Chapter 2: Battle God of the East

“No one deserves to go through what I just went through...” Jean’s face was pale as he massaged his stomach and grumbled. He was following a short distance behind Orphen, Doctor Harvey, and myself as we left the Pharmacy Lab, accompanied by the imperial guard.

Only a few moments prior, a familiar face had popped in—Lord Glen’s second-in-command. Before I had the opportunity to recall his name, he’d offered it up of his own accord. “My name’s Zack. I’m sorry, but we can save that part for later, Lady Elianna. I realize how discourteous it is for me to ask this of you, but could I trouble you to come with me?”

I stared blankly back at him, surprised at the urgency of his request.

The three wise men immediately inquired as to the nature of his sudden visit, and we soon learned the reason for his haste. Apparently one of the visitors I was supposed to receive and entertain had arrived in the capital earlier than anticipated. Due to that individual’s unique disposition, the imperial guard was being dragged out to welcome them.

Now I understood why they’d come to retrieve me, but I still didn’t know what all the hurry was for.

Vice Captain Zack sensed my confusion. He wore an earnest expression as he entreated me, “If you’re there to spectate, our unit might get out of this relatively unscathed. So please, humor me.”

“All right...” Reluctantly, I lifted myself out of my chair.

The three wise men followed suit. Nigel tried to tag along, claiming he was old friends with the visitor we were going to meet, but the other researchers intervened to keep him in the lab. We left him behind as we headed for an even more remote part of the palace.

The farther we traveled from the central area of the palace, the more the chilly winter air seeped in through our clothes. This morning there had only been a light flurry of snow falling from the sky, but as afternoon rolled around, the weather took a sudden turn. A blizzard was now raging. As a result, the social meeting area the palace had opened for the nobles was deserted today. Instead of the elegantly dressed noblewomen I’d grown accustomed to seeing, there was only the occasional government official moving to and fro. It felt a bit lonely seeing only the drab garb of gentlemen’s work uniforms. I missed the colorful and vibrant sight of ladies’ dresses.

Behind us, my manservant continued rattling off his grievances as we traversed the corridors. Doctor Harvey, who’d become acquainted with Jean through the past four years we’d spent together, chuckled as he said, “You should know better than to drink whatever the Pharmacy Lab puts in front of you.”

“...I figured it was fine as long as m’lady wasn’t involved.”

“You’re more naive than I’d given you credit for then.” After a short pause, Doctor Harvey added, “By the way, if you happen to notice any bodily abnormalities, be sure to let me know. I would love to compare the effects of that medicine versus natural human aging.”

“Why are you treatin’ me like some kind of human experiment? What kind of doctor has no moral compass?” As Jean resumed his fussing, I rummaged through the folds of my dress, trying to locate the candy my brother had slipped me earlier. Jean eyed me suspiciously when I held it out toward him, but he cautiously took it. After testing the flavor on his tongue, he popped the whole thing in his mouth and finally went quiet.

Ever since we were little, my brother often gave me hard candy during reading breaks. I wasn’t a fan of sweets, so I’d rather give it to my whining manservant and spare my ears from his incessant grousing.

Now that it had grown quiet again, I turned to Orphen and decided to revisit the question I’d lost the timing to ask earlier. “You mentioned something about Chief Herbalist Nigel having an apprentice who delved into the taboo?”

This amiable old man always had a curious twinkle in his eyes, but that disappeared the moment he heard my inquiry, as if snuffed out by shadows. “Indeed,” he murmured, stroking his snow white beard as he hesitated to elaborate. “I suppose you must not be aware of the incident that happened when the current king first ascended the throne. Well...I’m sure you’ll understand soon enough.”

My heart dropped. Perhaps this wasn’t the kind of conversation we should be having in a hallway.

Orphen gave a quiet smile as he relayed what he could.

