"You finally wake up," a familiar voice said as I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by a wooden wall. "You were asleep for two whole days because you lost too much blood during the tournament," Mr. Hans explained as he handed me a glass of water.
"Sir," I said, struggling to get out of bed. "What happened when I passed out?"
"Obviously, Milla Bryson won. After you passed out, Milla was the only one who remained conscious." I exhaled, dismayed.
"I know how upsetting it is, becoming the champion is within your grasp but has suddenly become out of reach, this means that you have something more important to do than be the champion. Learn from what happened and try to figure out why it happened."
"I'll go tell your trainer you've regained consciousness," he adds as he walks out of the room.
I drank the water Mr. Hans had given me while staring out the window beside my bed. The event has been over for two days, and I'm curious what kind of awarding ceremony took place. I sighed and drank the last of the water in my glass.
"You're sighing as if you're carrying the weight of the universe," I look at the person who had entered my room. "You look great. Seems like you've already recovered," Liam said as he sat on the chair next to my bed. His head was wrapped in bandages, and his arms were similarly wrapped as well.
"I heard Milla decided to join the Royal Knights and she'll start training tomorrow," he continued, informing me of Milla's decision.
"It's obvious that she'll choose it over the Academy. We all know how much she enjoys pounding, kicking, and beating people up."
Liam made a funny face. "That sounds jealous, bro."
"I'm fine with Milla winning. In the first place, I passed out and was unable to fight."
"I had no idea what was going on when Hugo hit me with a brass knuckle. I, too, woke up disappointed with myself. I could have done better, but my body can only handle so much. The same goes for you, too much blood loss is no joke, you could have died, you know." He scolded me somewhat.
"I didn't notice it though. I'm too focused on winning to worry about how I'm feeling anymore," I said, trying to recall what I did during the last minute of my consciousness on the competition.
"Don't worry about it, bro. Let's just try again next year," Liam said.
"I doubt it, Mr. Tyren." We both glance at the door, where Imelda is standing. She walks up to the bedside table and places the container she is carrying on it.
My brow creased with concern.
"What exactly do you mean, Ms. Imelda? Nicholas will not participate in the event the following year. Why is that?" When Liam asked what was on my mind, I simply waited for Imelda's response.
"Someone offered him the chance to mentor his son," she remarked as she transferred the meal to a plate. My mouth watered. I didn't realize I was hungry until I saw the food.
"And who is he?" Liam inquired, intrigued.
"Well, none other than the one and only Crown Prince of Sataraia," she says as she hands me the dish, and I take a bite right away.
"I suppose sleeping for two days will make you starving to the point that you wouldn't notice what's going on around you."
I look at Liam, who looks at me as if I've done something awful.
"Man! You'll be the Crown Prince's instructor! Don't you even find that news shocking?" He cried out.
Imelda tapped Liam on the shoulder, "Mr. Tyren, let's just let him rest and regain his strength."
I was packing my stuff when Imelda knocked on my quarters' door.
"You've lived here since you arrived at the camp. The four corners of this room have witnessed how hard you have worked to obtain what you have now." She sat on my bed and watched me place my things on the box that would contain the belongings that I would take to the capital.
The competition has been over for a week. And I somehow recovered the next day. The director gave me a certificate proving that I was a trainee at the Sataraia training camp. The news that the King had chosen me to be the Prince's training mentor traveled throughout the entire Western region of the kingdom, where the camp is located. I'm sure it reached my mother's ears by now.
"It's been almost two years. I was once a feeble guy who was unfamiliar with weaponry. But now I can wield each weapon to its maximum potential." I chuckled as I recalled the events of the previous months.
The room was deafeningly quiet until Imelda spoke up.
"I know you have goals other than acquiring strength. I assume you wish to use this on someone with power." I gave her a quick glance. "However, whoever it is, I hope you keep your cool. Always think about everything before acting, especially your mother. You're doing this for her, right? "For a while, I kept quiet. Of course, Imelda would be skeptical of my motives. A weak boy enters the camp, with little knowledge of fighting, machines, weapons, and other camp-related matters.
I sighed and closed the final box containing my things. "I'm only going to claim what's mine," I explained before taking my baggage. "I am extremely grateful for your patience with me. I will be eternally grateful, Ms. Imelda. You taught me many things, and I thank you for continually reminding me of my purpose. That is my main goal, to reclaim what is rightfully mine and my mother's. I'm going to head out now. I hope everything will be in its proper place the next time we meet," I said as I left the training camp that had provided me with many opportunities to prepare myself.
When I was ready to board the carriage provided for me, I heard a man yell my name. Liam was rushing when I noticed him.
"Really? You're going to leave without even saying goodbye to your sparring partner?" He was panting.
"Man, this isn't our farewell," I said. "We'll still meet in the Palace," I answered with a grin. He quickly straightens his back, trying to appear confident. We both chuckle.
"Best of luck, man." He looked at me like an older brother happy for his younger brother and said, "You deserve it because you're not only physically strong but your care for those around you is certainly one of the strong attributes a true champion must have." I thanked him and bid him goodbye. I finally sat inside the carriage and began my journey home.
"I told you not to push yourself to be the winner, Nicholas!" My mother said as soon as I told her everything that happened throughout the tournament. We're currently enjoying lunch in the dining room of our home."But I'm fine now, mom. I'm here standing strong and healthy," I say proudly."You stubborn child!""Don't be upset, my dear mother. I have a suggestion," I said. She waited for me to continue "You know I have to work within the Palace mother, and I was wondering if you wanted to move to the capital so I could pay you more visits.""No chance, Nicholas. I don't like where this talk is going," she continued to eat. "But, Mom, the capital is almost a day's ride by vessel. If you stay here I won't be able to visit you as often.""I'm okay with it, Nicholas. I can visit you, but I won't be staying in the capital," she said firmly making me sigh in defeat."All right, mom. But, please, stay safe here.""Nothing happened to me during the months you were gone, so I'm good," I nodde
A high-ranking noble. It's been five days since we went to the Count's house and since I knew that information about my father. I kept my silence and did not dare ask my mother about it. Days passed by quickly and I just did my routine every day. Tania's joining me on my morning practice, and then I'll help my mother with her chores throughout the day like, going to the market and cleaning the house. Sometimes Reiss visits me asking about my final plan but most of the time bragging about his lover."Are all your belongings ready?" My mother asks as she checks the boxes full of personal stuff which I will bring to the capital tomorrow."Yes, Mom.""Nicholas, try not to involve yourself with the Royal Family too much or any other nobles. They are all dangerous, and no one but you can protect yourself from those of power." My mother said worriedly."Mom, I can protect myself and I promise I'll just do my job to teach the Crown Prince, nothing more." She nodded. I understand why she kee
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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