Read Novel Full Chapter 35
Chapter 35
A Large Hand
A week had passed since Lizbeth had began living with me here in the Scorpion palace.
Today once again, I was happily enjoying my breakfast with her.
“Prince Rudolf, the Master………I mean, Lord Fahlcrantz has come to the Imperial Palace and is asking for an audience with you your highness.”
“Eh? He’s here?”
Eh, eh, eh?……..he wants to meet me? But why?
And not Lizbeth first?
“Maya, of course, I will attend as well. Is that clear?”
“Wha, uhh………just in case, let me go confirm this with Master first.”
Maya made a complex expression, and then left the place.
“You need not worry, Prince Rudolf. If father tries anything like on that day, I will personally stop him with all my strength.”
Her aquamarine eyes coldly shone, as Lizbeth nodded to herself.
No, waitwait, can you two not have a father-daughter quarrel in front of me if possible?
“………Master has agreed to letting you be present as well, Lady Lizbeth.”
“Is that so. Then, let us go.”
“Wh-sure………”
I took Lizbeth’s hand that she presented very smoothly, and I made my way with heavy steps to the Reception room where Marquis Fahlcrantz awaited.
—–*knock* *knock*
“Pardon the intrusion. Prince Rudolf, and Lady Lizbeth, have both arrived.”
Urged by Maya, me and Lizbeth entered the reception while holding hands…….but, why is the Marquis looking at me with that kind of gaze?
He seems to be glaring at me, or rather……….I can almost smell the battle maniac aura coming off of him.
Ahahaha………surely not, right……..
“Father. Prince Rudolf is a busy man, so depending on the business, I will take care of it instead.”
Before the Marquis could even say anything, Lizbeth stepped forward and bowed as she declared it clearly beforehand.
Seeing his own daughter show such an attitude, I’m starting to think that the ill omen I just felt was correct indeed. What do I do?
“Lizbeth. I allowed for your presence but, I do not recall allowing you to speak.”
“I am Prince Rudolf’s fiancée. If it is anything that may bring harm to the Prince, then it is my duty to take measure to prevent it beforehand. Even if it is you father, I will not withdraw.”
Lizbeth fired her absolute zero degree stare at her own father, as they both glared at each other.
I would prefer if this father and daughter didn’t end up quarrelling because of me if possible though?
“u, ummm…….so, Lord Fahlcrantz, what business do you have with me……..?”
Realizing that the conversation will not resume like this, and these two might really start fighting, I quickly, if timidly, questioned him.
Unlike me who can never experience parental love, I would really, really prefer if these two remained on good terms forever.
“Ah, my apologies. As for my business, well it’s quite simple really. From today, until one year from now when you enter the Royal Academy, I, Douglas Fahlcrantz will personally train you in swordsmanship.”
“EEEEEEEEEHHHH!?”
Hearing his proposal, I ended up exclaiming loudly.
N, no, wait, we’re talking about the “Obsidian War Demon” himself you know? The strongest man in the empire himself. A man as great as him will personally teach me swordsmanship!?!?
“S-surely you jest! I’m sure you have already realized from our bout the other day that I am not strong at all! There’s a good chance, I will only disappoint you greatly milord……..”
“Whether I will be disappointed or not, has nothing to do with whether you are strong or not your highness. And also, unless you properly try, you will never gain the strength to protect Lizbeth you know?”
“!!”
……..shit, the Marquis was good at riling people up huh.
If I hear something like that, I can’t back down either.
“……….very well. I will be in your care.”
“Prince Rudolf…….are you sure?”
Lizbeth looked at me with worry in her eyes.
There was the incident from a few days ago as well, so I’m sure she was being extra considerate of me.
But………that’s precisely why, I can’t back down here, and try and fake modesty.
If I do, my feelings to protect Lizbeth would become nothing but a lie.
“Of course. I do want to become strong after all. All so that I can protect you, my most precious.”
“Ah…………”
I smiled, and grabbed Lizbeth’s hand.
When I did, she gripped my hand back tightly as well.
Strongly, firmly.
“Thank you very much. Then, let us begin straightaway.”
“Yes!”
Together with the Marquis, we moved to the courtyard of the Scorpio Palace.
Unfortunately, this palace didn’t have a training hall………I should quickly have one prepared as soon as possible.
“Then, let us begin with swinging practice.”
“Yes!”
And so, under the Marquis’ instruction, I began my sword training.
Swinging, forms, and bout with the Marquis himself.
I was abusing my body to the limits, and my whole body groaned in pain.
But, if I saw each and every little one of these things connected to my growth, it was not unbearable.
And also.
“Prince Rudolf, do your best!”
Lizbeth was always there, watching over me, cheering me on.
That alone, gave me enough strength to keep at it for as long as needed.
“aghu!?”
“………Let us stop here for today.”
Taking a strong hit on my right shoulder, Marquis Fahlcrantz finally gave the signal to end the practice for today.
I collapsed down on the floor, but I forced myself back up.
“haah…….haah………th-thank you very much!”
I gave a deep bow to the Marquis.
And then,
“Prince Rudolf, you did very well today.”
Marquis Fahlcrantz, patted my head.
His hand was so big, rugged, a little rough but also……….so warm.
“u………uuu………”
Unintentionally, tears began to fall out of my eyes.
“!?! Prince Rudolf, are you in pain somewhere!?”
Seeing me like that, Lizbeth quickly ran towards me in a panic.
“Father! You went way too far after all! And it’s only the first day today!!”
“uh, right……………”
Lizbeth shot a glare, and the Marquis inadvertently groaned.
“*sniff*………Lady Lizbeth………that’s not it………I’m just, happy.”
“Happy……..you say………??”
That’s right. I was happy.
For the first time since the day I was born, I had felt a big hand like that show care for me.
Previous Chapter I ToC I Next Chapter
If you enjoy reading this novel, please support me on Ko-fi!