Julian's POV


"By the way, Julian, are you interested in the new cavalry model?"

As he said this, His Highness pulled out his wooden sword and attacked me.

I parried it using the wooden sword I have in my right hand, then I thrust the dagger-shaped wooden sword in my left hand at His Highness's neck.

As I did so, His Royal Highness raised his hands to signal his surrender.

"Seriously, Your Highness, if you don't take this seriously, then this isn't training at all."

"No, I'm serious about this; it's just that your dual-wield style is really annoying."

I couldn't help but feel embarrassed when His Highness praised me, because...

His Highness is skilled enough to be considered a top-class fighter on par with the royal knights. I know this very well because I usually train with him, as we're close in age.

That's why I'm so happy to be praised by His Highness.

I'm not very muscular, so to compensate, I use a dual-wield style, where I use a long sword on my right hand and a dagger on my left. Because of this style, I have no choice but to build up my stamina by running every day.

And just now I felt that all my efforts were recognized by His Highness.

"This is our fifth fight; I think it's time to take a break."

"I understand."

His Highness and I then head for the nearby watering hole in the corner of the training area.

In a castle where there's a water supply, there are many water holes all around that are always available.

When we arrive at the waterhole, His Highness takes off his jacket and the leather armor he uses for training, and showers himself with water from a wooden bucket.

"Ooooooooohhh..."

His Highness made a strange moaning sound, and I couldn't help but laugh as I drank the water.

"Your Highness, you sound like an old man."

"You should try this! I'm sure if you do, you'll definitely be the same as me."

"No, I'll pass, as I didn't sweat that much."

I smiled at His Highness, then I shook my head.

"Sparring is certainly different from running, as I'm already quite exhausted."

As we sat on the edge of the waterhole, water dripped from His Highness's beautiful black hair.

"So, Julian? Are you interested in the new cavalry model?"

When His Highness asked me this question, I thought about it for a while.

It's not that I'm not interested, it's just...

"I'm not saying I'm not interested in using it, but I think it should be used by someone stronger and more experienced than me. After all, being a Special Forces commander is not something a rookie like me can become just because I want to".

Besides, my main goal is still the same: to support my brother back home. If I become part of the Special Forces, I won't be able to request a transfer to my parents' home.

After I said this, His Highness continued to smile at me.

"I'm not saying this because we've been training together for a long time, but I think you'll do well in the special forces. You're a good guy, and I like you too."

"What?"

A strange voice came out of me.

"Did you know? The Third Knight Order to which you belong to, is famous for being particularly strict with its members? So much so that its members are, you know, a little crazy."

I didn't know they were famous, but I know they're crazy.

In the Third Knight Order, it starts with the merciless training of the new recruits against the old members, then they do mountain training once a month, which other units don't do. And if they hear a call for help with a monster attack, they will be the first unit to respond.

"That's why I know you're a good guy, because you survived in that unit and you're loved by those crazy people. Also, you don't hesitate to train with me and you give your best to win against me. That's why I know you know how to train properly.

His Highness laughed.

When I joined the Third Knight Order last year, there were six of us, but the training was so intense that within six months, all of them either transferred to another order or quit altogether.

"That's why I like you."

As I stroked my chest, His Highness flicked the water that had collected on his fingertips at my face.

"What's going on, Julian? Do you also believe the rumors that the reason I still haven't decided to take on a crown princess is because I like men?"

"Such a vulgar rumor exists?"

I can't believe that such a rumor exists. I think His Highness was so hurt by the annulment that he still didn't know what to do.

"What didn't you know? It's a famous story among the handmaidens; they talk about it as if it were a romance novel. That's why I'm already known to many people around me as a person who prefers men to women. Besides, according to Sophia, you're one of my prey."

"Huh?"

I looked suspiciously at His Highness, who is laughing.

"Is Your Highness fine with those kinds of rumors circulating around?"

"Well, it's a good defense against wicked women. And as for when I will take a crown princess, I will have to think about that sometime...

His Highness' eyes narrow sadly.

I guess His Highness is hurt after all. I heard that he took good care of his fiancée, Celis-sama.

"I understand, Your Highness. If you don't mind, please use me as a shield to avoid women!"

When I replied with a salute, His Highness looked at me with a surprised expression on his face.

"You're really a good guy!"

With that, His Highness, with a mischievous smile on his face, picked up the wooden bucket hidden behind him and doused me with water.

"Whoah!"

I was drenched. Because of that I let out a strange scream and ran away from the scene.

"Why? With only this much, why are you exaggerating?"

I heard His Highness' words behind me.





Notes:

1. MC used suki here which means either like or love.