Reborn As Noble-Chapter 586: Dance of Blades ( )

Liana’s white ore blades shimmered in the sunlight as they danced through the air, parrying Felicia’s twin swords with smooth, flowing motions. The clash sounded like a bell—refined, sharp, yet strangely elegant.

Felicia stepped back briefly, twisting her wrist to redirect Liana’s counterattack with the flat of her sword.

Not bad… for a maid.

Liana’s emerald eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips forming a serene smile.

"Not bad, Princess Stray~," she said softly, her voice as graceful as her movements.

Felicia smirked, her golden eyes filled with fire.

"You too, Pointy Ear."

Once more, their blades clashed.

The sound was harmonious—like two violin strings plucked perfectly in tune. Their feet moved with precision—Felicia’s feline agility blending with Liana’s elven grace in a rhythmic dance that captivated everyone watching.

Felicia lunged with a sweeping horizontal strike—fast, clean, full of purpose.

Liana lowered her stance, blocking with one blade while twisting her body to evade the attack. She pivoted gracefully—like a dancer—and aimed a rising strike at Felicia’s midsection.

But Felicia twisted midair, blocking the incoming blow with her twin swords in an X-formation, sliding back with her boots skimming the ground in elegant control.

"Hm~ You’ve got quick reflexes," Liana said softly, never breaking eye contact.

"Your stance is too perfect," Felicia retorted. "No flaws… it’s annoying."

"Thank you for the compliment," Liana replied teasingly.

They circled each other again, their auras flickering—Felicia’s like golden heat, Liana’s like silver moonlight.

Watching from the sidelines, Gloria leaned against a stone pillar, sipping from her drink pouch and humming.

"Ara~ I wonder who’ll snap first."

The beastkin officers stood frozen, sweat trickling down their backs, trying not to move.

"They’re both monsters…"

It was a dance of pride—silent challenges and subtle declarations.

Both beautiful. Both deadly. Both unwilling to yield.

Liana smiled, her white ore blades flowing like ribbons in the breeze.

Felicia returned the smile, her twin swords gleaming in the afternoon sunlight.

The sound of metal clashing echoed softly through the wide hall, but there was no tension—only rhythm. Grace. Beauty. Every strike parried, every counterflowing move like a seamless melody in an intricate dance between two women who refused to give in.

Their footwork was silent and refined. Their eyes never left each other.

Inside Felicia’s mind, a curious thought drifted as she deflected another swift arc from Liana’s left blade.

She’s flawless… not a single wasted motion. Her stance, her timing… she’s been trained to perfection.

Felicia clenched her teeth slightly—not out of frustration, but out of reluctant admiration.

Her form is… perfect.

Liana’s calm expression remained steady, though her eyes narrowed just a little.

Inside her thoughts: She’s not just a noble swinging her sword for show. She’s been trained. Disciplined.

And she hasn’t even used magic.

Another clash sounded—Felicia swung her left sword diagonally, only for Liana to catch it. Then Felicia spun, flicking her right sword in an upward slash. Liana bent backward slightly, arching like a dancer before sliding back smoothly, her heel gliding across the ground.

The distance between them widened.

They stared at each other.

Both smiling.

"I notice you’ve been holding back, stray cat~," Liana’s voice was light and teasing as her blades rested casually at her sides.

Felicia tilted her head, smirking.

"You too, pointy ear~," she shot back.

They slowly began to circle each other again, the tension returning—soft, almost flirtatious.

"Show me what happens when you get serious," Felicia said, her golden eyes narrowing with excitement.

"No way~ not until you do," Liana replied, gracefully brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.

Their weapons weren’t lowered, but neither had raised them yet. The duel was still elegant and fluid—like a dance between equals.

Yet beneath that calm surface, both were measuring, testing, subtly admiring each other.

Her footwork’s polished… refined. Not a wasted step, Felicia thought, adjusting her stance slightly.

Dual swords… fast, aggressive style… but not reckless, Liana silently mused. She’s disciplined. No wonder she’s the pride of her kingdom.

Their blades clashed again.Every move deliberate, graceful—a show not only of skill but of pride.

In the grand throne room, sunlight streamed through tall stained glass windows, casting regal patterns across the red carpet leading to the dais. King Lioness sat on his intricately carved throne, resting his chin on one hand, his brow slightly furrowed.

"They should’ve arrived by now," he murmured, his golden eyes shifting to the side. "Where are they?"

One of his advisors stepped forward to answer, but before he could speak, the double doors swung open rapidly.

Another advisor burst in, panting, then dropped to one knee.

"Y-Your Majesty… it’s Princess Felicia—"

King Lioness narrowed his gaze.

"What about her?"

"She… she was…" The advisor hesitated, eyes flickering nervously.

The king’s tone sharpened. "Speak."

"She’s dueling, Your Majesty. With… the envoy from the Armand Region."

A hush fell over the room.

King Lioness slowly stood, his expression unreadable. Inside, a rare flicker of confusion crossed his mind.

Felicia? Duelling?

She’s never done that before… not even during the Royal Training Ceremony. Unlike Mimi, she’s never acted impulsively…

He nodded once, voice calm but firm.

"Let’s go."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

He stepped forward, his robes billowing slightly with each commanding stride. The guards and advisors silently followed. The throne room faded behind them as they headed down the corridor, the faint sound of clashing blades echoing from the nearby grand hall.

As the heavy doors to the grand hall creaked open, King Lioness entered, flanked by his guards and advisors. His gaze immediately locked onto two figures in the center of the vast training floor—blades gleaming, movements fluid, precise, and breathtakingly graceful.

Liana, with silver hair flowing and her enchanted maid uniform swaying, danced through her form, her dual white ore blades deflecting and countering with refined mastery.

Opposite her was Felicia, his daughter.

She wore a smile—not the polite, restrained smile of court etiquette, but a genuine, exhilarated expression.

She’s… enjoying herself? Lioness thought in surprise. My Felicia?

A quiet chuckle rose in his mind.

Ah… so that’s her. Mylezra’s niece. The girl Garius once told me about. No wonder.

He said nothing. Simply folded his arms and watched silently from the edge of the hall.

The two women continued to duel—unaware of their audience—each clash of steel echoing with elegance and pride. They weren’t fighting to wound. They were testing, measuring, admiring.

And for the first time in years, King Lioness saw something he never expected on Felicia’s face.

Joy.

( End Of Chapter )