“Swordsmanship training?”

First Prince Louis Loire had lived a life entirely unrelated to martial arts. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he had never shown any real interest in it. This was a stark contrast to the Second Prince, who had always shown a great enthusiasm for swords and knighthood.

“What’s brought this on all of a sudden? Swordsmanship training?”

“His Majesty, the King, has appointed a knight from the Royal Guard to provide Your Highness with light swordsmanship training, especially as you’ve been excessively focused on your studies.”

The attendant tried to soothe Louis, whose expression showed displeasure.

“It seems to me, as well, that Your Highness has been overly absorbed in studying. Perhaps a change of pace might be in order.”

“…A change of pace, you say.”

Louis frowned slightly, emitting a quiet sigh. The attendant continued speaking, trying to bring Louis around.

“It’s just light training; there’s no need to feel burdened. More importantly, if Your Highness were to brush off the King’s goodwill, it could be seen as a minor familial discord or, worse, a matter of national discord.”

The attendant bowed, speaking in a lowered voice, and Louis gave him a bitter smile.

“It’s just a matter of sparing a bit of leisure time, and yet you make such a fuss. I have no intention of rejecting the King’s kindness. I’m only concerned that, having never laid a hand on a sword until now, taking it up now might make me seem like a fool to the teacher, or a laughingstock to others.”

The attendant quickly shook his head, as if to dispel the First Prince’s self-deprecation.

“Who could ever dare hold such disrespectful thoughts toward a prince who constantly strives for knowledge? No one would think Your Highness is a fool simply for wanting to secure the future of the nation.”

Louis let out a soft chuckle and changed the subject.

“Enough. You seem to have a very generous opinion of me.”

Seeing the attendant’s earnest request, Louis knew he couldn’t outright refuse. Since the King had lost both the Queen and his favored consort, he had adopted a policy of respecting his children’s autonomy rather than imposing his will.

‘Has there ever been a time like this?’

Louis allowed himself a slight, wry smile. He thought, perhaps, that if he could take this chance to build some strength, he might even grow to enjoy martial arts. None of his previous instructors had succeeded in convincing him to take swordsmanship seriously.

“So, has my instructor been decided?”

“In fact, Your Highness, he awaits outside the palace to be introduced. He’s highly skilled, so I believe you’ll be pleased.”

“It seems I’ve become the sort to keep guests waiting. Let him in, and we’ll continue this conversation in person.”

The attendant, relieved by the First Prince’s agreement, responded with a more relaxed expression.

“I will bring him in immediately, Your Highness.”

The attendant swiftly left the room. As he watched him go, Louis’s thoughts drifted to his scant memories of anything related to swordsmanship.

‘Would you like to learn swordsmanship earnestly?’

‘Is it really necessary?’

When he’d replied coldly, the Royal Guard holding the sword had merely shaken his head.

‘No, but if Your Highness could protect yourself, it would put my mind at ease.’

‘You’ll protect me, won’t you? Why should I worry?’

To Louis, the sword had been little more than that—something neither essential nor irrelevant. It may have held different meanings for his siblings, but not for him.

Knock, knock.

A gentle knock echoed. Rarely did Louis feel even a tinge of anxiety, but as he clenched and unclenched his fists, blood circulated through his hands and body, sharpening his senses.

“Enter.”

At his permission, the door opened. Contrary to his expectations of a rough, imposing figure, the person who entered was quiet and not particularly large.

“I greet the First Prince, Your Highness.”

Kneeling with respect, the knight wore the uniform of the Royal Guard, a harmonious blend of red and white, which matched his sharp features. As he bowed deeply, black hair spilled down, framing a face exuding composure rather than the intimidating air typical of knights. Louis couldn’t help but mutter a soft exclamation at his dignified appearance.

“Are you to be my new swordsmanship instructor?”

“Indeed, Your Highness. I am Arsen Berne, and by His Majesty’s command, I have been granted the honor of instructing you in swordsmanship.”

Upon hearing the knight’s name, Louis’s expression grew puzzled.

“Berne? There’s only one Berne I know of.”

“Yes, I am of the family of Hugo Berne, the captain of the Royal Guard.”

Louis’s eyes widened. Within the palace walls, the name Hugo Berne carried an immense weight.

“Please stand. It wouldn’t do for the student to make his teacher uncomfortable.”

He raised the knight to his feet and offered him a seat. Tall and well-built, the knight’s form exuded an unshakable aura that didn’t need to be deliberately projected.

“The King said he’d send a knight, but I didn’t expect him to summon someone from the Royal Guard. I suppose even as a student, I should be cautious not to embarrass His Majesty.”

The knight’s stoic face softened into a smile at the prince’s mild jest.

“His Majesty was concerned for Your Highness’s health, given your dedication to study, and thought a little training would be beneficial. He wouldn’t wish for you to bear the burden of this undertaking.”

“Yes, I see…”

Louis sank back into his chair, attempting to read the knight’s expression. But he found no hints of emotion or intent.

