My trainer, Imelda, instructed me to look at the target and fasten myself on the red dot as I struggled to concentrate on the target's exact center even though it was about 500 meters away and my arms were shaking as I had extended the bowstring."Release!" When I heard the cue, I let go of the arrow. I quickly drop the heavy bow and grasp the steel bar beside me. My arms are so tired that I can't even lift them. My energy appears to be completely consumed by the heavy bow."That's the lowest class bow, Nicholas, and you can't even handle it without your arms trembling? You wanted to be a weapon master, but look at you, relying on a mere steel bar to support you after just one shot?" she reprimanded as she began to gather the three different types of bows in front of me. She lifted the bow I used, loaded it with three golden arrows, and stood confidently, aiming at the 500-meter target. I was watching her every move and listening intently to everything she said.She fires the arrow, a
Milla"Have you noticed it?""Definitely, Sir." "I felt a strong pull, which I never experienced even during my time among the mages in Rendyl. I'm sure you didn't expect it as well as someone who was born in a mana-filled environment.""Yes, General. It was no ordinary flow of mana,"I stood in the commander's office where General Nathaniel was staying for this month's army meeting."I want you to keep an eye on him, and when the opportunity arises, tell him everything. Help him control it while I investigate him and his family. You may leave now, Milla, and do tell the commander that I have things to tell him about the meeting today.""As you command, General," I said and bowed before leaving the office.General Commander/Duke Nathaniel Treston possesses the same capability as me. And it is the capability to manipulate man. Despite not being born in Rendyl, his link to the kingdom lies in his mother, who is a Rendyl citizen, making him a fellow mana user. It was through his assist
"Master?" I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice he was calling me already."Sorry, Prince Xydel. I thought she looked familiar, but then I realized that she looked like the young princess," I said chuckling, masking the confusion that I was feeling.The prince just nodded and kept on showing me other portraits of the other Royal families and where they are now. After giving me a tour of the Palace's garden, which is off-limits to most people unless they have permission from the Royal Family, he mentioned that he had to go to a court meeting with the Aristocrats and other court officials."Good luck, Your Highness. Please believe in your skills and capabilities and show them that you are the Crown Prince of this Kingdome," "Thanks, master. And feel free to talk to me casually, no need to address me as Prince or Your Highness. I even call you master in front of everyone because I respect you," he said, sounding a bit sulky."I mean, everyone calls you that because we a
"Sir Alexander! It's good to see you today!" The queen said when she saw the vassal. "Good day to the beautiful moon of the Sataraia," he said and bowed gracefully to the Queen. "I heard from the King that you will meet Prince Xydel's trainer, so I spare some time to join you."He said looking at me. When our eyes met he nodded his head and smiled at me which gave me the creeps. "Oh, how nice of you. Come in, join us," he entered the room and made his way toward the seat across from mine. Prince Xydel sat beside me and the princess beside her mother. "Your uniform suits you well, Sir Nicholas. Not all soldiers look good in that uniform." the Vassal said. The way he looks at me suggests something. Suddenly, the scene on my first duty came into my mind. He likes young boys like me. "Thank you, Sir," I said even though I felt really uneasy with the look that he was giving me. "It does suit you master." the Prince said as lively as ever, agreeing to the Vassal. "Oh I forgot to introd
"The Queen requests your presence tomorrow," the Commander said as I was eating my breakfast in the dining hall. "What?" I said a little shock. I tried recalling what I did for the past days, but as long as I can remember I haven't done anything that offended the Queen or any of the Royals."Well, she just relayed the message to me.""Thank you, Commander," I said still thinking about the Queen's request to see me tomorrow. If I'm not mistaken, the Queen is really nice and kind compared to the King. Since polygamy is not a thing here, her children are the sole heir to the throne, so there's no competition on it except for her own children.After finishing my meal, I headed towards my quarters to prepare for my daily duty at the training ground. I was already in possession of my uniform and it fit me perfectly. It's a Black and Gold army uniform similar to the captain's, except for the embroidered logo on the shoulder and chest which distinguished us from them.I got used to everythin