Almost twenty years ago, there was an extremely talented and ambitious youth who joined the palace’s Pharmacy Lab. They were so resourceful and quick-witted that the chief herbalist became unusually partial to this particular apprentice. Unfortunately...

“They were clever but precocious, full of ambition and curiosity. Eventually, the current research in herbology wasn’t enough to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. They became obsessed with the wonders Furya’s Jar promised—a cure-all medicine, a panacea. What do you think is necessary to prove that kind of thing really exists?”

I swallowed hard. Imagining it was terrifying enough that I felt my body tremble. “A...poison? Such as a deadly toxin with no cure.”

Orphen’s normally cheerful expression grew strained as his lips went taut. “The Pharmacy Lab is well versed in a variety of poisons. They have to be, in order to protect the royal family. However, that young apprentice crossed a line which must never be crossed. They tried to test their theory using a real human being.”

It can’t be... The words hung at the back of my throat, unspoken. I’d heard of a poisoning incident in the past. My heart panged thinking it was the chief herbalist’s apprentice who’d orchestrated that event.

“What happened to them?” I asked hesitantly.

“They were executed. Given their crime, it was the only recourse.”

Although I had anticipated that response, hearing the worst had come to pass left me breathless and dizzy. I could only imagine what Nigel and the others had felt at the time.

Doctor Harvey, who’d been listening quietly to our exchange, chimed in with a voice of nostalgia. “I only heard about what happened after the fact, but if that apprentice hadn’t lost their way, perhaps we might have found a treatment for the Ashen Nightmare that sprang up after that incident. At least, that’s what some say. Goes to show how much promise that apprentice had. There were even rumors that their abilities were so impressive they’d surpassed Nigel.”

Orphen cleared his throat. “People can speak as many ‘what ifs’ they like, but it won’t change a thing. Besides, it’s just as Lady Elianna said. Becoming obsessed with the taboo only distracts from the path that those before us have paved in herbology.”

“Yes,” Doctor Harvey agreed with a bitter smile, “but still...” It was obvious he mourned the loss of such incredible talent.

“Lady Elianna?” Orphen peered back at me. Before I realized, I was standing frozen in the middle of the drafty hallway. The older man’s earnest gaze felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. “There’s nothing harder for old men like us than seeing one of our apprentices lose their way and head to the afterlife before us. As you’ve displayed, you have an eye for noticing the most important details. I’ll be praying you don’t lose sight of yourself or bring any more pain to Nigel than he’s already faced.” There was something profoundly mature about his words, but I could also tell they were spoken out of concern for his friend.

I hesitated over whether I had the determination to rise to their expectations of me or not, especially when I was still so inexperienced. But either way, I couldn’t run from his sincerity. “Yes,” I said at last, carving the warning he’d given me into my heart.

Orphen’s gaze softened, and beside him, Doctor Harvey offered a warm smile. “You might have had a more promising future if you’d become my apprentice instead of Nigel’s. Ah, what a shame. What a crying shame.”

“If she’d been your apprentice, you would have turned the entire palace into a raunchy pleasure house by now,” Orphen said with his characteristic chuckle.

“That wouldn’t have been so bad either.” Doctor Harvey shrugged, perfectly content to envision such a dream.

A grim voice interjected, “I’m sorry to interrupt your fantasies of a ‘raunchy pleasure palace,’ but if we don’t make haste, we’ll be living in a corpse-filled palace of darkness shortly.” Zack looked panicked, his face pale.

~.~.~.~

As we approached the indoor training area, located on the outermost edge of the palace grounds, the voices and hubbub inside grew louder and louder. This was where the imperial guard trained when it rained or snowed.

When I stepped inside, the passion and cheering of the crowd crashed over me. It was so overwhelming that my mind went blank for a few seconds. This was actually my first time stepping foot in here. I had visited the outside training area before when socializing with other people, but usually when we entertained visitors the weather was more agreeable than it was today.

