“You really annoy people.”
Even from the perspective of someone who didn't know it was an act, it would have been natural to think that way. Even Ivan, who knew it was an act, seemed genuinely annoyed.
“It’s all done.”
The maid carefully stepped back, placing a bonnet over Amelia's head and tying a string under her chin.
"Thank you."
Amelia gently complimented the maid's skillful fingertips and left the West Palace. Mrs. Howard, who had been holding Ian in her arms and had come out to the lobby, greeted Amelia.
“Ian, have fun.”
Amelia briefly kissed Ian on the forehead before boarding the carriage. It was the day of the competition for the 3rd Division of Imperial Knights, comprised entirely of commoners.
“Let’s go.”
The carriage wheels began to roll. As the carriage rolled along, accompanied by its characteristically unpleasant vibration, Amelia recalled the circumstances that led to today's events.
“Yes. Your opinion is plausible.”
Ivan ultimately decided to hold a competition among commoner knights, promising to assign the two most skilled to serve as bodyguards for Amelia and Ian. He also added that the top 30 would have the honor of securing their positions on the day Ian was crowned Crown Prince.
The common knights cheered at the news that they would even be able to watch the match. Not only was it enough to see the faces of those they rarely saw in their lifetimes, but they were also able to attend the imperial banquet. Naturally, they were delighted.
“Louis said that you are good at scratching the Emperor’s pride.”
Aaron didn't hand over the list of private soldiers. Since Ivan would personally attend the match and select the attendees, Amelia couldn't arbitrarily select the personnel. Furthermore, he seemed reluctant to leave any traces. He was naturally cautious.
However, Aaron gave a hint: the black fringe on the handles of their swords would make them easily distinguishable.
“I guess you had a really great love affair.”
Aaron, who had given her the hint, judged Amelia that way. "How dare you flirt with another man?" he said. His face was expressionless, but the jealousy in his eyes was enough to read it.
“In the end, it was better than dating you.”
So Amelia lashed out at him with words even sharper than the jealousy he'd hurled at her. But honestly, she hadn't intended to hurt him with those words.
Whether Aaron Skipper loved her or not was beyond Amelia's consideration. What did she care about his twisted affection, formed in a way she didn't even know existed, or his sincerity, which could be hurt by a single word?
“Problems between men and women are none of your business.”
Everything was true, unfaltering. She had never once seen him as anything but rational, and she knew she would never be with Aaron Skipper, no matter who else she might be with. Even if he died immediately, it wouldn't have any effect on Amelia's life.
“...I guess so.”
If that impassive face had cracked, she could have laughed, but Aaron's meticulous control of his expression made even that impossible. It was a little sad.
“Your Ladyship, we have arrived at the 3rd Division’s training ground.”
Amelia sighed, feeling regretful that she couldn't laugh at Aaron, when the carriage stopped. After Louis, Amelia disembarked and looked around. She wasn't even in the center of the training grounds, just nearby, yet the musty smell of dust and the musty smell of men was already mingling.
“...”
For Amelia, accustomed to always living in immaculately maintained spaces, this was an unfamiliar space. However, Ivan, who had disembarked from the carriage before Amelia, watched the knights chanting in the training grounds with a proud expression.
“I will show you to your seat.”
Of course, she couldn't focus on it for long. She didn't want to look strange to others. Amelia followed the instructions of the Knight Commander, who offered to serve her, and moved to her seat. Ivan appeared shortly after and sat down next to Amelia.
“Let us see if they are as outstanding as you say, and if they are truly capable of putting the knights guarding the palace to shame.”
“They are protected by God, so they will be satisfied.”
Ivan spoke sarcastically, not forgetting. Amelia mocked him with a smile and turned her gaze directly toward him. The knights, who had paused their training upon noticing the guest's arrival, were now lined up in their field of vision.
“Let the game begin.”
Ivan raised one hand and gave a light command. The common knights, recognizing his gesture, instantly moved and returned to their positions. The number was exactly halved.
The competition proceeded by halving the number of players each time. Finally, when thirty-two players remained, Ivan announced that the competition would be held as an individual tournament, not a team tournament.
