Chapter 64

As usual, Muse was training at the knights' quarters. Suddenly, the training ground began to buzz with excitement, and she stopped her sword practice, wondering what was happening. She went to Filarieta, who was also training, to find her glaring at the center of the commotion with an unhappy expression.

"Filari, what's going on?"

"…It seems the prince has arrived."

"The prince… Prince Alvis?!"

"There's no one else it could be."

Her colleague Filarieta didn't seem to have a good impression of the current prince, always looking sour whenever he was mentioned. Moreover, Filarieta had been receiving certain prompts from her family, the Marquis household, ever since Alvis was made the crown prince. Filarieta was the daughter of a Marquis, a position that, by right, should have nothing to do with Muse. She was someone who should be wearing beautiful dresses and living in a glittering world. However, Filarieta's current attire, a knight's uniform stained from training, was far from that of a lady. Despite her own desire to join the knights, Muse still thought that Filarieta looked better in dresses. Her appearance would not be out of place beside Alvis. This was what her family, the Marquis household, desired.

However, if she did that, it would sadden the lovely Princess, Elina von Lithuard. Elina, the daughter of the Duke of Lithuard, had become Elina Ruberia Lithuard after marrying Alvis, taking on the kingdom's name. Muse had recently seen Princess Elina up close for the first time. Her distinctive red hair gave an impression of assertiveness, but in conversation, she was nothing like that. She was more concerned with the well-being of those around her rather than pushing her own will. Unlike the typical noble lady Muse knew, Filarieta found this natural, as high-ranking noble daughters were educated from a young age to be this way.

Ruberia Kingdom was a male-dominated society, and there were almost no places where women could work freely. This was especially true for noblewomen, who could only survive by entering a household through marriage and supporting their husbands. Therefore, they received education to maintain a good relationship with their husbands. To Muse, a commoner, this seemed absurd, but it was a testament to how difficult it was for noblewomen to work.

Filarieta was an exception among exceptions. Despite being a high-ranking noble daughter, she had joined the knights and was highly skilled. She claimed to have convinced the head of the Marquis household, but Muse didn't believe it. She thought Filarieta had joined the knights to follow Alvis, who, though not yet the prince, was still a duke's son and a very attractive match. Muse suspected that Filarieta's ability to join the knights was due to her family, the Marquis household, wanting to marry her to the prince, Alvis. Indeed, Filarieta had been approached about becoming Alvis's concubine, but it was only her family pushing for it, and Alvis himself had not said anything.

"Filari, I think you're being a bit too disrespectful..."

"As always, you look so fresh... It's infuriating that you don't even know what I'm being called."

"That's just the way it is, I guess."

While feeling sorry for Alvis, who was being treated unfairly, Muse tried to calm Filarieta. Hector, the captain, then pushed through the crowd of knights.

"Captain?"

"Both of you, the prince has summoned you."

"Huh?"

"Follow me."

Hector's command left no room for argument. Despite her confusion, Muse's feet moved to follow the captain. As they approached, they saw Alvis standing there, flanked by the white-uniformed members of the Royal Guard, whom Muse had seen before. Alvis smiled at Muse and Filarieta, his usual handsome face causing Muse's cheeks to warm slightly. After exchanging greetings, they got straight to the point.

The conclusion was that Muse and Filarieta were to be transferred to the Royal Guard to serve as Princess Elina's personal guards. It was rare for knights to be assigned to guard the royal family, as that was the domain of the Royal Guard. Therefore, this transfer was a promotion, and Muse was thrilled, trying hard not to jump for joy. However, Filarieta continued to look sternly at Alvis, clearly displeased, causing Muse to break out in a cold sweat.

"So, the other day was a test of our attitude towards the princess, was it?"

"Yes."

"But we didn't even draw our swords. Are you saying we were deemed suitable even without that?"

Filarieta's words made Muse regain her composure. Indeed, neither she nor Filarieta had engaged in combat. It seemed unlikely that they were chosen as guards simply because they were women. So, why?

"We will confirm that now."

"Huh?"

Surprised by his sudden words, both Filarieta and Muse were taken aback. As they stood in confusion, Alvis took a practice sword from a knight and pointed it at Filarieta.

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

"..."

Filarieta, with the sword pointed at her, also took up a practice sword, indicating that the match was on.

"Is it alright to go all out against the prince?"

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

"…Are you saying you'll go all out against me?"

"Yes."

Hearing this, which sounded like a provocation, Muse felt her fingers turn cold. She knew Filarieta's skills well. She was unmatched by most knights, male or female. Even if Alvis had once been a knight, it seemed unlikely that he, a duke's son, could match Filarieta. However, the senior knights, including Hector, showed no intention of stopping the match. As the crowd gathered around, Muse realized there was nothing she could do.

"…Begin!"

"Yahh!"

With Hector's signal, the match began. Filarieta made the first move, and Alvis blocked it with his sword. Physically, men had the advantage. No matter how slender his arms, Alvis was still a man, and it was understandable that Filarieta would be overpowered. However, this was also true within the knights. If she could match her opponent in strength, she could fight on equal terms. With the right strategy, a woman could win. However...

"...Filari is being pushed back?"

Muse was shocked by the situation before her. From the way Alvis swung his sword, it was clear he was a formidable opponent. His stance and footwork were those of someone who had wielded a sword for years. Some of the senior knights had rumored that Alvis had been transferred to the Royal Guard due to his family's influence. The knights mainly worked outside the capital, engaging in more battles with monsters than the Royal Guard. They said it was too dangerous to send the prince's brother's son to such places repeatedly, so he was transferred. However, the Alvis before her seemed more skilled than those senior knights, suggesting that the rumors were just jealousy. They were from viscount families, likely using their titles to justify their own shortcomings.

"But, surely he didn't join the Royal Guard just because of his skills?"

"Exactly."

"Huh?"

Muse, surprised that her mutterings had been heard, let out a strange sound at the voice from above. She quickly covered her mouth, but it was too late.

"Nashel-senpai."

"He's holding back, you know."

"Against Filari?"

"..."

Hearing that he was holding back, Muse's eyebrows raised in surprise. After telling them to go all out, it was strange to hear that he was holding back. However, according to the senior knight, it was understandable.

"Nobles have more mana. They use it in combat regularly. But with a practice sword, they can't do that, right?"

"If they can control it, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Muse, a commoner, also had mana and used it in combat. However, this was a different matter.

"He's just too strong. Probably due to his ancestors. When he uses mana in combat, a practice sword can't even stand up to it. But he can't use a real sword against the prince. So, he has to hold back."

"..."

"Back when I was a rookie, I was better than him. But he's a hard worker. In that sense, you're similar, Muse."

"Me and the prince?"

Muse, a commoner, and Alvis, a royal, had vastly different backgrounds, yet he said their sword skills were similar. This made her want to face him. When Alvis called out to Muse after his match with Filarieta, her initial worries had vanished. However, she could understand Filarieta's feelings. Being asked to fight again immediately after a match felt like being underestimated. Alvis probably didn't realize it, but he truly believed it was no problem to continue.

"I'll make you regret it."

"Take it easy, Muse."

The senior knight, who seemed exasperated by Muse's combat mode, sent her off. Muse was stronger than Filarieta and considered one of the best female knights. She couldn't lose to someone who was supposed to be protected.

However, Alvis was stronger than Muse had imagined. What truly frightened her was his mana, which could even break a practice sword.

"...What is that?"

"See, it's frustrating, right?"

"...I agree, even if it's disrespectful."

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