50: Princess Akane

Chapter 50: Princess Akane

After the meeting was dismissed, the captains and their divisions were given time to rest and prepare before embarking on their mission to Lathunia. The atmosphere around the capital was tense, but Division 10, like the others, tried to make the most of their brief downtime.

While Division 10 rested, **Lux** approached **Synoh**, visibly frustrated. He was upset that he wasn't chosen to join the mission to fight the demon army, despite his skill.

**Lux:** (frustrated) "I can't believe they left me out of the mission! I've trained so hard, and I'm ready. I should be out there with you, fighting on the frontlines!"

**Synoh** chuckled lightly, patting Lux on the back.

**Synoh:** (smiling) "Don't sweat it. Protecting the kingdom is just as important as going to war. And besides, you've got someone here who needs you—Princess Akane, right?"

As if on cue, **Princess Akane** appeared, her graceful figure approaching them. With her long, flowing white hair and striking snow-like eyes, she stood out even in the crowded capital streets. She looked elegant yet fierce, a reflection of her royal stature and her determination to fight.

At first, she seemed focused on finding **Division 10**, as they would be working together in the upcoming mission. However, as soon as she saw **Lux**, her demeanor softened.

**Princess Akane:** (smiling warmly) "Lux, I've been looking for you. I wanted to discuss our preparations for the mission."

They began talking, with **Synoh** standing nearby, casually listening in. It was clear that Lux was nervous but trying his best to appear calm. Princess Akane noticed **Synoh**, however, and her behavior shifted.

**Princess Akane:** (politely) "Ah, you must be Synoh. I've heard quite a bit about Division 10. It's an honor to work with such skilled knights."

Synoh gave a slight bow in respect.

**Synoh:** (smiling) "The honor's ours, Your Highness."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Princess Akane's eyes lingered on Synoh's sword. She seemed to recognize something familiar about it.

**Princess Akane:** (curious) "Your sword style... It's very reminiscent of someone I used to know. My former teacher."

Synoh's smile faltered for a brief second, realizing who she was talking about. Princess Akane continued, her voice softening with a hint of nostalgia.

**Princess Akane:** "He was an ex-royal guard, a man who taught me swordsmanship in secret. He was kind, but one day he just... left. No warning, no goodbye. He told me he had someone important in his life, someone he couldn't leave behind, but he never explained what that meant."

Synoh listened intently, a genuine smile forming as pieces of the puzzle fell into place in his mind.

**Princess Akane:** (smiling) "You really remind me of him. The way you handle your sword... it's just like his."

Synoh looked down at his sword for a moment, then back at Princess Akane.

**Synoh** (inwardly): "So that's what Father was doing all those weekdays... teaching her. I always thought he was just at work."

Though he didn't say it aloud, Synoh felt a sense of pride knowing that his father had passed down such valuable skills to someone as important as the princess.

**Synoh:** (genuinely) "I'm glad I can remind you of him, Your Highness. It sounds like he made a big impact on you."

Princess Akane smiled at him, her eyes softening at the memories of her teacher.

**Princess Akane:** (softly) "Yes, he did. He taught me more than just how to fight... but also how to face my fears and responsibilities. It's why I'm standing here today, ready to join the battle."

There was a quiet understanding between them. For Synoh, this was a piece of his father's past he hadn't fully known, and for Princess Akane, it was a reminder of someone she admired and missed.

The conversation left both Synoh and the princess with a sense of nostalgia and a newfound connection, as they continued preparing for the looming battle ahead.