This area was significantly more cramped than the dance hall, yet the people crammed in here were no less enthusiastic. Their body heat made the place feel stuffy and suffocating.

Not surprising, I suppose.

The audience was primarily men who’d spent their lives wielding a blade in battle. Their passion, as they watched the other combatants with vested interest, filled the room.

Vice Commander Zack ushered us forward, prompting us to snake our way around the clusters of people. Through the deafening cacophony of other noises, I could hear the sound of ladies crying and cheering in support. Apparently the palace maids had crowded inside as well. Now it made sense why the rest of the palace had seemed so deserted.

Caught up in the intensity of the atmosphere, I lifted my gaze to find a maid who I recognized a short distance ahead of me. Her face lit up the moment she spotted me. “Miss Eli!” The moment she let my name slip, Lilia slapped her hands over her mouth. My cousin was still unaccustomed to life at the palace, having only started working here a short while ago.

Lilia met the amused gazes of the two wise men who had accompanied me and immediately straightened herself and curtseyed. As soon as she finished formally greeting me, she grabbed me and started dragging me through the wall of bodies in front of us. “I can’t believe you! Where have you been? Everyone was looking for you. We checked the archives, the prince’s office... I’m sure the prince will be able to wield his full strength if he knows you’re watching!” As much as she tried, she couldn’t maintain the formal speech expected of someone in her position, nor could she mask her excitement.

Since I had no idea what was going on, I simply let her drag me to the front of the crowd. The moment we emerged, a noisy round of cheers rang out. The first person I spotted was our blond-haired prince. Even in the dim room, his golden hair still reflected the light brilliantly. His face was as handsome as ever, too. His normally inviting smile was now determined and ambitious.

As he stood in front of the silhouette of his felled opponent, it was obvious from his thinly covered chest that his breathing was a bit labored. He held a practice sword in one hand, and despite his clothes looking a bit disheveled, he still maintained a graceful and refined air about him. This man was unparalleled, with such a commanding presence that demanded everyone’s attention.

“The round’s over!” the referee announced. “The winner is Prince Christopher!”

The crowd cried out in celebration once more.

Driven by their support, the prince lifted his head. His vivid, clear blue eyes glimmered in the light. He was the kingdom’s pride and joy, their promising crown prince. His smile shone with dignity. He looked so gallant and indomitable that I felt my heart tremble the moment I looked at him.

My focus on him was disrupted when Lilia grabbed my arm and exuberantly declared, “That’s his third opponent! He’s won every single round! Prince Christopher is incredible. I can’t believe he was able to defeat three of the Black Wing Knights in a row!” She was astounded by the prince’s skill.

The other people in the audience must have been equally surprised. Even though we lived in peaceful times and this was little more than a mock battle, the fact that Lilia and the rest of the crowd were so wildly enthusiastic spoke volumes.

Prince Christopher Selkirk Ashelard was the heir to Sauslind Kingdom’s throne. He was also said to be a direct descendant of the Hero King, the man who had brought the kingdom back from the brink of disaster many years ago.

Normally, His Highness didn’t participate in the twice yearly martial arts tournament; he merely spectated. As a result, very few knew how talented he was at sword fighting. Of course, he had a reputation for being as skilled as the imperial guard, but the reason no one knew the extent of his prowess was because he had never fought in the open like this before.

As the prince flipped the practice sword around in his hand, a fearless grin on his face, his next opponent stepped out into the ring.

Lilia squealed with excitement. “This is the fourth one!” she said.

A knight of equal skill to that of the prince was posed to face His Highness next. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, with gentle facial features. He had bright, sun-kissed brown hair and wore the black garb his order was known for. The man looked so slender and lithe that he resembled a rich young lord more than a fighter.

However, the moment this young man appeared, the prince’s graceful expression became strained. I couldn’t hear over the clamor of the crowd, but his lips moved in what seemed like a derisive remark, though his opponent’s response was a cheerful one. The two of them were most likely acquaintances.

