Genshin Impact: A Fool

An: Tsk, lucky. I am free today, so three chapters.

Jean invited Heins to go to the tavern of an acquaintance. The tavern's name is Cat's Tail. Regarding this, Heins couldn't help but show an amused smile. Mondstadt is indeed a city full of wine lovers. There are so many taverns, yet they are still standing, showing just how much the people love their wine.

There, Heins met Margaret, the tavern owner who was over enthusiastic over a... Card game. Jean uncharacteristically pulled him over as she excitedly introduced a card game called Genius Invokation TCG.

It took a while for Heins to get used to it, but once he did, with his decisiveness, he quickly grasped the essence of the game and picked three strong characters that cover all parts: offense, defense and healer.

At the end of the night, Heins smirked as he ultimately used the ultimate weapon: Ley Lines Disruption: Attrition Posture!

His opponent could only watched helplessly as Heins's offense character, a Cyro female mage, used the ultimate attack provided by the card's Attrition Energy and destroy his characters, rendering them to zero.

Jean excitedly giggled as she clapped giddily. The opponent, including all other regulars of Cat's Tail, cast a resentful look at Jean. Tsk, damn traitor!

Heins couldn't help but chuckle at the resentful glances thrown his way by the other patrons of the tavern. It seemed that his natural talent for the game had not only impressed Jean but had also drawn the ire of the regulars.

He supposed it was to be expected, given their familiarity with the game and his sudden, spectacular performance.

Margaret, the tavern owner, however, was a different story. Her eyes shone with unbridled enthusiasm as she leaned over the table, her ample bosom threatening to spill out of her low-cut blouse with each excited movement.

"Bravo, bravo!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in delight. "I've never seen anyone pick up Genius Invokation so quickly, let alone dominate a game with such ease! You've got a real talent for this, Fool."

Jean beamed up at him, her blue eyes sparkling with pride and admiration. "I told you he was strong, didn't I?" she said to Margaret, a note of smug satisfaction in her voice. "Fool is amazing at everything he does!"

Heins felt a warmth spread through his chest at Jean's praise, a sense of pride and affection that was becoming increasingly familiar. He ruffled her hair gently, causing a few strands to come loose from her ponytail.

"Thank you, Miss Jean," he said softly. "But I couldn't have done it without your guidance. You're quite the strategist yourself, it seems."

Turning to Margaret, Fool gave her a charming smile, his red eyes glinting in the flickering candlelight of the tavern. "I must confess, I find this game to be quite... stimulating. The strategy, the tactics, the sheer thrill of outmaneuvering one's opponent... it reminds me of the thrill of battle."

Margaret giggled, a high-pitched, breathy sound that grated slightly on Heins's ears. She leaned in even closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Stick around Mondstadt for a while, handsome, and I'll introduce you to even more stimulating pastimes," she purred, her eyes raking over Heins's face and form with a bold, appraising gaze.

Heins felt a flicker of unease at the blatant flirtation, a sudden desire to put some distance between himself and the overzealous tavern owner.

He glanced down at Jean, noting the way her brow furrowed slightly, a hint of disapproval in her young features. She even shook her head.

Clearing his throat, Heins stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor. "I appreciate the offer, Margaret," he said, his voice polite but firm. "However, I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to at the moment. Perhaps another time."

A man from the background also chimed in, "Margaret, the boy's eleven! Your claws have too big of gaps!"

The beautiful lady merely smirked, "Well, he's handsome enough!"

The man, along with everyone in the tavern, gasped. They couldn't help but thought that some women are truly vain. Tsk, let me tell you, looks ain't everything!

With that, he took Jean's small hand in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Come, Miss Jean. I believe it's time we retired for the evening. We have a long day of training ahead of us tomorrow."

As they walked out of the tavern, Heins could feel the weight of the other patrons' stares, the mix of mock jealousy and resentment that hung heavy in the air. But he paid them no mind, his focus solely on the young girl by his side.

After the exciting day, tomorrow came.

Heins, donned in his handsome black coat, stood coldly as he tapped his feet. He was standing before Jean's resident, the Gunnhildr Manor.

Soon, a guard hurriedly came over and bowed, "I greet the Young Lord Fool, Jean's Master. I must apologize, but Mistress Frederica wishes to meet the one who will train her daughter, Jean. Therefore, I must escort Young Lord to her first."

