The day after the attack, I was told that the two golem legs were Prince's toys.
While thinking, what kind of toy is that, that its legs are as big as an adult's? While feeling confused, and saying "even this is more appropriate to be called golem legs" while watching the pair of legs being taken away by the prince's maid.
When she saw the maid had gone far away, Brunhild remembered something and said "oh yeah, I forgot .." while running towards the commander's room.
When she arrived at the commander's room, she knocked on the door, entered, and said "commander!" While doing a knight salute.
Hearing that Kruger said "yes .. my daughter, no need to be so formal .. come sit down" by showing her a chair in front of Kruger's desk to sit on.
Hearing that, Brunhil said "no, that--" finally she sighed, and said "okay father .." and sat in front of Kruger.
After Brunhild sat down, Kruger said "How was your trip with the Queen?" With a little interest.
Hearing that Brunhild pouted and said "boring .." with her tired tone.
Hearing that Kruger said "heh .. what's the problem? And why did you just come back more than 2 years ?? " With a confused tone.
Hearing that Brunhild sighed and said "Because of the war" while leaning back on the bench, and said "happens on every trip we go .. we even have to turn around several times" with her lazy tone.
Kruger said "is that so .." with a nod and said "as the king feared, the Federation is divided, and war is in between" with a serious tone.
Hearing the word "King", Brunhild immediately said "where is the King? I didn't see him last night" in a confused tone.
Hearing that Kruger sighed and said "He left .." while looking at the scenery outside Kruger said "about 1 year ago .. he said he got an impromptu meeting invitation at the federation of kingdoms .. so he brought a few troops and because of his strength too .. well .. you know .. the nature of the king .." in a lazy tone.
Hearing that Brunhild held her forehead and said "even though he was a comrade and former adventurer, he is still a king now .." with a sigh.
Hearing that, Kruger immediately changed the topic and said "put that aside .." in a serious tone, and said "Brunhild you will be appointed as the commander of the royal guard, and I will retire myself" hearing that, Brunhild was stunned. And said "huh?" In a confused tone.
After a few seconds of realizing those words, Brunhild stood up and said "What do you mean Dad??!! " in a loud voice.
Hearing that, Kruger immediately covered his ears and said "can I continue my words first .." while waiting for Brunhild to calm down and sit back down, Kruger said "So, you know .. the power of the King and Queen is much stronger compared to mine, right?" In a serious tone.
After Brunhild agreed by nodding, Kruger continued his words "Because the Queen already has your guard, and the King doesn't need a guard. So it's better for me to retire (resign) from being the head of the palace guard" in a relaxed tone.
Hearing that Brunhild said "what about Prince? Doesn't he need guarding?" With a little confusion.
Hearing that question Kruger said "that's why I resigned, I will become Prince's personal guard" with a nod.
Hearing that Brunhild said "are you sure dad?" With a worried face.
Hearing that, Kruger replied, "Well... at least this is more fun than just guarding this empty palace" in a cheerful tone and laughing, "Hahahaha."
Hearing that, Brunhild just said, "Okay..." while sighing.
A few days had passed.
Tomorrow, the King would arrive. Since my father was retiring, he had handed over all the responsibilities within the castle to me.
As I walked through the training grounds on my way to the Commander's office, I caught sight of my father training the Prince. I paused, watching their sparring session from a distance. The Prince's strikes were wild—swinging left and right with no clear form—but they were strangely accurate. Occasionally, he mixed in kicks and hand strikes. I couldn't help but wonder, Is he really practicing sword techniques?
After exchanging several blows with my father, the Prince suddenly noticed me watching from afar. He halted mid-action and raised his hand with a cheerful wave. "Sis Brunhild!" he called out with a smile.
I couldn't help but smile back and wave in return.
A short while later, the Prince began to tire and eventually collapsed onto his back on the training ground. Holding up a hand as if signaling a break, he said, "Kruger, I think we're done for today," between breaths.
My father, hearing the Prince's words, immediately gave a knight's salute and replied, "YES..!" before turning around and walking toward me.
Meanwhile, the Prince stood up and waved. "Bye, Sis Brunhild!" he called cheerfully.
I returned the wave, and watched as he quickly left the training ground, excitedly grabbing an object shaped like a short spear—blunt at the tip—with both hands. He raised it triumphantly above his head and shouted, "YuuHuu… finally, I can try this coilgun!!" Then he dashed off toward the rear courtyard of the castle, with his personal maid following close behind.
