Chapter no. 2: ‘Enya’s Qualification and Provisions for the next duel!’ (Part 1)

The Next Morning:

Amid the battle ground, clashed two blades swiftly back and forth in a quick exchange at each other's par. It was a duel.

Enya stood at the Training Base observing the duel with keen interest. Bending down and performing a swift roll, one of the participants flung his sword upwards, diverting his opponent's attention before delivering a powerful blow. Although the opponent attempted to shield himself, the relentless strike managed to break through the defense, with a force energy dispersing soundlessly. As a result, the opponent collided with the ground and suffered injuries.

The match had taken an unexpected twist and was now settled. Enya's brows creased with slight concern while the rest of the cavaliers around erupted in cheers.

"Hey you! Hold on a second!" Enya called approaching the victor. The knight faced her as she continued, "How could you have cheated so cheaply?"

The perplexed knight questioned, "What are you implying, miss?" Enya countered, "You can't fool me! You definitely used an ability! That's cheating!"

"Excuse me, we perform duels everyday. How can I possibly cheat? We are well practiced." the knight in turn clarified casting a glance at his fellow knights who all nodded affirming.

Enya smiled ironically annoyed, "Hmm...This is not a circus, you see. You can't just dazzle people with your little tricks! You think that the lower cavaliers can be tackled if you secretly use your ability with them not even getting a clue, huh? All because your higher-up isn't around? I'm well aware of all your schemes."

With a slight hint of unease, the cavalier's gaze widened slightly, "...I-" Enya shot a piercing look at him, "If you do such a thing ever again, I will make sure you regret it so bad! You are not even worthy of standing here then!" The knight's look of confidence wavered, as he stammered, "I'm not sure what you're talking about. There's no proof."

Enya glanced at the injured knight and back at him again, "Oh really? Let's settle this matter with General Void then. This injured one stands as the strongest evidence himself." she told tugging and assisting the injured knight, "Let's go." The crowd exchanged looks, gossiping.

The knight bit his lip as Rowan assessing the situation rushed forward, "Wait. What is going on here?"

"He used his ability secretly in a hand to hand duel and injured him." Enya explained promptly. "He did what? How could you? Don't you know it is against the rules?" Rowan's voice brimmed with concern, his gaze shifting to the knight who shot back defiantly, "She's just fabricating tales. Why give credence to the words of a mere squire?" Rowan further spoke, "Bear in mind, she is the squire under General Void. She cannot possibly lie. And the injury itself is the proof. I can sense your energy here. Please refrain from stating lies."

"Hmph! Lie? What kind of law is here? How come is he even qualified and what are the higher up's even doing by the way?" Enya protested concerned.

General Void stepped onwards briskly. The surrounding cavaliers unaware continued murmuring,

"Oh, darn. Such a cheap trick."

"I can't believe it. Which means he has fooled us all along?"

"How dare he think low of us! Just say the word, I will punch his nose off his face!"

The knight's gritted one by one, vexed while Enya added, "Why should we take the law in our hands? Let's send him to the court!"

Nervousness made the knight gulp, beads of sweat forming on his brows, "M...miss please forgive me. I admit it. I am at fault. I promise I would never do such a thing again. I beg you." he suddenly requested hopeless, "Here. I will do as many sit ups as you like but please," With that, he dropped to the ground and began performing a series of sit-ups with desperation.

Enya glanced at him with a frown, "... I knew it. Alright. I will let you go for now but next time I myself would take charge and you don't know what might NOT happen. Get that?" Her warning hung in the air as the knight nodded, "O-of course! I won't dare. Please spare me this rank. How about I take him to the inflimary myself." he offered.

"No need. Leave." Rowan responded aiding the injured cavalier himself.

"Who dares to wreak havoc in the training grounds while the general is around." General Void inquired with his arms folded and voice grim. All the gathered cavaliers shrieked, dispersing around to their spots while the knight flinched, "G... g-general Void?" he stuttered.

And thus, with General Void's intervention, the issue was resolved while the cavaliers carried on with their respective duties around the Imperial Palace.

