The Prince and the Princess (3)
The 1st Prince, Louis Ruard, had lived a life entirely disconnected from martial pursuits. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he had shown little interest in them himself. His temperament stood in stark contrast to that of the 2nd Prince, who had always displayed a profound fascination with swords and knighthood.
“Swordsmanship instruction? What is this about all of a sudden?”
“His Majesty has specially commanded a knight from the 1st Royal Guard to provide light swordsmanship lessons, concerned that Your Highness devotes himself excessively to scholarly pursuits.”
The attendant made every effort to soothe Louis, whose expression clearly showed displeasure.
“Even in my humble opinion, Your Highness seems overly immersed in study. I believe a change of pace might be beneficial.”
“A change of pace, you say…”
Louis furrowed his brow and let out a low groan. To coax the seemingly reluctant prince, the attendant continued speaking.
“Since it is only light sword training, there should be no great burden. Moreover, if you were to lightly dismiss His Majesty’s gracious consideration, I fear it could lead to discord within the family at the least, and turmoil in the kingdom at the worst.”
Louis offered the attendant, who had lowered himself in deference, a bitter smile.
“All this fuss over a mere leisure activity. I have no intention of refusing His Majesty’s kindness. I simply worry that someone like me—who has never once paid attention to martial arts in all my life—taking up a sword now would appear as a dull student to the instructor and quite ridiculous in the eyes of others.”
The attendant quickly shook his head from side to side, cutting off the self-deprecating 1st Prince.
“Who would dare harbor such disrespectful thoughts toward Your Highness, who constantly strives for self-improvement? And while one might not approach the task of guiding a kingdom’s future with a sense of honor, how could anyone possibly think of you as a dull student?”
The 1st Prince let out a short chuckle and changed the subject.
“Enough. Your evaluation of me is far too generous.”
When the request was made so earnestly, he could hardly insist on refusing it to the man’s face. Ever since losing both the Queen and his favored concubine, the King had chosen to support his children by respecting their wishes rather than neglecting them.
Has he ever done something like this before?
The 1st Prince smiled bitterly to himself once more. Since he was already receiving such consideration, it might be good to improve his stamina and perhaps even develop an interest in martial arts.
All the previous instructors had failed to persuade the 1st Prince to learn swordsmanship seriously.
“So, has the instructor been decided?”
“As it happens, I have already ordered him to wait outside the palace so that I might introduce him to Your Highness. He is said to be exceptionally skilled, so you may look forward to it.”
“I have become a boor for making a guest wait on purpose. Invite him in at once. I can hear the rest from him directly.”
Upon the 1st Prince’s declaration that he would accept the instruction, the attendant’s face brightened with visible relief.
“I shall bring him immediately, Your Highness.”
The attendant hurried out of the room. Louis gazed at the spot where he had disappeared and slowly began recalling memories related to swords.
Would you like to learn swordsmanship seriously?
Is that truly necessary?
At the 1st Prince’s cold reply, the royal guard holding a sword at the time had shown a troubled expression and shaken his head.
It is not. However, if Your Highness could at least reach the level where you can protect yourself, I would have no worries.
You will protect me, so what is there to worry about?
To the 1st Prince, a sword was nothing more than that. Something he could know or not know—it made no difference. It might have held different meaning for his siblings, but for him, it was simply that.
Knock, knock.
The light sound of knocking on the door reached him. Unusually, the 1st Prince clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly as a faint tension washed over him. Blood slowly circulated through his hands and body, sharpening the prince’s mind.
“Enter.”
With the prince’s permission, the door opened. Contrary to his expectation that a rough, burly knight would enter with heavy footsteps, the person who came in was quiet and not particularly large in build.
“I greet Your Highness, the 1st Prince.”
The knight who knelt in proper etiquette wore the uniform of the King’s Royal Guard. The well-balanced red and white uniform complemented his sharp features perfectly. Jet-black hair flowed down from his deeply bowed head. His demeanor was calm, and the typical oppressive aura of a knight had been refined and subdued.
The 1st Prince let out a small sound of admiration at the disciplined sight.
“Are you the one who will become my new swordsmanship instructor?”
“That is correct. I, Arsen Bern, have been granted the honor of instructing Your Highness in swordsmanship by His Majesty’s command.”
