Duty

Milla was surrounded by our fellow royal guards as if they were being friendly with her. Not until I saw one of them grab Milla's shoulder to get her attention.

"Don't even try to be involved with them. This is one of the things that she should overcome to prove herself."

Just then I realized what they usually say when you are working in the palace: everyone is your enemy. I continue eating fighting the urge to go to approach Milla.

After eating with the commander, he asked me to meet him at the entrance of the training area and informed me that I would be assigned to the southern gate of the Palace, and he would personally guide me there.

After taking a quick bath, I put on the temporary uniform provided to me. To be honest, I didn't think I would get a job here after losing in the tournament. But thankfully, the King has shown me his favor and granted me this opportunity.

I put on my boots and headed straight to the meeting place. The area was radiant in the sunlight, with soldiers and palace servants bustling about their daily tasks.

Upon reaching the training area, I spotted Commander Dyle wearing his black and gold uniform, which accentuated his build, along with a black cape.

"Follow me, Nicholas," he said, leading me towards my new assignment as part of the Royal Guard. I quietly followed him, wondering what my first assignment would be. As we walked down the wide pathway, I scanned the surroundings, noting that we were passing by the kitchen and servant's quarters.

On the right part of the path is the storage room where the ingredients for the food are stored, and across the storage is the wide kitchen where the Royal chefs work. The smell of good food made me hungry even though I just finished a hearty meal. 

The wide pathway is full of plant boxes that were being tended by the gardeners. 

This is a bustling place full of servants who are doing their chores, which is hidden from the view of the aristocrats. Who would have thought that there would be a noisy and a little unorganized place like this, except for the people who are working in this area?

We encountered some knights who were paying their respects to their commander, and it seemed like the servants around were too scared to approach us. It's understandable, really. The commander looks like a seasoned veteran with his muscular build, tanned complexion, and an air of authority that surrounds him. He comes across as a loyal and dedicated person who would always prioritizes the country over his own self-interest.

Not long after, I came across the grand southern entrance which appeared to be more heavily guarded than the other entrance. 

"This is the way often used by merchants to deliver goods ordered by the kitchen or other personnel within the palace, making it a vulnerable point of access for uwn individuals with malicious intent, including assassination attempts against the Imperial family. To ensure the safety of all those within the palace walls, it is necessary to strengthen security measures at this location. Given your role as the Crown Prince's trainer, I would like to entrust you with this task. While it may prove to be a challenging assignment that requires a great deal of patience, I urge you to remain composed and execute your duties as a member of the Royal Army to the best of your ability.

"I will try to not disappoint you, Commander," I said as the commander made his way toward the gate where the other Royal guards were. I just followed him, trying to avoid the nasty stares from the knight who are in charge of the gate.

"Commander," a not-so-tall royal guard greets Commander Dyle in a very serious manner.

"Nicholas, this is Sir Phil, the squad leader of the assigned troops here at the south gate." Commander Dyle introduced him.

"Nicholas Avenier the newly appointed member of the Royal Army, Sir," I said politely, simply introducing myself.

"I will now leave him in your care, Phil."

"Yes, Commander. I guarantee you that we welcome Avenier as a part of our squad." The Commander just nodded before leaving the area.

"Congratulations on becoming the Crown Prince's trainer. That's a really heavy responsibility."

"It is, but it's an opportunity for me as well."

In contrast to the commander's intimidating demeanor, Sir Phil exudes a more mature and commanding presence with his soft yet authoritative voice.

"Follow me, Nicholas. I will introduce you to the others. They are the ones whom you will work with aside from the Prince." He said as he gestured for me to follow him to the guard house.

The others seemed to be anticipating my arrival. 

"Listen up, everyone! I'd like to introduce Nicholas, the newest member of our squad. He will be guarding the south gate, and it's our responsibility to ensure that he's treated fairly. Anyone who fails to do so will have to face me." Sir Phil's tone conveyed a clear message of warning.

"Yes sir!" They shout in unison.

"The same goes for you, Nicholas. I will leave you here with them now. They will teach you things that you should do while guarding this area."

"Thank you, Sir Phil," I said then went towards the guard house at the gate. 

"If it isn't the famous peasant." One of them suddenly said.

"Shh, he might report you to Sir Alexander." Another guard said with a mocking tone. That's when I whipped my head to face them.

"Sir Alexander finally got someone who is a little capable in the Army through his nasty ways," the guy who is smaller but seems a lot older than me said, and they all laughed out loud when he said that.

"It must be nice being a boy toy of the King's vassal huh?"

I'm trying to stay out of trouble, but it seems like science will be tested here, not with the work but with these bastards.

"He's not saying anything because he doesn't want his lover to get into trouble because of him," the old one added.

I clenched my jaw, trying to cool down the anger that was rising within me. I must keep my head cool.

"Why are you anything lover boy? Seems like Alexander prefers someone who has a nice build and a nice face. You must be loaded in there too?" he said looking at my pants. Only an idiot wouldn't know what he is trying to imply.

"He seems to satisfy the vassal more than the others." Once again they bark out a loud laughter.

I close my eyes, exhale, then look at them.

"Thank you for the compliment." I simply said, then turned my back against them. I will try to cool my head off for a bit.

I took two steps away when I felt something that was thrown at my back. 

I held the hilt of my sword, trying to compose myself.

"Where are you going little boy? It's your duty so you should stay here!" the old-looking guard said.

Without turning around, I drew my sword and held it firmly. I noticed some servants and soldiers attempting to observe the situation, but they seemed too intimidated to intervene.

"Woah! Are you planning to fight us?"

I turned around, making sure they could see just how angry I was. There were already five men standing together, and while their builds weren't quite as imposing as the commander's or Sir Phil's, they must have been good fighters if they were assigned here.

With a firm grip on my sword's hilt, I swiftly thrust it forward like a spear towards their direction. The suddenness of my movement caught them off-guard, causing the sword to graze the arms of two guards. The sharp metal edge of my sword left a shallow wound on their skin, in them momentarily stunned and disoriented.

"Seize him!" barked the old-looking guard yelling at his comrades. 

Since they are underestimating me and saying disgusting things about me, this is the time to show them what I'm capable of.

I lunge towards them and beat them one by one. I even heard a cracking sound. I must have overdid it. 

"Your petty provocation means nothing to me, but accusing me of things that I'm not doing really pisses me off," I said as I stepped on the old-looking guard's back, making him cough blood.

"AVENIER!" I turned to where the shout came from. Great! The commander is here.

"What is this?" the commander said furiously.

"They provoked me. They even told me that I was the Vassal's boy toy." I said nonchalantly.

The commander turned his head angrily towards the guard who currently kissing the ground.

"What disrespectful remark towards the King's Vassal!" Commander Dyle's voice booms in the whole area. The guards immediately got up despite the pain. 

"Can't you see Commander? That peasant beat us without a reason! How could we say such a nasty thing towards the Vassal?" the short one said, sounding very pissed.

"The five of you will be punished accordingly. Nicholas's assignment will be changed as a punishment for beating his comrade." 

"Commander! Why are you siding with that newbie?" 

"Looking down on someone just because he isn't a noble is not an attitude of a true soldier. Watch your mouth or else, I will be the one who will rip that apart."

I can feel the chill running down my spine because of what the Commander said. He is truly scary.