As I effortlessly wrote down the content, already memorized, he conceded defeat with both hands and feet up.

“I regret trying to test the Crown Princess with this. To have made such dazzling progress in just a month or two of teaching is truly astonishing.”

I shrugged, accepting the expected outcome with pride.

Some might say it’s unfair, but what can you do? It’s because my abilities are exceptional.

“Come to think of it, I heard that among the royal family members, there are two who tackled this book at a similar age to Bella. It’s brightening the future of the Chepheu Kingdom to have two individuals who conquered such a difficult book at a young age.”

“Really? Who are they?”
“I heard that Lord Wilhelm finished this book around the age of 8. It’s a story I heard through my friend, who is a teacher in the Repel family, so it’s probably not just a baseless rumor.”

Wilhelm, huh?

Is that guy really that smart?

I recalled Wilhelm’s face that I glimpsed only once at the banquet. Despite sharing the same bloodline, he had an indifferent gaze that treated me as a complete stranger. Unlike Luca, he gave off a cold and sophisticated vibe.

As I pondered about Wilhelm for a while, the teacher, realizing my distraction, apologized with a regretful expression.

“I wasn’t considerate. Lord Wilhelm’s stories might make you uncomfortable, and I should have thought more.”

“No need to apologize. I just had a momentary distraction.”

“Then I’m relieved.”

Having cleared the air, he resumed the lesson. However, once concentration was broken, it didn’t easily return.

‘It’s been a while since the lifting of the confinement order, but there hasn’t been a congratulatory letter from Wilhelm yet. Is it an intentional hostility towards me?’

If Repel’s family is truly behind the assassination attempt, Wilhelm wouldn’t want to befriend me. I don’t know if Wilhelm is aware of the truth, but at least Charlotte, my birth mother, is undoubtedly involved in the incident.

‘I shouldn’t make a move first. I’ll wait a little longer. The day we meet face to face will come soon.’

It had been quite some time since I handed over the information from Cain to Valter. If there’s no progress in the case, I might have to take matters into my own hands.

I raised my head again to focus on the lesson. Despite the apparent calmness, these days were like the calm before a storm.

While Bella was busy receiving lessons from new teachers, Raven spent his days practicing swordsmanship and studying. When Sione, who had been in charge of both of their educations, had some free time, she dedicated it to Raven’s lessons.

As a result, Raven faced a schedule as busy as Bella’s, struggling with his swordsmanship practice and neglecting his studies, leading to nights where he couldn’t sleep until late.

Although it was somewhat regrettable not to be able to meet Bella, most people in the Rose Palace were going through a busy period, so it was inevitable.

“Raven, what were you thinking during the sword practice? It’s obvious when you’re lost in thought like that.”

“…I just had a brief moment of contemplation.”

“When you hold a sword, focus only on the sword. Even if it’s just practice, it’s essential to approach it like a real battle.”

Heeding Valter’s advice, Raven regained his composure, regulated his breathing, and began moving his body again. About an hour into the relentless training, Valter signaled the end of the practice with a clap of his hands.
Having regained his focus under Valter’s guidance, Raven adjusted his breathing and started moving his body again.

About an hour into the relentless training, Valter clapped his hands, signaling the end of the practice.

“Today’s session ends here. It seems like you’ve grasped the basics of swordsmanship. From the next lesson onwards, we’ll delve into advanced techniques, so prepare yourself mentally.”

“Got it. But… there’s something I’d like to ask. Can you spare a moment?”

“Stopping me after the lesson, quite unusual. What’s the matter? It must be related to swordsmanship, naturally.”

“Not exactly, just a personal question.”

It wasn’t someone else; Raven was asking me a personal question.

Internally surprised, Valter grinned loosely and playfully bumped fists with Raven.

“The only disciple is curious; I should naturally answer. Forget the formality and ask comfortably. You already know quite a lot. Haha!”

Raven, looking at Valter who laughed heartily, narrowed his eyes.

In reality, Raven wanted to ask someone else, but he didn’t know anyone other than Valter who could answer this question.

“What happens to knights? Specifically, I’m curious about how to become a guardian knight.”

“A guardian knight? You’re talking about being the exclusive knight for a princess. Where did you hear about that?”

“…In Prince Luca’s palace. They said I couldn’t accompany Bella because I wasn’t a guardian knight.”

The moment Valter heard those words, he inwardly chuckled.

He had a rough idea of what Raven might have experienced there.

“Protecting the master from the closest position makes choosing guardian knights quite challenging, especially in the case of royalty. They usually have to be part of the royal knight order.”

“Royal knight order… How can one get in there?”

“Well, there are various ways. You can take an exam, catch the Lord’s eye, but the most common is becoming a squire. It involves serving as a squire for a knight, somewhat similar to being a prospective knight.”

Valter noticed Raven’s eyes twinkling momentarily and couldn’t help but make a sly expression.

“Look at this, seemingly uninterested in anything other than a sword. But when it comes to a story related to the princess, he shows particular interest.”

No matter how difficult it is, he is still a man. Considering the age difference, I thought of him like a younger sister, but intuitively, his emotions seemed somewhat different.

“Valter, you mentioned being a knight of the royal knight order. Do you happen to have squires?”

“No, I dislike that kind of thing.”

“Then hire me. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

“Whatever? Ah, I can’t trust that. Who knows if you’re just saying it.”

Wanting to play a prank for no reason, Raven turned his head quickly, and his complexion became pale, almost unrecognizable.
It was quite satisfying to see the kid, who usually seemed like not a drop of blood would come out even if pricked, scramble around with just a single word from me.

“Really. You can test me if you want. I’m used to difficult things.”

“Oh, is that so? Then, first, try calling me ‘Master.’ ‘The most respected and splendid Master Valter in the world,’ like this.”