"Thank you! Thank you so much! I just can't understand how much I should thank you. I can't believe it." the injured cavalier expressed in delight while Rowan bandaged him, "You were the only one took my side out of all others. And witnessing a squire boldly confronting a knight was such an unforeseen twist but cool!" he expressed further eyeing Enya who leaned casually against a pillar.

"Alright. Alright. I didn't do it for thanks. I am a social worker. It is my job." she answered, "And afterall, Unfairness? It's my arch-nemesis. The way he manipulated his ability for such a sneaky move in a supposed hand-to-hand duel? Ugh, talk about a sore loser." she moaned at the same time clenching her fist.

The cavalier nodded, "By the way, I am Elix Dave. A knight from the second battalion. Nice to meet you." he told. Rowan smiled.

Enya exhaled, "I see but...By the way. Such mishaps are to be solved by your leaders." Elix smiled complexly, "Um...Leader Deion is assigned for scouting so...you see." he answered with a dotted expression. Enya simply nodded, "I see."

"Are you satisfied now?" Rowan turned to Enya with a smile. Enya smiled back sincere, "Yeah. Thank you for having my back." Rowan smiled wider.

"I don't think it would hurt to have us as companions now. " he offered. Elix nodded excited.

Enya eyed Rowan mumbling, "By the way, I think I do trust your friendship now. Other wise, I never have dealings with all blow-in strangers!" she warned Rowan strangely while immediately looking sideways.

Rowan smiled in confusion, thinking, "Strangers? Aren't we already comrades?"

Elix replied with a usual lively grin, "Oh. Fine. No worries."

Enya facing Elix, spoke up, "But you listen one thing. Take extreme advantage of this mishap. You have to have so much confidence in your self that..."

Out of nowhere, Elix chimed in, adding, "Like, as confident as your fingers?" With that he gazed at his own fingers.

"..."

Enya's expression went blank, "Uh, no. Not fingers. As confident as justice itself. Seriously, fingers? What even... Never mind. It's about being as confident as you are in your own fingers. You are quite dumb. How did you become a cavalier?" she corrected with her brows drawn nearer while Rowan chuckled soon leaving for patrol.

Elix smiled confused, "Um. I just got carried away. It was the excitement, you know in excitement." Enya nodded smiling, "Mmmm...Easy~ brother. Easy. Because even once if you don't gain confidence, at this point! In the eyes of people your value will remain zero." she cautioned.

"Why are you so cruel?" Elix asked quite hurt with teary eyes. "You see me cruel, huh? What about your leader. For now even he isn't aware." Enya told serious while Elix flinched, "No. He would surely be cross." he wailed, "Can you help me out, though? You will, won't you?"

Enya looked ahead with a pout, "I think that...I should leave my own future and deal with such problems only. sigh."

"I recommend you study law and order. People such as you are needed very much by the society. Give justice to all." Elix suggested giggling.

Enya stood silent realising, "...Not a bad choice. Afterall...getting rid of the cruel for the sake of the innocent, ensuring justice, and winning the trust and well wishes of the people... It is what my goal is...It's a very nice idea!" she whispered soon concurring with a beautiful smile.

"Enya Verne. His Royal Majesty has summoned you." A subordinate momentarily arrived calling her. Enya stepped forward, "Huh?" her heart suddenly beating fast with a surge of thrill, "Keep your hopes up, Enya. You are the best." she held nodding.

"Wish you best of luck!" Elix advised waving his hands with a sweet smile. Enya waved back soon leaving.

Entering the Imperial Palace's main hall, she took a deep breath. Prepared for the worst yet hoping for the best.

Enya lowered herself in a bow, facing the Emperor and Empress, "Greetings. Your Majesty. Did you request my presence?" The Emperor spoke up, "Indeed. First and foremost, I am glad that you relished the duel and witnessed your strength."

"Thank you." she responded.

Lifting her gaze, Enya beheld the presence of a figure with braided silver-black hair, dressed in an assymetrical flowing black robe. Seated grandly to the side, he was engrossed in a velvet book he held. Behind him, Abel positioned himself, his hands casually draped atop of the seat, continuously rolling his eyes.

"So, he is the second prince... Although Lady Raven seldom mentioned him, I never really met him in person." Enya contemplated in wonder.

