Sylvia's POV:
I thought that I could train with Flora, but then Warren showed up out of the blue.
Harry and I scooched over to make room for him to sit.
"Sit here, buddy. You're finally here! Please do help your weak wife," Harry teased.
I didn't know if it was because of the heat or because of Harry's words, but Flora's face turned even redder than Harry's hair.
"What wife?" Flora retorted in a low voice.
But it was time for us to practice on our own. Flora's words were soon drowned in the noise around her.
Warren glanced at her and repeated himself firmly. "I can train you."
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Flora's face. Blushing, she whispered shyly, "Thanks. I'm sorry to trouble you."
Something was off. Why were they so formal and polite with each other? Were young couples so awkward and reserved in their relationship these days?
"It's no trouble at all." Warren stood up and held out his hand to her. "Let's start now."
"Already?" Flora was still in a daze.
I elbowed her slightly and hissed, "Hurry up. There aren't that many days before the parade.
Take advantage of this period of time to train."
Flora hesitated, as if her butt was glued to the chair. "Okay then..."
"Go on now." I nearly shoved her off the bench.
After Flora was led away by Warren, I was left alone with Harry. Then Rufus walked towards us.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for Harry. It seemed that if he wanted to join the army, he would need to shave off his hair.
Soon, Rufus led me to an open and bright place. There was a whole wall with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the south. The light of the setting sun penetrated through the glass windows, illuminating the majestic oak floors.
"This used to be a martial arts gym, deserted for years though. I have asked someone to clean it up," Rufus turned to me and explained, seeming to notice my confused expression.
"What?" Despite his brief explanation, I was even more confused.
"Silly girl, I'm going to train you here. Do you understand?" Rufus pulled me into his arms with a helpless expression. "Aren't you going to take part in the selection? So let me practice with you."
I was so moved that I hugged him back tightly. This was great. Now I didn't need to train with Harry, the big fool who liked to fight in his own messy style.
Rufus was the best boyfriend, so I imagined he would hug or kiss me whenever I got tired. I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
But I was naive. Little did I know that Rufus was a harsh trainer. He didn't show me any mercy, and he treated me even more ruthlessly than the other students in his class. Kissing and hugging? I reasoned that it'd be better to delete that daydream. I should focus on finishing the ten laps first.
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