"Come on," my father said to me as he continued walking toward the commander's office.
"Yes, Father," I replied, falling into step behind him.
Once we were inside and seated across from each other, he pulled out a stack of documents that I would need to review. "I think this is everything…" he said while rummaging through the desk cabinet, checking for any other important paperwork.
While reviewing the documents, I came across the growing stockpile of weapons—almost like hoarding—and said, "Father, isn't this a bit much?" as I handed the paper over for him to see.
Looking at the sheet, Kruger noticed it was a report on the weapon stockpile. He replied in a serious tone, "Yes, that's correct. The King said that sooner or later, war will come across the Federation—and even this Kingdom won't be spared. So he ordered me to stockpile weapons, potions, wheat, and also Mid-level magic cores—for enchantments."
Nodding, I said, "So judging from this report... it looks like everything has been gathered already, right?" as I glanced at my father.
"For weapons, armor, dried food, and potions—there's no problem," Kruger said. But then, hesitating slightly, he averted his gaze and added with a sigh, "But for the magic cores... it seems we fell behind on the order. You know how it is with the Adventurers' Guild these days…"
Seeing Brunhild simply nod, Kruger continued, "Moreover..."
That caught her attention. She immediately turned to look at him, as if urging him to continue.
Kruger hesitated before saying, "The Prince also requested a stockpile of mid- and high-level magic cores."
Brunhild's thoughts came to an abrupt halt. "Huh?" she blurted, clearly surprised. Refocusing, she followed up in a sharper tone, "For what?"
Kruger let out a sigh. "He said it was for communication and illusion... I don't know, I'm confused too," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Nodding, Brunhild asked, "Has the Prince's creation been mass-produced yet?" as she recalled the exo-leg of Paul's armor that had fallen off.
Kruger responded, "You mean the armor?" When Brunhild nodded, he explained, "It's true that it can be mass-produced, but the Prince said it requires high precision and user control. And... it's still not secure—too vulnerable to espionage. So, he doesn't agree with mass production," he said with a gloomy expression.
Brunhild let out a sigh. "Even though it would be incredibly useful on the battlefield."
Kruger nodded. "Yes… especially after what we witnessed. That armor is terrifying when it's active."
Brunhild simply nodded again and went back to reviewing the stack of documents in front of her.
After the King's Return
Once the welcoming ceremony concluded and everyone had returned to their respective rooms, a few hours later, Brunhild was summoned to the King's office.
After knocking on the door, she entered, gave a knight's salute, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Your Highness."
Inside, she saw King Louis and Queen Cecilia already seated and waiting. Her father, Kruger, was also present, sitting before them.
Louis and Cecilia both nodded in acknowledgment, and King Louis gestured to the empty seat beside Kruger. "Please, have a seat."
Once Brunhild sat down, Louis spoke, "Brunhild, since Kruger has informed me that you'll be inheriting his position, I will now relieve you of your duties as Head of the Queen's Guard."
Brunhild nodded in acknowledgment, silently accepting the decision.
Turning his gaze to Cecilia, Louis asked gently, "You don't mind, do you, dear Cecilia?"
Cecilia smiled warmly and replied, "Of course not, my dear. Besides, I won't be going anywhere for a while."
Louis gave a satisfied nod and then turned back to Brunhild. "Here are your appointment letter and your badge," he said, placing them on the table in front of her.
After Brunhild took her letter and badge, King Louis spoke in a firm tone,
"Once you return to your office, begin increasing our stockpiles—more weapons, dried food, potions, and especially magic cores."
Hearing that, Queen Cecilia looked at him with concern.
"Is the Federation really that dangerous, dear?" she asked anxiously.
Louis simply nodded in response.
Understanding the urgency, Brunhild rose from her seat and said,
"Then, Your Majesty, Your Highness... I'll return to the office and begin preparations immediately."
Seeing her eagerness to carry out the task, Cecilia nodded approvingly, and Louis said,
"Very well. Return to your office."
Brunhild gave a sharp knight's salute.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She turned and began walking toward the door.
Just as she reached it, Louis seemed to remember something.
"Ah—one more thing, Brunhild," he called out in a lighter tone. "Make sure Paul gets everything he needs."
Brunhild glanced back at him with a serious expression.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Then she exited the room.