The Reason I Keep Avoiding My Childhood Friend

“It’s time to start practicing swordsmanship. I will tell Captain Hertman.”

One day Father told me to start practicing swordsmanship.

“All right.”

It was when I was in the middle of studying and having fun, so it was a waste of time, but I accepted it without saying a word. If I practice swordsmanship, I will be stronger. Then I’ll be able to protect Aren when something happens. After that incident, there was a slight uneasiness in my heart.

At that time, the fire did not actually attack Aren. But what if it was a real attacking fire? There is a saying that spirit stones do not harm people, but there is nothing absolute about magical events.

What if the fire really had attacked her then? When I realized that fact belatedly, I thought I was going crazy because of how terrible it is.

I could have lost her entirely in the accident rather than simply seeing her in pain. Just imagining it was terrifying. If that happens, I want to stop it. I wanted to protect her.

And I needed strength to protect her. So I started practicing swordsmanship right away.

With the privilege of being the son of the Grand Duke, I learned directly from Captain Hertman. Captain Hertman taught very strictly. There was no law to treat me as a child or the grand prince. He pushes people as if they know their limits.

There were times when I instinctively cursed because it was so hard. It seemed that he was exceptionally harsher on me than the other knights. The days were so difficult that I wanted to cry. However, the reason I couldn’t get annoyed with Captain Hertman was because my skills had improved that much too.

* * *

And time passed before I knew it, and I turned 15 years old.

I think Aren arrived at the mansion earlier. She wouldn’t leave without seeing me today, right? When she came here the other day, I remembered she ran away immediately after only doing her own business, and I felt impatient. Aren’s indifference was always the same whether she was a child or a little grown up now.

“Concentrate!”

Realizing that I was thinking about something else, Captain Hertman’s sword mercilessly swung at me. It was a sharp sword. It’s a big deal if I get cut. I urgently raised my sword to block it.

Six years is not a small amount of time, and my body has grown quite a bit. However, I was not fully grown yet, and I was not as big as Captain Hertman. Of course, there was also a difference in strength, so I was slightly pushed.

“I told you not to block the opponent’s sword when there is a difference in strength.”

Advising me like that, Captain Hertman swung his sword again. Again, it was a relentless move. I felt like I would get cut one day, so I gritted my teeth and tried to hold my sword.

I thought the swords were colliding, but Captain Hertman’s sword, which had been pushing with great force, lost its strength. At that moment of loss, my sword cut through the air and Captain Hertman’s sword was aimed at my neck.

“I told you not to let your guard down.”

I sighed at the blunt words Captain Hertman threw while retrieving my sword. This isn’t carelessness, it’s skill. At what age will my sword reach that person?

I really wanted to win against Captain Hertman, maybe not anyone else. And I had a reason to win.

“One more time, please.”

I politely asked Captain Hertman, who was staring down at me, holding my sword and focusing my attention. I stepped out my foot with a provocative gaze, to try to attack. And I desperately swung my sword in order to succeed in the attack. But each time the attack was blocked.

Even the last attack was blocked and I rolled on the floor at Captain Hertman’s kick, who was stuck on my stomach. I barely held back my moans.

“Enough for today.”

With Captain Hertman’s declaration, I relaxed and sprawled on the floor of the gymnasium. My heavy breathing overflowed.

It’s a complete defeat again today. It’s been a year since I started sparring with Captain Hertman, but I haven’t been able to successfully attack even once. When will I be able to catch up with him? Can I win when my body is perfect after a few years? I want to lie down more because I’m out of stamina, but I don’t have time to stay like this.

“Thank you for teaching me.”

I greeted Captain Hertman and hurriedly walked toward the mansion. There was no time. As soon as I arrived, I quickly washed with the water prepared in advance. My mind becomes impatient. After washing up, Todd, who had become my dedicated attendant several years ago, handed over the clothes he had prepared.