As I tried to wrack my brain for who this mystery man might be, a hand shot out from nearby and began shaking me again. “Oh my God, what am I going to do?! I think he might be my type. Oh no, who should I cheer for then?!”

Cheer for whomever you wish?

More importantly, I wished Lilia would cease with her incessant shaking. I was beginning to feel seasick and I wasn’t even at sea.

While my vision continued to waver, courtesy of my cousin’s enthusiasm, the referee’s voice rang out and the match began.

Blunt swords clanged as they crashed against each other, loud enough to drown out even the noisy chatter of the crowd. My heart fluttered nervously with each blow. This was different from ordinary training, hence my anxiety. Although this was a mock battle, it felt real, as if there was still an intense pressure in the air that said losing was out of the question.

I clasped my hands together nervously as I watched. Nearby, the two elderly wise men and Vice Commander Zack were calmly assessing the battle.

“Hm. His Highness’s usual habits are evident in the way he fights,” said Doctor Harvey.

“Indeed,” Orphen agreed. “Reading your opponents moves doesn’t mean you can always counter them in advance. I believe I taught him as much when we played strategy games together before.”

“I must respectfully disagree.” Zack shook his head. “It’s one thing when he’s facing someone like Commander Glen, who fights on instinct, but His Highness can defeat almost anyone by reading their moves. This man is an exception to the rule, being able to respond to the prince’s attacks like that.” The vice commander seemed genuinely impressed as he watched.

His Highness attempted to deflect his opponent’s attack, only for the knight to cut in front of him. Anger flashed through the prince’s blue eyes.

My hands squeezed so tightly together my knuckles turned white. I was only a novice when it came to swordplay and fighting, but even I knew this knight was not to be underestimated. I could tell the prince’s moves were being pinned down, even as he tried to maintain his composure and shrug off his opponent’s blows.

Worse yet, since he had won several rounds before, the prince was already winded. Fatigue was gradually starting to dull his movements. And although the blades were blunted, there was no guarantee he would get out of this unscathed.

I wish they would just stop this nonsense.

Right as I started clenching my hands so hard they began to shake, the prince dove forward with a blow, only to have it countered. For just a moment, the prince’s chest was left wide open, defenseless. My lungs seemed to freeze. I had no idea what had happened in the span of the few seconds that followed. The knight stepped forward to aim where the prince was most vulnerable, and then he briefly disappeared. A few blinks later and the prince’s sword was soaring through the air while the knight leveled his own blade at His Highness’s throat. Even their positions had changed—all I could see of the prince was his back.

“The round’s over. Drop your weapons!” said the referee.

The crowd cried out, but this time it was in disappointment at the prince’s loss.

I stared blankly. I still wasn’t entirely sure what had happened, but fortunately, the two elderly men beside me were kind enough to offer their explanations.

“Hohoho,” Orphen chuckled. “That knight saw through the prince’s tactics.”

“Indeed. The prince was trying to feign an opening, hoping his opponent would take the bait, but instead the knight used the opportunity to hit him in his blind spot. The knight knew it was a trap. Although the prince intended to ensnare his opponent, he instead left himself with no way to counter the knight’s attack.”

The tension finally left my body as I processed what had occurred. I knew it wasn’t a real battle, but that hadn’t made it any easier on my heart. My hands ached from clenching so hard.

Beside me, Lilia had finally simmered down. “Here,” she said, passing me a large handkerchief. She could sense how I’d been on pins and needles watching the fight, so she was acting like a proper maid now.

It would take courage to step forward with so many eyes focused on the center of the ring, but right now I desperately wanted to confirm the prince was unharmed. I offered Lilia a small, gracious smile before accepting the handkerchief and moving into the limelight. As I approached the prince from behind, he was locked in conversation with the knight who had bested him. Said knight was the first to notice me, and I spoke up before my betrothed could look back and spot me. “Your Highness...”

