Chapter 21/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com
“… Your Highness Dietrich, do you really intend to practice sword fighting this afternoon?”
Hanna asks quietly as we finish our lunch and I change into my training clothes in my rooms.
I can see a glimmer of concern in her eyes.
“No, don’t be concerned. This is something I’m used to…”
I clumsily lift the corner of my mouth, hoping Hanna won’t mind.
In fact, I’ve trained in swordplay as a result of the First Queen’s tantrums on more than one occasion.
“And with that, I’m off to train.”
“…yes.”
Hanna still looks like she wants to say something, but she keeps her mouth shut and follows me.
” Oh, Your Majesty Dietrich. I’ve been waiting for you.
Gustav Schmidt Bauer, the deputy commander of the royal guard, was waiting for me.
The previous king knighted him for his skills and achievements, which were recognized by the common people.
In the Kingdom of Estonia, the knight commander is hereditary, while the deputy commander is the most capable person, whether noble or commoner.
In other words, Gustav is the most powerful knight in the kingdom.
“Yes, please look after me—but I thought Gustav was a busy man; does he have time to train me?”
When I tell him something like that,
“Hahaha! That’s a funny thing to say! It is the highest honor for a knight to be the mentor of His Highness, the future of this country! Is His Highness planning to take that away from me?”
“Well, I’m sorry for that.”
After Gustav bursts out laughing, there’s a brief moment of bewilderment.
Well, because I was at a loss for words, I apologized right away.
“… Seriously, Your Highness, what’s going on?”
“…I’m also a man who apologizes when he’s wronged.”
Gustav asks with a questioning look on his face, and I answer him while averting my gaze slightly.
“Well, I’ve never been so clumsy as to apologize in this way before.”
“It feels a little weird, but let’s start the training—Of course, I won’t be easy on you, will I?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
I nod at Gustav’s words.
Gustav knows that I’ve been punished by the first queen as usual, and I’m glad he doesn’t have to pay attention to me in this way.
Gustav and I only practice one-on-one combat.
According to Gustav, learning in action can be faster and more powerful than learning how to use gestures and patterns.
Because of this, I was able to become as strong as Gustav, the strongest man in the kingdom, in my previous life.
I raise my wooden sword, move closer, and swing it down.
“Great!”
Gustav flicked his sword away.
But I know the sword’s line!
With the force of the blow, I turn my body and raise my sword from the lower level, aiming it at Gustav’s jaw.
“Ugh!?”
Gustav gives a surprised groan.
However, it appears that this is the limit of what a thirteen-year-old body is capable of.
“Nnnn!”
Gustav stuck me with a powerful blow from the haft of his sword.
“…You surprised me, Your Highness.”
“However, I’m the loser in this match.”
He shook his head as we lowered our wooden swords.
“What exactly are you saying? If I hadn’t been your opponent, your highness would have won with the first blow! And by the way, when did you get so strong?!”
Gustav’s eyes shone with delight, and he tightened his grip on my shoulders as he praised me.
But I am strong now because Gustav trained me in my previous life, a loyal subject who gave his life for me during Oscar’s rebellion…
“Gustav, I will become stronger for this kingdom—I will be strong enough to protect those I care about. So, will you follow me?”
“Hahaha! What exactly are you trying to say? I’ve been loyal to you since the beginning!”
“…That’s right.”
I look at Gustav, who smiles and nods slowly.
Then..
“Your Majesty, you have a lovely smile.”
“Hmm… Am I smiling again?”
“Sir, yes!”
Apparently, that’s how it appears.
“Come on! You still have a long way to go before you can be stronger than everyone else! Let’s keep practicing!”
“Yes!”
The rest of the time was spent training, sword fighting, and talking to each other.
Gustav.
When I become king, you will be the knight commander of the Kingdom of Estline and my sword.