Chapter 42

Kain stood in front of the training ground within the royal castle with a weary expression. He had come in the same carriage as his father, who was heading to the Ministry of Justice within the castle, and was dropped off along the way. Today, he was supposed to learn swordsmanship here.

When he mentioned that he was learning swordsmanship during his free time from Arnoldia and Sarasinia, his father had said, "Then, should we start your sword training seriously?" Kain had nodded, thinking his father would hire a tutor, but ended up being thrown into the training of the Royal Guard. How did it come to this?

"Is this Kain Elgrandeur? I've been waiting for you. Please, this way."

A knight came running from inside the training ground and bowed to Kain. The fact that he addressed Kain with the honorific "sama" and bowed politely suggested that he might be from a family with a relatively low noble rank.

"I am here to learn. Please call me Kain. Formalities are not necessary."

Kain looked up, and the knight replied with a casual tone, "Got it? Thanks." Kain found this more comfortable, after all, he was just a child.

"Thank you for having me today."

Kain bowed, and the knight responded, "The pleasure is mine," before leading the way. On the way, Kain learned that this was the daily training ground for the Royal Guard, and the main training ground for the entire knight corps was a large facility on the outskirts of the capital.

When they reached the main training area, something familiar caught Kain's eye. Seeing the familiar figure waving and running towards him, Kain understood his father's plan.

"Kain! I'm looking forward to training with you!"

Prince Arundilarano, with his golden hair floating, approached with a beaming smile. So, this was it! His father had intended to create a connection with the prince! Adults are so devious!

"Training with the Prince is an honor."

Thanks to the teachings of his etiquette tutor, Mr. Silas, Kain could greet the prince with a polite smile despite his inner turmoil. He applauded himself for his composure.

The training content of the knight corps was surprisingly simple, starting with running. Kain, who ran about 10 kilometers every morning and evening, had no trouble keeping up, but Arundilarano couldn't manage it. The knights, not wanting to push the prince too hard, let Arundilarano rest in the shade after the first lap, saying, "It's your first day."

Next, they practiced swinging wooden swords with the blades removed. Kain and Arundilarano were given wooden swords that matched their body sizes and repeatedly raised and swung them overhead. Kain recalled the kendo he had learned a little in his previous life, but the stepping and striking technique was not part of their culture here. After about five minutes, Arundilarano complained that his arms were too tired and rested in the shade again.

"Hey, Kain, have you learned swordsmanship from someone?"

"I've received a little guidance from a knight who guards our house."

When the knights started practicing combat in a more realistic form, the knight who had welcomed Kain to the entrance began teaching them the basic forms. He noticed that Kain's way of handling the wooden sword had a unique style.

"Ah, the Duke of Elgrandeur was the Margrave of Nerglandi. So, that knight is from Nerglandi as well?"

"Yes, we borrow personnel from the knight corps of our territory for protection."

"That area is heavily involved in border security, and they also handle tasks like driving away harmful animals like bears and boars, and slaying monsters."

Kain wondered if the knight was mocking the rural sword style, but the knight, noticing Kain's slight tension, chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "No, no."

"Those who fight in more realistic situations make movements that connect. Instead of just raising and lowering the sword, they swing it horizontally to the side after a downward strike and bring it back up... The forms are designed to connect with each other."

"Understood."

"By contrast, our main job as the Royal Guard is to protect important people, and the main job of the city knights is to maintain the peace in the capital. So, we focus on urban combat, which makes our forms more compact and linear. Neither is better or superior."

"I see. Swordsmanship isn't the same everywhere."

"Exactly. I just noticed that your sword style had a unique touch, so I asked."

While there was no need to forcibly correct it, the urban style was more standard and less prone to habits, so it was decided that Kain would practice the Royal Guard's method when training with them.

After practicing the forms for a while, the knight said, "Let's try some strikes!" and they moved on to training where Kain swung his wooden sword at the knight's practice sword. The knight changed positions, and Kain swung his wooden sword with a thud, thud. When his arms started to feel numb, the command to stop was given.

"End the morning training! Everyone, return to your posts after lunch!"

"Yes, sir!"

Truly, the glorious Royal Guard. The response to the command was perfectly synchronized, and Kain involuntarily saluted as well.

"Kain, when you come next time, just come straight to this square and announce my name. The king has already informed them, so you can join the training anytime."

The knight, who had been with him throughout the training, patted Kain's head roughly and smiled.

"I haven't asked your name. What should I call you?"

"Oh, I'm Fabian Velfadia. I'm the deputy commander of the Royal Guard. Velfadia is hard to say, right? You can call me Deputy Commander Fabian!"

"Deputy Commander Fabian. It's an honor to learn swordsmanship from you."

(Deputy Commander Velfadia of the Royal Guard, isn't he the father of Chris Velfadia, the knight apprentice in the Holy Knight route?)

Kain bowed politely, but inside, he was shaken.