ALONG WITH HER

It was a nice morning when I woke up. I get out of bed, put on my slippers to protect my feet from the cold floor, wash my face, and brush my teeth. And eventually, I will go to the camp like I always do. Without having any breakfast, of course. The only difference is that Serina and Camilla were here before me. It feels like Camilla was too excited that her knight suit wasn't that fixed enough to fit on her.

"You've arrived earlier than I expected; will you join these knights in training?" The swords are heavy enough that I couldn't just let her swing them like a toy. "Of course! I've been watching the knights for quite some time now. And I am certain that I could do what they can do." I let out a little chuckle. She sounded like a happy child.

Did she think that wielding a sword is that easy? If you don't know how to handle it, you might get cut. The worst possible scenario is that someone might get in danger.

"Alright, but you have to follow the rules. Before that, the knights should also be handling a wooden sword. I can't let the Empress handle a real one as she's just a beginner. Are you all fine with that?!" A knight raised his hand.

I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms. "Beg to differ and I'll hold your head underwater until the bubbles stop." But still, he continued to raise his hand. "Can I take a leave for a while, Your Highness? I can't hold it." As I return to my upright posture, the knights force themselves not to laugh.

"3 minutes. Andalé!" I can't let my fiancé see that disgusting scenery. It's not pleasing to the eyes. "March for 30 minutes! Complaints are strictly prohibited! ACTIE!" Which means they should move already. I started the stopwatch as I looked at them. 

The first lap was slow. To maintain the posture of everyone. Even though the training had not yet begun, I could tell that she was having a great time. The sun started to rise, but then no one was covered in sweat.

After all, they're all looking forward to the real thing. The march is a warm-up exercise as well as a cardiovascular exercise. The longer they march, the faster they breathe. While Camilla, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be bothered.

And the marching turned to running. And the running turns into jumping. And the jumping turns into push-ups. It was fascinating to watch her trying her best. "Why is she here this early?" I asked Serina, who is just standing by my side.

"She woked up at dawn, Your Majesty. She told me not to wake you up, so that she could be the first one to arrive at the camp. She also ate her breakfast faster than anyone else." Serina said while she laughed. Did Camilla even know how to chew food? It's hilarious! Unfortunately, it's not like what she expected.

"The Grand Duke's daughter will be here anytime soon. You should wait at the gate. Tell her that I'm here." She bows slightly as I can't hear any complaints. But it's funny how she can manage to murmur and be irritated in her own way.

"ENOUGH!" I said as the timer stopped. Some of them breathe heavily as some of them stretch their hands. Meanwhile, Camilla, on the other hand, looks at me and gives me a thumbs up. Take a look at this woman; she's gasping for air but still smiling.

"Take a three-minute water break." They look shocked as I'm not the type of person who will give them time to rest. "Don't just stare or there won't be a next time!" The knights scattered as Camilla approached my place. I didn't have a towel, so I decided to blow a little while I was fixing her hair.

"You said you weren't going to give me any slack-" I cut her off while I kept fixing her tangled hair. "3 minutes is the only break you have. You don't have any water break because your left or right stomach will hurt. If that happens, stop for a while and come in my place." The first thing you need to have if you want to fight on the battlefield is great stamina.

"Those knights have already completed their training. But if you wish to stay quiet about what you feel physically, it's your choice. However, I gave you an option." Three minutes have passed too quickly. All

knights, including Camilla, return to their original positions.

"Vien and company. Can you get the wooden swords for practice?" They exchanged glances before leaving. The swords are simply stored in the cellar. I was tempted to burn it all, but Vien advised not to burn any of it because it might come in handy later.

And I think this is that day.

"Can I help?" Camilla dusted her hands as Vien and I exchanged glances. "You can." I responded shortly. "Until they get back, I wanted to see how much you remembered. Assume that you are on the battlefield. "POSITION!" They all take a firm stance, their hands raised as if they were wielding a sword.

Imagination could be helpful sometimes, isn't it? The ground was filled with hand movements and footsteps. It was like preparing to kill a person without a weapon. It sounds interesting.

They were pointing their arms in front and acting like they were stabbing someone. But the practice stops when Vien already comes. The wooden sword distribution began and the other knights started to fight like kids. They may appear adorable in the eyes of many, but they look like a fool if you'd ask me personally.

"POSITION!" The camp started to fill with silence as they all breathed. Camilla, who had just returned, began to concentrate as she sighed heavily.

The birds are audible from afar as they raise their shoulders and stare at me intently. "In one minute, you should show me the basic position or fighting stance. And find a partner to practice with." I look at Camilla and I'm glad that she understands what I mean.

I'm not going to let them partner up with these nitwits. She will learn nothing. "START!" I shouted. Their feet started to stamp, their arms began to raise, and it seems like they're all moving in harmony. It was a pleasant sight, but I don't want to spit any compliment.

They might become overly enthusiastic and disrupt the practice. knees, stomach, chest, and head. Those are the vitals that they need to remember when attacking someone. Bring your foes to their feet and slaughter them mercilessly. That's what I instructed them to do.

You can't just stand on the battlefield and expect to survive. You must demonstrate your capabilities. "Now pair up!" Camilla approached me as we both bowed to each other.