ғᴏᴜʀᴛᴇᴇɴᴛʜ.

Every noble man knows how to pick up a sword and use it for protection, or even for a bloodshed. Regardless the gender discrimination she is receiving from the other parties, she pursued to master Weaponry. Her father never liked her to hold a sword nor a weapon, thinking it would be a disgrace for the family. When she started to excel in swordsmanship, she asked her father to never look down on her again. 

She took the helm off and placed it at the side while sweat trickled down from her forehead. The armor suit she wore this time is a little heavy and she wanted that. The armor suits made for men are much heavier than the ones she usually wears during the practices. As she is the only woman under the first battalion of the monarchy, the General usually keeps her in the barracks to help the wounded ones. 

It hurts her ego. She didn't train to be kept. She swore to herself that she will be the first female General but because of her arranged marriage with the older Archduke, she felt that it will not happen anymore. This frustrates her even more but she can't blame the Archduke as he is only fulfilling his duties. Indeed, their marriage is only a duty and it will be their decision if they will let love invade it. 

She and the Knights of the Hayashi, Yoshino and Fujiwara families were always sent to chivalries but neither of them were sent back with wounds. This only proves that they are born to protect and serve the country. She let out a harsh sigh and picked up her wooden sword. There are days that she prefers to hold a wooden sword than a real one. It is to avoid accidents whenever she is practicing. She is always letting her frustrations out to her opponent but she is also feeling bad that they are ending up receiving bruises from it. 

"The General is here." One of the soldiers announced and she lined up with the Knights. She had the urge to roll her eyes but when she met his gaze, she felt a chill going down her spine. 

"Let's duel." The General said to her and she moved forward to prepare. The other Knights backed out to watch them. 

She wore her helm once more and swung her wooden sword lightly to keep her bloodstream in her wrist active. The duel started when the soldier blew the horn. She clicked her tongue when she realized that the General is not even wearing a helm. She started attacking him and he quickly dodged before clashing their swords together. Every time the General is roaming around, he will definitely have a duel with her. It is one of the reasons why she is avoiding him. 

"You're not strong enough, Gia." He said and when he attacked, her wooden sword flew away and she fell on the ground. She angrily took her helm off and stood up to give him a heel drop but he quickly caught her leg and held it tight. 

"I don't know what's your problem with me but I think we should settle it privately." He said in a low cold voice and she pulled her leg away from him. 

It is not the first time she let her frustrations out on him but he is definitely the reason why she is frustrated. She almost cried in anger while walking back to the tent. She pulled the rope to close the tent and she started changing clothes. When she left, she was now back as the Countess. She saw the General instructing the second battalion about the chivalry next week and when he was done, he pulled her back inside the tent and closed it. 

"Tell me what's your problem with me. Why are you mad at me? Why are you avoiding me?" He hissed under his breath but she pushed him away. 

"Because you're his twin. Because you're my future husband's twin and I need to keep a distance from you. Is that enough as a reason?" She clenched her fist tight and started hitting his chest plate. 

"Enough with your ridiculousness, Gia. So what if I'm his twin? Tell me. Do you have feelings for me? Why are you doing this?" He held her wrists tightly and she started crying silently. 

"I hate that you two share the same features. Whenever I'm with Reiki, I'm thinking of you instead. I will marry Reiki. I will not marry you." He let her wrists go little by little and more tears fell from her eyes before she decided to leave. 

"Let's head back to my place first before going to the Archduke's place." She said to the coachman when she got inside the carriage. 

The coachman immediately followed her orders and she wiped her tears. She should not let other people see that she is crying. Now, she is wishing that the wedding will be held sooner. The longer she stays in the barracks with the General, the more she feels confused. With the older Archduke's actions whenever they are together, she can tell that he will take care of her. 

"Milady, we have arrived." The coachman said and the carriage slowly stopped in front of her county. The guard opened the door for her and she asked her personal servant to prepare a cold bath. 

She washed her face with cold water to ease the puffiness of her eyes and then, she proceeded to the bathroom, taking her clothes off and dipping herself in the tub. Her personal servant prepared the dress she would wear and when she was done, she just stood up in front of the mirror while they were busy preparing her to meet the Archduke. Ever since she was a child, she lived like this already and somehow, she grew tired of it. The servant did her hair and put fresh white daisies on it. 

"Do you like your hair, Milady?" The servant asked and she nodded while smiling. She took her jewelry box from the dresser and opened it, humming softly to the music it produces whenever she is opening it.