Upon hearing the knight’s name as he introduced himself, the prince’s face took on a puzzled expression.
“Bern? If it is the Bern I know, there is only one.”
“Yes. I am of the same clan as Hugo Bern, Commander of the Royal Guard.”
The 1st Prince’s eyes widened. He did not know about other places, but at least within this royal palace, the prestige of Hugo Bern’s name was absolute.
“Rise. A disciple cannot make his master uncomfortable.”
The 1st Prince helped the knight to his feet and seated him in a chair. Tall stature and a commanding physique—all of it blended seamlessly with his presence, radiating dignity even without any deliberate display of intimidation.
“His Majesty mentioned he would send a knight, but I never imagined he would dispatch someone from his own Royal Guard. At this rate, even I, the student, must remain tense, or His Majesty’s dignity will suffer.”
At the subtly jesting remark, the knight softened his rigid expression into a gentle smile.
“His Majesty said he was concerned about the health of a prince who sits too much and focuses solely on study, and thus assigned an instructor. He would not wish for you to carry any burden of the heart while carrying out this training.”
“I see… that makes sense.”
Louis sank deeply into his chair. He tried to discreetly read the knight’s demeanor, but the 1st Prince could discern no particular intent from his new instructor.
“What about the location and time for lessons?”
“I will follow whatever is convenient for Your Highness.”
The 1st Prince tapped on the desk with a slightly contemplative look.
“The time… this hour, early afternoon, would be good. After lunch, it would serve as digestion as well. As for the location… outdoors would be ideal, but nothing suitable comes to mind. Would the inner courtyard of the palace where I reside be acceptable?”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
The knight answered without the slightest hesitation. The 1st Prince could not decide whether to welcome that cooperative attitude or feel uneasy about it. Those pitch-black eyes revealed nothing, so the prince soon closed his own eyes in resignation.
“We shall begin tomorrow. Would it be acceptable to train every weekday except weekends?”
“Whenever you wish.”
I see.
The 1st Prince answered quietly, almost to himself. That face remained as still as a lake untouched by wind. In that case, he would have to throw a stone himself to create ripples.
Lowering his voice so the attendant standing at a distance could not hear, the 1st Prince asked the knight.
“So, what exactly does His Majesty want from you? Are the knights already near me insufficient, so he is mobilizing even you to guard my surroundings?”
For the first time, the knight’s face showed what appeared to be genuine discomfort.
“Do not think of telling me a lie. No matter that you are His Majesty’s royal guard, the crime of lying to a member of the royal family cannot be taken lightly.”
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
As expected.
The 1st Prince smiled bitterly.
“A large number of knights have once again been recruited under the 2nd Prince. His Majesty wishes to prevent that from escalating into sudden action.”
“Even so, it is true that His Majesty is genuinely concerned for Your Highness’s safety.”
“I have never once doubted His Majesty’s sincerity. Not as a subject, nor as a son.”
There was no sarcasm in his words. Nor was there any hatred toward the King. The 1st Prince’s tone and voice when speaking of the King resembled that of a man who had given up on everything.
“It seems I have unintentionally caused you trouble.”
“If you would simply participate in the swordsmanship lessons with an open heart, I will be able to carry out my duty with great joy.”
The 1st Prince shook his head slowly.
“Very well, I understand. You may withdraw now. We shall meet again tomorrow.”
Louis practically ordered the knight out. The knight bowed deeply and left the room. The attendant, who had been watching from afar near the door, approached the prince.
“Your Highness, how did it go?”
“I will receive the lessons. There is no need to ask with such worry.”
The attendant finally seemed to shed all his anxiety.
“Your Highness’s stamina will soon become this kingdom’s strength.”
“Indeed. It would be good if that were truly the case.”
The 1st Prince’s expression tightened slightly. The faces of the King—his father—and his siblings flashed across his mind one after another.
The 1st Prince did not hold high expectations for the swordsmanship training that began the next day. He simply assumed it would end, like all the previous instructors, with moderate training and moderate guidance.
“What does a sword mean to Your Highness?”
However, the question his new instructor asked during the very first session was enough to make the prince frown.
“What a sword means?”
His instructor, Arsen Bern, was wearing not his uniform but practical, rugged training attire suited for exercise. He had planted the tip of a wooden sword into the ground and rested his hand upon it.
