Knight Number “3”.

Ellen Cera Tyler is the elite of elites.

She trained under Liam, the heir of the Isshin Style of swordsmanship.

To raise her as a knight for the Banfield House, she was given the best possible environment.

Though born a commoner, she was accepted into the cadet academy on Liam’s recommendation.

From there, she graduated from both the military academy and the Imperial University, earning her qualifications as a knight of the Empire.

In the Imperial military, she was assigned to the fleet commanded by Kurt Cera Exner, a friend of Liam’s, where she gained real combat experience and was awarded medals of honor.

For any ordinary knight, this would’ve been a dream career path.

She grew into a graceful beauty—evolving from “pretty girl” to “stunning woman.”

In many ways, she is the epitome of someone who has it all.

Though born a commoner, she was recognized by Liam—who was a count at the time—and became a knight under his service.

As a mark of his trust, Liam granted her the number “3” and privileges no ordinary knight would ever receive.

A knight and a general, both.

An entire fleet of 15,000 warships was prepared just for her.

Under Liam, who now wields immense power, Ellen commands an influence equivalent to that of a great noble.

A swordswoman of the Isshin Style.

Liam’s disciple.

Number Three.

Though she appears delicate, those around her regard her with fear and awe—that is who Ellen is today.

“Sh-sensei... This is embarrassing.”

“You’ve grown quite a lot.”

Despite all of the above, at this moment, Ellen was in the bath—curled up in an attempt to cover herself.

Behind her, Liam was washing her hair.

Her face was bright red, and her body bore vivid scars from intense battles fought at Liam’s side.

A clear liquid had been applied to the wounds, forming a protective layer. Thanks to it, she could soak in the bath without any stinging pain.

Liam looked at Ellen’s back with quiet contemplation, but not even a trace of lust was present in his eyes.

And that—somehow—made Ellen feel a little sad and sulky.

“I’m not a child anymore.”

“You’ll always look like a child to me. I still remember when you used to run around the bath naked—it feels like yesterday.”

“F-Forget that ever happened!”

Red all the way to her ears, Ellen squirmed as Liam recounted the embarrassing tales of her childhood.

Apparently amused, Liam kept going.

“There was that one time you started swimming in the bath. I scolded you, but you wouldn’t stop, and then you overheated. I had to carry you out.”

“T-That did happen…”

Ellen blushed even more, her eyes darting around in shame as she recalled those childish antics.

Liam chuckled.

“You said, ‘If I can’t do the crawl stroke, I’ll do the breaststroke instead.’”

Why had she wanted to swim in a bath in the first place? She wanted to lecture her younger self, but there was no changing the past.

“Please, just stop already!”

“What’s wrong? I thought you were all grown up now. Were you just pretending?”

“Don’t tease me! I’ve been trying my best to show you I’ve matured!”

Seeing Ellen sulk again, Liam decided to ease up on the teasing.

He rinsed the soap from her hair.

Ellen actually liked the bath.

(Sensei still insists on a proper bathing method. I don’t mind it either.)

If she wanted to, she could just use a cleansing chamber that would clean her body in minutes.

It would be more hygienic and efficient than bathing. In this age, soaking in a hot spring was practically a hobby.

But Liam liked it, and so did Ellen—who had bathed with him many times before.

Watching Liam bathe with no change in expression, Ellen found herself pouting.

Even though she had matured into a beautiful woman, Liam still treated her like a daughter.

Apparently, he felt no desire toward her.

She grabbed a nearby bath towel, wrapped it around herself, and stepped into the bath.

(In his eyes, I’m still just a child…)

She glanced at Liam, who was staring absentmindedly at the ceiling, and tried to start a conversation.

“Sensei.”

“What is it?”

“I wanted to ask you about Lord Edward. Will you be teaching him the Isshin Style as your next disciple?”

Liam turned his gaze toward her.

“You’re curious?”

“He’ll be my first junior disciple, after all.”

Ellen had once thought that being Liam’s only disciple would be enough.

But the rules of the Isshin Style required that a fully certified master train three disciples.

Liam still needed to take on two more.

Besides, Ellen herself had already earned full mastery.

It was time for her to stand on her own.

Liam thought for a moment, then gave her a look—and smiled.

“You’re already a full-fledged master now. You take Edward on as your disciple.”

“Eh? B-but…”

Liam dismissed the matter with a glance back to the ceiling.

“I’m busy. And if you judge that Edward has no talent, then don’t bother teaching him the Isshin Style.”

“Aren’t you going to ask Master Anshi? He should be able to discern if someone has the aptitude.”

Ellen hesitantly brought up the name of Anshi, whom she didn’t fully trust.

Liam let out a sigh and rubbed his face with his right hand.

“According to Master, this too is part of your training. He said I need to develop the ability to judge talent for myself. Honestly, I’m surprised, but… I think he’s just playing favorites as a parent. That’s why I’m leaving it to you.”

Unable to make the decision himself, Liam entrusted Edward to his beloved disciple, Ellen.

“Me? A master?”

The sudden responsibility left Ellen utterly bewildered.