Chapter 22: Training

What was it again today? Oh yes, it's just another daily life of an old lady turning into a little girl. 

"It's hard to wait for that day to come; why does it seem like a thousand years?" 

Ett mumbled as she strode to the Imperial's Garden. 

"Mm."

Such a cool breeze, ah. Beautiful.

In the Imperial Garden, only one type of flower exists. A black rose surrounded like death. It filled the whole Garden like a black sea. Not the black sea on Earth, though. It's as far as the eyes can go. These flowers were meticulously taken care of by the gardeners and servants of the palace. The only place in the Empire where they could see this kind of rose. 

"They look beautiful." 

Although it may be ominous to the rest of the people, for Ett, her favourite was either the blue or black rose. "But I better prefer a dandelion." 

"Why a dandelion, Your Ladyship?" 

Ett slowly turned around with a frown. She was sure she and another maid were with her while the knights stood far away.

"Akan." 

"My apologies for disturbing you, Your Ladyship. I have nothing to do and wondered if I can accompany you." 

Not like she needs him. 

"Do what you want." 

 Oh? It seems her Ladyship is in good spirits. 

Akan initiated, "Dandelions could be a bit troublesome, don't you think?" 

Ohohoho, now he is talking to her more openly after she revealed his wolf's skin. Well, it's not like Ett doesn't like it. It's good to know what the person truly is. 

"Troublesome?" 

She doesn't think so; in fact, they are like balloons. You just have to blow them to some extent and then, "They can be destroyed easily." 

The loveliest thing about dandelion is that it quickly flies away from a distant land till it's never to be seen again trampled by one and no one.

"…" 

"Why are you here?" 

As if she'd believe him to just come and hang out with her. 

"Please don't look at me like that. I really came to enjoy the scenery with Your Ladyship. " 

Akan leaned down and whispered, "But, indeed, I gathered quite a bit of knowledge about the young man Your Ladyship told me about before." 

That old lady's son, who makes her disguise, went to work at Count Shubert's estate. 

"Let's return then." 

They need a private space like her study room to discuss this business. Even if no one seems to spy about it. 

"Gladly." 

***

Meanwhile, Guren had just finished his swordsmanship training. Lesson? No, nobody can teach him when he knows it all. He was even the one who would teach them ways to quickly kill an enemy without too much movement.

"You're Majesty, here's your handkerchief and water." 

Guren sat on one of the chairs as he wiped his sweaty face. These days, the nobles are busy and anxious to know who will be permitted to have their banquet in the Imperial Hall as he had yet to send the nobles who have permission to use it. 

However, some alacritous nobles could make heads and tails and wondered who would host the balls. This would make them feel that whoever has been chosen was highly honoured and would either support the throne more or be warier about their following action. 

Playing mind games was never his forte, even though he had learned it at a young age, but now, "…" 

"The boy, where is he?" 

Butler Xiwen: "..." You're also a boy, You're Majesty.

"You mean the Young Master Lativ? Do you want to meet him?" 

"How is it?" 

Guren already knew that he arrived at the palace three days ago. The Duke of Yushon knows well that there's no way for them to oppose him, nor can they dissuade the decision of their filial child. His quick, Guren likes that.

"I had taught him the basics of personally serving you. I'm quite surprised he has the talent for swordsmanship and some things to remember when being in the Imperial Palace." 

Guren nodded. Hearing a compliment from the Butler is something you don't hear every day. Even him. He was constantly reminded by Butler Xiwen with his swordsmanship to continuously train himself.

"You didn't tell him about the Empress Dowager, did you?" 

Butler Xiwen shook his head. 

"It is for the Emperor to decide." 

"There will come a time he'll meet the young look of my mother. Let everyone in the palace know she'll be my 'sister.' " 

It is to hide her identity if an unforseeable situation arise. Adiand royalties can't show weakness. Right now, Ett's physical appearance is a significant weakness meant to be hidden. People will surely think someone had the guts to reach their hand in the Imperial palace as an imposter and succeed. 

"Bring him."

"Understood."

Guren quietly drank his water, looking at the swords as his mind was in a state of distant greyness. Nothing comes to mind as he just stares at nothingness. Soon, he heard the footsteps of Xiwen along with another soft and anxious one. 

"Gre-" 

Lativ clears his throat and is genuflected. 

"Greetings to the Keeper of Adiand, the sun and moon of the people. This humble subject is Lativ is honored to see His Majesty." 

"The greetings are awful, Xiwen." 

Xiwen bowed. 

"My apologies, I'll surely remember that. " 

"A-Ah, no, it's not…I…" 

Lativ bit his lower lip.

I've heard that first impression last. I've done a terrible job after meeting the Emperor again, haven't I?! I want to leave ah! I must have looked like a greedy clown spouting flowery words.

"Hmm?" 

"…" 

Lativ sweated and closed his mouth from Guren's unspeakable gaze. He looks like a bunny right now, having been caught by prey. 