Those vibrant blue eyes turned to meet mine, wide with surprise. “Eli! You were watching?” He seemed genuinely shocked to find me here.

As he gazed at me, my heart began pounding even louder, but I ignored it; there were more pressing matters that required my attention. “Your Highness, are you injured?” I stepped closer to him, my brows set firm as if I were a doctor examining her patient. My eyes swept over his handsome features, noting how crooked his collar was as I peeked down his neck, past his firm shoulders and arms down to his abdominal muscles. I scrutinized him as though I could somehow will myself to see beneath his clothing and spot any bruises he might have sustained that would escape my notice otherwise.

While I looked him over, the prince delivered some puzzling words. “Eli? I appreciate how assertive you’re being with that feverish look in your eyes, but it would be better if you could save that for when it’s just the two of us.”

Pardon?

I furrowed my brows and peered up at him, blinking slowly. He grinned back at me, and after a few moments, I processed the meaning of his insinuation. The moment I realized how shameful my behavior had been, my face lit up, the blush extending down my neck.

I automatically tried to put some distance between us, but the prince smoothly closed the gap, wrapping an arm around my back. It was obvious he had no intention of allowing me to escape. That brilliant smile of his was keeping me hostage just as much as his arm was.

“If I’d known you were watching, I would’ve done whatever it took to win,” he said. “I regret fighting fair.”

“Your Highness...” I was feeling shy now that I’d remembered we had so many eyes on us.

The prince’s smile widened as he lowered his head toward mine. His voice sounded indulgent as he said, “I haven’t fought that hard in a while. Now I’m covered in sweat. Feels a bit uncomfortable.”

Was he perhaps insinuating he wanted me to wipe away the sweat for him? Was that it?

What in the world is wrong with today? In such a short period, I have been asked to do two of the most difficult things I can imagine.

Silently, I hesitated, reluctant to disturb the beautiful golden locks dangling in front of me. But after a few moments, I summoned my courage and lifted my hand, dabbing the handkerchief against the prince’s cheek. I was as gentle with him as if I were dealing with a newborn chick. My touch must have tickled because his lips broke out into a smile.

“You need to wipe me off properly, Eli.”

Your Highness, how badly must I have wronged you for you to punish me so?

I continued nervously, tears pricking at my eyes from the anxiety and embarrassment. Fortunately, my savior came in the form of a voice calling out from behind us. “Chris, your personality sure has gotten twisted if you get enjoyment out of tormenting the girl you like.”

The prince’s brow twitched.

Before he could react, the cheerful voice continued, hinting at things I’d never heard about the prince before. “In fact, I’ve never seen you with such a sugary sweet expression on your face before. Are you the same fifteen-year-old I remember who used his looks and persuasive skills to take on Luwak’s proprietress? You’re not someone else, are you?”

Midway through the knight speaking, the prince clamped his hands over my ears. He moved as swiftly as Lilia had moments ago, but his hands were gentle so it wasn’t painful. However, by doing so, he did block out all of the clamor and chatter in the room as well.

I blinked and peered up at him. The prince straightened his back, eyes narrow and hostile as he glanced behind me. After exchanging a few words with the knight, he finally released my ears. The prince then turned me around so that I was finally facing the man. He had bright, sunny brown hair and gentle features. He was a bit shorter than the prince, but his amber eyes were amiable and inviting.

The prince made no attempt to hide his disdain for the man as he flippantly motioned to him and said, “His name is Ian Brennan. As you can see, he’s a member of the Black Wing Knights, but you don’t need to remember him. He won’t have anything to do with you.”

It struck me as odd for the prince to speak without restraint in front of so many people. I glanced back at him briefly, but the knight’s chipper voice quickly drew my attention back.

“Thank you for the warm introduction, old friend.” The man offered me a gentle smile and put a hand over his heart, greeting me in the manner most noble lords did. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am part of Sauslind’s army, the Black Wing Knights, led by the Battle God of the East, the Black Eagle himself. The name’s Ian Brennan.” His eyes were alight with curiosity as he peered over at me, but not so probing as to be unsettling.

