An Extra's POV: My Three Fiancees Hate Me-Chapter 25: Departing

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Riven kept blocking and parrying for more than an hour, so much that he did it easily and without Liam hinting at what he should do.

His arms were sore from the repeated motions, but he refused to let up, and that persistence gave him a reward.

[Sword Block lv1: 5% increase when using a sword to block an attack]

[Sword Parry lv1: 5% increase when using a sword to parry an attack]

[Endurance +1]

With those two skills and an increase in endurance, he felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. His eagerness to continue the training increased, but his body was past its limit.

Liam noticed and stopped attacking, he was already impressed that Riven went so long without a pause.

"You did pretty well, Riven. You should rest now," Liam said. He walked to the rack and placed his sword back.

"Now you know how to block an attack and parry, what you should work on more is countering and your footwork.

Now that you are an adventurer, you'll need to learn as fast as you can. Your speed is already stunning, but you'll need even more," Liam said. He patted Riven on the shoulder. "You should head in, don't want to wake up late and keep the Duke's wife waiting tomorrow. She seems like a real pain in the ass," Liam said.

"Tell me about it," Riven said, rolling his eyes. He gave his goodbyes to Liam and left the training ground and headed in to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be another hectic day.

[...]

The sun rose in the morning, casting its warm glow over a still world, its light piercing through the darkness. Many woke up to a happy morning, but Riven, he woke up to a day that was bound to have a stressful beginning.

He cleaned himself up in a rush and got to his cupboard, taking out his best clothes. He lay them on the bed and looked at it, his face turned down into a frown.

A long coat made of sapphire blue fabric, with silver embroidery tracing around the edges in intricate patterns, the collar was stiff and high. There was a white undershirt and well-tailored trousers to match the coat.

"This looks like a lot of dressing up, but I don't have a choice."

He took the clothes and put them on, and wearing his best shoes, properly cleaned, he walked out of his room.

When he made it to the dining room, there was no one there. He made his way to his chair and pulled it out. He sat down and placed both hands on the table, staying there in wait.

After a few minutes, everyone walked in. His siblings were shocked to see him already seated, but they didn't say anything.

His little sister came to sit beside him. She looked up at him, as if wanting to say something, but then looked away.

Soon, the whole table was filled with the Duke's family, and his grandfather there as well. Food got served, but no one was really ready to eat.

"Can we end this whole thing already? We want to call off the engagement between my daughter and your son," Diana said.

No one responded for a while, but then Riven's grandfather got up. He took a look around the table and spoke, "The engagement won't be called off right now, Lady Diana, and before you get angry, allow me to explain.

If word gets out about this, it is going to be a whole issue on its own, and we don't want that now, do we? So I have something to suggest.

You have only met my grandson once, and everything else you know about him is simply rumors. Why not get to know the kid better to know whether he is worthy of your daughter?

And what better way to know if he is worthy than to watch him in a place that is your alma mater—The Royal Academy.

The tryout exams are just in a month, and Riven will be participating."

Immediately he said that, a wave of shock went around the table. Everyone stared at Riven, but he was looking down at his food, avoiding all eyes.

"I know you all find this hard to believe, but it is set in stone. So until the month is ended and the tryouts start, the engagement should stand.

Or do you really want to break this old man's heart, Robert?" He looked at the Duke while he spoke. The Duke frowned when he heard his name. He knew exactly what this old coot was doing, but he had no choice right now.

"Fine. The engagement will not be called off if your grandson manages to get into the academy," Robert said.

"My husband..."

"Let it be, Diana. It's not like anything changes within the next few months. She has no suitors now. And also, letting people know we broke off the engagement is not a good look on its own," Robert said to his wife.

After that exchange, the table went quiet and no one spoke. They ate in quiet, and when they were done, the Duke's carriage was prepared for him and his family.

The Grave family escorted them to the doors to see them off. Liana was the first to get in, but before she left, she shot Riven a cold look.

"Thank you for staying with us, Duke Robert. It has been an honor," Riven's father said to the Duke. The Duke shook his hand and then turned to Riven. He leaned forward and spoke into Riven's ear.

"You were able to withstand the pressure I placed on you yesterday. I hope you actually make it to the academy."

Riven's eyes widened when he heard that. The Duke walked off into the carriage, not looking back at all.

"I wish I could just stay with you, Jack. My son is a pain in the ass," the Duke's father said with a laugh. He patted his friend on the shoulder and walked into the carriage.