‘He sure knows how to hide his name, an interesting one.’
I looked down at the child.
The sharp green eyes contrasting with his creamcolored hair were clever, and despite his ragged appearance, the child’s intelligence couldn’t be hidden.
I noticed his talent due to his maturity and brightness that didn’t suit his age.
“Your family?”
“……They passed away in this war.”
“…….”
My speech was halted as soon as Jeff’s words ended. As a third party, I might not have known, but since I was the one who started this war, I was not in a position to offer comfort. Therefore, I had nothing to say in particular.
“Although he’s skinny, he’s quite strong, so take him with you and make him do some chores.”
“Yes, I understand.”
It’s certain that he will be an important figure in the future. For the time being, I decided to take the child in and watch over him. It was not out of guilt or atonement, but simply because it was a waste to let him go.
So, Jeff, now part of our family, did a great job.
When ordered to clean the corridor, he polished the marble floor until it shone, and his other tasks brought satisfactory results.
And he ate as hard as he worked.
[This is a time separator.]One morning.
“Think of the sword as part of your body!”
I received a report that Jeff had been peeking around the area where the soldiers were training early in the morning. The boy’s main action was to hide behind a tent and spy on General Roy as he directed the soldiers’ training.
“What are you lurking around for? Go do your work.”
“Hey, fetch some water.”
It was to the extent that busy General Roy even spotted Jeff, who was said to have rushed off to do chores whenever he was discovered.
General Roy was said to have taken an interest in the young boy’s enthusiasm and effort, and after spotting him for the fifth time, he decided to keep an eye on Jeff.
“Move in further! Focus!”
“Strike to the side!”
The rumors spread among the knights, and at this point, I, the Emperor, decided to personally observe him. I went to find Jeff and watched from a distance as he practiced swordsmanship with a branch.
“Is this how it’s done?”
Whether it was a quiet open space or my good hearing, I could hear his muttering.
‘He’s quite good for imitating without a master. A bit clumsy, but….’
I admired Jeff’s selftaught swordsmanship, resting one hand on my chin. His stance was somewhat established, although it felt awkward without formal training. The movement of his thrust was plausible. He had the potential to become a great asset to the empire if nurtured properly.
“Ha!”
Dash.
The sound of the branch cutting through the air was not to be taken lightly, and I was intrigued. I thought I might have to grant him a wooden sword soon.
‘Go see him first.’
Then, as I met General Roy’s eyes coming from the training ground, I gestured for him to go to Jeff, and the perceptive General Roy saluted and promptly moved.
‘I don’t even have to prepare.’
I folded my arms as I saw the wooden practice sword in General Roy’s hand.
“Jeff.”
Approaching Jeff, who was startled by his appearance and dropped the branch, General Roy asked with a smile.
“Do you want to learn swordsmanship?”
“Yes.”
General Roy had always looked kindly upon Jeff. He laughed heartily and handed Jeff the practice wooden sword he had prepared in advance.
“You have good eyes.”
Seeing Jeff’s eyes filled with solid will and passion, General Roy was very satisfied, and I too smirked.
“Come here every morning at six o’clock. Of course, you must finish your chores first.”
Thinking it was time for me to make an appearance, I began to move forward.
“Ah!”
Then, Jeff, who was swinging the practice sword following General Roy’s instructions, accidentally let go of the handle, and the flying sword fell right at my feet.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty.”
“It’s alright.”
Since I came to encourage him today, I passed it off generously, saying that such things can happen, and picked up Jeff’s practice sword to examine it.
“You’re unrecognizable with your hair cut.”
Shortly after, complimenting Jeff’s changed appearance, he returned the wooden sword.
Dressed neatly and with his hair trimmed, he looked as though a colorful flower had bloomed around him after taking a clean bath; it seemed that he had grown into a young man with quite a decent appearance.
“Your Highness, have you arrived?”
“I was taking a walk.”
He exchanged a few light words with General Roy, who was pretending to have just met him, and General Roy sent Jeff to another place.
“Practice what I just taught you more.”
“Yes.”
Jeff responded energetically and hurried away.
“Why teach that guy?”
He asked, watching Jeff diligently practicing swordsmanship from a distance.
“I taught him lightly at first because he was interested in swordsmanship. I thought he would give up soon, but he’s exceeded expectations.”
“That’s good. I’ll feed him.”
Back then, Jeff was a boy who seemed promising.
As time went by, he had risen to a close position, able to assist me directly.
Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.
Synopsis:
Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.
Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.
Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.
Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.
There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.