That amused smile of his widened as he studied me. “I always wondered what extraordinary person had managed to captivate the interest of our two-faced prince. Lady Elianna Bernstein, you are far more innocent and adorable than the stories give you credit for. You deserve better than Chris.”

The prince’s expression hardened as he stood beside me, but I ignored him in favor of curtseying gracefully, as was expected of a lady of my status. It piqued my interest seeing His Highness act this way around someone other than his inner circle. I peered curiously at Lord Ian and asked, “Are you the prince’s friend?”

“That’s right,” he answered without missing a beat.

Our conversation was short lived as another voice interrupted, “If your match is finished, move. You’re disrupting the other combatants by standing in the way.”

Lord Ian immediately corrected his posture and turned toward the man who’d snapped at us. Said man continued grousing, “Also, a military training area is no place for a girl. Didn’t anyone teach you that such behavior is unfit for a lady?”

I could already foresee the prince cutting in to defend me, so I shot my hand out and grabbed his to keep him from speaking. When the two of us turned to face the man addressing us, the first thing I noticed—the man’s most noticeable characteristic—was that he only had one eye. That single, mahogany-colored pupil burned with ambition. His face was peppered with scars that bespoke his experience on the battlefield, making for an impressive sight. The man’s entire body exuded a commanding aura, which made it clear how capable he was. It didn’t matter that he was nearing his seventies; he had the vitality of a fearless warrior still on active duty.

His white hair was clipped short, and he was only a bit taller than me. Most would consider him too petite to call himself a warrior. Yet not a soul in Sauslind—save for perhaps a newborn who might not know any better—would dare to underestimate this man. His gaze was so tense as he stared me down that the whole room seemed to go silent...until his eyes finally softened. “At least,” he added, “I know I taught you better than that, Eli girl.”

I broke out into a smile as I rushed over to him. “Grandpa Teddy!” In spite of him chastising me for my unladylike behavior, I threw my arms around him.

He chuckled as he lifted me up in the air with a strength one wouldn’t expect for someone of his age and size. “Oh! Looks like you’ve gotten a bit heavier since the last time I saw you, my girl. No surprise you’ve grown over the last four years. I hope you’re still the same inside.”

“Y-You’re embarrassing me...!” I felt so ashamed with so many eyes on us that I had to protest, but he merely laughed at my reaction.

This man was General Theoden Bakula. Since he’d retired from the front lines, he was acting as a chief advisor to the Black Wing Knights, an appropriate title for a man his age. Still, there wasn’t a person on the Ars Continent who didn’t know who he was. He’d served the previous monarch, King Claus II.

Back then, our northeastern neighbor, Norn, had been enjoying a prosperous period. They’d joined forces with the former Kai Arg Empire and launched an invasion on our eastern border. The man who’d stopped their incursion with an overwhelming victory was General Theoden. His name had immediately spread as people referred to him as a hero.

The general had numerous other accomplishments as well, but his fighting style had earned him the name “Battle God.” The actual God of Battle was Alegga, whose incarnation in the human world was a black eagle. That was why the general’s order of knights eventually came to be known as the “Black Wing Knights.” They were an army that defended Sauslind’s eastern border. The two strongest military men in Sauslind were General Bakula, the Battle God of the East, and Earl Hayden, the Guardian God of the West.

Young men from across the country were attracted by the tales of Sauslind’s hero and tried to join the Black Wing Knights every year. The barrier for entry was so high that those without the proper skill weren’t even eligible to take part in the preliminary exam. As a result, the Black Wing Knights had a reputation for being the most elite in the kingdom.

As for why such a legendary figure was acquainted with someone like me? Well...

“I came all the way to the capital because I heard you’d come out to greet me, and yet the moment we arrived, they dragged us all to this indoor training area. Utterly ridiculous,” the old general grumbled.