The Empress continued, "So the main purpose to have summoned you here was to issue the amulet to you. Congratulations for clearing the assigned test." She expressed with a her lips curving into a smile.

Enya's eyes widened, "???" her heart racing wildly, she blinked her eyes twice, before breaking a proud smile.

Enya approached the Empress's side. The Emperor bestowed an exquisite pendant upon the Empress, who in turn presented it to Enya. Enya wore the pendant and offered a grateful bow, saying, "Your Majesty, I am truly thankful."

"May you shield Almeria and advance to the status of a complete cavalier," they conveyed, to which Enya bowed, confidently responding, "Absolutely. I pledge to eternally defend Almeria and those I hold dear."

In continuation, the Emperor lifted his sword and placed it upon Enya's shoulder, symbolizing her commitment as a true knight, "Embrace this responsibility with honor, Enya. Your determination and dedication are vital for our realm's protection. May you ascend as a beacon of courage and chivalry." he spoke solemn.

"Tch! Today is a damned day. First of all my works went in vain and secondly this little mice! How could she achieve this position after abusing me!? Arrgh! I! The crown prince, will not let her get away with this." Abel hissed silently enraged. Positioned by his side, the aide remained unfazed while Arawn heaved a sigh.

Afterwards, Enya left the Imperial Palace while Raven followed her. "Enya! I am so glad!" Raven erupted in joyful cheers. "Haha!" chuckled Enya amused. "But now you would be busy more often." complained Raven at the same time. "Don't worry! I will take out some time for you." Enya assured with a playful grin. "Really? Great!" cheered Raven hugging her.

"Besides, I heard you had a duel with brother? It was difficult, right?" she asked concerned. "Not it wasn't...but it was... in some way…" Enya replied rather peculiarly with a dotted expression. "Don't worry. It's alright." concluded Raven with a gleam.

At the Knight's training Base:

Enya arrived at the Knight's gathering base. Approaching, General Void offered a salute, "Congratulations." Enya grinned in a typical bold demeanor saluting back, "Yes sir."

... 

Abel frustrated walked out of the Imperial Palace. Arawn trailed behind him, "...Where are you headed to?" he questioned Abel, his voice as soft as a whisper. Abel looked at him back exasperated, "Why do you ask!? It's none of you-" He inquired, soon glimpsing at a scroll in his hands. "You missed this..." Arawn answered. Abel snatched it from his hands rolling his eyes.

Abel's gaze followed Arawn as he walked past him, "That is all I had to say." he spoke lightly soon leaving. Abel stood, clicking his tongue, and then proceeded walking ahead. His aide too followed.

In a little while, he reached the herbal and medical store in a narrow lane. Eyeing Ameren on the counter performing her duty, he stepped nearer while the aide stood at the side. Ameren's eyes popped wide open, glancing at Abel, "P-Prince Abel!!!" she shrieked as Abel abruptly kept his hand covering her mouth, "Shut up!" He hissed looking sideways in fury, "Stop digging my grave!"

"I am sorry." Ameren alert apologized while bowing low. Gazing at him secretly she blinked her eyes complexly, "This isn't a dream, is it?" she wondered.

"What an idiot girl?" contemplated Abel miffed, "Anyways, Would you show me these seeds, I don't know the flower that comes from it." he queried handing Ameren the scroll. Ameren took it, soon presenting him his desired seeds, "These are pink camelia rose seeds." she answered explaining further.

Abel, acknowleging, bought some other seeds as well soon scratching his head confused, "What the? Which flowers should I plant now? This pink camellia or white...?" Ameren chuckled at his sight, "Doesn't look like a prince at all." she wondered amused.

"No! It is not someone's funeral or is it? Pink ones would do." Abel demanded while Ameren packed the seeds in a disposable pouch, "Here."

Abel took the seeds paying. "Um... By the way, it's quite a surprise to meet you...so suddenly in person. Can I ask what brought you here?" Ameren spoke up with curiosity. Abel gazed her back, "Huh?" Ameren blinked her eyes immediately looking below, "I am sorry!" she apologized, with a gulp, flustered. Abel without a word, paid the money and left with the aide following. "Oh. Thank you for your purchase." Ameren waved smiling.