Training Ground
Aaron looked at the sword in his hands, then turned toward Noel.
Aaron: "No." 🙂
Everyone froze.
Everyone (thinking): WAIT... WHAT?!
WHY IS HIS MAJESTY REJECTING IT TOO?! 😱
Aaron calmly held the sword out toward Noel.
Aaron: "If this sword was given to you..."
"Then it belongs to you, Noel." 😑
Noel: "But..." 🤔
Aaron: "Enough."
"Go and continue your training."
"You'll learn sword fighting as well."
He paused before adding,
"You don't need to activate the sword. Just learn how to fight with it." 😑
Everyone: "..."
Everyone (thinking): DID HIS MAJESTY JUST GIVE THE LEGENDARY ASMODIUS SWORD TO SOMEONE ELSE?! 😱
Guard 1 (whispering): "Does he even understand what he just did?"
Guard 2: "I don't think any of us understand what's happening anymore." 😭
Guard 3: "First, she lifts a boulder like it's a pillow. Then she solves the hardest puzzle. Now she gets the legendary sword!"
Guard 4: "And she doesn't even want it!" 😭
Meanwhile, Noel stared at the sword.
Then she looked at Aaron.
Then back at the sword.
Noel (thinking): Looks like I can't escape this... 😭
She accepted the sword reluctantly.
Noel: "Okay..." 😅
Noel (thinking): I came here to survive, not become a legendary swordswoman! 😭
Aaron glanced at her one last time before turning toward Elda.
Elda: "Then shall we discuss the actual problem?" 😑
Aaron: "Okay." 😑
The two walked away together.
Noel watched them from behind.
For some reason, she suddenly felt an uncomfortable sensation in her chest.
She pressed a hand against it.
Noel (thinking): Huh...?
Why does my chest feel like it's burning...? 🔥🔥🔥
She rubbed her chest, looking confused.
Noel (thinking): What is this feeling?
Heartburn?
Did I eat something wrong? 😶
Wait... I haven't even eaten anything!
Noel: "..."
AM I GOING TO DIE FROM HUNGER?! 😭
Before she could investigate her mysterious condition, the assistant approached her.
Assistant: "Well, it looks like the Defence Commander will personally train you starting tomorrow." 😊
Noel: "Huh? Okay..." 😅
Assistant (thinking): Good.
This girl is far too dangerous for me to handle.
Let the commander deal with her! 😭
The commander stepped forward with a wide grin.
Commander: "Be prepared, Noel."
"Starting tomorrow, your REAL training begins." 😉
Noel: "Okay..."
She forced a smile.
Noel (thinking): I'm finished. 😅💀
Commander (thinking): I wonder how much she can improve under my training.
This should be interesting! 😎
Noel (thinking): Why does he look so happy?! 😭
---
Adam's Side
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Adam sat on a comfortable sofa, trying desperately to make sense of his life.
He had discovered that he might be the King's long-lost younger brother.
He had also learned that his mother was alive.
And apparently, everyone else seemed to know more about his life than he did.
Adam held his head in his hands.
Adam: "So..."
"I was kidnapped when I was young?" 😑
Ashley nodded.
Ashley: "Yep."
"That's what they told me." 😤
Adam stared at her.
Then he slowly leaned back against the sofa.
Adam: "Man..."
"What is even happening in my life?!" 😱
Ashley burst out laughing.
Ashley: "You're exactly like your brother, you know?" 😉
Adam: "Who knows..." 😑
He rubbed his temples.
Adam: "So, my mother is Lady Ether?" 😅
Ashley: "Yep!" 😁
Adam: "And she knows about me?"
Ashley: "Of course!"
Adam suddenly sat up straight.
Adam: "WAIT."
"You informed her already?!" 😱
Ashley: "Yeah."
Adam: "..."
He stared at her in disbelief.
Adam: "WHEN?!"
Ashley: "Earlier." 😁
Adam: "HOW?!"
Ashley: "I have my ways." 😉
Adam narrowed his eyes.
Adam: "That doesn't explain anything!" 😑
Ashley simply smiled.
Adam: "So... when is she coming?"
Ashley: "She'll arrive in six days." 😉
Adam: "Oh..."
He nodded slowly.
Adam: "Okay."
For a moment, he sat quietly, trying to process everything.
Then he noticed Ashley's expression.
She was still smiling at him.
And now she was winking.
Adam (thinking): Why the heck is she winking at me...? 😑
Is there something on my face?
He discreetly touched his cheek.
Nothing.
He checked the other side.
Still nothing.
Adam (thinking): Is this woman okay? 😭
Ashley watched him with an amused smile.
Ashley (thinking): He really is adorable.
I wonder how Aaron will react when he discovers how much they resemble each other! 😉
Adam sighed and sank back into the sofa.
Adam (thinking): I've been here for less than a day...
And somehow, my entire life has turned upside down.
He covered his face with both hands.
Adam: "I need a holiday." 😭
Ashley: "You're in a palace!"
Adam: "THAT'S EXACTLY WHY I NEED ONE!" 😭
Ashley: "HAHAHAHA!" 😂
And just like that, Adam realised something terrifying.
His new family might be even more chaotic than the life he'd left behind.
To be continued...