“I look forward to your achievements.”
Of the thirty-two men, all but five were private soldiers from noble families. This was a painting Ivan and Amelia had crafted with a purpose, but honestly, it was also a testament to their skill. It seemed the Duke of Russell wasn't unjustly confident that they would all pass the test.
“How are you?”
It was a moment when the sound of swords clashing sharply pierced her ears. Amelia asked Ivan, who was concentrating on the match.
“What?”
“Do you think their skills are inferior to those of the knights in the palace?”
Ivan chuckled at Amelia's question. It felt like he was being seen through.
“It’s not enough.”
“...”
"Because it feels more like a mercenary than a knight. In a competitive game, not a war, you shouldn't act like you're going to kill your opponent."
Ivan spoke firmly. It was the moment when the man who had just won the second round roared with joy and raised his arms. A roar of cheers erupted. The man who had dropped his sword and knelt before him, panting heavily, gritted his teeth, his eyes unwavering in fighting spirit.
“...But I admit it. It’s impressive.”
Ivan added quietly.
"Thank god."
After Amelia said that, she leaned back comfortably in her chair. It was thanks to the ten-minute break given to those who had played until the very last match before the final one.
“Louis, if it’s painful to watch, you can step away for a moment.”
Amelia pretended to be a fairly generous host and offered Louis a favor. Louis, unaccustomed to embarrassing situations, was embarrassed by the sight of blood during the match. She seemed to want to run away at any moment.
“The Priestess is here, so I can’t do that...”
“Or even just a little break.”
Louis rolled her eyes at Amelia's words. Then, perhaps figuring it wouldn't be a big deal to leave for a break, she quickly nodded.
“Go rest.”
At Amelia's words, Louis was guided into the building by someone.
“She's so weak.”
Louis, who had grown up beautifully as a noblewoman, had no immunity to anything cruel or ugly.
“Because she is a precious young lady.”
Amelia nodded in agreement with Ivan's sarcastic remark. Ivan looked back at Amelia with a subtle expression. Ivan didn't ask any questions, and Amelia didn't respond. But there was a clear exchange of questions and answers between them. Ivan's face grew cold, a testament to this.
“Let’s resume the game.”
Exactly ten minutes later, Ivan gave the order. The two common knights, who would be the last to fight, stood facing each other and bowed politely.
“Let’s get started.”
And with Ivan's command, the sharp sound of metal scraping against metal echoed through the air. Even though they knew they were on the same side, their rough demeanor, as if they didn't mind tearing their opponent's throat, was impressive. She could now understand what Ivan meant by "the feeling of a mercenary, not a knight."
“...”
The match, which had been a series of exchanges of attacks, had already reached over 20 rounds. As everyone watched their match with weary faces, the blade fell to the floor with an ear-piercing clang.
“Wow, wow!”
When someone erupted in cheers, the stadium was instantly filled with a roar of excitement, as if watching a martial arts competition or a horse racing bet. Ivan joined in, clapping along.
“What is the name of the person who came in first place?”
“This is Harry.”
“Bring the winner, Harry, here.”
And naturally, he led the winner closer to them. Amelia glanced at the black handkerchief wrapped around Harry's scabbard as he approached, and smiled.
"Harry. As promised, I hereby grant you the honorable task of guarding the Priestess while she remains at the palace."
“I accept your glorious command.”
A man named Harry received the honorable award from Ivan while kneeling on the floor.
“Congratulations. And I hope you have a great day.”
And as a knight, he kissed the back of Amelia's hand as she approached him and greeted him.
“The one whose sword is cut will be the bodyguard of Ian, who will become the Crown Prince.”
At that moment, Amelia's body was pushed back. Ivan's thick body had naturally wedged itself between Harry and Amelia. Unable to conceal her confusion, Amelia blinked, only to find herself standing behind Ivan.
“And the remaining thirty, as previously stated, will have the honor of attending the Crown Prince’s investiture day.”
When Harry kissed the back of his hand, he was wearing gloves, so he couldn't really feel the contact. But Ivan stroked it vigorously, as if trying to erase the trace, and then pulled away. Though it was only a brief moment, the contact was particularly vivid.