After he returned me to the ground, I promptly apologized. “I’m sorry, but I was certain you wouldn’t arrive until evening.”

He chuckled. “We hurried once the snow started coming down hard.” The expression in his eye seemed to soften, filling with nostalgia as he gazed at me. “Eduard has lamented sending you to the capital because you haven’t gone home ever since.”

“Oh, Grandfather...” Four years had passed since I left, and as I recalled my elderly grandfather’s face, I felt my heart squeeze.

Though it wasn’t really public knowledge, General Bakula and my grandfather were old friends. When I was younger, the general would randomly visit the Bernstein estate, so I’d grown to adore him as much as if he really were my grandfather. He would bring me tales from far away lands and different cultures, educating me on beliefs that had once been commonplace in days long past. He would also regale me with intriguing stories based on his own personal experiences. Soon I began to anticipate his visits, just as with my uncle who brought me accounts of his adventures in ancient ruins.

When I first read the war chronicles and gave the general my analysis, I could never have imagined he was the central figure depicted in them. I had spoken to him about flaws in the tactics of that historical battle and what foreign policies we could have implemented at the time. I was only an ignorant child back then, but what a thing to say to a modern war hero. Thinking back on it made my entire face flush with embarrassment.

Yet for his part, the general had quietly listened despite my immaturity, seeming amused as he’d nodded along. “I’d expect no less from a Bernstein,” he’d said, sounding genuinely impressed.

Much like back then, he still treated me as though I were his grandchild, gently stroking my hair. “There’s no greater joy for an old man than seeing his beloved family in good health. When my next mission ends, why don’t the two of us go back and see him?”

“What?” I blurted in surprise, blinking.

Before I could respond, a hand slipped around my waist and pulled me away from Grandpa Teddy. A familiar aura encompassed me as a chillingly cold voice called out from behind, “General Bakula, per our agreement, I beat three of your knights. From here on out, other than your public duties, I’d like you to refrain from enticing Eli.”

I could almost see the sparks flying as the general’s gaze met Prince Christopher’s, both men glaring. The former finally grunted, sounding displeased. “I’d always planned to choose one of my knights as a partner for her. Not only have you disrupted that, but now you’re pulling this as well... You’re a cunning fellow, I’ll give you that.” Despite addressing royalty, the general spoke bluntly.

I froze up, nervous about how the prince might respond to that.

Instead, a rather anticlimactic voice chimed in, “Hm, that’s interesting.”

As we were conversing in the middle of the building, the two wise men wandered over and joined us. Nearby was Earl Eisenach, the general of the imperial guard. He’d been the one who had led Grandpa Teddy and the Black Wing Knights here to begin with. Currently, it seemed he was gathering Lord Glen and the prince’s personal guard together.

Doctor Harvey was the one who’d made the light-hearted remark a moment ago, and now he continued, “I heard you were acting as Lady Elianna’s guardian and that was why the other nobles agreed to recognize the prince’s engagement to her four years ago. Am I mistaken?”

“What?” I gasped. I’d heard nothing about this before.

Orphen chuckled to himself and added, “Someone with a talent for laying groundwork had already set everything up, but Theoden was the one who sealed the deal by acting as your guarantor.”

This was a shock to me. Not once since I had come to the capital had I noticed the general supporting me in the background. At the same time, it made a certain amount of sense. The Bernsteins were known for little else other than their love of books and didn’t have a very strong position at court. I didn’t believe what His Highness had said about selecting me as a way to balance warring political factions had been a complete lie, though. Nonetheless, Sauslind was relatively stable compared to the other countries on the continent. A recommendation from a prominent figure would be essential for convincing the other senior statesmen that I was a safe choice.

I stood there, feeling a bit lost.

