Chances to Another Life

11. I'd Prefer Knitting If I Could

My routine was very monotonous. I used to wake up at noon because in the evening I would go to the forest near the palace to set traps (fortunately there were no thorn-tailed panthers). I'd usually catch wild boar, deer, or jumbo-sized rabbits.

During the day, I would supervise Adellia in her course with Aunt Alexa. In addition to training Adellia to be a good mother and wife, I was now an expert in knitting, embroidery, cooking, and taking care of a baby.

On the plus side, I gained more information about Aunt Alexa, who often fights with her husband because he can't fold clothes properly.

I hoped I wouldn't lose this knowledge when I returned to my world.

In the afternoon, I sat in the cottage and looked at the colorful flowers. To be honest, I hadn't really understood Adellia, let alone figured out how to separate her from Elliot.

Even today, I was alone in my cottage after attending Aunt Alexa's baby bathing class.

After returning from the library the other day, Adellia was back to her lethargic, lackluster self. It seemed like she was really only sharing her joy and laughter with Elliot. I, on the other hand, was preparing for my execution.

Fortunately, the king was not so suspicious that he had to send people to keep an eye on us. That's why the king didn't know that Adellia had sneaked away to meet Elliot.

Adellia didn't say anything to me, and I kept it a secret that I knew what she was doing.

I thought I was really friends with Adellia. But it seemed like she was just using me. Even after that, we didn't talk much, the situation became uncomfortable. Adellia would go back to her room as soon as the course was over.

I've never liked anyone, so I don't know what it feels like to be in love. Well, I liked a girl in elementary school, but that was just puppy love for a kid.

When I thought about it, I thought about Katharina. She had a lot of fans and was adored, she also dated a lot of famous and rich guys. If I could only get in touch with her, I would have asked her for advice.

I looked at the palace tower where many soldiers were on duty. They looked dashing and powerful, in stark contrast to me, who was still nothing even after being given a second chance at life.

Speaking of which, I haven't seen Cedric since the hunt a week ago. He's been busy with his work as military commander. I caught a few glimpses of him around the palace.

Without realizing it, I had plucked and picked five rose petals. Ah, I didn't want to get in trouble with the royal gardener. Then I decided to prepare some arrows for hunting later that night.

Who knows, I might get an epiphany while being chased by a wild boar.

The sound of a galloping horse stopped in front of me. I turned to find a guard— whose face I recognized, but not his name—giving me a sharp look.

I often felt that the palace guards and soldiers didn't like me. I often received deathly stares, especially when I was with Adellia.

"You have been summoned by His Majesty," he said.

I frowned. One thing crossed my mind: would the king know what had happened in the library? If so, I would have to say goodbye to my beautiful and cozy cottage.

Before I could answer, the guard had already spurred his horse to leave. That meant I had to walk back to the palace, which took about 15 minutes.

I took a deep breath as I arrived at the gilded and carved double doors of Swinggelir Palace, where the king and queen worked. I had probably walked into this room many times before, but I was still unfamiliar with it.

Once I was sure, I slowly knocked on the door. A guard opened it from the inside. There was King Swindon sitting at his desk, with files of God-knows-what piled up on the table.

"You sent for me, Your Majesty?" I said humbly. The reason was that the King might not execute me if I was polite.

King Swindon put his hands together on the table, he looked serious—although he was always serious, but this time it was different.

His white hair and scars still intimidated me so much that I wanted to leave immediately.

"What about your supervision of Adellia?" he asked in a baritone voice.

"Adellia is doing well in course." I swallowed nervously. "Nothing has happened. Princess Adellia is going about her routine as usual," I concluded.

I hoped my voice didn't imply that I was lying.

I don't know if the King Swindon took my answer well or not, because he was very expressionless.

"Bringing Adellia and Cedric closer together is difficult because Adellia always refuses, even when Cedric has made time." The king began to vent.

I could breathe a little easier because he didn't seem to suspect my explanation.

"What is your impression of Cedric?" he asked.

I didn't know what to say. It would be a strange gossip if I called him handsome—after all, he was handsome— but on the other hand, I didn't really care enough to want to pay attention to him.

We just shared the same experience of being chased by Panther.

"A smart, kind young man, and I can sense the sincerity of his feelings for Adellia. He's not a man who will be a stumbling block for Adellia in her future role," I replied.

I'm not lying, really. Although I did exaggerate a little.

King Swindon's face did not change, but I could see the satisfaction in his expression.

"You have good eyes," he complimented me. I hoped it was true, for in my world I was nearsighted.

Then he leaned into me until I kept from pulling away. Just so you know, every time I met him, I was never allowed to sit down.

"I think I let you off too easy," he said later.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Your work is too easy for a hunter. Supervising a girl taking sewing and cooking lessons? Bah, I can't even imagine."

It looked like the king would die of a heart attack if he knew I was involved in those activities.

I waited impatiently for him to finish.

"I'm putting you in the military, under Cedric. That's a good thing, isn't it? Your senses will be dulled if you stay around the palace," he said proudly.

I forced a smile. The military? Seriously. Was he going to make me a free reservist for this ever-conflicted kingdom?

"I've told Cedric, and you can start tomorrow. Don't worry about Adellia, I'll assign her maids as your replacements," he continued.

I want to be king. It seems so good to control people's destinies so arbitrarily.

"If that is Your Majesty's will, I would be honored to carry it out," I said, bowing respectfully.

I wanted to scream, really? I could handle arrows, but other weapons? I even ignored the sword I had in the cottage for fear it would accidentally fall through my legs.

I smiled wryly.

"A year ago, when you saved Adellia from the bear, you were very good at fighting. After that, you hunted a lot to provide food for the palace. I expect something from you this time, too, Joe," King Swindon concluded with a smile that looked more like a grin.

That alone would make my courage sink to the pit of my stomach. I had to meet that expectation, for it was a mandate from the King.

Apparently, Solace is good at making up stories. Where did he get the idea when he saw me, skinny and clumsy Joe, and decided that I would become a hunter who was good at fighting?

I really wanted to meet Solace.

I couldn't help but agree. As I was about to leave, King Swindon said again, "Let this be your attempt to get to know Cedric, to make sure he does not give up on Adellia. That's all you have to do. From now on, I will personally take care of Adellia and Elliot."

It turned out that this was the king's true intention, wrapped in pleasantries. I couldn't help but think about Adellia's fate. I was willing to bet that she wouldn't have the chance to go to the library to exchange letters with Elliot.

I walked down the palace corridor, stumbling like a drunkard. There were so many thoughts running through my mind that I couldn't contain them.

"Joe." Adellia appeared from another room, seemingly waiting for me. She called out with a worried tone. "What could it be that Father suddenly summoned you?"

I leaned against the window frame dramatically. The sky of Swinggelir kingdom had already indicated the arrival of night.

"I will start my military career tomorrow and onwards," I answered without hesitation. Adellia looked surprised.

"So, you won't accompany me anymore?" she whispered.

"This is an order from His Majesty the King."

As I said that, Adellia's face showed extreme sadness. She knew her fate was now back in her father's hands.

I felt sorry for her to some extent, but considering how Adellia used me in the library, I thought she needed to be taught a lesson about her behavior.

"May your day always be good." I prepared to leave, but there was one thing I forgot to mention.

"I suggest you don't try sneaking into the library to meet Elliot. I can tolerate it because I am only your supervisor, but I don't know what the King would do."

Adellia gasped with wide eyes, she shook her head as if denying it, but then wiped away tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Joe. It wasn't my intention to use you," she said with a trembling voice.

I turned my face away and continued walking. Not acknowledging the Princess' apology.