The guard could feel the sheer intimidation of the boy's aura, so he did not doubt that he was the one Miss Jean declared as her Master last night, which incited Mistress Frederica's ire.

Heins cooly nodded, "Very well. May you escort me, O' Guardian of Gunnhildr."

The Gunnhildr Clan, from what he heard, is a long-standing clan and one of the three guardians of Mondstadt. Their history was long and filled with heroism.

People of Mondstadt revered them and some even joked that when a Gunnhildr member was born, the first thing they first said would be "For Mondstadt!" Instead of mother or father. Heins respected them deeply.

The guard led Heins through the grand halls of Gunnhildr Manor, his footsteps echoing on the polished marble floor. Heins couldn't help but admire the intricate tapestries and sculptures that adorned the walls, each one a testament to the clan's rich history and heritage.

As they climbed the sweeping staircase, Heins felt a growing sense of anticipation and a hint of trepidation. He knew that meeting Jean's mother, Mistress Frederica, was a crucial moment.

The guard knocked on the large, ornate door at the end of the hallway, and a stern voice called out from within. "Enter."

Heins stepped into the room, his head held high and his posture rigid. Mistress Frederica sat behind a grand desk, her eyes narrowing as she appraised him with a critical gaze.

She was a striking woman, with a regal bearing and a presence that commanded respect. Her hair, a shade darker than Jean's, was pulled back into a severe bun, and her eyes, a piercing blue, seemed to pierce right through Heins.

"So, you are the one my daughter has chosen as her master," she said, her voice cool and measured. "I must admit, I had not expected... someone like you."

Heins met her gaze steadily, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I assure you, Mistress Frederica, my abilities are not in question," he said, his voice low and confident. "I am here to help Jean reach her full potential as a knight, and I will not rest until I have done so."

Mistress Frederica's lips thinned into a disapproving line. "I have heard whispers of your... talents," she said, a note of distaste in her voice. "But I am not convinced that you are the right choice for my daughter's training."

Heins felt a surge of determination, a fierce protectiveness of Jean welling up within him. He knew that he had to prove himself, not just to Mistress Frederica, but to Jean as well.

"With all due respect, Mistress Frederica," he said, his voice hardening with resolve, "I would not have accepted the responsibility of training Jean if I did not believe myself capable of the task. She has a rare gift, and I am committed to nurturing and honing that gift until she becomes the finest knight Mondstadt has ever seen."

Mistress Frederica leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Heins's face. "I will be watching you closely," she said, a note of warning in her voice. "And if I find that you are not fulfilling your duties to the best of your abilities, there will be consequences."

Heins dipped his head in acknowledgment, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I would expect nothing less," he said. "But I assure you, Mistress Frederica, you have nothing to fear. Jean's growth and success are my top priorities."

With that, Heins turned to leave, his black coat swirling around him as he strode out of the room. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face whatever obstacles lay in his path.

As he stepped out into the hallway, he heard a soft voice call out to him. "Master Fool?"

Turning, he saw Jean standing there, her eyes wide and hopeful. "Did my mother say yes?" she asked, a note of trepidation in her voice.

Heins smiled warmly at her, his expression softening. "She is willing to give me a chance," he said, holding out his hand to her. "Are you ready to begin your training, Miss Jean?"

Jean's face broke into a brilliant smile, and she took Heins's hand eagerly. "Yes, Master Fool!" she said, bouncing slightly on her toes. "I'm ready to learn everything you can teach me."

Hand in hand, they walked out of the manor, ready to face the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead. Heins knew that with Jean's dedication and his guidance, there was no limit to what they could achieve together.

In the personal courtyard of Gunnhildr Clan, where many of the clan's personnel were training, stood Heins and Jean. Frederica had cleared out the courtyard beforehand, intending to use it as Jean's temporary personal training ground with her master.

Heins's crimson eyes were steely as he appraised his new apprentice sternly.

From the balcony of the Gunnhildr Manor, Frederica watched with curiosity and sharp observation as she scrutinized her daughter's mentor. She had heard of him, a young boy of eleven who came to Mondstadt.

He had defeated an Abyss Mage, and it was said by Grand Master Varka himself. The boy's also defeated Diluc, the current most promising young knight of the Knight of Favonius, with ease. It was a one-sided beating.

