After Alicia returned to Sir Albert's home, her resolve was fiercer than ever. She washed her face and took a wooden sword in the sparring room, and started practicing the sword stances and swings that her father had taught. Sir Albert, who was relieved of his duty quickly that day, saw Alicia and approached her.
Sir Albert said,
" Princess, when you make that stance, your left leg should face front and should be closer to the right."
Alicia, surprised at the sudden voice from behind, said, "Uncle! I didn't notice you coming..."
Sir Albert smirked and said,
"Well, I can conceal my footsteps and control my breaths easily. After all, I worked as a mercenary before joining the order." Alicia, amazed, asked, "Can becoming a mercenary help me avenge my parents, Uncle? Can I become a lot stronger than I am by becoming a mercenary, or should I become a knight?" Sir Albert replied, "Princess, becoming a mercenary doesn't make a person strong; instead, a strong person becomes a mercenary. And to become a mercenary or a knight, the choice is yours to make, as both jobs require many skills and heavy practice, and both are equally dangerous. As for the merits, both can give you equal respect and money. Both can give you aristocratic titles, and both can make you immensely popular. But I don't think that Princess should choose either. As I mentioned before, both can make you popular and can draw the Imperial Family's attention, failing our plans."
Alicia, with beaming confidence, said,
" Then I will be a mercenary."
Sir Albert, shocked, asked,
" Princess, did you not hear what I just said?"
Alicia replied,
" I heard that, Uncle. But as you also mentioned, these two are the quickest ways for commoners to gain titles. That is, I can meet the Emperor at all courts and meetings, which means I would have lots of chances to complete my revenge."
Sir Albert had to agree. He realized Alicia was just as her father had described. Cheerful, Genius, competent, but sometimes can also act her age.
Sir Albert continued,
" Worry not, Princess. I will teach you everything there is to know about becoming a mercenary."