Chapter 44: 44
“Apprentice? You mean you?”
Brandish, slightly taken aback, looked into his intentions. Caden was still not yet thirty and served as her direct knight, performing reconnaissance and intelligence missions. Even objectively, it wasn’t time to consider retirement.
“Ah, please don’t misunderstand. To be with Lady Brandish, I must prepare in advance, right?”
“Tch… you’re still saying that.”
“Since that day, my heart has never wavered. Now, if only Lady Brandish would accept me.”
“Hah… I told you that would never happen.”
“But Lady Brandish, you offered me a drink. Doesn’t that mean your thoughts about me have changed a little?”
Brandish chuckled and downed her drink in one go. Although Caden had been consistent since that day, she had no intention of accepting his feelings. Long ago, she had loved someone dearly and now had three children.
“Even if you act like that man, my heart won’t change.”
“Are you talking about the romantic friend?”
“Yes. Just like you, he risked his life for his fiancé, but to me, it was just loyalty.”
“Hmm… So, I can be Lady Brandish’s knight but not her partner?”
“How could one overturn a fate that’s already decided?”
Of course, no one would oppose if she decided to remarry. Even commoners had partners; it would be absurd for the ruler of the nation to be alone. Many nobles wanted to be related to the king, and even her children encouraged her to remarry. Yet, Brandish had always refused, remaining alone to this day.
“Lady Brandish, you’re clinging to the past. Chasing the traces of your former partner. Would your late partner truly want that?”
“Even younger nobles hold on to each other. How could I let go?”
“You often talk about that friend.”
“The fiancé is the same. So bold and daring…”
“I’m the same. Even if I don’t know that friend well, I can understand their feelings.”
“How could you understand that?”
“Because I love you the same way, Lady Brandish.”
“…”
Brandish glared at him before refilling her drink. Similar feelings didn’t make them the same person. Moreover, her former partner still occupied her heart.
“Feelings might be similar, but hearts can’t be identical.”
“Lady Brandish’s partner would feel the same. They’d want you to move on. If someone you love is stuck in the past, it only brings sorrow.”
“How could you know the heart of someone who’s already dead!”
Brandish raised her voice, her eyes blazing. She couldn’t deny his words. Her partner might indeed have thought that. But without hearing it directly, she couldn’t even muster a small belief.
“…Lady Brandish, you don’t have to choose me. Noble or commoner, anyone is fine. If you find a new partner, I will gladly step aside.”
“Haha… I’ve heard that too many times. Could you really give up?”
“If that time comes, I will serve as your knight and only obey royal commands until I die. But please, at least allow me to watch over you from afar.”
Brandish’s face softened as she shook off her intoxication. Caden had only used the term ‘Your Majesty’ in official settings, indicating that if he wasn’t chosen, he’d let go without hesitation.
“Didn’t you desire my heart?”
“If I only thought of myself, I’d try to win your heart. But I wish for your happiness, so I ask you to find another partner.”
“…Do you think I’d be happy with a new partner?”
“The old feelings filling your heart would be replaced by new ones. Isn’t that what you’re yearning for, Lady Brandish?”
“You speak as if you know me well.”
“I can’t be certain. I just… see myself in you, Lady Brandish.”
Brandish paused before drinking. Seeing oneself in someone implied a shared longing for love. But it was a wrong assumption. She wasn’t seeking love but reminiscing about her partner’s memory.
“Haha! So that’s why you wanted to join the Royal Knights.”
“Isn’t it easier to see you up close?”
“What makes you think you’d be placed near me?”
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just watch you as a citizen of Alain Kingdom.”
“…Do you intend to watch over me secretly with your skills?”
“Without effort, I can’t win your heart, Lady Brandish.”
Caden smiled gently as he sipped his drink. Brandish flinched but frowned, lost in thought.
“Truly unwavering. Zion Laird must be like this too…”
“I’m pleased. To have a personal conversation with Lady Brandish… Five years of effort haven’t been in vain.”
“Hah… Has it really been five years?”
“For a year, I wandered as a thief to get your attention. Then, for about another year, we clashed until you caught me. Since then, I’ve been working as a Setinos Quasar.”
“…You stole to get my attention?”
“Ah, didn’t I mention it? While learning special skills, I always watched you. I wondered how to get your attention and chose theft.”
