Chapter 41

Two days later, Alvis came to the knights' quarters with Edward. The purpose was to decide Elina's personal guards. As they arrived at the training grounds with Hector, the knights in training stopped their movements all at once.

"Belphias..."

"Hey, that's His Highness. That's disrespectful."

"I know, but..."

"You still shine as brightly as ever, don't you?"

The voices coming from the knights were those who had worked with Alvis when he was part of the knights. When Hector glared at them, their faces changed as if they had been caught.

"You, what kind of attitude is this towards His Highness?"

"A-ah, no, that's—"

Hector, who is known for his loyalty and seriousness, seemed unable to tolerate their behavior. With Hector's raised eyebrows, they slowly backed away, seemingly afraid. Alvis then intervened.

"Captain, it's true that I used to be part of the knights, and it's unreasonable to expect them to suddenly change their attitude. Can you let it slide this time?"

"...If His Highness says so, I'll let it slide this time."

"Thank you."

"Phew..."

Alvis nodded at them, who were his contemporaries and seniors. There were also some of his former mentors. He wanted to greet them, but he had to take care of business first.

"Captain, I leave them to you."

"Understood."

Hector, who had bowed, instructed the knights who had stopped their training due to Alvis's arrival to continue. He then walked towards the intended individuals—Filarietta and Muse. They were about to start their training with a shout when Hector called out to them, causing them to widen their eyes in surprise.

Filarietta, who looked slightly displeased, and Muse, who couldn't hide her confusion, were brought to Alvis by Hector.

"Thank you for waiting, Your Highness."

"I appreciate it, Captain. And it's been two days, Amour, Arby."

"“Yes, Your Highness.”"

When Alvis addressed them, they performed a deep knight's salute. In front of Hector, Filarietta maintained her knightly demeanor without breaking it, showing that she knew her place.

"I'm transferring the two of you to the Royal Guard. As Elina's personal guards."

"Us, as the Princess's personal guards?"

"Yes. Currently, Elina doesn't have a personal guard. The Royal Guard is short of female members, so I've decided to assign them from the knights."

Filarietta and Muse exchanged glances. For them, this was a promotion. Muse couldn't hide her delighted expression, but Filarietta kept her eyes fixed on Alvis.

"I see, so the other day was a test of our attitude towards the Princess."

"Yes."

"But we didn't even draw our swords. Does that mean you still consider us suitable?"

"We didn't encounter any monsters. For Filarietta and the others, it was just a conversation with Elina. Anyone could have done that. But what I value most is not just that. It's also your compatibility with Elina and your skills."

"I'll confirm that now."

"Huh?"

"Captain, could I have a practice sword?"

"...You're impossible. Hey, bring me one!"

Hector sighed and instructed a nearby knight. When the knight brought the practice sword, Alvis quickly pointed the tip at Filarietta.

"Let's have a match. I want to see your current skills."

"!"

When the tip was pointed at her, Filarietta almost stumbled but quickly regained her composure. After taking a deep breath, she also readied her practice sword.

"Is it alright to go all out against Your Highness?"

"It wouldn't make sense if you didn't."

"...Even against me, you'll go all out?"

"Yes."

This implied that Alvis knew he hadn't always been serious when facing Filarietta in the past. He never thought he could fool someone of Filarietta's caliber. Nodding, Alvis took off his jacket and threw it to Edward.

"Captain, could you give the signal?"

"Understood."

As the two got into position, the surrounding knights formed a circle around them. Even though they were in the middle of training, everyone seemed interested. Hector, noticing this, didn't say anything, as it was officially sanctioned by the Captain.

"Begin!"

"Yaahh!"

Filarietta moved first. Her straight sword stroke was as it always was, and Alvis blocked her sword. It was the first time they had crossed swords since the academy. Filarietta's sword felt heavier than before.

"You haven't changed, not starting with a first strike."

"Maybe not."

"Still as nonchalant as ever—"

When Filarietta tried to add more weight to her sword, Alvis deflected it. Filarietta's eyes widened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and took a step back. Being a woman, Filarietta was more agile than the male knights. However, speed was also one of Alvis's strengths.

When Filarietta made a sweeping motion with her sword, Alvis closed the distance. He then struck the hilt of Filarietta's sword with his own. Filarietta barely managed to keep her sword, but she was flustered by Alvis's close proximity and quickly jumped back.

"Ugh."

"Is it over?"

"...Don't mock me... That's why men are—"

Muttering, Filarietta glared at Alvis more fiercely. This reminded Alvis of the Filarietta from the academy days, and he smiled sardonically. Back then, Alvis rarely counterattacked. However, if she was to become Elina's guard, he needed to know how much she could protect. Gripping the hilt tightly, Alvis advanced on Filarietta again.

"Haaah!"

"What?!"

Filarietta, who was caught off guard, had no choice but to block Alvis's sword. Despite her slim build, Alvis was a man, and the difference in strength was clear.

"Pressing with strength against someone who is weaker in strength won't change the situation."

"I know that!!"

She had to redirect the force or be overwhelmed. This was something Filarietta had always done, both in the academy and now. The unexpected move by Alvis caught her off guard. However, Alvis also understood this. He himself was not the strongest in terms of physical strength compared to other knights and guards. Therefore, he understood what Filarietta was trying to do.

"Ugh... Haaaah!!"

"!!"

Suddenly, Filarietta's sword began to emit mana. A hot wave of energy radiated from her sword, and Alvis stepped back. Hector, who was officiating, stepped between them.

"That's enough!"

The match wasn't over, but when Alvis looked at his practice sword, he saw a burn mark where it had touched Filarietta's sword. This meant they couldn't continue the match.

"That's as far as we can go with practice swords."

If they wanted to continue, they would have to use real swords. However, Hector wouldn't allow it. The match was only permitted because it was with practice swords. But Alvis had seen enough of Filarietta's skills. For now, this was sufficient.

Note: Filarietta's family name has been changed to Amour. I apologize for any confusion.