The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Make or Break

The final month of training had arrived, and the weight of its significance pressed heavily on Lucian. Standing in the training hall, watching Aeliana practice her strikes with a determination that bordered on obsession, he could only hope that everything he had taught her would carry her to victory.

Aeliana’s movements had become sharper, more precise over the past months. Her endurance had significantly improved, her once-timid swings now fierce and confident. But Lucian knew all too well that no amount of practice could fully prepare her for the chaos of a real duel. The unpredictability, the adrenaline, and the high stakes could make even the most skilled fighter falter.

As she completed another sequence of strikes, Lucian called out, “Aeliana, remember—precision over power. Let your opponent’s aggression be their downfall.”

“I know, I know,” she replied, slightly out of breath. “Don’t waste energy, wait for an opening.”

Lucian nodded, though his concern lingered. She had memorized his teachings, but would she be able to execute them under pressure?

After a grueling sparring session, Aeliana leaned against a wooden post, wiping the sweat from her brow. She looked at Lucian, her eyes tired but resolute. “Do you think I’m ready?”

Lucian hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “You’ve come a long way, Aeliana. When we started, you didn’t even know how to hold a sword properly. Now, you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

“But?” she pressed, sensing his underlying worry.

“But real combat is different,” he admitted. “Sylvara is experienced, and she won’t hold back. This isn’t just about skill—it’s about staying calm, reading your opponent, and trusting yourself.”

Aeliana nodded, though doubt flickered in her eyes. “I’ll do my best,” she said quietly.

“You will,” Lucian said firmly, stepping closer and placing a hand on her shoulder. “And no matter the outcome, remember this—you’re not fighting alone. I’m here, Kael’s here, and we all believe in you. You’ve already won by proving how far you’re willing to go.”

Aeliana’s resolve seemed to strengthen at his words. “Thank you, Lucian,” she said softly. “For everything.”

He offered her a small smile, but inside, his emotions churned. As much as he wanted to reassure her, the truth was, he was terrified. The thought of her facing Sylvara—a seasoned fighter with everything to lose—made his chest tighten with anxiety.

Please remember what I’ve taught you, he thought, watching her return to her practice. Remember your strength, your focus, your purpose. You have to succeed, Aeliana. For yourself, and for us.

As the sun set on the training hall, casting long shadows across the room, Lucian silently vowed to stand by her, no matter what the duel brought.

“Let’s grab something to eat, Princess,” Lucian said, breaking the tense atmosphere of the training hall. His voice carried a calm reassurance, as if to say they’d both earned a moment of peace.

Aeliana nodded, still catching her breath from their intense session. “I could eat a horse right now,” she admitted with a weak laugh.

As they stepped into the dining hall, they were greeted by the sight of Kael seated at the far end of the table, surrounded by empty plates and crumbs. He had a drumstick in one hand and a bread roll in the other, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk mid-bite.

“What?” Kael mumbled through a mouthful of food, his eyes darting between Lucian and Aeliana. “I’m a growing boy!”

Aeliana couldn’t help herself; a burst of laughter escaped her lips, lightening the mood instantly. Lucian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Growing into what, exactly? A bottomless pit?” Lucian teased as he walked over to inspect the table, which looked like a battlefield post-feast.

Kael swallowed hard and shot Lucian a mock glare. “Hey, I’ve been working hard too, you know. Guarding, training, and keeping an eye on you two. It takes energy!”

Lucian shook his head, chuckling as he pulled out a chair for Aeliana. “Kael, the only thing you’ve been training is your appetite.”

Aeliana was practically doubled over now, laughing so hard that tears began to prick her eyes. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this lighthearted moment until now. The stress of training, the looming duel, and the weight of everyone’s expectations had been suffocating.

“I can’t—” she gasped, trying to catch her breath. “I can’t take you seriously with crumbs all over your face.”

Kael wiped at his mouth haphazardly, grumbling under his breath. “Laugh it up, Princess, but when you’re starving after your next training session, don’t come crying to me.”

Lucian, now seated beside Aeliana, grabbed a scone from the remaining untouched platter. “I don’t think we need to worry about starving,” he said, gesturing to the abundance of food still available. “Even with Kael’s best efforts to clean us out.”

The three of them settled into their meal, the camaraderie easing the tension that had been hanging over them for weeks. Lucian kept a watchful eye on Aeliana as she ate, noting how much more relaxed she seemed now.

For a moment, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted, leaving only the sound of clinking silverware and the occasional quip from Kael. It wasn’t much, but it was enough—a small reminder that, despite everything, they still had each other.

Kael leaned back in his chair, balancing it precariously on two legs as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “So,” he began, his tone a little too casual, “I heard the duel between you and Svlyara is coming up soon. Will you be able to do it, Aeliana?”

His question hung in the air for a moment. Aeliana, who had been quietly buttering a slice of bread, paused mid-motion. She glanced up, meeting Kael’s gaze, then shifted her eyes to Lucian, who was watching her intently.

“I’ll do it,” she said, her voice steady but soft. Her grip on the knife tightened as if she were steeling herself. “I don’t have a choice, Kael. I have to.”

Kael raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “That’s not what I asked. I’m asking if you think you can do it. Winning, I mean.”

Aeliana’s jaw clenched slightly. “I’ve been training for months. I have to believe I can. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

Lucian, who had been silent up until now, set his teacup down with a soft clink. “Belief is important,” he said, his voice calm yet firm, “but belief alone won’t win you the duel. It’s your strategy, your focus, and your ability to adapt that will determine the outcome.”

Aeliana glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “I know that, Lucian. I’m not going in blind.”

Kael chuckled, though there was no malice in his tone. “You’d better not be. Svlyara’s no joke, Aeliana. She’s been fighting since she could hold a blade, and she’s used to playing dirty. You’ll need more than just training to beat her—you’ll need to outthink her.”

Aeliana looked down at her plate, her appetite suddenly waning. “I know she’s strong,” she admitted quietly. “I know she’s better than me in almost every way. But…” She lifted her head, her eyes glinting with determination. “But I’m not going to back down. If she wants to take Lucian, she’s going to have to fight for him. And I won’t let her win.”

Lucian’s lips twitched into a faint smile, pride flickering in his eyes. “Good,” he said simply. “That’s the spirit I want to see. But remember, this isn’t just about me. You’re fighting for yourself, too. To prove you belong in this world, by my side or otherwise.”

Kael whistled low, breaking the tension. “That’s a lot of pressure, Princess. You sure you’re ready for all that?”

Aeliana shot him a look, her mouth curving into a small, determined smile. “I didn’t spend months swinging swords and getting bruised for nothing, Kael. I’m ready.”

Kael grinned, leaning forward to grab another piece of bread. “Well, I guess we’ll see, won’t we? Just don’t expect me to pick up the pieces if you lose.”

Lucian glared at him, but Aeliana laughed softly, shaking her head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Kael.”

“I’m just saying!” Kael said with a shrug, his grin widening. “You’ll do fine. Probably. Maybe. Definitely better than I would against someone like Svlyara.”

Lucian rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips as he looked at Aeliana. “You’ll be fine,” he said softly, his voice laced with conviction. “I know you will.”

Aeliana met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe him. To believe that maybe, just maybe, she could win.

I will win this one for me and Lucian, I can’t let them down. She thought as she hold a rock a rock in her fist and crushes it into crumbling sand that is blown awayby the wind. It’s my time to shine!