The three of them entered the armory.

“How is it? Pretty nice, huh?”

When Jennifer opened a large wooden box, it was filled with long guns.

Taking one gun, Kristine examined it from various angles, surveying it with the eyes of an expert.

“I like it. In the last war, we modified muskets used by the enemy with flintlocks. Thanks to that, they are much lighter, and the rate of fire has increased.”

Adel wore a puzzled expression.

“Why are you showing me this? You’re not suggesting…”

“Bring it out.”

“That… Are you serious?”

As if surprised by Jennifer’s question, Adel asked.

“Yeah.”

After a while, Jennifer brought a small wooden box. When she opened it, there was an elegant and finely crafted silver pistol inside.

“This is a newly developed pistol. It has a better rate of fire than a musket, and it’s portable.”

Adding proudly to Kristine’s words, Jennifer said, “It’s a newly developed weapon that hasn’t even been touched by the royal family yet.”

“Kristine, are you telling me to shoot…?”

“To protect yourself.”

Unexpectedly, Adel’s eyes widened at the unfolding development.

“Throw!”

Following Kristine’s command, two objects flew high into the night sky. They were too far away, and Adel couldn’t see them well.

Thud! Thud!

With the sound of thunder, flames were shot from the pistol. The objects that were flying suddenly disappeared.

Adel, covering his ears, rushed to the spot where the objects might have fallen.

“Could it be apples?”

There were brutally shattered pieces of an apple.

If that had been a person… just the thought of it was horrific.

“If you want to protect yourself in a short time, this is the best way.”

Kristine, who had approached unnoticed, casually remarked.

“But this is a weapon that can kill people.”

“All weapons are based on the assumption of taking lives, Adel. So, you need to know how to handle them. Whether to intimidate and drive away, deliver a blow, or quickly cut off the breath.”

Although Kristine spoke calmly, it didn’t sound casual as he had crossed numerous lines.

“But if you don’t intend to yield, then grasp it, Adel.”

Adel hesitated but cautiously took the pistol he offered. It was hefty, but the feeling of it fitting in her hand wasn’t bad.

Seemingly determined, she stared straight at him.

“Teach me, Chris.”

Kristine let out a sigh of resignation.

Although he had brought her here to teach her shooting, he didn’t know if she secretly hoped for her to give up and go back.

Of course, he knew it wouldn’t happen.

“Before that, remember one thing. I won’t stop you from meeting Empress Isabelle. But I hope it’s not for me. I hope your only purpose for moving is yourself.”

Adel pondered for a moment and then nodded her head.
“Alright, all of this is for me.”

Protecting you is protecting myself.

“Okay, today I’ll teach you. When I’m not around, come here and learn from Jennifer.”

“Got it.”

“And never come alone when it gets dark.”

“Sure.”

“Now, first, adjust your stance. Feet slightly wider than shoulders, relax your arms, and grip the gun like this.”

“Like this?”

Adel followed Kristine’s instructions with a serious expression.

“Good.”

“After firing, the recoil will be strong, so don’t be surprised.”

“Oh, okay.”

Approaching Adel, who was tensely holding the pistol, Kristine came behind her.

“I’ll hold it for you until you get used to it, so don’t worry too much.”

He wrapped his hands around hers, holding the pistol from behind.

Adel glanced up for a moment.

“Face forward.”

“Hot, yes!”

Meanwhile, from afar, there was laughter.

“Goodness… Zimmer is truly admirable. How can you endure looking at that appearance every day?”

Jennifer, who was preparing to throw apples, bit into an apple with a swoosh.

Other knights who gathered to watch also chuckled.

“A commander who drips honey like that. Wow, a split personality. Gives me the chills.”

“No, if you’re going to date, do it alone. Why shout at each other here in the middle of the night!”

Suddenly, the barrels were aimed at them.

“Wow, yikes!”

Everyone quickly flattened themselves on the ground, and Kristine shouted.

“Throw!”

“Old story!”

A bitten apple soared high into the dark night sky.

Thud!

A refreshing gunshot echoed.

The day of the bazaar.

Despite the ominous murder incident that happened overnight, spring had arrived without fail. Water had risen on the twisted branches, and the sunlight was warmer than ever.

Every year, Isabelle held a charity bazaar in the cathedral within the park. The proceeds were entirely donated to the orphanage.

“I was worried this bazaar wouldn’t happen.”

“Indeed. Fortunately, the response seems similar to previous years.”

“Similar. Over there is a huge hit.”

All eyes were on Adel.

Adel was selling the desserts she had prepared.

The beautiful and delectable desserts captured the attention of not only children but also passing women. People flocked, curious to see what was going on.

“Don’t like carrots? This is a carrot cake.”

“Wanna try it!”