A Time of Tigers - From Peasant to Emperor

Chapter 416 Where Danger Lies - Part 4

"Well, Storm, if you continue to struggle with this lot – winning their respect, and the like – then come and find me. I might have another use for you, if you're looking for coin," Oliver said, nodding at him.

The boy seemed shocked, flattened, and uncontrollably afraid all at the same time. He gave Oliver the best nod he could, not trusting himself to speak. Oliver grinned back, and then stretched his shoulders, returning his hand to the hilt of his sword, he walked on.

The yellow-shirted boys parted as he left.

Oliver was reminded, once again, just what power the noble title bore. The power that came with a good set of clothes, the power that came with wealth, they were all mighty things. Augmented with his power on the battlefield, this academy, it seemed like a playpen. It seemed incredibly comfortable.

Perhaps it was a mistake to provoke Gargon, but Oliver found himself not particularly caring. He hardly knew anyone in that place. If it was his destiny to be outnumbered, without a single friendly face, he at least wanted to know that they were enemies.

He would rather fight a band of a thousand people that he knew were his enemies for a certain – so that his sword could find them without hesitation – than a crowd of five hundred that he was uncertain of.

With such thoughts on his mind, he made his way to the swords class.

...

...

SHOW ME THAT YOU CAN SPAR."

Oliver stifled a yawn, as he heard everyone getting into position around him. There was a weighted wooden sword in his hand, of the type that Blackwell had given him, when he sparred with Lombard.

Heathclaw had made a rather big deal about Oliver bringing his steel blade with him, at his hip, and had shouted at him furiously for a good five minutes before the lesson had begun. It was not a brilliant way to start, but Oliver was willing to forgive him.

As was to be expected, all found partners long before Oliver did. He didn't even bother seeking one out. He figured he'd eye up the dregs, and see just who it was that the nobility seemed to detest even more than him.

Experience tales at empire

"Patrick! PATRICK! Stop staring around like a half-wit. Pair with Blackhorn – she's the best woman we've got. I trust her to control her strikes on a beginner like yourself," the professor said. His words sounded innocent enough, but from the smug grin on his face, Oliver took it for the insult it was.

As Professor Volguard had said, not everyone believed the rumours of Oliver's success in battle.

He motioned to the girl at his side. Oliver looked at her languidly. Blackthorn. It was a good name for her. She had shining black hair, and a piercing gaze, with a stern expression, and an athletic figure. Her sparring sword was thinner than his.

A rapier, he realized. That was what they tended to train the women on.