Chapter 49
Chapter 6 – The Emperor’s Jealousy
“You’re learning swordsmanship from Theor?” Edin’s expression in the communication device showed displeasure.
“Yes, I thought I should learn some self-defense.”
“Sir Trey is there, though…”
“They’re both teaching me. Did you get any sleep yesterday?”
“I’m getting enough rest, don’t worry.”
“That’s not what the mountain of documents next to you suggests.”
“Haha.”
“Don’t overwork yourself. I know you have to, but…”
“Yes. I’m also expediting the matter of bringing you here, so wait just a little longer.”
“Okay.”
“.…”
“….”
“D4mn it. I miss holding you so much, Sei.” A brief silence fell, then Edin muttered, his voice a low groan. Lysei, too, yearned to touch him, unable to since her injury.
“Me too.”
At her unexpected words, Edin’s eyes flared with desire.
“Should I come now?”
“What do you think Sir Zerga would say? I’m holding back, so you should too, Edin.”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“Don’t get too close to Theor.”
Lysei chuckled softly at Edin’s words. It seemed her friends, Edin and Theor, had a particularly strong rivalry. Theor was always telling her to drop Edin as her Nyxna and become his instead.
***
Lysei discovered she had a talent for swordsmanship. Of course, the sword Edin had gifted her felt perfectly balanced and easy to maneuver, but she also found herself readily adapting to the techniques Theor and Trey taught her. Her past experience using a dagger in conjunction with a club guard seemed to be helping.
Seeing her aptitude, Theor and Trey began teaching her more complex techniques used by lower-ranking knights. Lysei mastered these surprisingly quickly. Trey then advised her to focus on building strength and grip, so she began incorporating exercises from her original world.
“Oh, you’ve gotten stronger.” Lysei, lifting a smoothly carved stone in place of a dumbbell, looked up at Theor, who had appeared beside her, gently pressing on her arm.
He’d been absent since yesterday, his men scattered like ants throughout the palace. Now, impeccably dressed in his uniform, he looked even more dashing.
“Your grip must be stronger now.”
Lysei nodded. “I cleanly halved a wooden dummy this morning.”
“Oh, progress?”
“Of course.”
“Shall we test it?” Theord extended his hand in a gesture of handshake, and Lysei instinctively took it. He instantly pulled her into his arms, but just as quickly, someone else’s hand yanked her back.
Turning, she saw Trey, his expression disapproving, staring at Theor.
“Excessive contact is inappropriate.”
“Sir Trey…” Theor began, his face a mask of displeasure, but Lysei, struck by a thought, clapped her hands and called out to Trey.
“Oh, that’s right! Sir Trey.”
“Yes, Lady Lysei?”
“Could I borrow some more pants?”
Trey’s face flushed crimson.
“Pants… you say?”
“Yes. I only have one pair, and the maids have to work hard drying them so I can wear them again the next day. It would be better to have a few more…”
“I’ll give you mine.” Theor interrupted, drawing both Trey and Lysei’s attention.
“That’s unnecessary. His Majesty has decreed that you should wear his. His Majesty’s pants will be more comfortable.”
“If His Majesty’s pants are comfortable, mine will be too…”
“It’s proper to offer His Majesty’s, as it is his command.”
“No, it’s better to wear mine than those of someone who isn’t even here.”
“The best pants for exercise are breathable, not expensive. Surely a swordsman like yourself knows this.”
“So, among my pants, my training clothes…”
As Trey and Theor continued to bicker about the pants, Lysei shook her head in amusement and resumed her exercises.
***
Edin, after days of relentless work and little sleep, finally had half a day free. Unwilling to waste a moment, he used shadow magic—forbidden to royalty—to instantly transport himself to the Rose Palace.
The hidden shadows materialized, kneeling before him.
“You shouldn’t use shadow travel, Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty, it will strain your body.”
Edin sighed at their predictable admonishments.
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