Emerald Knights

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

I remained seated in front of the large dinner table. I looked around the dining hall only to find nervous faces that looked at me and others looking at each other in confusion.

We must be a fun family to watch at times. I mean, don't get me wrong. We usually get along for the most part. We would have great conversations about my day while we ate our meals. I would talk about my studies or what I had for dessert while he listened to me. He would often nod as a response or give me short replies. However, when we would disagree on something, it resulted in total chaos. Tables would break, yelling would occur—the usual. We grew accustomed to it. The trashman would just have the butlers replace broken furniture in the snap of a finger, and have countless maids clean up our maids. However, our anger towards each other would not last. He would sometimes have maids bring me new dresses, toys, or books as an apology, or I would go to his office and bring him drawings I made of him and me as an apology.

This time... This is different. It was not about a small disagreement. It was not about me throwing a tantrum or him displaying his anger management issues. No. Far from it.

He did not display any signs of anger. His eye color remained the same, pale emerald-green, unlike other times where they would be crimson red.

Honestly, I do not know what to expect when he wants me to meet him at the lake.

As I made my way out of the dining hall, I saw Bain waiting for me as he crossed both of his arms behind his back.

I sighed softly and walked towards him with my head down.

"Princess, is everything alright? I was given orders to take you to the lake with his majesty when you feel better. Do you need anything in the meantime?" He smiled as he got on one knee and patted my head.

"Bain, can I ask you something?" I questioned as he still kneeled in front of me.

"Of course, Princess. Ask away. You know you can always talk to me about anything." He smiled.

I looked at his honey-colored eyes. I could see my reflection accurately. I looked down at my hands and opened my mouth slightly.

"You have been training and working as an Emerald Knight for many years, right?"

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. He cracked a smile and stood up. He stretched out his hand for me to hold. I grabbed his hand, and we began walking into the imperial halls.

"I trained in the Imperial Knight Academy to be an Emerald Knight for ten years, Princess. I joined the Imperial Knight Academy at the age of 10. I graduated at the age of 20, shortly after, I was appointed by his majesty. I have been serving my life as an Emerald knight for the last seven years." Bain explained.

"In fact, I trained with his majesty for many years when we were young. The former emperor and his majesty would often visit the training grounds when he was young. His majesty would spar with many trainees. Even some who had more experience or older than him. I must admit, his majesty is the strongest and most talented swordsman I have ever seen." Bain continued with confidence.

I looked up at him in boredom as I could see him fan-girling about the trashman. Seems like he has a lot of fans.

He looked down as he continued the conversation. He quickly stopped and scratched his head.

"I am boring you. My apologies. You see, his majesty has quite the reputation among the Imperial and Emerald Knights. No one can beat him. Not even our grand commander."

I nodded as my response. Trust me, I know. I had the pleasure of witnessing his skill yesterday during the Moon Festival.

"Do you not miss your family? You are always here with me. I know I have night guards while you rest, but you are usually training or resting for a couple of hours during the night. When do you have time to see your family?" I questioned.

He gave me a shocked look. I could see that he is trying to come up with a response.

"I do miss my family. However, you are my family too, Princess. That is why I am always happy to see you." He responded.

I looked down, studying the ground as we continued to walk. I wonder if I could convince the trashman to send him home for a couple of days so he can see his family. I am certain that he needs his family right now.

"Princess, I want you to know that I volunteered to become your personal knight. Aside from the fierce competition among other knights who wanted this position, I knew what I was getting myself into if I were to get the position. I knew that seeing my family would be rare. However, I devoted my life the day his majesty appointed me as your personal knight. So please, cheer up." He explained as he picked me up.

We faced each other as he carried me and smiled.

"You are loved by everyone in this empire, Princess. Especially from his majesty. You may not see it. But he loves you more than he loves this empire." He reassured me.