I HOPE YOU KNOW

One week has passed since we visited Camilla's family. Despite the fact that I'm not used to such a pleasant environment, it was a comfortable experience. It seemed as if my burden had been lifted for the time being.

While Camilla's practice has been honed over these past few days. I could see that she's improving. I'm an expert teacher after all. She should learn from the best. I just gave her a small, easy-to-handle sword as a present. It isn't particularly hefty, but the blade is razor-sharp. It's capable of slicing an apple in just a single swing.

The knights, who seem to be enjoying their vacation too much, are suddenly grinning broadly at me, as if they missed the camp. Other knights would lie down on the ground and move their feet side to side. And moved their hands up and down to form an angel. FOOLS. It's not even snowing and yet they're acting like a child in front of me. Some knights would even flaunt their muscles and show how they exercised during their vacation. Did I really raise a warrior or a candyboy?

"Did you lose some screws on your way? STAND FIRM!" And in just a snap, they get back to their position, chuckling. "Theo, step forward." He bolts from the scene. He gives me a salute before kneeling in front of me. I'm glad he knows what I'm going to do. I raised my sword as I tried to explore knights' faces. "In this day forward, you're starting to decrease little by little. Trust no one and kneel before no one. If someone begs to differ, hold their heads underwater until the bubbles stop."

"You were raised to be a knight, so act accordingly. You're not here to have fun; instead, you've come to battle. I don't want any single opponent alive. Live up to the phrase BEST rather than BETTER. Those who betray the Empire shall face the death penalty."

"I'm going to rip you apart and drag you in here. I'll make you go nude to the capital and sentence you to death. At the very least, the humiliation will be rewarded." However, I don't think they can. This involves the title of their family. Unless they're being abused back home, I don't think they can betray me.

They're too young to die, and determination will be the only thing that will keep them from being wiped out. "Bring victories for me. This is an order and a part of the training. Gain more allies who can help our country, and I'll guarantee you the riches you desire. ARE WE CLEAR?" Theo stayed still as the other knights started to kneel.

"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!" Their response echoed throughout the corners of the castle. AVERAGE. I hope they will shout more than that. "Do not give me a yes. Actions speak louder than words. Now, get back to TRAINING!" The first day of suffering started as I bestowed my blessings upon Theo. "As the Knight in Major of the fourth qaurter, I gave you my permission to rule your knights and to show me what you've got. You are not allowed to die. That's why it was called training." A training exercise on the battlefield? Are you kidding me? Naturally, some of them will perish. Unless they're very clever.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Stick to this day and pack your things after. You'll depart at night." My eyes began to search for Vien and there she is, guiding the princess as they wield a sword. "Trying to impress my sister is very easy, isn't it?" What does she know about fighting? Lithia is far too weak and naive.

"Can you be a good sister for a while and just support me?" She crossed her arms while rolling her eyes at me. "Oh yeah? Will you pay me for being nice? Criminals gain money from stealing. If you're not willing to compensate me for my demeanor, then forget about it." Even if she pays me, the money belongs to the Empire, not to her. She remains quiet as she looks fed up. She has the audacity to sigh in front of me when I'm the one who's fed up with their faces.

"Vien, look after the Princess and don't forget about the agreement we made." Looking at their miserable faces is happiness to me.

"By the way, have you seen Camilla around? She's taking her stroll for too long."

"If you're not going to pay for my service, then why would I tell you?" And now she's copying me? Hilarious. "Why would I ask a frail woman who can't even wield her sword?" She looks at me as if she had won the lottery. "And what's the connection?" She asked while chuckling.

"I'm just stating that I don't talk to USELESS beings." Her smile fades while I can feel the lava starting to erupt from her face. "You look like my period in that red face. Stop being mad." And for the last time, I won and she lost.

As I was wandering around, a soft hand roughly grabbed my mouth as it pulled me aside. "Shh." Therefore, I knew it was Camilla. Who wouldn't be able to recognize her gentle features? "You have the audacity to pull me all of a sudden. What's gotten into you?" But she just looks at the other side, where we saw Devourah and Serina conversing in the garden.

And now I know why Vien and Lithia decided to stay in the Knight's camp. This must be the reason why. It was quiet and only birds could be heard from a distance.

It took me a bit to figure out why they were here. It could mean that something is happening or that something is about to happen.

However, the wind is not pleasant. "I'm begging the lady to stop courting me." It feels illegal to eavesdrop. However, I'm also curious about where this will go.

"You know everything. Starting from who I like and who I want to be with." As the conversation became more intimate, I attempted to grip Camilla's arms. "We have our own business. Let them finish this on their own." But instead of leaving, she decided to avoid my grip as she stared into my eyes.

"You're also curious, aren't you?" I didn't dare to speak. "Let's stay for a while and I'll promise to leave after." What is this woman even thinking? Personal space is important for the both of them.

"You're forcing yourself too much on me, Lady Devourah. I'm not the only woman living in this world. The more you look at me, the more I feel like you're planning to separate me from Her Highness, Helvetica."

"And I'm not dumb. I know you're not in-love with me. So please, can you leave me alone? WHAT I LIKE IS HER HIGHNESS AND NOT YOU! CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!" I froze for a moment as Camilla looked at me.

"Do you remember the first training? You told me that I should think of a person that I hate, right?" Camilla steps forward as I look back to Devourah and Serina's position.

"I hope you know now the answer."