𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞
Recently, the atmosphere in the Fourth Knight Order has become more relaxed. The guy who used to be tough on me has softened his attitude, almost eliminating my stress. He seemed to have been taking his frustrations out on me because I stole the opportunity to be the youngest member in the knight order, which he was aiming for. It’s annoying.
That guy is obsessed with mayonnaise and keeps asking Alice to make it for him. I thought that coming from a wealthy family, he’d be used to finer foods, but it turns out the opposite is true. Apparently, his diet and activities had been restricted in order to become a knight.
I can understand why he’d be frustrated, especially when someone like me comes out of nowhere from the countryside to join the Order. It seems he was severely scolded and disappointed by his family. Still, that doesn’t make it okay for him to take it out on me.
ㅤ
The training felt less suffocating, thanks to Rolf, who no longer puts on a façade.
Edgardo and I often consult with each other on various matters, but when it comes to swords, we only discuss them during training.
I’m self-taught when it comes to handling swords, so I’m not really qualified to teach anyone. But it feels wrong to pretend I don’t notice issues when I actually do.
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“. . .Before making a thrusting motion, Rolf tends to open up his right side. You should correct that habit.”
“Really? I have that habit? Could you help me work on it?”
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I get into stance with my sword, and the moment his habit shows, I strike.
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“Rene, you’re amazing for noticing that! I’ll work on correcting this habit.”
“It’s not a big deal. . .there might be others who’ve noticed but haven’t said anything.”
“Rene, have you noticed anything about my swordplay?”
“Didn’t you have a master, Edgardo? If I teach you, you might develop some bad habits.”
“I’m still exploring my own style, so it’s fine. What I was taught didn’t really suit me.”
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Edgardo does seem like he’d be better suited for a different fighting style, given his height. He rubs his arm, looking somewhat sad. Rolf is watching Edgardo with concern in his eyes.
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“Why not try adding some feints? Your sword movements are too straightforward and easy to block.”
“I’ve tried practicing feints, but they get read easily.”
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After watching Edgardo’s attempt at a feint, I was astonished by how poorly executed it was. He loses his rhythm and all his advantages when trying to feint.
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“Sorry, that was bad advice on my part.”
“No need to apologize. This has clarified things for me. I’ll focus on taking on as many attacks as possible and fighting head-on. When someone needs to escape, I’ll buy time by serving as an unyielding shield.”
“You should still consider changing your fighting style a bit. As it stands, you’ll take five hits for every one you land.”
“Rene, you’re amazing!”
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I’m not used to having admiring eyes turned my way. I avert my gaze and check to see if anyone is looking at me with envy, but no one is. The atmosphere is filled with awe toward me, which is disconcerting. Rolf winks at me.
ㅤ
“Rene spent more than 10 hours a day practicing on his own. He’s worth consulting with, as I’ve been saying.”
“Just as Rolf said. Rene is amazing, and so is Rolf for noticing that.”
“Cut it out, Edgardo.”
ㅤ
Rolf, who is embarrassed by Edgardo’s compliments, has been considerate to make me feel at home, whether it’s with Alice or during training with the knights. It’s not out of pity; he acts naturally, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world, and I find that incredible.
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One fateful day off, invited by Rolf into a certain room, I immediately wanted to run away. I had a bad feeling.
Alone in the room, sitting on a sofa, is a person. This individual is accompanied by Arthur, the highest-ranking member of the Fourth Knights, and Shiro is also standing by. The person doesn’t stand out, but everyone acknowledges their skill.
As I slowly back away, that person removes their necklace. Instantly revealed are silver hair and blue eyes—traits only of royal lineage. I immediately knelt and lowered my face, but my heart was pounding so loudly that I couldn’t think straight.
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“Lift your head. I am Linus Royalcrow.”
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The name I had already suspected was finally disclosed. With both confusion and acceptance, understanding dropped into the center of my chest.
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“So, you were hiding here.”
“Indeed. Rene, you are sharp as always.”
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In an impressed voice, Prince Linus explains the situation surrounding him and why he is here. It mostly aligned with what I had anticipated, but I never would have guessed he was hiding within the Fourth Knight Order.
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“I am suffering from a serious illness and am recuperating in a villa where only my elder brother and his family can come and go, under the care of a doctor who only treats His Majesty. However, the truth might be exposed at any time. In fact, they might already be trying to locate me. I want to eliminate threats to my brother and the people.”
