Could it just be my imagination—does it seem like my favorite’s gaze has shifted slightly?
Well, perhaps it would—
Before meeting Adelaide, Killian treated the sword as his life itself—perhaps it was the only thing he held dear.
A tortured soul.
Anyway! With his natural talent, tireless training, and legacy as a sword genius, imagine his excitement at being invited to observe the Royal Knights at training! I can understand the glow in his eyes—it’s completely natural.
So I, a reckless princess, headed with uptick Killian to the palace training grounds. I sent Liz ahead to announce our arrival and avoid surprising the knights.
That’s right, Celestia.
Let’s keep it sensible.
After all the absurd things I’ve done so far—like a wild dog barking at all—I needed to show restraint.
“Phew.” I sighed in self-reflection. Killian glanced at me, worried.
“Your Highness? Are you alright?”
“Yes, of course!” I forced a bright smile. I’ll never allow my favorite to see me darken his mood.
“We’re here! Just ahead!”
Knightly shouts echoed closer. Dust kicked up as they trained fervently. We quickened our pace; I took Killian’s hand.
“Oh!”
Oops.
“Sorry, Killian. I took your hand without permission.”
“Ah—Princess, it’s… fine. Really.”
He flushed slightly—must’ve been out of breath from walking quickly.
“Thank you. Let’s go!”
Wait, my dear.
I’ll introduce him soon to the Empire’s greatest swordmaster!
But by the time we reached the field, training had just ended. I missed the performance—everything ended just as we arrived?
“You’re going to show him now, yes?” I asked curtly. Sir Briven, waiting, bowed and answered:
“Welcome, Princess Celestia, brightest star of the Empire. Thank you for visiting the grounds.”
“Sir Briven, training’s over already? I came on purpose to show him…” I frowned, sounding harsh.
“This morning’s session was intensive; rest is essential. If we’d known sooner, we could have arranged more time. Apologies, Your Highness.”
Was this my fault now? I stifled my words and nodded—image matters!
“There’s nothing we can do… what shall we do, Killian? We came all this way…”
“It’s fine, Your Highness. We can come again next time.”
So kind.
I felt guilty—knowing I had shaped him into someone timid. I couldn’t give up. I straight-up made my request to Sir Briven.
“Sir Briven?”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“You still have some energy, right? As Captain of the Royal Knights…”
“Yes… Your Highness.”
“Could you train him a bit?”
Briven looked surprised—and so did Killian.
“Train me?”
“You know the Marchén family’s legacy in swordsmanship. Duke Märchen’s skill is renowned.”
I held nothing back—if anything could relieve Killian, I’d do it. Briven cleared his throat.
“Of course… the Royal Knights always study Märchen sword techniques.”
“Aren’t you curious what my baedong’s skill is like? I already promised to introduce him to your training. Seeing a prodigy like him could help in choosing Kandari’s best squire. What do you think, Sir Briven?”
Too logical?
Briven and Killian exchanged glances. They nodded.
“Under Your Highness’s request, we’ll arrange it. Please come this way, Lord.”
“Th—thank you, Sir Briven.”
Killian looked startled, then confidently followed Briven. They moved; Killian stretched and loosened up. Briven handed him a wooden sword.
“This isn’t quite your size, Lord.”
“It’s fine. I train with this one.”
Killian told him, politely. Duke Märchen never bothered with such details — typical of him.
I swallowed my frustration and watched him grip the sword. The moment he held it, Killian no longer appeared seven. In his earnest, focused gaze was the hint of a lethal edge.
“Shall we practice a bit?”
Killian nodded resolutely. I bit my lip. Though I’d read the novel’s descriptions, seeing him wield a sword in person made me tremble.
He’s still young—this should be rough—but—
My expectations shattered. Killian met Briven’s strikes head-on.
Briven called “Hah!” and sliced—but Killian took every blow and returned them. He even attacked from different angles. His movement flowed with uncanny natural ease.
Genius indeed.
Seven years old—and already impressive. Imagine what seventeen might bring.
Silver-haired and clear-eyed in knight’s uniform wielding the sword…
I caught myself imagining absurd scenarios and chuckled. I wasn’t the only one watching. Briven, finishing the spar, bowed formally—eyes transformed from surprise to pride.
“Lord.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“If you’re agreeable, perhaps you’d like to study under me?”
“Yes? That…”
I felt compelled to speak up—fear he’d hesitate.
“Killian, let’s do it together.”
“What? That’s…?”
“Princess?”
I shrugged.
“Sir Briven, Killian will attend as my baedong. While I receive training, he will be present as well.”
I didn’t let Briven look away this time.
“I might lose interest quickly—but that’s beside the point.”
Surely he understood? Briven must have caught on—he smiled and nodded.
“Yes, Your Highness. I understand. We’ll make arrangements.”
“He’ll attend every time I call. Every other day is fine?”
“That schedule works, with adjustments to training times.”
“We’ll go every two days. Let Liz know the schedule once set. Understood, Sir Briven?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll just play with my baedong—joyfully yet discreetly. Especially without Duke Märchen knowing.”
“Yes.”
Killian beside me fidgeted, glancing for my approval.
“See you day after tomorrow, Sir Briven.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll prepare everything.”
I calmly bowed to Briven and turned.
I told Killian:
“Killian. Heard that? Every other day.”
“But Your Highness… may I need to ask permission—Father?”
“What do you think I am? I am the princess of the empire.”
I stopped and glared. Killian bowed deeply.
“But… still…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll fight them all!”
Where did that confidence go? He’d held the sword moments ago…
He looked up and chuckled.
“I was foolish, Princess.”
“Of course! I’m the Empire’s only princess!”
(Well, until the coming-of-age—10 more years.)
I don’t have to share that part.
“Every other day, okay? Understood?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“If anyone complains, use my excuse! Don’t worry.”
“Yes… hehe. I will, Princess. Thank you.”
I gripped his hand and smiled at his shy gratitude.
Now, time to feed you some delicious strawberry shortcake!