Frederica murmured, "Perhaps you are worthy. Now show me what you got."

Heins began coldly, "Miss Jean, tell me the purpose of the sword that you wield."

Jean stood tall and proud before Heins, her small hands gripping the hilt of her practice sword tightly. She met her new master's steely gaze, a determined glint in her own blue eyes.

"The purpose of the sword is to protect the people of Mondstadt and uphold justice," Jean declared, her voice ringing out clear and strong in the courtyard. "It is a symbol of our duty as knights to safeguard the innocent and defend the honor of our nation."

Heins nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well spoken," he said, his voice low and measured. "But a true knight must be more than just a symbol. You must be a beacon of courage, a pillar of strength, and a guardian of hope in the darkest of times."

With that, Heins drew his own sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight. "I will show you my intent, and I hope you could withstand it. It would be even better if you could resist it, instead of passively taking it on."

Jean quickly mirrored his posture, her small form tensing with anticipation. She was determined to prove herself worthy of Heins's tutelage.

Then, Heins exploded with the thunderous crackle of Electro as his murderous intent soared to the heavens. This killing intent differed from his spar with Diluc. This is his full killing intent. Raw, unadulterated murderous intent that came from the depth of his will.

Heins watched as Jean sweated and trembled. A hint of tears appeared in her big blue eyes as she tried to hold on.

The boy coldly said, "Resist, run, fight, swing, I do not care about what you could do in this situation. I just want you to move, to show a sign of resistance and defiance that resides within your heart. Scream at me! Defy me! Come to kill me!"

Frederica, who sat on the balcony, froze for a moment before she shook her head. Her icy blue eyes widened in shock as she sensed the boy's murderous intent.

Now, all her doubt had ceased. This boy... He would definitely mold her daughter into a warrior. There was just one thing she was worried about.

"Jean... Would you be able to survive?"

Jean gritted her teeth, her small body shaking under the onslaught of Heins's raw, murderous intent. Tears threatened to stream down her cheeks, but she refused to let them fall. Instead, she took a deep, shuddering breath and met Heins's gaze with a defiant glare of her own.

"I... I won't lose!" Jean cried out, her voice cracking with emotion. "I won't let fear control me!"

With a surge of determination, Jean charged forward, her practice sword held high. She swung it down with all her might, pouring every ounce of her courage and resolve into the strike.

Heins watched her approach, a cold smile playing on his lips. "That's it," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Fight back. Show me the fire that burns within you."

As Jean's sword descended, Heins sidestepped with lightning speed, the blade missing him by a hair's breadth. In the same fluid motion, he brought his own sword up, the flat of the blade striking Jean's arm with a sharp crack.

Jean cried out in pain, her sword clattering to the ground as she stumbled back. But she quickly regained her footing, snatching up a wooden training dagger from the rack nearby.

"I won't let you underestimate me!" Jean shouted, her eyes blazing with a newfound fury. "I am Jean Gunnhildr, the future Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius! I won't back down!"

Frederica watched the scene unfold, her heart clenching in her chest. She saw the pain and fear in her daughter's eyes, but she also saw the unbreakable spirit that dwelled within her.

The sight filled Frederica with a mixture of pride and trepidation. She knew that Heins's brutal methods would forge Jean into an unrivaled warrior, but she also feared the toll it would take on her daughter's young psyche.

Yet, as she watched Jean rally and attack once more, a fierce determination etched on her tear-stained face, Frederica knew that she had no choice but to place her faith in Heins. For now, she could only pray that Jean would have the strength to endure the trials ahead and emerge as the knight she was meant to be.

Gradually, Heins's killing intent became more and more intense. The pressure was so great that little Jean could only walked one step at a time. Her body was so pressured under Heins's intent that it felt like gravity has multiplied by a couple of times.

Her movements were as slow as a snail. Her swings were so weak Heins didn't even bother to dodge. Her steps were so light that even a breeze could bring her down.

Heins watched as Jean slowly walked up to him. Her little hands were clenching the wooden dagger as she desperately tried to resist his rising murderous intent. After a few moments that seem to stretched to hours in Jean's eyes, she finally reached the distance needed to reach his form with her dagger.

