Progressing Relationship

(At the Earth kingdom)

The princess asked the general if he was free this coming weekend because she wanted to hang out with him. Josh then nodded and told her that he didn't have any plans in the weekend.

Lucy put her hand under her chin. "Where do you want to go then?"

Josh chuckled. "Shouldn't I be the one to ask that?"

"Then how about the garden nearby?"

"Sure."

A few hours later...

(In the throne room)

The king told the general that he allows him to pursue the princess. Josh then smiled and bowed.

The queen played with the tips of her hair. "I'll ask you again, do you like her?"

The general scratched his cheek. "I do, your majesty."

"Then why don't you want to tell her?"

As soon as he heard that, his eyes widened. All this time he felt the same way as the princess, so why wouldn't he just tell her that he liked her too? What was stopping him from doing that?

Josh looked away. "I want to experience being close friends first, your majesty."

Valentina smirked. "You mean you want to go through the process?"

Josh stood up straight. "Yes, I don't want to just simply be together. A relationship will need sacrifice."

The king smiled. "She used to be mischievous, but ever since she met you, she's change."

"I'm glad," Josh responded.

"How about Charlotte? Do you want me to get rid of her?"

"Your majesty, Charlotte is a really amiable person. She won't cause any trouble."

"Isn't she scheming?" Valentina asked

Josh then explained that it's what make a relationship interesting. They'll just have to wait for the day where Charlotte gives up.

"Josh, you'll just hurt her feelings," the king said.

The general responded, "Your majesty, we have to play fair."

"So you mean that you're allowing Charlotte to like you?" the queen asked.

The general answered, "Yes, your majesty."

"Won't it affect Lucy?"

"I believe she can do it."

"Are you giving her a hard time?" Valentina asked.

"No, your majesty. I'm just saying that it doesn't mean she's the princess that she can do whatever she wants. She has to fight fairly," Josh explained.

The queen smiled. "I see. You do have a point."

Josh bowed. "With that, our relationship will become stronger."

The king chuckled. "So you will—"

Before the king was able to finish, a servant suddenly came and informed the general that someone had been injured. Josh then told the king and queen about it and told them that as a general, he needed to take care of his fellow soldiers.

(At the royal garden)

"You lied to me." Josh folded his arms.

"I'm sorry," Charlotte apologized.

"I thought you were in danger."

"I just wanted your attention. You're always so busy."

"Charlotte, being stabbed by a sword isn't some kind of joke."

"I won't do it again, but promise to have time for me."

The general then asked the young woman who she was in his life. The woman smiled and told him that she was his friend.

Josh sighed, "Are friends suppose to be bothersome?"

Charlotte looked at the floor. "I'm sorry if I do."

"I don't want to be mean, but if you're just going to continue doing these jokes, then let's just not see each other again."

Charlotte held his arm. "I won't do it again, Josh. I promise."

"Don't just say it. Do it," Josh said before walking away.

The next day...

"You seem to regret this." Lucy's smile faded away.

Josh laughed. "No, I just had a bad day yesterday."

"What happened?"

The general then explained everything that had happened and told her that Charlotte did it just to get his attention.

The princess held his hand. "Why don't we just enjoy the day? Aren't we suppose to have a friendship date?" the princess suddenly asked.

Josh apologized, "I'm sorry for bringing that up."

"It's fine. I like that your opening up to me."

"Where shall we head next then?"

"The garden."

When they arrived at the flower garden, the princess told Josh that the garden was her favorite place because that's where she first met Mateo, but the reason was now is because he was there with her.

Josh blushed. "You don't have to be so sweet."

Lucy laughed. "You're just playing hard to get."

"Am not."

"I hope that all this will pay off. All my hard work on getting you to feel the same way."

Josh looked at the sky. "Maybe, it will."

"Are you saying I won't succeed?" the princess glared.

"I guess so."

"Josh!"

"I'm just kidding. You're so cute."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Wait. What did you say?"

"Nothing," Josh replied.

"Say it again! Did you just call me cute?"

"No, you misheard it."

"I heard it loud and clear."

The general said, "You're just—"

Without letting him continue, Lucy instantly hugged him and told him that she was thankful that he gave her a chance. The general then laughed and told her that she was just being too dramatic.

The princess hugged him tighter. "I really like you, Josh."

Josh patted her back. "I'm speechless, princess."

"I'll really make you like me."

"I know you can."