"I suppose your father was dying to speak with me." 

"…" 

Lativ lowers his head. 

It was true, his father desperately wanted to visit the Imperial Palace after that. But it was a rule that no one could see His Majesty if they weren't called. They can only send a letter and wait for a reply. If not, it is evident that it was rejected. 

Never did Duke Garth do so before, but it was futile no matter how strong he was in pushing his way through. The Imperial Knights chosen to personally serve the Adiand royals were all talented individuals who had been with the Emperor through all the wars that prevailed. 

More so, those who are genuinely close to His Majesty, the Advisors, are not only talented in administration and conducting strategic plans but also in strength. Even though old, the most fearsome person behind Lativ was Butler Xiwen.

When his father attempted to come to the palace, he was stopped by the Imperial Knights. Causing commotion won't get His Majesty's permission, but it will only anger him. Angering him means the extermination of the whole family. He can't allow his father to go to another extreme measure. 

"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty, for my father's unethical behaviour." 

He was a thousand times more sorry for saying his father was unethical. If that's the case, isn't he unethical? 

"I'm not that petty." 

Guren stated that he placed the cup on the table as he dusted his clothes. 

"You must have known how difficult it is to personally serve me." 

Lativ, "…" 

Uh, how do you say yes in a pleasant manner without sounding offended? His mind just became mush. 

"Butler Xiwen." 

"Yes, Your Majesty." 

Xiwen walked away only to bring a wooden sword, and a man behind him followed closely. 

"This lowly subject pays respect to His Majesty, the Emperor." 

"Lakis." 

Lakis was briefed by Xiwen before, so he understands why he is here. 

"Understood Your Majesty, I will train him well to be your loyal sword." 

"A-Archduke…" 

Lativ stammmered. 

Who would have thought he would meet the person he admire the most! Although they are from a scholastic family, he still feels good about swords, albeit he has done it secretly before. Although his father said that the famous Butler was far better, along with his past knowledge. Lativ was more drawn to the sword because of Archduke Lakis! 

 "Greetings…" 

Where did his noble appearance go? Lativ you damn mutt get a hold of yourself and mustn't shame your family's honour! 

"Then I'll pithily leave it to you; let's go, Xiwen." 

"Yes, Your Majesty." 

"Have a good respite, Your Majesty." 

"Take care, Your Majesty." 

Lativ added bowing lowly until the Emperor was gone only then did he raise his head simultaneously with Lakis. 

Archduke Lakis smiled at Lakis in amusement. His brown eyes narrowed in a smile observing Lativ.

"You're quite sharp and very well-mannered; I guess the Duke had taught you well." 

Lativ grinned foolishly, meeting the person he adores the most, "Thank you, Archduke." 

"Only in the name do I have such a title. You've heard the Emperor's words." 

Lativ nodded, be the Emperor's sword meaning he will be the one to protect him. That is a great honour to the family, but it makes him agitated. 

"But may I ask something Arch...sire?" 

"Hmm, go on." 

Lakis picked a wooden sword before putting it back and picked a stick instead that some soldiers might have left for some unknown reason. 

"Shouldn't the sire serve His Majesty longer than I should?" 

Realizing his words, Lativ shakes his hands in a frantic motion. " What I mean to say is the--" 

He stopped hearing Lakis' hearty laugh. "Young Master, as the 'previous loyal sword' of the Emperor, I am called for other things. Please, don't fret about it." 

"But…" 

I don't want to die early! I still need a lot to learn. I need to quickly make my way through everything without any mistakes and go home. Play with my mother and anger my father!

Seeing Lativ acting like a child, Lakis chuckled. "Indeed, you're a child. Sometimes, I forget I'm talking to a child as I've been around His Majesty. Do tell me when you are confused or bothered by something." 

"Ah? Oh, well, yes. Yes, of course!" 

Was that a compliment or an insult? 

Satisfied at Lativ's answer, he patted his head gently, saying, "Then I wanted to tell you something important, Young Master, and you must always keep this in mind." 

"Yes, sire, what is it?" 

"You can just call me teacher." 

Lativ grinned. Wonderful.

"Teacher." 

Lakis pursed his lips. 

What a cute fella to serve His Majesty. Either he will be influenced by his coldness or remain the same… that's something Lakis would be looking forward to seeing. After all in this palace, it's filled with angst and apathy it's hard to remain in the bright side of man. 

"Just remain as you are." 

"???" 

"Alright, let me give you some foreword." 

"Alright." 

Lativ tends to mull over things he does not understand, especially the words of people he admires.

His father says he must do everything to survive, and the Archduke tells him to remain as he is. Confusing adults!

Oh well, then he will ask his father when he returns back to their estate. Indeed, his father should know what the Archduke is talking about. 

Sigh. 

"What are you sighing about?" 

"Oh, it's nothing, teacher. I'm ready to listen!" 

It's too frustrating when adults speak too profoundly.