I’m Just a Background Character, But I Used to Be a Delinquent, So Why Are the Girls Falling for Me?! - Chapter 11

Vara’s POV 

I watched the young master pick up the dagger. He didn’t hold it like a spoiled noble who only displayed weapons he knew how to grip a blade. His stance was a bit off, and his hands shook slightly, but there was real experience hidden under that weakness.

“You’re still weak. Easy to defeat,” I told him earlier. I didn’t say it to be cruel. He needed the truth. He was tall, but his movement was slow and heavy like someone relying on strength he no longer had. His recent fever left him thin and tired, but that also meant I could rebuild him into something better. Faster. Sharper.

When I first came here, I was told to train only Young Master Inzo and the young master Callen a master at arms had been too rough, breaking the boy’s confidence. The Duke wanted someone skilled but… quiet. Someone who didn’t ask questions or take sides. That was me.

I still remember the Duke’s first words to me

“You will train Inzo to defend himself. Avoid heavy weapons. No injuries. No politics. You are here to serve and stay unseen.”

He didn’t ask who I was before this. He didn’t care. He just wanted results.

So for three months, I trained Inzo. He learned quickly light steps, quick hands, using brains instead of strength. A good boy.

For Young Master Callen… he never once came to our training. I only ever saw him from afar, always exhausted, always shrinking back. Rumors said his cousins bullied him, along with Young Master Inzo. They were treated like trash, especially him. The duke was disappointed, calling him weak, saying he couldn’t even defend himself.

But today… something is different.

When I saw him again, it was like I was looking at a completely new person. Can someone really change so much in such a short time?

Then does words 

“I need to be stronger.”

So I tested him.

I tossed the dagger toward his feet. A man used to big swords can hesitate and still win. But a dagger demands speed. It punishes fear.

Callen didn’t freeze. He bent down and picked it up right away.

That surprised me.

He gripped it like someone who once knew what danger felt like someone who now finally realized that danger was back. There was fear in his eyes, yes. But not fear of pain. Fear of failing the people he cares about.

That kind of fear pushes a person harder than courage ever will.

I stepped closer. He raised the dagger, unsure but ready.

He still wasn’t good enough to beat me. Not even close. But for the first time, I saw a spark, a fighter buried under layers of fatigue and duty.

I never saw him like this before, it makes me excited.

“We start now, young master,” I said, letting him see the seriousness in my eyes. “Let’s see if you can keep up, let me teach you how to move faster, think smarter… and stay alive.”

For the first time since coming here, I felt a small flicker of satisfaction.

Maybe young master Callen wasn’t as hopeless as I thought.

‘Callen POV”

Vara circled me slowly, like a wolf testing the edge of danger.

“Hold the dagger like this,” she instructed.

She stepped close and corrected my grip, her fingers cold against my skin. My stance was clumsy. Too stiff. She lightly tapped the back of my knee with her boot.

Despite practicing these past few months, I’m still not very good. Training alone is definitely different compared to having someone actually teach me. But thanks to all those hours of practice, at least I’ve gained some stamina.

“Lower your center. You are tall, but that is not an advantage if you topple like a tower.”

I adjusted. It felt awkward.

Inzo stepped aside to watch, excitement bouncing in his steps. Vara moved back, only a few feet away, her own dagger held low.

“Your first lesson,” she said. “If you hesitate, you die. Attack me.”

I blinked. “Attack you? Already?”

Her eyebrow lifted a little. “Do you want me to give you a warning before each attack, young master? Our enemies will not.”

Heat rose in my face, part anger, part shame.

I lunged forward with a simple strike, aiming for her arm.

The world flipped.

In an instant, Vara stepped sideways, trapped my wrist, and spun me past her. My boots skidded on the gravel before I hit the ground hard.

A cloud of dust rose. My elbow stung. Inzo gasped.

Vara didn’t move to help me. She waited.

“Your attack tells your whole story,” she said calmly. “Straight, slow, and heavy. I could read every thought in your head.”

I gritted my teeth and stood up again, gripping the dagger tighter.

“Again,” she ordered.

This time, I tried to copy her earlier movements with small steps, controlled. I faked a strike then twisted my wrist, aiming lower.

Better.

But still not enough.

She flicked her dagger and the cold metal kissed the side of my neck.

I froze.

“You improved,” she said. “But you still lean on strength you no longer have.”

She stepped away again, putting space between us. Her tone lacked mockery, just truth.

“You have courage,” Vara added quietly. “But courage without skill is a quick death.”

Frustration clawed inside me. I felt weak. Exposed. Every failure echoed the fear from my nightmare.

“I can do this,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady.

Vara studied my face for a moment not doubting, but calculating.

Then she nodded once.

“Show me.”

I attacked again, not wild this time, but tighter.

Step. Turn. Strike.

She blocked it.

Barely.

Her eyes flashed, just for a second SURPRISE.

She hadn’t expected me to adjust so fast.

But then she hit the back of my hand with the flat of her blade. Sharp pain shot up my arm and the dagger nearly slipped from my grip.

“Good attempt,” she said. “But you think too loudly. Every move screams your fear.”

My breath was heavy. Sweat slid down my neck. My body was weaker than my mind wanted to admit.

Vara moved closer slowly and dangerously like a shadow.

“And fear,” she murmured, “is something we will carve out of you. Strike me again. Do not stop until I tell you.”

I attacked again.

And again.

And again.

Each time I fell, I pushed myself back up.

Gravel scratched my palms and forearms. My boots slid. My muscles ached.

But I refused to quit.

After what felt like forever, Vara finally lifted a hand.

“Stop.”

I was panting, chest burning. Inzo ran over with a cloth and a cup of water. I took both, thankful.

Vara watched me still composed, barely breathing hard.

But in her eyes… a small spark of approval.

“You learn quickly,” she admitted. “Faster than I expected.”

Lightning flickered in my chest pride.

“But,” she added, stepping closer, “you are far from ready. I could defeat you in seconds.”

I nodded. “Then I’ll work until you can’t.”

To be Continued…