I'm a Immortal Tavernkeeper, But My S-Rank Daughter Doesn't Know That!

Bel remained on her knees, her brown eyes shining with determination as she stared at Wanda. Still in shock, she scanned the faces around the table. Luisa and Gracela were stunned, while Frugeon and Aluella seemed torn between surprise and anticipation. But it was Victor’s reaction that caught Wanda’s attention the most.

"You bastard, what do you think you’re doing to my daughter?" Victor’s voice rang out like thunder, breaking the silence in the room.

Bel didn’t look away from Wanda, but she felt the weight of her father’s words. Victor was standing now, his eyes narrowed and his right hand clenching the hilt of his sword.

Aluella, still sitting next to Victor, put her hand gently on his arm, trying to calm him down.

"Victor," Aluella said in a soft tone, "let’s hear what they have to say."

Wanda’s breathing was rapid. She knew her father’s temper, but Victor’s reaction was new to her. He had always been protective, but rarely this possessive. She slowly stood up, removed her hand from Bel’s and took a step back.

"Dad," she began, her voice firm despite her nervousness. "Let’s hear what Bel has to say."

Victor narrowed his eyes at Bel, but took a step back and crossed his arms. The tension in the room was palpable, everyone waiting for Bel’s next word. He slowly stood up, keeping his eyes on Wanda.

"I knew this would be difficult," Bel said, his voice calm and controlled. "But what I feel for Wanda has been true from the first second. I deeply respected Victor before I became a knight, and I continue to respect him now as my master."

Wanda raised her eyebrows in surprise. "My master?" she repeated. "Father, you have accepted Bel as your apprentice?"

Victor sighed, his eyes softening slightly. "I had little choice," he admitted. "Luisa asked me to, and Bel showed exceptional talent and a determination that I couldn’t ignore. However, he is now a knight and no longer under my direct supervision."

Bel nodded. "Victor was a strict but fair master. I learned a lot from him, which is why my admiration for his family runs so deep. Anyway, Wanda," he turned his attention to her, "I didn’t want to pressure you with my request. I know it’s out of the blue, but I believe the heart should speak louder."

Wanda felt her face grow warm. Bel’s words were sincere, but her heart belonged to no one. She had always felt a strong connection to the sword and her duty as its guardian. Marrying someone, especially someone so close to her father, had never crossed her mind.

"Bel," she began, choosing her words carefully, "I appreciate your gesture and your sincerity. However, my heart belongs to my sword and my duty. I have a mission to fulfill, and I cannot commit to anything else right now."

The room fell silent again. Bel bowed his head for a moment and took a deep breath before looking back at her. "I understand, Wanda. I respect your decision and your commitment. However, I would like to prove myself in a different way."

Wanda’s eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "And how do you intend to do that?"

Bel smiled, a determined glint in her eyes. "I would like to challenge you to a sword duel. I know I’m only your father’s apprentice, but I think I can learn a lot from you."

Victor laughed softly, but he no longer looked angry. "A duel, huh? That could be interesting."

Wanda couldn’t help smiling a little. The idea of a duel stirred something in her, a flame that had always burned in her heart.

"I accept the challenge, Bel. Let’s see what you can do."

The morning was perfect for a duel. Sunlight streamed through the mansion’s windows, casting dancing shadows on the stone floor of the training hall. Wanda felt at home there, surrounded by the weapons and the familiar smell of wood and sweat.

She was dressed in her training clothes, a light tunic that allowed her to move freely, and held her sword tightly. Bel was on the other side of the hall, adjusting his own robes and wielding a sword that seemed to have been forged especially for him. Victor, Luisa, Gracela, Frugeon and Aluella sat on a side bench and watched intently.

"Remember," Victor began, his deep voice echoing in the hall, "this is training, not a fight to the death. I want to see technique, control and respect."