“You really are… unbelievable.”
Brandish sighed, unable to find the words. His theft in the capital, the chase with her, and becoming a Setinos Quasar had all been planned. Though he might have been more interested in the Royal Knights, even if she allowed it, Gloné wouldn’t have.
“Hmm… You might be worried, so let me give a brief report. There’s no unusual activity from the Three Demon Kings and Four Great Calamities.”
“…And other monsters?”
“Same. Thanks to the intervention of the purple archer, the monsters seem scared.”
“Can you continue your missions?”
“I can. If Lady Brandish desires it, I will succeed.”
Brandish nodded as she listened to the familiar report. The frequency of monster invasions had decreased, and peace had been miraculously maintained. Yet, the uncertainty of this peace ending made her anxious.
“If it’s too dangerous, retreat immediately. Mobilize border forces if necessary.”
“Yes, I always keep that in mind.”
“…Silver.”
Brandish hesitated before speaking. Caden responded immediately.
“Yes.”
“Don’t get hurt. I don’t want to lose a valuable asset like you.”
“I will obey the royal command, but…”
“This time, it’s a request from Brandish.”
Caden’s eyes widened with overwhelming emotion. After five years, she had finally told him not to get hurt and made a request as Brandish. Clearly, something had changed in her heart.
‘Is it because of that friend who risked his life for his fiancé?’
Caden smiled with a sense of accomplishment. The strong and steadfast Brandish was now wavering. Something beyond his five years of effort had suddenly intervened.
‘That friend’s romance has helped me. I should thank him.’
* * *
Marquis Frandique’s Mansion, Indoor Training Hall.
Zion was once again sparring with Halfnon. As always, they refrained from using sword energy or magic, gradually honing their swordsmanship. With Halfnon matching his level, Zion had no choice but to give his all each time.
‘So this is swordsmanship.’
Hanette watched from the outskirts of the training hall. She reluctantly followed Zion, thinking it would be good to stay together. Although she didn’t miss out on her allowance, it was her first time in this place, sparking her interest.
‘That nobleman is quite famous too.’
She knew Marquis Frandique’s family was close to Duke Adelaira’s, but hadn’t paid much attention to its members. She only looked into it when she heard Zion was going there to learn swordsmanship.
‘He said he didn’t know how to use a sword…’
Hanette’s eyes followed Zion’s movements. He repeatedly advanced and retreated, swinging his wooden sword. Halfnon matched his pace, either blocking or dodging Zion’s attacks.
‘If he can use sword energy, he must have talent.’
Sword energy was considered the pride of a swordsman, with many striving to reach that level. However, only a few succeeded, while the rest hit their limits and eventually gave up. Zion, having used sword energy before his twenties, was naturally gifted.
‘Why is he so perfect?’
Hanette stared blankly at Zion. His personality was mild, his looks were decent, and he came from a distinguished family. Recently, his sword energy had caught the attention of nobles and even the king, who wanted him in the Royal Knights.
‘…It makes me look bad.’
She didn’t mind the comparison. She was known as the Crazy Young Lady, while Zion was a rising star as an excellent swordsman. Being engaged to Zion meant she was inevitably tied to him.
‘Could I change if I had something I’m good at?’
Hanette had stopped seeking recognition from others long ago. No matter how hard she tried, no one appreciated her, always imposing predetermined ways. This led her to lose motivation and gradually decline.
‘If it’s magic, I could do well…’
Hanette recalled her experiences at the magic academy, showing a bitter expression. Zion had taken her there, allowing her to step into the academy. She had plenty of enthusiasm now, but learning magic as a child would have been much better.
‘I can’t do anything without him.’
Hanette suddenly thought. If she married Zion, she could get what she wanted without running away. Though they’d have to be together forever, as long as they didn’t interfere with each other, she could handle it.
‘But still…’
Her expression twisted as she noticed something. A young noblewoman entered the training hall with a tray of water and towels.
‘That’s annoying.’
Hanette squinted, glaring at the noblewoman. The noblewoman smiled brightly as she handed Zion a towel.
‘I don’t like this. Why is he accepting that?’
Hanette immediately got up and approached Zion. She snatched the towel and started wiping his sweat. Zion, confused, turned to look at her.
“What are you doing?”
“Can’t you see? I’m helping you. Now, drink some water.”