CFT 86

Chapter 86

Standing right between the two as referee was Dian, the vice-captain of the Bellrum Knights.

“The time limit is five minutes. Inflicting serious injuries on your opponent is forbidden—please remember this is a sparring match.”

Since Ianharte himself wasn’t present, he had instead ordered the Bellrum Knights to actively assist Liana. In just a few days, the Bellrum knights had not only grown friendly with her but also with her guards, so they gladly carried out the command with enthusiasm.

After giving Dian a brief thanks, Liana turned her head and looked at the red-haired knight.

The two of them took their stances.

“The match begins.”

Dion signaled the start.

Though the duel was only five minutes long, with twenty-one contestants and short breaks in between, by the time the last knight’s test ended the shadows had already stretched long.

Beeeep—!

The sharp sound marked the end of the final five minutes.

“Huff… huff…”

The knight who had been desperately charging at Liana collapsed backward, legs trembling.

“Uwaaaah! I did it…!”

Like those before him, he let out a victorious shout at passing.

The other knights, who had been anxiously watching the last match, rushed over to congratulate him.

“Hey, congratulations!”
“Man, I thought you’d fail at the end there.”
“Seriously.”
“Couldn’t you say something nice for once?”
“Haha, well you passed, didn’t you? That’s what matters!”
“Lucky at least you made it through.”
“…Collie.”
“Wait a bit. I’ll get promoted to the 1st Knight Order soon!”
“Me too!”
“You guys…”

Out of the twenty-one who had passed the first trial, only thirteen made it through the second.

But unlike the first trial, not a single knight complained about the results. Everyone accepted them cleanly.

Watching them, Liana chuckled softly and shook the dust off her greatsword.

“I’ll take that.”

Kyle stepped forward and carefully took the sword from her hands.

He meticulously wiped it with a clean cloth, then slid it into the sheath he had brought.

“Really now… you don’t have to do that every time.”

“…Because you don’t handle your sword properly, my lady.”

Liana was about to grab it back, embarrassed, but Kyle avoided her grasp. His reply left her speechless.

What do you mean I don’t handle my sword properly?

“…Compared to you, Kyle, anyone would look careless.”

Kyle was especially particular about weapons. The reason he insisted on caring for her sword was simply because he hated to see a blade treated poorly.

Leaving him to it, Liana walked over to the group of knights.

Their eyes, full of different emotions, all turned to her.

With a faint smile, she spoke.

“I want to thank you again for coming here today. Even those who didn’t make it—don’t be too discouraged. If you keep giving your best where you stand, there will be another chance. You were all splendid.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Um…”

“Hm?”

Spotting a knight who looked like he wanted to ask something, Liana tilted her head slightly. After hesitating, he finally spoke up.

“Will there be another chance in the future… to become your knight?”

That was a question Liana hadn’t expected.

She had worried about no applicants at all—but never imagined someone would ask this.

After a brief pause—

“Well, since the Guard is part of the Imperial Knight Orders, the schedule will probably follow theirs.”

It was a reasonable answer. Usually, the Imperial Orders held entrance and promotion trials once every few years.

Now that her guards were formally recognized as a knight order, not just an improvised unit, they would align with the empire’s schedule—just like the Bellrum Knights under Ianharte.

“Thank you!”

The knight’s eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply, satisfied with her answer.

After that, the time was spent mostly with short advice.

One knight boldly asked for guidance, and Liana readily agreed.

“When you raise your sword to the right, your left leg lags just a little.”
“Ah…”
“That means your left side is weaker compared to your right. You should train keeping that in mind.”
“Th-thank you!”

Instead of being offended, the knight was thrilled. His face flushed as he shouted his gratitude.

Liana chuckled. “Do your best.”

Watching enviously, another knight timidly raised his hand.

“Um, if it’s not too much… could you give me advice as well?”
“Please, me too…”

And so, what hadn’t been planned—a guidance session—was born.

“There she goes again. She just can’t pass by hardworking people.”
“Well, it’s a good sight.”
“Who said it wasn’t?”
“Your tone says so.”
“…This is just how I talk.”

The guards whispered among themselves as Liana gave advice to all thirteen knights.

Meanwhile, some of the spectators whispered too.

“Is she… giving them personal advice?”
“Seems like it. She’s even showing them examples.”
“…I’m jealous.”
“Ugh, if only I hadn’t gotten careless in the first trial.”
“Tell me about it.”

More than ten minutes passed like that.

Those who failed, along with the spectators, left the training ground.

The remaining thirteen, their faces bright with excitement, looked expectantly at Liana.

Seeing their eager expressions, Liana gave a small laugh and cleared her throat.

“First, congratulations on passing. From now on, you’ll serve as my direct knights, alongside my guard.”
“Yes, ma’am!”

“This is Ail Croman—he’ll lead the mages. And this is Kyle Croman—he’s your commander.”
“Yes, understood!”

“Good. Sometimes I’ll come to see you myself, but your training is in their hands. Follow their lead well.”

Finishing her announcement, Liana stepped back and left things to Ail and Kyle.

As she smiled warmly at the knights growing fired up under their guidance—

“Princess.”

A familiar voice called.

Liana flinched in surprise and turned her head.

There stood Ianharte, in a slightly loosened formal uniform, as if he had just finished his duties.

“…Your Majesty?”

Wait, didn’t he say he wouldn’t come today because he needed to avoid being seen?

Liana stared at him in shock, only for Ianharte to smile faintly and say—

“My schedule ended, so I came because I wanted to see you.”

“…Hah.”

She let out a short sound of disbelief.

Ianharte chuckled softly at her reaction, then casually took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

The jacket still carried his warmth.

The gesture was so natural that her ears turned red a moment later.

His gaze lingered on her flushed ear.

Her violet eyes trembled slightly before she shot him a sideways glance.

“…Why are you putting this on me?”

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Ianharte realized the sour mood he’d felt earlier had vanished completely.

Strange. Could his mood really change so much just by seeing her?

He swallowed the thought, then stepped closer to adjust the jacket snugly around her.

“Winters in the Empire aren’t as warm as in Roun. Walking around sweaty and lightly dressed will only get you sick.”

He smiled, half scolding, half caring, clearly satisfied at seeing her wear his jacket.

“…Let’s go over there.”

Blinking at his words, Liana shyly looked away, tugging gently at his wrist.

Ianharte didn’t resist and let her lead him away.

He knew how uncomfortable she was under so many stares.

“How far are we going?”

“….”

She didn’t answer.

Liana was especially shy about unplanned, natural gestures of affection.

When there was a public excuse, she could boldly kiss him first—but in moments like this, with no pretext, she blushed furiously.

It was clear she wasn’t used to contact with the opposite sex.

…Cute.

The thought came to him unconsciously.