Chapter 5 Ch. 5: Training [1]
Chapter 5 Ch. 5: Training [1]
<strong>*** SOL 550</strong>
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Time flew really fast. I didn't even realize it and I was six years old now. As you already knew, I became the Second Prince of this Empire.
To think it was an Empire and not a Kingdom, how lucky I was. Now that I was born with a diamond spoon, I just wanted to live a free and happy life.
I was quite happy that I wasn't the firstborn. It meant that I didn't have to become the Crown Prince and ascend the Throne.
'Who wants to be a Monarch in this gigantic nation anyway?'
Even thinking about it gave me a headache let alone ruling it. I didn't want to be tied to one place, I wanted to travel around the world!
To hell with politics and schemes to sit on the Throne. Enjoying all the riches and luxuries was something I shouldn't miss. It was a must! I had absolutely no interest in those troublesome and tiring things.
"Everything is all done, Your Highness."
The maids stepped back. I looked at the mirror in front of me. Wavy white-haired, pale white skin with azure eyes stared back at me. Whenever I looked at my reflection, it somehow reminded me of a big white wolf with blue eyes.
Maybe if I covered myself in the snow the maids would never find me. I hurriedly dismissed the thought because I would definitely be scolded by my mother once I was found.
"Your Highness, it is the time."
I nodded.
"Lead the way."
I followed the head butler and my maids followed behind us.
Today's schedule was Weapon Arts, and we were heading to the training ground.
"Your Highness."
"Speak."
"Unfortunately, Her Majesty was unable to attend Your Highness' training today. Her Majesty had a tight schedule regarding managing the Imperial Household."
"I see."
Usually, once a week my mother would come and watch my training. It was not like I was disappointed, she was the mother of this Empire after all. It was understandable if she was busy.
"But Her Majesty promised to make up for today's absence. You are scheduled to join the afternoon tea tomorrow."
"I understand."
Arriving at the training ground. I saw a blonde-haired man around his mid-fiftieth standing in the middle of the field. It seemed my instructor had arrived.
The butlers and maids moved to the side as I walked closer to the man. I stopped in front of him and bowed lightly. The man nodded and lifted his pocket watch.
"You're 10 seconds late."
I could feel one corner of my mouth twitch. Here came his pettiness!
'For goodness' sake, it was only 10 seconds!'
"Run 50 laps."
Damn.
It wasn't my fault, it was the maids who always put way too much effort to dress me up which I thought was useless. I turned and started running.
Gideon Aeneas.
He was the Commander of the Third Corps and the Duke of the Aeneas Family. Protector of the Western Border and he was a Sword Master. Well, that man was none other but the Empress' father, my grandfather.
He had taken part in many wars even since he was young. To become a high-ranking officer in his fifties was quite understandable. He was indeed a man of caliber.
House of Aeneas had many contributions to the Imperial Family in the military field. The Aeneas Family was also famous for bringing many talented individuals into knighthood.
Because of this background, I was put into special training--trained by the Duke himself; since my Elementals were discovered.
So why was he here and not managing his fiefdom?
The Empress had an older brother who I believe he was my uncle now. And so, he let the Young Duke manage the fief. But there were times when Gideon would return to his territory. Like when the monster's breeding season came to help in subjugating monsters or urgent matters regarding his fiefdom, etc. But he would eventually return to Agatha to train me.
The reason why the Aeneas Family was known as the Protector of the Western Border was not that they were protecting the border from rebellions or bandits but from monsters.
The Western Border was directly facing one of the 5 Forbidden Regions called the Forest of Téras. The Forest of Téras has been renowned for its dangerousness and mysteriousness.
Dangerous because it was full of monsters. Mysterious because it was still not fully investigated. Hundreds of years ago, the Emperor deployed the Imperial Army and gave them orders to conquer the Kingdom of Yovanny, which was located in the Egon Region; the Western side of the Chrono Empire. But unfortunately, the Army received a big blow upon crossing this forest.
Unable to accept the loss of many Knights and Elementalists even before the war started, soon, the mission was canceled and the Imperial Army withdrew from the forest.
To avoid embarrassment, the Emperor changed the order, not to conquer the Yovanny Kingdom but to investigate the forest. Which I found very funny.
Later, information about the forest was revealed to the public. The forest was divided into 2 sections, the inner and outer zone. The outer zone was said to be less dangerous where normal to strong monsters spawn.
However, the inner zone was on another whole level, it was said to be extremely dangerous. Powerful monsters and many unknown creatures live there.
Since the innermost zone hadn't been fully investigated, there was not much information about the forest. After the tragedy, the forest was classified as one of the forbidden regions. But there was an interesting rumor going around that a dragon lived there.
The Emperor then decided to build a large stone wall along Téras' Forest and 4 fortresses. Because many Knights and Elementalists were stationed there to prevent monsters from entering the Empire, now the Egon Region was known as the Military Center of the Chrono Empire.
I stopped running and stood in front of Gideon.
"Done?"
"I am."
He looked at me with interested eyes as if I was an interesting creature.
"Let's see how much you improved. I will be your opponent."
The Duke raised his hand and a knight brought us two wooden swords. I received the sword and the Duke stepped back a few meters away. I inhaled and exhaled a few times to replenish some of my Manas, oh please, I just finished my running.
"Do you still need some more time?"
"No, I'm fine."
"Since you're on your way to the 3rd Circle. I'll lower my rank to the 3rd Circle. En garde!"