“Why do you ask such a thing?”
“Since Your Highness enjoys study and reading books so much, I thought perhaps approaching it through question and answer might help you develop even a little interest in the sword…”
At Arsen’s answer, the 1st Prince thought, That could be one way, and fell into contemplation.
The question of what a sword was proved difficult. Questions like what a king was, what the people were, or what a nation was felt far easier to the prince. How long had it been since he had been asked a question in this manner?
Louis set aside, for now, both the purpose of this training and the King’s true intentions, and became deeply absorbed in the knight’s question. In the end, he had no choice but to admit it.
He could not provide an answer to that question right away.
“This is difficult.”
Was it natural because he knew nothing? Or because he had never been interested? As a member of the royal family, being unable to answer what a sword meant was something he ought to feel ashamed about.
“I cannot answer.”
“Why is that?”
“I have never once thought about what a sword truly is, so answering carelessly would be improper. A sword has never held meaning for me, nor have I ever tried to give it meaning.”
Louis composed his expression. Even if this was ultimately an excuse to place guards by his side, was it not still an opportunity to seriously contemplate the sword?
“Arsen, would it be all right if I asked you the same question?”
The black-haired knight pulled the wooden sword from the ground. Not a single grain of dirt fell from it as he lifted it.
“To me, a sword was once someone’s side profile.”
The sword he had once swung simply to become stronger, to change himself, had at some point become something he wielded to walk beside and protect that person.
The knight assumed a basic stance. His posture flowed like water, perfectly aligned, and the momentum he established stood firm like a great mountain, unshakable.
The 1st Prince’s gaze was captured by the entire sequence.
“So you were not simply trying to chase after someone.”
“I wished to walk beside them.”
Arsen smiled. As if enchanted by the knight’s answer, the 1st Prince naturally continued with the next question.
“Are you walking beside them now?”
The knight’s smile turned bittersweet.
“For now… it seems I am still wandering the path.”
The 1st Prince fell into thought once more. Something like interest and curiosity began to stir deep within his chest. He expressed his desire to continue swinging the sword until he found his own answer.
Arsen, pleased by the prince’s changed attitude, began to teach the sword slowly. From building basic stamina, to how to grip the sword, correct posture, and occasionally even theoretical discussions on martial arts to stimulate the 1st Prince’s curiosity. Although the training itself did not differ greatly from what previous instructors had done, the prince gradually began to approach it with genuine seriousness.
A few days after the 1st Prince began training with the sword, rumors began to spread quietly throughout the royal palace.
I heard the 1st Prince has begun training with the sword.
Good heavens, that book-loving 1st Prince? The sun must be rising in the west.
Still, can he possibly catch up to the 2nd Prince’s talent?
Come now, their very natures are as different as heaven and earth. How could anyone say he might catch up?
It was the rumor that the 1st Prince had begun training with the sword in earnest. It did not take long for the gossip circulating among the attendants to reach the ears of the court nobles, led by Benning. And naturally, the rumor that spread like wildfire eventually reached the 2nd Prince as well.
“Older Brother Louis?”
The 2nd Prince asked again of the attendant who had reported the news. The attendant, who served the 2nd Prince and was one of Benning’s men, answered with a faint sneer on his face.
“Yes. It is said that the 1st Prince sharpens his basic stamina every day and devotes himself to sword training alongside a certain knight.”
The 2nd Prince stared at the attendant with a dumbfounded expression, then suddenly burst into roaring laughter.
“No, stop joking, attendant. Are you truly telling me that scholarly Brother Louis is gripping a wooden sword, practicing forms, and running laps around the training ground?”
“It is exactly as you say. According to the other attendants, he approaches the training with a more serious expression than ever before.”
The 2nd Prince laughed so hard he could barely breathe. Amidst his choking laughter, he wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and continued his mockery.
“Just what is Brother thinking? Does he feel a sense of crisis with the current situation and decided to pick up a sword to at least protect himself? Or is he trying to show off to those around him, saying he has talent for martial arts too, begging for attention?”
Words that could hardly be imagined coming from someone speaking of his own older brother—the 1st Prince of a kingdom—flowed freely from the 2nd Prince’s mouth.
