Chapter 149
As expected, it was bothersome and something I didn’t feel like doing. But since Evgenia had personally intervened, I had no choice but to comply.
The training grounds were a bit farther than I had imagined. Likely built at a distance to avoid noise.
It was my first time visiting, but I didn’t have the luxury to leisurely admire the surroundings.
From a distance, I could see an orderly formation that overshadowed the scenery. Judging by the familiar uniform colors, they were undoubtedly royal knights.
‘Don’t tell me all those men are applicants…….’
I wanted to believe otherwise, but something told me I was right. Evgenia had told me to meet the guardian candidates. It was clear that only those with some level of ambition had gathered.
A middle-aged man, likely the captain, stepped forward. His uniform bore more medals and badges than the others, and he bowed deeply toward us.
“May the light of Lublin be with you. It is an honor to welcome Her Majesty Evgenia and the First Princess. Thank you for gracing us with your presence.”
“Can we expect something worthwhile today? I’d like to give Nepheli a chance to meet a good guardian.”
“You will not be disappointed. Only those who have surpassed the standards have been carefully selected.”
“Good. I’ll trust your judgment.”
The man guided Evgenia and me to a raised platform. A small round table and a long, slightly curved sofa—like a beach bench—had been set up under a canopy.
Following Evgenia, who reclined comfortably on the sofa, I also leaned back. The knights then began a synchronized sword dance. Their disciplined movements suggested they had practiced diligently.
After the sword dance, sparring matches followed. But to my untrained eyes, there was little to appreciate.
All I could sense was the intensity……?
If I had been a fan of sports, I might have found it entertaining, but unfortunately, I was far from such interests.
Still, I tried to watch attentively, acknowledging their effort. Though I struggled to know where to look when shirtless men appeared.
“What do you think? Any knights catch your eye?”
“……They all seem very passionate.”
“It seems you’re not particularly impressed. There’s more to see, so keep looking.”
Her words hit the mark, and I laughed awkwardly.
‘I doubt it’ll make a difference even if I keep watching.’
Perhaps I was unconsciously rejecting the idea, but no one stood out to me.
Once the sparring ended and a winner was decided, a maid handed me a wreath made of woven leaves, resembling a laurel crown.
“You must congratulate the winner.”
Huh? Me?
Flustered, I instinctively glanced at Evgenia. She nodded in response to my look.
In a daze, I stood up and accepted the wreath. The winning knight approached me. He had brown hair and was quite handsome, his upper body exposed.
His well-defined muscles, free of any excess fat, were impressive. He must have trained hard to achieve such a physique.
But the way he emphasized certain areas made it hard to view him purely. His sweat-glazed skin made it difficult to avoid staring, no matter how much I tried.
Why couldn’t he just wear his uniform……?
The knight knelt on one knee before me, bowing his head to expose his crown.
‘Is he asking me to place the wreath?’
I hesitated, unsure.
“You can place the wreath and give a short speech.”
The maid whispered beside me.
I understood the wreath part, but a speech? My mind went blank at the sudden request.
They could’ve given me a heads-up…….
But it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar. Back in college, seniors often made freshmen give toasts.
Since they weren’t expecting anything grand, I figured a few fitting words would suffice.
“Congratulations on your victory. Your skills were impressive, Sir.”
“May the light of Lublin be with you.”
As I placed the wreath on his head, he responded. As expected, there were no further critiques. Relieved, I was about to step back when—
“Your Highness.”
The knight, still kneeling, raised his right arm and extended his hand toward me, as if seeking permission.
“May I have the honor of introducing myself to Your Highness?”
“……Go ahead.”
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