Even from the perspective of someone who didn't know it was an act, it would have been natural to think that way. Even Ivan, who knew it was an act, seemed genuinely annoyed.
“It’s all done.”
The maid carefully stepped back, placing a bonnet over Amelia's head and tying a string under her chin.
"Thank you."
Amelia gently complimented the maid's skillful fingertips and left the West Palace. Mrs. Howard, who had been holding Ian in her arms and had come out to the lobby, greeted Amelia.
“Ian, have fun.”
Amelia briefly kissed Ian on the forehead before boarding the carriage. It was the day of the competition for the 3rd Division of Imperial Knights, comprised entirely of commoners.
“Let’s go.”
The carriage wheels began to roll. As the carriage rolled along, accompanied by its characteristically unpleasant vibration, Amelia recalled the circumstances that led to today's events.
“Yes. Your opinion is plausible.”
Ivan ultimately decided to hold a competition among commoner knights, promising to assign the two most skilled to serve as bodyguards for Amelia and Ian. He also added that the top 30 would have the honor of securing their positions on the day Ian was crowned Crown Prince.
The common knights cheered at the news that they would even be able to watch the match. Not only was it enough to see the faces of those they rarely saw in their lifetimes, but they were also able to attend the imperial banquet. Naturally, they were delighted.
“Louis said that you are good at scratching the Emperor’s pride.”
Aaron didn't hand over the list of private soldiers. Since Ivan would personally attend the match and select the attendees, Amelia couldn't arbitrarily select the personnel. Furthermore, he seemed reluctant to leave any traces. He was naturally cautious.
However, Aaron gave a hint: the black fringe on the handles of their swords would make them easily distinguishable.
“I guess you had a really great love affair.”
Aaron, who had given her the hint, judged Amelia that way. "How dare you flirt with another man?" he said. His face was expressionless, but the jealousy in his eyes was enough to read it.
“In the end, it was better than dating you.”
So Amelia lashed out at him with words even sharper than the jealousy he'd hurled at her. But honestly, she hadn't intended to hurt him with those words.
Whether Aaron Skipper loved her or not was beyond Amelia's consideration. What did she care about his twisted affection, formed in a way she didn't even know existed, or his sincerity, which could be hurt by a single word?
“Problems between men and women are none of your business.”
Everything was true, unfaltering. She had never once seen him as anything but rational, and she knew she would never be with Aaron Skipper, no matter who else she might be with. Even if he died immediately, it wouldn't have any effect on Amelia's life.
“...I guess so.”
If that impassive face had cracked, she could have laughed, but Aaron's meticulous control of his expression made even that impossible. It was a little sad.
“Your Ladyship, we have arrived at the 3rd Division’s training ground.”
Amelia sighed, feeling regretful that she couldn't laugh at Aaron, when the carriage stopped. After Louis, Amelia disembarked and looked around. She wasn't even in the center of the training grounds, just nearby, yet the musty smell of dust and the musty smell of men was already mingling.
“...”
For Amelia, accustomed to always living in immaculately maintained spaces, this was an unfamiliar space. However, Ivan, who had disembarked from the carriage before Amelia, watched the knights chanting in the training grounds with a proud expression.
“I will show you to your seat.”
Of course, she couldn't focus on it for long. She didn't want to look strange to others. Amelia followed the instructions of the Knight Commander, who offered to serve her, and moved to her seat. Ivan appeared shortly after and sat down next to Amelia.
“Let us see if they are as outstanding as you say, and if they are truly capable of putting the knights guarding the palace to shame.”
“They are protected by God, so they will be satisfied.”
Ivan spoke sarcastically, not forgetting. Amelia mocked him with a smile and turned her gaze directly toward him. The knights, who had paused their training upon noticing the guest's arrival, were now lined up in their field of vision.
“Let the game begin.”
Ivan raised one hand and gave a light command. The common knights, recognizing his gesture, instantly moved and returned to their positions. The number was exactly halved.
***
The competition proceeded by halving the number of players each time. Finally, when thirty-two players remained, Ivan announced that the competition would be held as an individual tournament, not a team tournament.
“I look forward to your achievements.”
