Two weeks into his training, Koul remained relentless. He cared not for his wounds or physical pains.
He simply remained focused and determined. He carried out all several kinds of activities, including push-ups, jogging, sprinting, dagger practice on wooden dummies and so on.
His wounds had remarkably healed in the weeks and his body has grown different. Although not remarkably stronger, his growing muscles were visible.
They were toned, and hard. There was no doubt that his consistency in the two weeks he remained relentless, had grown him into something better than he used to be.
In those two weeks, Koul never caught sight of Yui. She never came and he never went out to look for her.
Which meant two weeks that he hadn't gotten to touch her.
He was far too engrossed with gaining strength. Though he still worried for her.
He occasionally asked his system about her and knowing she was doing well, he didn't say much and focused on what he had to do.
Yui was simply avoiding him. He didn't know why, but she was.
It was another day in the training ground with the knights. Koul was practicing his dagger skills on a wooden dummy.
He had just finished sprinting and moved on to this.
His hair was disheveled and wet from sweat. Although tied up, some strands still stuck to his face and neck.
As he used the dagger on the dummy with great finesse, focused, the vice captain's voice rang out.
"Let's take a 3-minute break."
The knights practicing heaved a sigh of relief as they all dropped their swords and plopped down to rest.
Koul also stopped. He wiped sweat from his face, huffing as he sheathed back his dagger.
A steady footstep grew closer and when Koul raised his head, the vice captain was before him.
"Here, your majesty," he handed him water.
After Koul drank, he was handed a towel to wipe his sweat. Then he walked to a corner to sit and rest.
While vice captain went over to his knights.
Although they were both still awkward around each other and were yet to grow closer, they had learned to work amicably together.
The vice captain was open to build a relationship with Koul, but Koul held on tighter to his grudge against him.
He grouped them all together as pretentious snakes who were only putting up acts to respect him but bear ill intents toward him.
If not for his title, he was sure they'd have him killed since long.
"System," he called lowly.
He didn't want to draw any attention. Since he was the only one who saw the system, he didn't want people thinking he was mad.
[Yes, host?]
"How—"
[If you're going to ask about Yui today again, I'll have you know she's fine,] the system fired before Koul could even speak.
"…."
Koul was silenced for a moment before he burst out into a low chuckle.
"Hahaha, really!"
Even though he tried to keep it low, his chuckle still drew the attentions of the knights.
They stared at him from afar, wondering what had got him laughing.
While they were gathered together, Koul sat alone. He still hadn't been able to really build a relationship with them.
Not that he was trying.
The vice captain would've liked to stay with Koul, but he knew Koul wouldn't like it, so he relented.
"Fine, I was going to ask haha," Koul said, still chuckling.
"But since you've answered, I will ask something else."
[….]
"My wives," he started. "Are all of them here?" He asked.
"Aside from the one in king Sestrus' kingdom, of course."
His eyes held a quiet sadness as he remembered his failure to free his wife from Sestrus.
[No host, they aren't.]
Koul turned to the system and squinted his eyes in question.
His heart lurched, fearing there were more enslaved somewhere.
[While majority of them are here, there are some that are out there doing their things. Take for example, those with talent, they are at the academy training and learning.]
"Oh," Koul let out whispery, now relieved.
So some of my wives are talented.
But… I didn't think Koul was one to let them pursue their dreams or do whatever they wanted.
[Whatever you're thinking, you're right.]
"….."
[The original Koul would never have let them do whatever they wanted. But you see, some of your wives are from noble backgrounds. Even a king's authority can't remain absolute everywhere.]
"…??"
[You were only able to marry some through conditions that you let them do what they wanted. While their families couldn't necessarily go against you, they were powerful enough to corner you in some things.]
I see… like a president with the House of Assembly?
[Two among your wives are knights,] the system blurted.
"Eh?"
[Yes. One is a knight in the academy, and the other is a royal knight.]
Koul stared blankly at the system. Not only were his wives knights, but one was working for another king?
[Wipe that look of displeasure from your face, host. You're but a mere king but she's working for an emperor.]
"Ah!"
[The empire is in the capital, and there's where the academy is also found. While you were able to covet both of them, their families put out the condition that you let them chase their dreams of becoming knights. Since they're talented with great abilities, they wanted to make good use of them.]
"I see. Well, it's not like I have a problem with it," Koul said, averting his gaze.
They're knights, so they must be strong. If I don't get any better, they might whoop my ass someday because they already hate me, jeez.
[Three are also away on an adventure, sort of…]
"…."
[One is visiting her family too…. I think.]
Sigh!
Koul exhaled aloud, feeling suffocated.
I should concentrate on my training.
"I think I've rested enough."
Koul rose to go back to his practice, but a commotion at the entrance drew his attention.
"You think this is a play ground you can access whenever you want?" A knight spoke harshly to a woman.
She was clad in a simple brown dress and sandals. Her hair was a bright blond with glossy sheen. It fell forward over one side of her shoulder, tied loosely at the bottom.
Her skin was pale and her supple face carried a luscious, pale pink lips. Her green eyes seemed warm and her aura wasn't anything harsh.
She seemed like a sweet person.
"Outsiders aren't allowed here, especially commoners. And not just anyone can access this place. Leave!"
The woman, despite such insult, remained lively with a cheerful expression. Her eyes swept around the training ground till they fell on Koul.
She lit up instantly with a big grin and her hand waved rapidly.
"My king!" She called enthusiastically
"Eh… who's she?" Koul asked with a blank, tired stare.
[Your wife,] the system blurted with an equal tired expression.
Koul's eyes widened in surprise at this. Not because he found out she was his wife, but because he realized it was his wife whom the knights had addressed with so much disrespect.
His gaze snapped toward the vice captain instantly, cold and dark. And the other knights also felt his coldness.
He stepped forward toward the entrance, gaze zeroed on the knight who yelled at the woman.
"What exactly do you mean by a commoner, and that not just anyone can access this place?" He asked, voice stern and steady.
The knight drew back. Cold sweat beaded his forehead as he avoided Koul's gaze.
"She's not allowed in here but you are? She's a commoner, but as my wife, does she not hold more authority than you?"
Everywhere fell silent. Neither the knights could utter a word nor the woman.
"Who are you to address her in such a way? Step aside."
The knights gave way, although some were reluctant, they had no choice.
As soon as they cleared the way, the woman surged forward, running toward Koul.
"My king~~" she sang gleefully.
But as she ran toward Koul, his eyes were only glued to her large breasts that bounced up and down.
This… this is a massive weapon.