“And what are the arrangements for our lessons?”

“If Your Highness lets me know your preference, I shall adjust accordingly.”

Louis tapped the desk in thought.

“Early afternoon would be best, after lunch. A bit of exercise would be good for digestion. As for the location… Perhaps the courtyard of my residence would suffice?”

“Certainly, Your Highness.”

The knight answered without hesitation. Louis was unsure whether to be reassured or wary of the knight’s cooperative attitude. Unable to glean any insights from those dark eyes, he let out a quiet sigh.

“We’ll begin tomorrow, then. Is every weekday, excluding weekends, acceptable?”

“Whenever Your Highness desires.”

Indeed.

Louis murmured to himself. He hadn’t felt this kind of calm in a long time. If he couldn’t stir the still waters before him, he’d have to throw a stone to create ripples. Lowering his voice so only the knight could hear, he asked:

“So, what exactly does the King want from you? Is my current guard not enough that he needs you to protect me as well?”

For the first time, the knight looked mildly troubled.

“Spare me any falsehoods. Even as a Royal Guard, lying to royalty is a punishable offense.”

“I apologize, Your Highness.”

That makes sense. Louis smirked.

“Several knights have been reassigned under the Second Prince’s command. I assume the King wishes to prevent things from escalating.”

“Regardless, His Majesty is genuinely concerned for Your Highness’s safety.”

“I’ve never doubted my father’s sincerity, either as a servant or as his son.”

There was no sarcasm in his words. Louis’s tone was that of a resigned man.

“I’m afraid you’ve been caught up in this.”

“As long as Your Highness participates willingly, I’ll be more than happy to fulfill my duties.”

Louis shook his head.

“Very well, you’re dismissed for now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Louis practically pushed the knight out of the room. After he left, the attendant who had been watching from the door approached.

“Your Highness, how did it go?”

“I’ll participate in the lessons. There’s no need for you to worry.”

The attendant finally looked relieved.

“Your strength will soon become the kingdom’s strength.”

“Yes. I certainly hope so.”

Louis’s expression grew pensive as the faces of the King, his father, and his brother flashed through his mind.

 

The First Prince didn’t have high expectations as he began his swordsmanship training the following day. He assumed that, just like all the other instructors he’d had, this one would wrap up with some basic exercises and standard guidance.

“What does the sword mean to Your Highness?”

But the question posed by his instructor on the very first day was enough to make the Prince frown.

“What do you mean by that?”

His instructor, Arsen Berne, who was dressed not in his uniform but in comfortable, practical training attire, had driven the wooden sword’s tip into the ground, resting his hand on its hilt.

“Why are you asking me this?”

“Since Your Highness is so fond of studying and reading, I thought a question like this might pique your interest in the sword, even just a little…”

At Arsen’s response, the Prince mused, ‘That could be true.’ The question of what a sword meant was difficult. In comparison, questions like ‘What is a king?’, ‘What are the people?’, or ‘What is a nation?’ were much easier for him.

When was the last time he’d been asked such a question?

Louis set aside both the purpose of these lessons and the King’s intentions, focusing solely on the question the knight had posed. And he had to admit, he couldn’t come up with an answer right then.

“This is difficult.”

Perhaps it was because he knew nothing about it, or maybe because he had no real interest in it. Living as royalty without being able to answer what the sword meant to him felt like something he should be embarrassed about.

“I don’t have an answer.”

“Why not?”

“I haven’t thought about what a sword means. It’s never held any significance for me, and I’ve never sought to give it meaning.”

Louis steadied his expression. Even if this was just a pretext to put a guard by his side, wasn’t it true that he now had the chance to think seriously about the sword?

“Arsen, may I ask you the same question?”

The dark-haired knight pulled the wooden sword from the ground. Miraculously, not a single clump of earth fell from it.

“To me, the sword was someone’s shadow.”

The sword he had once wielded simply to grow stronger, to become something more, had at some point become something to use while walking alongside someone, to protect them. The knight adopted a posture of respect. His movements flowed like water, and once established, his stance stood as firm as a mountain. The Prince’s gaze was drawn in, captivated by the knight’s disciplined form.

“So you weren’t trying to chase someone?”

“No, I wanted to walk beside them.”

Arsen smiled. Louis, as if under a spell, found himself asking another question naturally.

“Are you walking beside them now?”

The knight’s smile turned wistful.

“I still seem to be wandering the path.”

The Prince fell into thought once more. Curiosity and interest began to stir deep within him.

Louis expressed his desire to practice with the sword until he could find his own answer. Arsen, encouraged by the Prince’s newfound enthusiasm, began to guide him steadily.

From basic endurance exercises to holding the sword correctly, establishing proper stances, and even incorporating martial theories that might spark the Prince’s curiosity—while this training wasn’t significantly different from what his previous instructors had done, the Prince gradually started to approach it with sincerity.

==

It didn’t take long before rumors began to circulate throughout the palace about the First Prince’s sword training.

“I hear the First Prince has begun sword training.”