Of the thirty-two men, all but five were private soldiers from noble families. This was a painting Ivan and Amelia had crafted with a purpose, but honestly, it was also a testament to their skill. It seemed the Duke of Russell wasn't unjustly confident that they would all pass the test.
“How are you?”
It was a moment when the sound of swords clashing sharply pierced her ears. Amelia asked Ivan, who was concentrating on the match.
“What?”
“Do you think their skills are inferior to those of the knights in the palace?”
Ivan chuckled at Amelia's question. It felt like he was being seen through.
“It’s not enough.”
“...”
"Because it feels more like a mercenary than a knight. In a competitive game, not a war, you shouldn't act like you're going to kill your opponent."
Ivan spoke firmly. It was the moment when the man who had just won the second round roared with joy and raised his arms. A roar of cheers erupted. The man who had dropped his sword and knelt before him, panting heavily, gritted his teeth, his eyes unwavering in fighting spirit.
“...But I admit it. It’s impressive.”
Ivan added quietly.
"Thank god."
After Amelia said that, she leaned back comfortably in her chair. It was thanks to the ten-minute break given to those who had played until the very last match before the final one.
“Louis, if it’s painful to watch, you can step away for a moment.”
Amelia pretended to be a fairly generous host and offered Louis a favor. Louis, unaccustomed to embarrassing situations, was embarrassed by the sight of blood during the match. She seemed to want to run away at any moment.
“The Priestess is here, so I can’t do that...”
“Or even just a little break.”
Louis rolled her eyes at Amelia's words. Then, perhaps figuring it wouldn't be a big deal to leave for a break, she quickly nodded.
“Go rest.”
At Amelia's words, Louis was guided into the building by someone.
“She's so weak.”
Louis, who had grown up beautifully as a noblewoman, had no immunity to anything cruel or ugly.
“Because she is a precious young lady.”
Amelia nodded in agreement with Ivan's sarcastic remark. Ivan looked back at Amelia with a subtle expression. Ivan didn't ask any questions, and Amelia didn't respond. But there was a clear exchange of questions and answers between them. Ivan's face grew cold, a testament to this.
“Let’s resume the game.”
Exactly ten minutes later, Ivan gave the order. The two common knights, who would be the last to fight, stood facing each other and bowed politely.
“Let’s get started.”
And with Ivan's command, the sharp sound of metal scraping against metal echoed through the air. Even though they knew they were on the same side, their rough demeanor, as if they didn't mind tearing their opponent's throat, was impressive. She could now understand what Ivan meant by "the feeling of a mercenary, not a knight."
“...”
The match, which had been a series of exchanges of attacks, had already reached over 20 rounds. As everyone watched their match with weary faces, the blade fell to the floor with an ear-piercing clang.
“Wow, wow!”
When someone erupted in cheers, the stadium was instantly filled with a roar of excitement, as if watching a martial arts competition or a horse racing bet. Ivan joined in, clapping along.
“What is the name of the person who came in first place?”
“This is Harry.”
“Bring the winner, Harry, here.”
And naturally, he led the winner closer to them. Amelia glanced at the black handkerchief wrapped around Harry's scabbard as he approached, and smiled.
"Harry. As promised, I hereby grant you the honorable task of guarding the Priestess while she remains at the palace."
“I accept your glorious command.”
A man named Harry received the honorable award from Ivan while kneeling on the floor.
“Congratulations. And I hope you have a great day.”
And as a knight, he kissed the back of Amelia's hand as she approached him and greeted him.
“The one whose sword is cut will be the bodyguard of Ian, who will become the Crown Prince.”
At that moment, Amelia's body was pushed back. Ivan's thick body had naturally wedged itself between Harry and Amelia. Unable to conceal her confusion, Amelia blinked, only to find herself standing behind Ivan.
“And the remaining thirty, as previously stated, will have the honor of attending the Crown Prince’s investiture day.”
When Harry kissed the back of his hand, he was wearing gloves, so he couldn't really feel the contact. But Ivan stroked it vigorously, as if trying to erase the trace, and then pulled away. Though it was only a brief moment, the contact was particularly vivid.
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