The girl's stab was so weak that Heins did not even bother to dodge. As the wooden, dull blade of the dagger tapped his chest, he watched as Jean lifted her head, her puffy eyes streamed with tears as she sobbed incessantly, her form trembling, "M-Master... I-I was so scared..."

Heins's cold face softened immediately as he embraced the sobbing girl to his arms, dissipating his murderous intent. He watched as she bawled and jabbed his chest with her little clenched fists. It was as if she resented him yet her adoration for him was enough to loomed over it.

"M-Master... You're just one year older than me... H-How are you so strong? J-Just what have you been enduring?"

Heins smiled as he whispered nothing but words of comfort, his tone soft and gentle, "I trained very, very, very hard, Miss Jean. I sweated, teared and bleed for what I attained every single day. But do not fret, you don't have to suffer so much. I am your mentor, but I am also your friend."

Frederica watched the heartwarming scene unfold, her icy blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. She saw the way Heins embraced Jean, his strong arms wrapped protectively around her small, trembling form.

She heard the gentle words of comfort he murmured, his voice no longer cold and demanding, but warm and reassuring.

A single tear slipped down Frederica's cheek as she witnessed the bond forming between mentor and apprentice.

It was a testament to Heins's unique teaching methods - pushing Jean to her limits, yes, but also being there to support and guide her, to nurture the strength and resilience within her.

Heins's words reached Frederica's ears, and she felt a measure of relief wash over her. He had promised not to let Jean suffer unnecessarily, and though his methods were harsh, Frederica could see the genuine care and concern in his eyes.

Yet, as Heins mentioned being Jean's friend, Frederica's brow furrowed slightly. She hoped that Heins would indeed be a friend to Jean, but she also prayed that he would not forget his primary role as her mentor and teacher. The path of a knight was a difficult one, and Jean would need more than just friendship to traverse it successfully.

Frederica knew that she would have to trust Heins to strike the right balance between tough love and genuine care. She could only imagine the trials and tribulations that lay ahead for Jean, but with Heins as her guide and friend, she had hope that her daughter would emerge as a true heroine of Mondstadt.

Wiping away her tear, Frederica stood tall, her regal bearing returning as she called out to the duo in the courtyard. "Fool, I must commend you on your dedication to Jean's training. I can see now that you are truly committed to forging her into a knight worthy of the Gunnhildr name."

She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Jean. "And Jean, my dear, I am so very proud of your courage and perseverance. Remember, it is not just your strength on the battlefield that defines you, but also the strength of your heart and spirit."

With those words, Frederica turned and retreated into the manor, leaving Heins and Jean to continue their training in relative privacy. She knew that the road ahead would be long and arduous, but with Heins as her friend and mentor, Jean had a fighting chance at becoming the knight she was always meant to be.

Heins did not continue the harsh training, not yet. He would do it again, but he would not do it too often. Tempering cannot be rushed, or else the weapon may break.

After his cruel treatment towards her, Heins smiled amusedly as Jean pouted. It was clear that she did not like the fact that he made her cry. He smiled warmly as he lowered himself to the shorter girl and offered, "Tell me what you want to do. But this will only happen the first time. I will not comfort you every time we train. After all, I can't let my student be too spoiled, hm?" In the end, the handsome boy smirked teasingly.

Jean hmph-ed and crossed her arms over her chest, "I won't accept it anyway! You are my mentor, so how could you be so lenient every time? But..."

The girl fidgeted. Heins chuckled as he continued, "But...?"

"Can you... Let me go outside with you?"

Heins tapped his foot as he looked thoughtful, "Hmm... Should I do it?"

Jean whined like a wilful girl, so different from her stern attitude back then, "But you promised to do whatever I want!"

Heins chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement at Jean's sudden display of childish petulance. He reached out and playfully bopped her nose, eliciting a surprised squeak from the young knight-in-training.

"Very well, Little Jean. I did promise, didn't I? But let this be a lesson to you - in life, you often have to earn the things you want through hard work and dedication. Even a knight's privileges come with responsibilities."

With that, Heins stood tall and offered Jean his hand. "Come, let's get you cleaned up and changed. Then we can discuss your little outing."

Unknown to them, behind a building, a suspicious Diluc, a gossipy Kaeya, and a thoughtful Crepus watched as the pair warmly exchanged, their eyes are filled with the same thing: curiosity.