The prince has improved so much since he opened up to me. He also practices authority most of the time and that's a good thing already.During my personal training, a lot of the soldiers in training were asked to spar with me, but of course, I'm not gonna do it with them. Everything has been well here in the training ground, except, everyone seems to hate me so much because of the favors that I have been receiving. As I began my work in the training area, I couldn't help but notice Milla. She was always on her own, sparring with no one but herself. It was hard not to see that she was being bullied by a group of female knights. They would throw things at her and even go so far as to splash her with dirty water. It was cruel and unfair treatment, but Milla never seemed to react to it. Instead, she would just look at them and walk away, which only caused the other soldiers to laugh at her. It was far from the Milla I knew in the training camp. Back then, she was a fierce and fearless fi
Commander Dyle's voice boomed, "How many times do I have to remind you to keep your head cool? You're assigned to a new post, and you're already getting reassigned on your first day?" I knew better than to argue with him and kept silent, just following him.Suddenly, he opened up and shared something personal, "I'm a peasant as well. Born in the poorest part of the country." His voice suddenly shifts to his normal one. I was intrigued, wondering why he was telling me this."Is that why you were angry with the soldiers?" I asked out of curiosity."Don't assume that I did it for you. I did it for myself." He replied firmly, "When you beat them, I saw myself in you, as I had done the same thing in the past.""I was quite taken aback when they referred to me as the vassal's toy boy.""He has a reputation in this place. As you may already know, in the past, good-looking recruits were usually recommended by the Vassal. These recruits were usually from commoner villages or low-ranking noble
Milla was surrounded by our fellow royal guards as if they were being friendly with her. Not until I saw one of them grab Milla's shoulder to get her attention."Don't even try to be involved with them. This is one of the things that she should overcome to prove herself."Just then I realized what they usually say when you are working in the palace: everyone is your enemy. I continue eating fighting the urge to go to approach Milla.After eating with the commander, he asked me to meet him at the entrance of the training area and informed me that I would be assigned to the southern gate of the Palace, and he would personally guide me there.After taking a quick bath, I put on the temporary uniform provided to me. To be honest, I didn't think I would get a job here after losing in the tournament. But thankfully, the King has shown me his favor and granted me this opportunity.I put on my boots and headed straight to the meeting place. The area was radiant in the sunlight, with soldiers
The commander and I both kneel as soon as the crown prince walks into the chamber."I greet the only star of the empire, Prince Xydel Fredyn Eran.""It's good to see you again, Commander Dyle." The little prince's gentle voice is much different from the king's.Like Commander Dyle, I got to my feet.I bowed and said, "Nicholas Avenier greets the Crown Prince.""So you are the new teacher that His Majesty hires?""Yes, Your Highness. I'm truly honored for this given opportunity.""It's nothing, Sir Nicholas. I look forward to our classes together," he replied with warmth.The Prince is a more delicate person than the king, who has an authoritative demeanor. Perhaps, for this reason, Commander Dyle is quite attached to him."I still have a class to attend, so I'll excuse myself," he whispered before leaving the room.Commander Dyle accompanied me to the chamber reserved for the knights and guards. I thank him before entering the room to which I have been assigned.I start by observing e
When I realized that we had already docked, I returned to the carriage. We will arrive at the palace before dusk, the coachman assured. I was simply glancing out the carriage window, observing the residents of the capital. Much nobility is strolling around the bustling streets, and guards are on patrol. The coachman makes a halt at a restaurant a short while later. "Mr. Avenier, you will eat here before continuing on your journey to the palace," the coachman stated with courtesy. I gave a nod and exited the carriage. People are simply passing by it, treating it like any other neighborhood eatery. Perhaps as a result of its extremely plain external decoration? The coachman stayed at the carriage, but I ignored the thought and went into the restaurant. With hesitation, I opened the door, and a well-dressed man welcomed me right away. "Mr. Aveneir, right? Count Frenp asked us to serve you well for today," he continued, sounding as though he was anticipating me. " This is the tab