MATCHY-MATCHY

"The Empress likes sweet things, maybe I should buy her a bouquet? But I noticed those Jasmine flowers all over the pillars a little while ago. Perhaps, a perfume will do? The one with a mild refreshing aroma. Hel, What do you think?" I just chuckle as I shrug. Mother likes perfume so she has a lot of it. Flowers, on the other hand, wither as time passes by.

"Don't just laugh at me, I'm thinking a good gift! The Emperor wants material things, I know what to buy for him." It's obviously visible. His eyes are greedy and so his personality.

"How about a sweet-smelling paper? Mother enjoys jotting down notes in her memo." It may be the story of her life? History of the Empire? Who knows? Perhaps, she will read it when she's on the verge of death already. Which is too early to happen.

"You mean a personal stationery?" I nod as I look around. "You seem to be bored, General Vien. How was those knights currently doing?" I call some knights to escort us, and one of them is the General, of course. It's not that I'm afraid of going outside. But I'm afraid that Camilla will get lost as she doesn't even know the phrase: JUST STICK ON MY SIDE.

Look at her, all by herself, searching for stores that sells stationery. Can't she just walk slowly? Does she have to be that anxious or she's just excited?

"We're currently in the second phase of training, Your Majesty." It was quick. They just get started, aren't they? The training of the knights, are consist of 4 stages.

The initial stage focuses on developing awareness, balance, and coordination. The second stage are consists of muscle endurance, muscle strengths, and agility. While The third stage are consist of reaction time, speed, flexibility, and power. The final level may be the most difficult, as they will battle while blindfolded, adopting their abilities which are developed throughout the training.

But to think that those knights are on the second level already is quite impressive. The former knights took months just to master the first stage.

"Can they draw their swords already?" The other knights chuckle as if I allowed them to. "They may appear to be a novice in your eyes, yet they are capable fighters. I've watched them struggle to keep their swords under control, as I feel like they wanted to burst it all. However, training takes time. And it can't be taken lightly." Back then, the only thing I like about Vien is her persistence.

But I never knew that she'll be this suited for the position. She has a firm grasp of what to do and how to manage a brand-new battalion. "You're doing well, I hope you're prepared when a real battle comes." I said in a jesting manner.

"I suppose your fiancé has already entered a store, Your Majesty. Aren't you going to accompany her?" Look at this cunning warrior abruptly shifting the subject. I laugh slightly as in a form of entertainment.

"I hope you're getting along with my sister—" She cuts me off.

"Your Majesty, your WIFE must be waiting for you. We should enter. Let's talk about things if we're already back in the palace, shall we?" HILARIOUS! Why did I feel that there's something between them? I've not even been informed! Perhaps, my sister smiles all the time because she keeps on thinking about this knight! INTERESTING!

I'm blessed with a keen sense of observation. I'm sorry Carien, but I want my sister with the General instead. However, If I think of it, Lithia is straight, isn't she? I shouldn't have spouted nonsense. It's disrespectful as she might feel uncomfortable.

But since I'm not a nice sister, what if I'll tease her later on? I WANT TO SEE HER PRICELESS EXPRESSION! THIS LOOKS LIKE AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION!

"Her Majesty is creeping me out." I shrugged and gave Vien a normal glance. "I'm not even speaking."

"Then what's with that grin, Your Majesty?" Am I not allowed to have entertainment anymore? C'mon, It's me, HELVETICA ETHEREAL. ENTERTAINMENT, PEOPLE. I NEED THAT.

"That's my typical mood. No need to question my expression, General Vien." But she seems to be suspicious of my face. I can't blame her. I also look at the mirror and praise myself even more.

"The Queen likes Indigo, right? And she writes using white ink." I stopped for a moment. "Yes." I answered shortly, trying to think if I ever said that to Camilla before.

I don't quite remember.

"Then I'll buy the same for your father." She looks at me as if she's waiting for me to say something. "It's a couple things, you know? Where you get the same things, so they'll be matchy-matchy?" Matchy-matchy? What the hell does it even mean?

"Nevermind, I'll just buy this stuffs. I also want to go home. The moon's already rising. You know? Gotta attend to dinner?" She's speaking a new language.

"Oh— I, uh— Yeah— I should buy this. Right." She turns around as I could read the awkwardness through her entire body system. "She's really an odd one, Your Highness." You might be wondering about Serina, but when we get out, I saw her talking to Lithia in the garden.

My sister seemed bored with her life and needed someone to chat to. I'm not against with that, though I'm wondering about their topic.

I can't just barge in, asking out of nowhere. That kind of attitude is really not my cup of tea. That's immaturity. "Done!" I don't know why Camilla has to smile a lot, when there's nothing exceptional going on.

As we go outside of the store, a running crime happens right in front of my eyes. "A THIEF!" yelled the woman who's chasing down the man who was running so fast.

"Vien." She bows while I decided to hold Camilla's hand. "Wanted to watch something interesting?" I asked for consent. I could see her little nods as I decided to run along with her. AN EXERCISE INDEED!