“The First Prince, who loves his books? This is like the sun rising in the west.”

“But do you think he could match the Second Prince’s talent?”

“Ha, their temperaments are as different as night and day. How could he ever hope to catch up?”

News quickly spread about the First Prince earnestly training with the sword. The rumors, which had started among the attendants, soon reached the ears of the noble court, including those allied with Benning. It was inevitable that they would eventually reach the Second Prince as well.

“Brother Louis?”

The Second Prince questioned his attendant, who was one of Benning’s men, with a faint sneer.

“Yes, Your Highness. Every day, the First Prince has been building up his stamina and training in swordsmanship with a knight.”

The Second Prince, who had been listening with an incredulous look, burst into laughter.

“Are you joking? You’re telling me that stuffy Brother Louis is actually picking up a wooden sword, practicing sword forms, and running around a training ground?”

“Indeed, sir. Other attendants say he’s approaching his training with an uncharacteristically serious expression.”

The Second Prince laughed so hard he nearly choked. As he wiped tears from his eyes, his mocking smile lingered.

“What is he thinking? Could he be feeling insecure about the current situation and decided he’d better start training? Or is he just seeking attention, trying to flaunt some latent martial talent?”

Words one would never expect to hear directed at the First Prince of the realm flowed freely from the Second Prince’s lips.

“Even so, I believe it wise to maintain a basic level of vigilance. I don’t know who this knight is, but they seem to be capable enough to kindle the First Prince’s interest in the martial arts.”

With a dismissive wave of his hand, the Second Prince scoffed.

“No need for that.”

He rose from his seat.

“You said he’s been training every afternoon?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“If Brother has resolved himself to train earnestly, it would be unbecoming of me, as his younger brother, to just sit back and watch.”

The Second Prince strode briskly out of his quarters, flanked by members of the Black Crow Knights on duty that day, Teodora and Paola.

“Where are you going?”

Paola inquired, and the Second Prince flashed a wry smile.

“To the First Prince’s residence.”

At this, a shadow of unease briefly crossed Teodora and Paola’s faces. The Second Prince, seemingly oblivious to this, added in an excited tone:

“I can’t just stand by while Brother struggles with his training.”

Without any regard for his escort, he headed straight for the First Prince’s residence. Teodora and Paola exchanged worried glances and quietly spoke as they followed behind.

“I have a feeling this is going to cause trouble.”

Teodora nodded in strong agreement with Paola.

“Hopefully, we won’t get dragged into something annoying.”

“Today doesn’t seem like a good day at all.”

Paola grimaced. Before long, the Second Prince arrived at the courtyard where the First Prince was training. An attendant who tried to stop him was swiftly dealt with, retreating to a corner with a pale face, trembling.

Really now.

Teodora’s brows furrowed. Paola clicked her tongue softly. Oblivious to their reactions, the Second Prince stepped into the courtyard. Usually bustling with attendants, the courtyard was now meticulously arranged, with the First Prince standing in the center, sword in hand, practicing his form.

How foolish.

The Second Prince was about to mock him when he caught sight of the surprisingly solid stance the First Prince had assumed, and his expression turned sour.

It seems the instructor is indeed competent.

His gaze shifted from the First Prince to the back of the dark-haired knight immersed in guiding him.

What a waste of time.

The Second Prince raised his voice and called out.

“Brother Louis!”

There was no response. The knight and the First Prince were still focused on maintaining their stance. The Second Prince’s temple throbbed with frustration.

Paola was eyeing Louis with a look of concern. Ever since the First Prince’s involvement, the Second Prince’s behavior had been distinctly unusual.

“Brother! What are you doing?”

He was never known for his gentle temperament, but now he seemed like an unrestrained wild colt. While he was blunt and coarse at times, he had never laid hands on an attendant or servant before.

“Your brother has come to see you!”

“Your Highness, please lower your voice.”

Unable to bear it any longer, Lionel intervened to calm the agitated Second Prince, but he merely glared at Lionel, his eyes blazing with a fierce, unreadable intensity. Lionel, seeing the opaque flame in his gaze, took a step back.

“You’re quite talkative for a guard.”

The atmosphere was tense. Paola quickly stepped in front of the Second Prince, hoping to prevent any further escalation. The Second Prince lightly pushed her shoulder, causing her to stumble aside.

“Since Brother won’t listen, it seems I’ll have to approach him directly.”

He marched forward with determined strides. Paola and Lionel exchanged glances.

“I’m not the only one sensing trouble, right?”

“Quick, let’s follow.”

They hurried after him. The Second Prince was almost upon the First Prince, who was still practicing with his eyes closed.

“Brother!”

The Second Prince’s shout. Louis opened his eyes, frowning at the proximity of the voice. But before the Second Prince could close the distance, a knight swiftly stepped between them.

“His Highness is training.”

Lowering his wooden sword with a calm demeanor, the instructor stood in the Second Prince’s way.

The Second Prince’s lips twisted into a malicious grin.