Kaeya smirked as he giggled, "Huhu... Interesting..."

Diluc, Kaeya, and Crepus - exchanged glances filled with intrigue and speculation.

Diluc raised an eyebrow, his red eyes narrowing as he studied Heins and Jean's interaction. "I must admit, I've never seen Jean quite so... Wilful before. It seems Fool has a unique effect on her."

Kaeya giggled, his navy-blue hair swaying as he leaned in closer to the others. "Perhaps our dear Jean is developing a needy spot for the boy. It's about time the cold, unyielding girl showed a touch of warmth, don't you think?"

Crepus stroked his red beard thoughtfully, his gaze still fixed on the retreating figures of Heins and Jean. "Indeed, it is a curious sight. But remember, even the sternest of girls can have a softer side when it comes to those they care for. Jean is no exception."

As the trio continued to speculate about the nature of Heins and Jean's bond, the young knight-in-training and her mentor disappeared into the manor, leaving them to ponder the complexities of the relationship blossoming between them.

Within the Gunnhildr Manor.

As Jean strapped herself with the Favonius's plate armor, Frederica couldn't help but be worried. She looked at the boy Heins and sternly asked. "Boy, are you sure she will be alright? She is still a naive, dumb girl after all. Can you guarantee her safety?"

Jean whined as her face turned red in embarrassment, "Mother!"

Heins chuckled as he nodded reassuringly, "Do not fret, Madam. As long as the Abyss Order does not mess around, her safety is basically a guarantee."

Frederica finally exhaled a sigh of relief. She had seen his sheer murderous intent before, one that even left her heart raced in trepidation. With this, she could be assured.

With a final stern scolding, one that Jean found utterly embarrassing as her master watched in relish, they finally set off. As for the destination, Heins researched for a bit as Jean got ready and found a location that reminded him of Snezhnaya.

Dragonspine, a special mountainous location that had eternal cold as its climate. There are many rumours surrounding it, saying that it was a remnant of a legendary evil dragon in the past, but still, Heins only saw it as a place that reminded him of home.

It was also because of this that little Jean was donning a thick jacket. The people chuckled as they saw a thick little bundle that is Jean as the pair walked through Mondstadt. This made her mood sour. It got worse as she she saw the shining light of the young girls' big eyes as they saw Heins, a boy their age yet so handsome and cold.

Jean, the little bundle, forcefully hugged one of his arms as a form of resentment towards him. Heins just shook his head as they proceed to the gates. The guards, noticing the pair, nodded respectfully.

Thus, the pair set off for the legendary location: Dragonspine.

As Heins and Jean journeyed through the green meadow, they finally saw the daunting snowy peaks of Dragonspine. The crisp cold air began to bite at their skin as they entered the periphery, a stark contrast to the warm, inviting climate of the Dawn Winery.

Jean huddled closer to Heins, her small frame nearly engulfed by the thick jacket that billowed around her. Despite her initial embarrassment, she found a measure of comfort in the warmth it provided against the biting cold.

Heins glanced down at his companion, a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he took in her bundled appearance. "You know, you look like a little snowball," he teased, his breath misting in the frigid air.

Jean's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red, but this time from the cold rather than embarrassment. "I do not!" she protested, her voice muffled by the thick fabric of her jacket. "It's cold, that's all!"

As they trekked deeper into the Dragonspine mountains, the landscape transformed before their eyes. Towering peaks of jagged rock jutted out from the snow-covered terrain, their icy summits glinting in the pale sunlight.

The trees here were different too, their gnarled branches laden with a thick blanket of snow and ice.

Heins felt a strange sense of nostalgia wash over him as he took in the frost-covered scenery. It reminded him of home, of the icy lands of Snezhnaya that he had left behind.

A pang of longing tugged at his heart, but he quickly pushed it aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Suddenly, Jean stumbled on a hidden rock beneath the snow, pitching forward with a yelp.

Heins reacted swiftly, catching her before she could tumble to the ground. He pulled her close, his strong arms wrapping around her small frame to steady her.

"Careful," he warned, his voice laced with a gentleness that belied his usual stern demeanor. "The path is treacherous here. You'll need to watch your step."

Jean looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and trusting. "Thank you," she murmured, a note of gratitude in her voice. For a moment, the cold seemed to melt away, replaced by a warmth that blossomed in her chest.

