Chapter 312: New

"Amazing… Your dual sword technique is tough to deal with. I guess I still lack battle experience."

Aria smiled as she praised Stella's performance. She clenched her fist tightly as she can still feel the impact of her last sword strike. 

She never had a chance to fight someone who excels in the sword within the academy. All of them are relying on the power of their Arcana or Magic Items.

Apparently, even if there are lucky ones who managed to summon a sword in the ceremony, they wouldn't even be able to properly wield it and rely on the skills or magic that it has.

Well, it wasn't surprising since training for a short time in the Wailing Forest wouldn't be enough to sharpen their sword skills and battle instinct. 

"Thank you. I can say that you really deserved to have graduated from this kingdom's most prestigious academy. I didn't notice that my sword wouldn't last long at all."

Stella replied as she acknowledged how Aria managed to destroy her wooden sword. Even if she managed to disarm her, she knows clearly well that Aria could probably do more than that.

"It is fun… I hope that we've met in the Academy. Attending classes would probably not be boring if it's with you."

"Haha~ You're right. I might've learned more about Arcane Magic and Arrays if I attended a proper class…" 

The two chatted for a bit after the fight. It seems that Aria has already decided to share her knowledge about Diether's current situation.

As for Chrisome, he remained silent within the training hall and waited for Aria's further instructions. 

"Hey! Can I join a duel? I also want to show my skills, you know?" Yasmin said as she excitedly looked at the others. 

"Oh~ That's a good idea. I think that those Wild Beasts along the way were not enough for practice anyway. Aria, would you mind if we warm up here for a while?" Stella asked as she looked at the girl beside her.

"There's no problem with that. As a matter of fact, I would like to join in your practice."

"That's good!"

Soon, the four ladies practiced their weapons within the hall filled with various training equipment. Aside from that, they also trained to fight one on one… 

Apparently, because Stella has been limiting her strength due to various reasons, Lyrei had come up as the strongest among the three in terms of weapon skills and physical abilities.

About two hours had passed as they returned to the mansion's guest reception room to rest and have a bath after a while. It was all prepared by the servants.

"We've prepared a room for the three guests. The bath had also been prepared."

One of the maids reported to Aria.

"Good. Alright, take a bath for now and we'll talk again later."

"Yes. Thank you. I hope that we're not troubling you for staying here for long."

"It's fine. We haven't had a guess for a while now so it's good that our servants have something to do."

Aria smiled as she urged them to their rooms and have their bath already.

As soon as they left, Luna appeared behind Aria.

"How is it, Aria? Anything suspicious about them?" The gorgeous lady asked. 

She wasn't worried that something may happen to her daughter at all. It's not because she doesn't care about her but she fully trusts her after learning about her abilities directly from her instructors within the academy.

Her daughter has a Legendary Ring Arcana! She had summoned this more than seven years ago and there are already two more legendary ranks that have appeared after that.

Aside from her Arcana, she has already completed her coming-of-age ceremony and is now closely being watched by the noble faction.

She can already participate in missions ordered by the royal family and of course, she has many connections with powerful Arcanists within the Kingdom. It means that the Magic Items that Aria has in her possession, are reaching the peak of this kingdom.

"They all seem normal. They are all quite strong but other than that, I couldn't find anything worthy of suspicion. They also seem to have a genuine care for Diether." Aria explained.

"Is that so? I guess I'm just overthinking."

"No. It's good that we're being careful. We can't just let anyone meet him." Aria added.

"You're right. Even if he's already grown up, he definitely has a soft heart. Hmm… So, what are you planning now, daughter?"

Luna asked since she still feel a bit worried. After all, what if they do something dangerous looking for their master?

She doesn't want to put Diether in any more danger if it's possible. 

"I'm thinking of joining their search for Diether. Butler, have you completed your investigation?"

Aria suddenly called to the old butler. He appeared behind the two and brought a stack of papers.

"Thank you for buying enough time, Lady Aria. I managed to dig up almost everything about them."

The old butler said as he handed over the papers. 

Apparently, while Aria was busy practicing with the three girls, she's also trying to buy some time for their butler to conduct a swift background check.

The two ladies quickly started reading to ensure that it matches the information they heard from their guests' mouths.

Yasmin – A Two-Star Hunter that has completed over 70 E to D-grade missions. She works at their Family Inn at Farahn Village. She grew up in the same place where Diether was licensed as a Hunter.

Stella and Lyrei – Currently registered as merchants who hailed from the Erliente Dukedom. 

Aside from this basic information, the papers include a copy of their merchant license, including the places they've been, and other testimony to confirm their connection to the Merchant Guild.

As for Yasmin, the butler even managed to get pieces of evidence about her Chodoran citizenship and the missions she has taken in the past couple of years.

"This… is a bit extreme… Anyway, thank you for your hard work…"

"It's my pleasure, Lady Aria. I will be returning now, Madam Luna."

Soon the two beautiful women were left alone as Aria explained her plan to join these three.

"Haa~ Fine.

Luna couldn't stop her daughter. Nevertheless, she made a couple of conditions before she allowed her to join them.