“Even so, I believe it is right to maintain at least a minimum level of vigilance. I do not know which knight has been assigned, but it seems the person possesses the skill to make the 1st Prince take an interest in martial arts.”
Now letting out short, hissing laughs through his teeth, the 2nd Prince waved his hand dismissively.
“There is no need for that.”
The 2nd Prince stood up from his seat.
“You said Brother devotes himself to training every afternoon, correct?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Since my older brother has finally set his mind to training diligently, as his younger sibling, I cannot simply stand by and watch.”
The 2nd Prince strode briskly out of his quarters. The newly assigned Raven Knight Order followed beside him. Today was the day Theodora and Paola were responsible for his escort.
“Where are you going?” Paola asked. The 2nd Prince answered with a twisted smile on his lips.
“To the 1st Prince’s palace.”
At the mention that their destination was the 1st Prince’s palace, a dark shadow briefly crossed both Theodora and Paola’s faces. Whether aware of it or not, the 2nd Prince added in an excited voice.
“My brother is training so hard. How could I possibly stay still?”
The 2nd Prince headed toward the nearby 1st Prince’s palace with quick steps, not even placing his escorts in front. Theodora and Paola followed behind, conversing in low voices.
“This feels like something is going to happen.”
At Paola’s words, Theodora nodded, showing strong agreement.
“I just hope we don’t get dragged into anything troublesome.”
“I have a really bad feeling about today.”
Paola openly frowned. The 2nd Prince reached the inner courtyard where the 1st Prince was training with the sword in almost no time at all. The attendant who dared to block his way was lightly disciplined and retreated to a corner, trembling with a deathly pale face.
This is truly…
Theodora’s brows furrowed. Paola clicked her tongue softly. Regardless, the 2nd Prince reached the entrance of the courtyard. The garden, which should normally be bustling with busy attendants, was neatly arranged, and in its center, the 1st Prince stood holding a sword in a basic stance.
Foolish.
The 2nd Prince tried to let out a full sneer, but upon seeing his older brother assume a surprisingly decent posture, his face twisted instead. So the instructor in charge of his education was actually competent. His gaze shifted slightly away from the 1st Prince to the back of the black-haired knight who was focused on teaching.
Hmph. What a waste of time.
The 2nd Prince called out to his older brother in a loud voice.
“Brother Louis!”
There was no response. Both the knight and his older brother remained completely absorbed in the training of maintaining the correct basic stance. Veins bulged on the 2nd Prince’s temples. Paola watched Louis with uneasy sidelong glances. Ever since the 1st Prince had been mentioned and the matter began to involve him, the 2nd Prince’s behavior had clearly become abnormal.
“Brother! What are you doing!”
While he had never been particularly gentle in temperament, right now he seemed like an untamable colt running wild. Though he occasionally spoke bluntly and harshly, he had never once laid a hand on attendants or servants.
“Your younger brother has come to see you!”
“Your Highness, your voice is too loud.”
Rione, unable to watch any longer, stepped forward to calm the agitated 2nd Prince, but the prince only glared at her with bloodshot eyes. Seeing the opaque greed flickering in those eyes that seemed to have lost all reason, Rione took a step back.
“You talk too much, guard.”
The atmosphere was turning ominous. Paola quickly moved ahead of the 2nd Prince to see the scene. She had a feeling that if left alone, he would truly cause some kind of incident.
The 2nd Prince lightly shoved Paola’s shoulder as she approached. Pushed by that hand, Paola staggered and stepped aside.
“Since my brother refuses to listen, I have no choice but to go to him myself and greet him.”
The 2nd Prince strode forward with unstoppable steps. Paola and Rione exchanged glances.
“I’m not the only one who feels like this is going to end badly, right?”
“Let’s hurry after him.”
They ran. The 2nd Prince had already come very close to the 1st Prince, who was standing with his eyes closed in the basic stance.
“Brother!”
It was the 2nd Prince’s voice. The 1st Prince, hearing the voice so close, frowned and opened his eyes. The footsteps that had been striding toward him were suddenly blocked by a single knight who stepped between them.
“He is in the middle of training.”
Lowering the wooden sword, the instructor knight blocked the 2nd Prince’s path with a calm voice. The 2nd Prince’s lips twisted in displeasure.