The Birth Of A Villainess

Lin Xiaofei emotionlessly stared at the child. But the panic in her eyes was visible as she looked at the armor that the child was wearing.

A short sword was tucked in the waist belt and he wore chainmail over his shirt. Not only that, but he was wearing a red helmet that shone against the light. The intricate patterns that were on the helmet told her that it wasn't an ordinary helmet worn by anyone. It must have cost a lot of taels just to purchase the materials.

Instead of an ordinary soldier, Kael looked like a young general who was about to embark on a bloody battle against his enemies.

Because he was slightly short and had a child-like face, the intimidating aura that a soldier should possess wasn't there. The boy looked adorable in that red armor that weighed twice as his own. And yet, he still could run around like it was nothing.

The reason for that, Lin Xiaofei suspected that Qu Xing Xu had a part in it.. Kael has been gushing over him and even accused her of forcing the duke when the boy found out about their engagement. And with Qu Xing Xu promising to teach the child how to wield a sword, Kael's energy went past the sky and he even forgot the feeling of exhaustion.

"No." Lin Xiaofei ultimately rejected the idea. "You're not going to learn how to wield a sword."

Chu Chu stared at her with a surprised look in her eyes. "Miss Lin, I think it'll be a good idea to let the child wield a sword."

Across the entire Zhou empire, the young boys in every household knew how to wield a sword at the very least. It doesn't matter if they weren't skilled in it but for as long as they could swing it and stab it in their target's body, there should be no problem to learn how to wield a sword.

And yet, Lin Xiaofei didn't want the child to do that. What could be her reason?

"I don't want to be a busybody but I think a young boy like him is suited for wielding a sword." Chu Chu continued.

Kael beamed at her when he heard that the unknown lady seated in front was supporting him. Actually, he was also surprised when he heard Lin Xiaofei rejecting the idea of him learning how to wield a sword.

"I already memorized the books you bought for me. I think I can go to the next step now." Kael stared at Lin Xiaofei with hopeful eyes.

Ever since he started to live a new life that Lin Xiaofei gave to her, he rigorously studied all the books that she bought for him. He finished every book that was on the shelves so he was hoping that Lin Xiaofei would allow him to acquire another skill.

The art of war was a great skill to have but if he didn't know how to fight against strong enemies, he wouldn't be able to survive. He was only going along with what Lin Xiaofei told him.

"No." Lin Xiaofei was resolute in her decision. "I'll talk to the Duke instead and tell him not to let you learn the way of the sword."

"But why?!" Kael felt aggrieved not because he couldn't wield a sword but because he couldn't learn under Qu Xing Xu. "If it's because I'm not strong enough. I can do the same manual labor as any ordinary soldier. I can even train with the foot soldiers if you want. I promise I will be stronger than anyone!"

Lin Xiaofei simply said, "No."

Kael's brightness dimmed dramatically as he looked down defeated. He wasn't only enthusiastic to learn how to wield a sword because of Qu Xing Xu. He also wanted to prove that he could be of use to Lin Xiaofei, the woman who saved him and make her proud. He wanted to use his strength to protect her once he got stronger.

"Miss Lin." Chu Chu tried to persuade her as well. She was here with another matter but with his sad-looking face, she couldn't help but pity the young boy. "Why won't you let the child learn how to use a sword?"

"Because it's dangerous."

"Huh?"

Chu Chu frowned at her reply. She was expecting a reason that was so noble that it would convince them why she didn't want him to do it. And yet, she answered in a simple way.

Seeing their eyes looking at her as if they wanted her to continue and explain further, Lin Xiaofei sighed.

"You are too young to learn it. Wait for one more year before you can finally wield a sword. For now, just read the books that I will send in your chamber."

"But-"

Lin Xiaofei raised a hand to stop him as she continued, "One year. Wait for one year and you can finally learn how to use a sword. I will let the duke know of this so you don't have to worry."

Kael blinked his eyes pitifully. He was on the verge of crying because of her refusal. However, he could not go against her wishes when all this time, she was the one who kept him safe and well-fed.

Lin Xiaofei sighed once again. Truth to be told, she didn't want him to learn the ways of the sword too soon. The brutality and responsibilities that come after learning it was a huge burden on this young boy's shoulders. He might look strong but one mishap and he will break.

It was better if he learns how to do things first and witness more before he can decide if he really wanted to walk on the road that was filled with blood and regret.

"But if you really wanted to learn something. I can only recommend one perfect place for learning things."

"I don't want to enter the academy." Kael quickly said to which Lin Xiaofei chuckled.

"Of course not. The academy is a haven where spoiled children gather. I don't want you to go there." Kael's eyes brightened up when heard her words.

"T-then where is it?"

Lin Xiaofei genuinely smiled at him before she opened her lips, "Since you like the Duke so much. I might as well put you in his care."