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The person I owe allegiance to is His Majesty, not Prince Linus. If possible, I would like to serve His Majesty.
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“We can’t even figure out what plans the enemy might have. The spy we sent to their side got hold of false information and is being observed. We don’t know where the spy has gone, probably. . .they are highly vigilant and we can’t even send servants now. I want to plant spies among the merchants coming and going, but they are thorough about not hiring new people. The leader of the rebels is likely my grandfather. That man is. . .relentless and meticulous.”
“So you wish to capture all the rebels in one go?”
“Yes. I have too few who share my ambition. It will be a difficult path, but I have decided to confront it. I want comrades to move forward with.”
“For the sake of His Majesty, I presume?”
“Yes.”
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In those words, in those eyes, I felt no lie. Although I didn’t know his true identity, we have spent a reasonable amount of time in the same space. I don’t think he would lie in a situation like this.
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“May I ask one last question?”
“Certainly.”
“The opponent is your grandfather. Can you say with certainty that you won’t betray us?”
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The Prince opens his eyes and then narrows them softly. His eyes carried a sense of resignation.
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“That man is still searching for my mom. . .his own daughter. He is as obsessed as my dad. He’s probably planning something beyond normal understanding. That’s why we are struggling without knowing what the objective is. It would be a lie to say there is no emotion. However, to him, I have only ever been ‘the child of his daughter.’ Not Linus, but the child of his daughter.”
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Being recognized as an individual is different from being recognized through someone else. From the rumors and his words, I think Prince Linus must have spent his time in loneliness.
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“May I take some time to consider?”
“Certainly. Even if you decline to be my confidant, I will not blame you.”
“Then let’s sign a contract. I won’t speak of this, but it will give us peace of mind.”
“Unnecessary. I wouldn’t talk to someone I thought would reveal this in the first place.”
ㅤ
I feel happy that I’m trusted. . .Well, the moment my true identity was revealed and I was asked to become a close aide, it was clear that I was trusted.
After bowing and leaving the room, Rolf followed me. Edgardo, who had been keeping watch outside, gave a slight nod and entered the room. He is apparently going to have cake with Prince Linus. The word “bribery” crossed my mind.
Sitting down in the rarely frequented area behind the dormitory, Rolf sat beside me, leaving a spot empty. At times like this, I notice Rolf’s natural thoughtfulness.
ㅤ
“So Rolf and Edgardo have already become close aides.”
“Well, yeah. My lord is someone I can respect. In my case, Edgardo becoming an aide was a big push. Our lord knows that, and will use me effectively. Edgardo won’t be mistreated either.”
“Why did you choose me, when there are so many other suitable people? I should have asked. I was too shocked to think.”
“It’s your swordsmanship and the enduring strength that comes with continuous training. Our lord likes those who persevere. You’re also good with handling high-ranking nobles, and Rene, who used to hold back, has started to be more comfortable. It’s said that our lord wasn’t sure about Rene’s character until now.”
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I let out an exaggerated sigh.
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“I actually wanted to serve His Majesty.”
“He will probably put in a good word for you later on.”
“I can’t betray a lord I’ve pledged to. I also admire His Majesty’s efforts. The difference in body shape before and after the disguise is noticeable. He must always maintain a moderate distance from people so as not to be found out. And yet, there was no discomfort with his sword either. Plus, he even reads various books during breaks. Ah, I’m utterly defeated. There’s no way I wouldn’t be happy being needed by such an amazing person.”
“So then. . .”
“I can’t easily agree thinking about my family. My sister will probably punch me again if I tell her. ‘Don’t involve the family as a reason not to do it,’ she’d say.”
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I act cheerfully to hide the slight trembling in my body.
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“The fear of dying unfulfilled, without achieving my goals, is scary. So is the possibility that my family might be implicated. Considering the current situation, if the prince is made king, there’s a high chance he will become a puppet. By then, His Majesty would also be gone. I want to repay my debt to His Majesty. He probably doesn’t even know about me, but still. If it’s for His Majesty’s sake. . .and for the person I respect.”
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That day, I decided on my lord far quicker than I had imagined. I thought I would be filled with a solemn and proud feeling, but I was immediately dragged into a drinking party. How well-prepared they are, even bringing out noise-cancelling magical tools.
However, discussing our ideal future among the drunkards wasn’t bad. They’re more like comrades than friends, but it was my first time being around such people, so, well, it was fun. Much more than I had imagined.
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