As they continued their ascent, Jean couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Dragonspine.

She had never seen anything like it before, and her young mind raced with wonder and excitement. The icy landscape was a far cry from the lush, green hills and forests surrounding Mondstadt.

Heins watched as Jean took in the sights, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He had to admit, her innocent awe was rather endearing. It was a refreshing change from the usual jaded and cynical reactions he encountered in the Fatui.

As they walked, Jean suddenly gasped, pointing towards a massive, icy formation in the distance. "Look, Fool!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with childlike wonder. "Doesn't that look like a dragon's tooth?"

Heins shook his head, "The chance was slim. Even if it's a dragon's tooth, the infamous group Treasure Hoarder would have long plundered it. But oh well. Now, don't be off-tracked by some random things you saw, Miss Jean. You will train here as you resisted the cold, just like what I did back then."

Heins showed a savage smirk as he cracked his knuckles, ignoring the look of fear from the younger girl.

He said devilishly, "Mweheehehh, now my dear student, unsheath your sword and come at me!"

Jean gulped, her small hands trembling slightly as she reached for the hilt of her sword. She could feel the cold biting into her fingers, numbing them ever so slightly. But she refused to let it deter her, knowing that this was all part of the training Heins had in store for her.

With a deep breath, Jean unsheathed her sword, the blade glinting in the pale light that filtered through the snow-laden canopy above. She took a step towards Heins, her boots crunching in the icy undergrowth.

Heins watched her approach, his eyes glinting with a mix of anticipation and amusement. He could see the fear in her eyes, but also the determination, the unyielding spirit that had drawn him to her in the first place.

"Remember, Jean," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "cold is not an enemy to be feared, but a challenge to be overcome. Embrace it, and it will make you stronger."

With that, Heins launched himself at Jean, his movements swift and precise. He struck at her with the speed of a striking serpent, his hands aiming to disarm her rather than cause harm.

Jean reacted on instinct, her training kicking in as she parried his attacks with a desperate fervor. The clash of steel on steel rang out through the icy air, echoing off the frozen peaks surrounding them.

Of course, he severely held back. Otherwise, poor Jean would've been thrown already by his strength. He watched in amusement as the little bundle of Jean desperately deflected his relentless attack. However, she was not used yet to the terrain, thus Jean, the little thick bundle, slipped and landed on her back.

She tried to move, but her thick jacket proven to be too thick, rendering her helpless as her limbs relentlessly sweeping around left and right.

Finally, she whined, "Master! Help!"

Heins couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Jean flailing about on the icy ground, her cries for help only serving to fuel his amusement. He had to admit, seeing the proud knight-in-training reduced to a helpless, whimpering mess by a simple jacket and a patch of ice was rather hilarious.

Still chuckling, Heins sauntered over to Jean, his long coat billowing behind him. He loomed over her small form, his red eyes glinting with mirth and a hint of glee.

"Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with false concern, "it seems my little snowball has gotten herself into quite the predicament."

Jean glared up at him, her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet from both the cold and her embarrassment. "I-I'm not a snowball!" she protested weakly, still struggling against the confines of her jacket.

Heins reached down and grasped the hem of Jean's jacket, giving it a sharp tug. The thick fabric came away easily, allowing Jean to wriggle free of its restrictive embrace. He tossed the jacket aside, watching as it landed in a crumpled heap on the snow.

"There, that should make things a bit easier," he said, offering Jean his hand. "Now, let's get you back on your feet. And try not to slip again this time."

Jean took his hand, allowing Heins to pull her to her feet with a grunt of effort. She brushed the snow from her armor, her small hands still trembling slightly from the cold.

"Th-thank you, Master," she said, her voice small and grateful. Despite her initial embarrassment, she knew that Heins had held back significantly during their sparring match.

Without his restraint, she had no doubt that she would have been lying bruised and battered on the icy ground rather than simply cold and disheveled.

Heins smiled at Jean, a genuine smile that softened his usually stern features.

"You did well, Jean," he said, his voice warm with praise. "You didn't give up, even when faced with adversity. That's the spirit of a true knight."

Jean beamed up at him, her chest swelling with pride at his words. She knew that she still had a long way to go before she could truly call herself a worthy warrior under her master's eyes, but she was determined to get there, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

"Thank you, Master."