The general’s expression soured as he spat indignantly, “Back then, some emerging noble from the capital came to see me, acting dismissive of the Bernsteins. He asked, ‘Do you know Elianna Bernstein?’ Sounded so high-handed and pompous that I told him, ‘I, Theoden Bakula, can vouch for her character.’ I had no idea he was there doing a background check on her to see if she was qualified to marry the prince.”

Oh goodness... The surprises never ceased. I cupped a hand over my mouth.

Apparently he’d been very worried about me when I debuted into society. He’d feared, seeing as how oblivious I was of the ways of the world and noble society, that I might land myself in trouble. Given how unambitious the Bernsteins were, there were many greedy nobles who saw us as eyesores, making us an easy target.

“Grandpa Teddy,” I murmured quietly.

It was little wonder why then, after being visited by an uppity noble, the elderly general had responded emotionally without thinking the situation through.

He was trying to protect me?

A warmth welled up in my chest. I tried to approach him again, but a hand around my waist stopped me.

The prince had his usual business-like smile on, but there was nothing friendly in his voice as he spoke. “Persistence must be a characteristic unique to the elderly. I even willingly agreed to all of the conditions set before me and never once used your name or the hidden name of the Bernsteins. Eli and I worked together, using our own strengths to gain her acceptance and acknowledgment from the people. Although, I suppose having obstacles to stand in our way has only helped our love grow even stronger. Right, Eli?” He kept me in his embrace as he leaned forward, peeking into my face.

The close proximity had me flustered. “Uh, um...”

The elderly general in front of us, who had more or less been called a hindrance just now, groused, “Orphen! What kind of education have you been giving your pupil?!”

“Hohoho,” the wise man chuckled. “What can I say? He came to me this way.”

Grandpa Teddy shook his head. “Hmph. That merciless, underhanded approach seems too similar to be a coincidence.”

“Merciless? Whatever do you mean?” The two seemed to be old acquaintances and quickly launched into a casual back-and-forth.

Meanwhile, as if to add more fuel to the fire, the prince innocently asked me, “Eli, do you know what the saying is for these kinds of people?”

I blinked back at him.

A grin spread on his lips. “‘The devil’s children have the devil’s luck.’ In other words, bad people tend to thrive the most.”

The three elderly men turned their gazes back to the prince.

Nearby, we could hear the echo of Earl Eisenach as he berated the guards he’d gathered up. “The only person besides Glen to win two bouts was the prince? This is unacceptable!” He scowled at them. “The imperial guard’s duty, its very existence is for the purpose of protecting the capital and the royal family. Maldura’s delegation is on their way. Do you really think we can welcome our archenemies here with you in this state? You lack motivation!”

My heart thudded, though this time for a very different reason. This was why the Black Wing Knights had come to the capital. This was why the prince had taken the initiative to show his prowess at the sword when he normally abstained.

I could hear the footsteps of dread and anxiety creeping up behind me, but they were drowned out by the passion in Earl Eisenach’s voice. “Second division, you lot are attached to the prince and will have the most interaction with Maldura’s delegation. You lack determination, grit, and motivation! I want you outside running laps. On the double!”

A panicked voice of protest rang out instantly—the ginger-haired knight, Lord Glen. “Father! Uh, sorry, I mean, General! While I understand where you’re coming from, you’re asking the impossible. Do you want to have men sent to the infirmary with frostbite?!”

“See, it’s exactly that naive attitude of yours that caused your men to lose. The Black Wing Knights traveled through that blizzard to get here. Don’t get weak at the knees over a bit of snow! You need motivation! And guts!”

“Since when did you start buying into the ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ nonsense?!”

The two launched into what was essentially a family quarrel as the rest of the knights stood around and watched. Vice Commander Zack, who had come to retrieve me earlier, lamented to himself, “Nothing I did mattered...”

As the prince continued bantering with the three elderly men, I gently slipped my hand over the one he had around me. It was almost as if I was unconsciously clinging to him, hoping to borrow from that steadfast confidence he displayed.