybe beyond that.

"What gives you the right to get in the way of my union with Lisolette? You are no high-ranking noble, and worse, you're a woman. Lisolette will be expected to marry me and bear my children. You have no right to interfere with that," Bradford says.

Inglis smirks, "Alright, then how about a wager? You and I will face off in a duel to determine who will become Lisolette's fiance. I win, you will leave Lisolette alone. I lose... and you get both of us,"

Her bold declaration stuns everyone in the room.

"Inglis!" Lisolette is shocked that Inglis would risk herself like this... for her.

Bradford takes a second look at Inglis and immediately likes what he sees, "Ah, well, I must admit, you are truly a delectable woman. I wouldn't mind having you as a mistress. I'll treat you right... after I teach you your place,"

"Lord Bradford, that is hardly-," Chancellor tries to stop this.

"Father, let them duel," Lisolette stops him. "Let them duel. I know you care about me. But, you can't dictate every facet of my life. Let them duel and settle this. I will not argue any further on my future engagement, no matter who wins,"

Seeing as he can't stop them, the chancellor sighs, "Very well. We'll have the duel out back. I'll serve as the witness,"

Bradford smirks, "You know, I graduated from the knights academy two years ago," he holds up his hand, showing a high-class rune on it. "What about you?"

"I'm a squire. I don't have a rune," Inglis replies confidentially.

"Hahaha, a runeless. This will be even easier. I'm looking forward to the day I get Lisolette and you into my bed," Bradford seems assured of his victory.

Inglis isn't scared, but excited. Because now she gets to have another fight.

...

Out in the back courtyard, Inglis stands opposite of Bradford, who wears a set of armor and wields an axe in his hands. Lisolette, the chancellor, and a few medics stand off to the side.

"The battle will continue until one combatant either surrenders or is deemed unable to continue. However, death is strictly prohibited. Are we clear?" Chancellor Arcia says.

"Fine by me," Inglis nods.

"Sure thing. Wouldn't want my future mistress dying on me before our honeymoon. Dear Lisolette, don't worry, this won't take long. Then we can discuss our wedding plans," Bradford remains arrogant as ever. "Would you like a sword? I'm sure we could find one suitable for a runeless like yourself,"

"No thanks. I'll be fine," Inglis replies.

The chancellor raises his hand, "And... begin!" he swings it down.

Bradford swings his axe up and smashes it on the ground, sending out a shockwave of magic towards Inglis. Inglis smirks and waits for its approach. Raising a leg, she swings it down and completely cuts through the shockwave thanks to her Aether Shell.

"What?! With just her leg? Impossible!" Bradford wasn't expecting that.

He charges at her with his axe ready. Once more, Inglis waits for him to attack first. He swings it down, but she dodges it and counters with an uppercut to his stomach. The punch cracks his armor, and she was holding back too. Bradford coughs up blood and rolls across the ground.

"How? How is that... possible? You have no rune, so how... can you be this... strong?" Bradford gasps.

"I train a lot. And I always enjoy a good fight," Inglis replies, smiling.

Lisolette had a feeling this would happen. It seems Bradford isn't too familiar with Inglis' accomplishments. Lisolette knew that despite his rune and equipment, he wouldn't stand a chance against Inglis. Wait, does that mean that when Inglis wins... she and Lisolette will be... engaged? The thought makes Lisolette's cheeks turn pink. She had never considered the idea of marrying another woman, but... when she looks at the alternative currently struggling on the ground... At least Inglis would treat her fairly and kindly.

Bradford gets back on his feet and charges at her again. Deciding that he isn't a strong enough opponent for her, Inglis rushes in and throws another punch at his chest. The impact breaks his armor apart and he flies into a wall, unconscious. The only reason he's not dead is because Inglis held back a lot with that punch.

"And the winner is Inglis Eucus. Medics, please go attend to Lord Bradford," Chancellor Arcia announces.

While the medics tend to the unconscious idiot, Inglis walks up to Lisolette, "Well, at least you won't have to marry that guy now,"

"It would appear so. My father will make sure he keeps up his end of the bargain. But... Inglis... about your stakes..." Lisolette trails off.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I was just trying to help you. Listen, you don't have to worry about marrying me or anything like that. I don't want to force you into a marriage you don't want. You'd probably be uncomfortable with the idea of marrying another girl, huh," Inglis rubs her head.

"That's not it..." Lisolette takes a breath. "I suppose, as long as you're okay with it... I wouldn't mind being engaged to you," she plays with her hair with a slight blush.

"Huh? You mean... you're okay with it?" Inglis wasn't expecting that.

"Yes... but, I expect to be treated properly as your future wife, understood," Lisolette asks.

Inglis laughs, "Of course. I can't have my future wife being unhappy, now can I," Inglis takes Lisolette's hand and kisses it. "I vow to make you the happiest wife in the world and I will always be there to protect you,"

Lisolette smiles, "I'd expect nothing less, my groom to be,"

And that's the chapter. I thought this kind of atmosphere would work considering the interactions between the two of them in the series and Lisolette's station. Until then, please Read and Review.