Strong Willed Princess

Did someone try to kill Lady Ina?

Or did Lady Ina foolishly try to hide poison in her mattress?

Such a weak and unobservant girl is ascending the throne?

Will she even be able to defend herself if some attacks?

How can someone like her rule the region? If might have been better if she did die.

The rumours, the complaints and all the chitter-chatter within the castle. Bei Tan heard it all. It took a mere five hours. Five hours for all the hatred and heresy about him to reach his constantly twitching ears. Although this was expected, a little more discretion was as well. Those who gossiped were rash and seemed to care little of the heir's feelings. Listening to it all, Bei Tan sighed repeatedly.

Overnight he, someone who had slowly slid under the mat, was instantly dragged under the pinning gazes of those who served, guarded and even those who demanded. Bei Tan became the talk of the castle, and the 'talk' wasn't exactly approving of him.

He had enough listening to it all. He wasn't the impuissant Lady Ina they all thought him to be.

Confidently, Bei Tan walked down the porch. His glare was a cold knife, complimenting the blood red of his outfit. As he strolled across the building, the sounds of his footsteps resonated like an angry grumble. Everyone turned to look at him.

The princess of the kingdom, who had just had a deathly experience, was walking alone without guards. Those who watched burst out into a wave of murmurs, but it wasn't long before no one dared to speak. Unlike usual, today Lady Ina's clumsy self no longer existed, and instead, each stride was like an order, demanding silence.

In a graceful motion, Bei Tan turned around and said unexpectedly, "I will take over the throne. Those who dare speak ill of me, I will personally force them to kiss my feet." Swiftly escaping the scene, he headed around the castle in search of a private training area. Leaving everyone in shock.

Although Bei Tan had once been an expert in Taekwondo like his father, it's been years since he indulged in the sport.

He wanted to awaken those old abilities he once had and adjust accordingly to the strength of this new body. After all, the rumours didn't seem wrong about Lady Ina being weak. She appeared to have let even those lower than her step over her, even talking badly about her in her face. However, Bei Tan was different. While he just arrived in this world, he was strong-minded and protective of his rights.

A spark of excitement flared in Bei Tan's heart and almost like a child, he felt a weird thrill to order others around and prove them wrong. Picking up his pace, he anticipated the future.

It wasn't long before he found himself standing in front of what seemed like a dojo. Inside, rows of punching bags lined the wall. A pair of soldiers attacked aggressively on them before turning to the bang of the door opening.

"Lady Ina," They bowed respectfully, "Is there anything you need from us?"

Bei Tan stepped into the dojo, shaking his head, "No. I'm here to train."

Silence. Then bursts of muffled laughter. Bei Tan quirked an eyebrow. Everyone really did look down on Lady Ina. It hurt him slightly to think of what Lady Ina might have experienced, assuming she had a fragile personality.

"Is there something wrong?" He added coldly.

"I'm afraid that it was quite unexpected. Especially since you've never done anything like this before." One of the guards spoke up and looked at the other with a smile.

"If that's so, excuse me then." Bei Tan said, tightening the piece of clothing around his tender waist. Taking a deep breath, he approached one of the punching bags and delivered a roundhouse kick. Weak. After a few more soft strikes to the punching bag, Bei Tan huffed deeply. The guards, who had been working on themselves, eyed him through the corners of their eyes scrutinisingly.

"See… she's weak. She should just let us protect her and concentrate on taking up the throne. What am I saying, she's spoiled and never even learnt how to run a country…"

Bei Tan flinched, and without thinking, he spoke, "Let's have a match. I'm not as weak as you think I am."

With an amused expression, one of the guards stepped forward and glanced back at his fellow co-worker. He pursed his lips.

"I cannot. You are the princess of this country. I cannot hurt you especially not in an unofficial match."

"You didn't seem to think I was your princess before." Bei Tan spat. How two-faced can these people get?

"My aim was not to offend you…"

Bei Tan frowned, although the soldier's words were harsh, it was true Bei Tan was weak in this body. None of his attacks would probably deal any damage in a fight with a trained professional. To think he almost foolishly engaged in a match with a guard of this country. A sadness skated over Bei Tan's skin as he slumped his shoulders. Becoming as strong as he once was would take immense amounts of time, especially starting at a lower point then he previously had. He couldn't wait that long.

"Wait." The other man spoke sudden. His voice was soft and low, like breaking waves against a beach's shore, sending chills reverberating through Bei Tan's spine.

"Lieutenant." The guard looked anxiously back towards the Lieutenant.

Bei Tan realised that the Lieutenant had not spoken a word upon his entrance to the dojo. This he fancied, especially hearing what others had to say about Lady Ina.

"Lady Ina." Ignoring his underling, the Lieutenant looked directly into Bei Tan's eyes. Observing his features, Bei Tan realised this man was quite young and attractive. Although there wasn't a specific feature that lured others in, his eyes came close. They held a certain honesty and strength.

"What is it?"

"Your technique wasn't bad." In an indifferent tone, he replied.

"Th-"

"I can train you if that's what you want."