Wanda nodded, concentrating. Bel did the same, his eyes never leaving hers. They positioned themselves in the center of the hall, swords ready, and waited for Victor’s signal.

"Begin!" Victor ordered.

In an instant, Bel stepped forward, his sword glinting in the sunlight. His movements were quick and precise, showing the determination that burned within him. But Wanda was prepared. With a graceful movement, she deflected Bel’s blow and spun around him with the agility of a dancer. The blade of her sword struck Bel’s with a metallic sound and she pushed him back with surprising force.

Bel’s eyes widened for a moment, but he didn’t let the surprise shake his concentration. He stepped forward again, trying to catch Wanda off guard with a quick series of blows. But Wanda was in her element. Bel’s every move was anticipated and countered with disconcerting ease. It was as if she could read her mind, anticipating every attack.

The spectators watched in silence, their eyes fixed on the skills on display in the hall. Victor, arms crossed and a thoughtful expression on his face, watched every move with the critical eye of a master. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"You’re good, Bel," Wanda said between clashes of swords. "But you still have much to learn."

Bel didn’t answer, concentrating on keeping up his speed and finding a hole in Wanda’s impenetrable defense. He attempted a sideways strike, but Wanda spun quickly, deflecting the blow and disarming Bel in one fluid motion. His sword fell to the ground with a resounding crash, and Wanda pointed the blade at his chest, her heart beating hard, but with absolute control over her movements.

The hall fell silent for a moment before Victor let out a heavy sigh.

"That’s enough," he said, walking towards them. "Bel, you’ve shown courage and determination, but you’re not ready to face someone of Wanda’s level."

Bel dropped his head, breathing heavily. The defeat was a hard blow, but he couldn’t deny Wanda’s superior skill. He picked up his sword and stood up, the determined look still in his eyes.

"I understand, Master Victor," he said, his voice firm. "But I will not give up. I will continue to train and push myself until I am worthy to face Wanda again."

Wanda, still holding her sword, looked at her father. "Dad, Bel is talented, but he still has a lot to learn. I don’t want to hurt him."

Victor nodded. "I know, Wanda. Bel has only had one month of intensive training. He’s shown potential, but he needs more time and practice to develop his skills."

Wanda lowered her sword and took a step back, allowing Bel to compose himself. "You have courage, Bel. And that’s one of the most important qualities for a knight. Keep training and maybe one day you’ll be ready for a real duel."

Bel smiled, a gleam of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Wanda. I’ll keep trying."

Victor came over and put his hand on Bel’s shoulder. "Let’s train harder, child. You’ve got a long way to go, but I believe in your potential."

Wanda watched the interaction between her father and Bel with a mixture of pride and concern. She knew that the path of a knight was arduous and full of challenges, but she also knew that Bel had what it took to triumph.

Luisa and Gracela approached Wanda, their faces still reflecting their admiration for her skill.

"Wanda, you were incredible!" exclaimed Luisa, her eyes shining. "I knew you were talented, but to see it live is something else!"

"I want to duel you too." Gracela said. She was a Sword Monarch at the Mountain Dojo, so it was expected that she would be a little excited to see an S-class like Wanda fighting.

Wanda still held her sword as she watched Bel walk away, her eyes fixed on the ground, reflecting on his defeat. She admired his determination, but also knew that the path he had chosen would be difficult. She herself had faced many challenges to get where she was, and she knew that there were no shortcuts on the path of a true knight.

"Gracela, do you want to duel with me?" Wanda asked, trying to hide her surprise.

Gracela nodded, the smile still on her lips. "Yes, Wanda. After seeing your fight with Bel, I was even more curious to test my skills against you."

Wanda looked to her father for guidance.

Victor approached with a pensive expression on his face. "Gracela is a sword monarch in the Mountain Dojo," he said, his voice filled with respect. "She is one of the most skilled swordsmen of her generation, renowned for her precision and strength. This duel will not be just a training session, Wanda. It will be a true test of your abilities."