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| Pixiv. |
‘I had heard that the Madame was visiting us today, I had to come and welcome you. I arranged for a joint training with the Royal Guards and Western Army.’
Huh? I tilted my head and my hair flowed to the side.
This person was so confusing because he didn’t feel like a soldier.
‘I’m sorry for not giving proper greetings. My husband is indebted to you.’
‘Not at all.’ He said with a smile and put tucked my arm in the crook of his elbow solicitously.
It seems he would be escorting me. I didn’t mind, but he was the kind of person that could get into someone’s proverbial pockets if they weren’t vigilant.
I smiled.
‘Madame, do you not trust me?’
Marie and Sam were following us with hampers. But something seemed to be wrong with Sam’s throat because he kept coughing…and Marie too?!
‘Don’t be silly, you’re Volker’s important friend, General Breslin, how could I not?’
After all, Volker had consultations with him. But, you haven’t been having any strange consultations, have you Volker?
‘That makes me very happy. But please, call me Darryl, Madame.’
He walked at a pace that was easy for me to keep up with, that I actually forgot who I was with.
I yelped.
‘Is something the matter?’ he asked looking at me in confusion.
I held my fan to my mouth as I said, ‘Pardon me, I was thinking the way you escort a lady is so different from my husband.’
Walking with Volker could be sometimes awkward. It was unavoidable because he was used to walking with other men, the King, the Crown Prince, rather than women, so his impression very rugged. I don’t mind because I liked him the way he was.
But being escorted so naturally by someone who was also a soldier like my husband, it felt a bit unnatural, now that I was used to Volker’s way.
‘Hmm, Brennan is also good when escorting you?’
‘Yes, quite good.’ I replied cagily.
General Breslin laughed, ‘Are you still nervous?’
Nervous? You don’t try me, we’re a couple!
General Breslin smirked, ‘Hmm? Is it that I am doing it so smoothly you don’t know if your being simply escorted or manipulated, but with your hubby, you’re both happy, your love overflows and this and that happens? Was he such a pathetic man?’
Breslin laughed, and I could hear Marie and Sam behind us chuckling as well. I opened my fan wide and walked on – I might be bright red.
‘Oh? Madame, you’re blushing.’
‘No, it is hotter than expected today.’ I replied quickly. It was too embarrassing to look at him. I decided I would bring larger fans from now on.
♦
Breslin took us to the large training ground where the knights were running around with, swords and shields, and spears. The ground was packed dirt so there some dust in the air, and I could hear the enthusiastic shouts.
‘Let’s move closer, they can’t see your face from here.’
Breslin tried to draw me forward with his arm, but I was a bit apprehensive about interrupting their serious practice.
‘I really don’t want to bother their training.’ I said hesitantly.
I was beginning to get a bit overwhelmed at the sight of the men clashing and slashing like in a real battle.
Breslin laughed, ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘they are all looking forward to your visit. Please let them see you.’
I looked around the field, and a familiar well built figure caught my eye even though I couldn’t see the face.
Volker…
Many of the knights had the same build and physique as he did, a few even better. Yet, I could tell him apart from in the melee. The way he moved and swung his sword, it was clearly him.
‘Can you see Brennan?’ General Breslin asked me, before saying, ‘He’s usually in his office doing paperwork at this time, but he’s been restless all morning.’
I didn’t answer but kept staring at Volker – my heart throbbed. (Zuben: Falling in loaf all over again.)
♦
‘Fredericka! Breslin, what are you doing with my wife?!’
The training session was over and Volker saw us. He ran up to us full charge waving his sword.
Volker, slow down! Don’t come running up with your great big sword waving about!
‘Brennan, I am taking your wife on the tour.’ Breslin said naturally, raising his hand in greeting, seemingly unbothered about Volker’s appearance.
‘I told Talimus to let me know when she got here!’ Volker said before grabbing General Breslin by his shirt, ‘And why are you walking arm in arm with Fredericka?’
‘General Brennan, I’m sorry,’ A light voice from behind. I turned to a slight person hiding behind Sam.
‘What is the meaning of this, Talimus?’ Volker bellowed, still holding on to Breslin.
At the loudness of his voice, the young Talimus’ eyes filled with tears.
‘General Breslin told me, he knew her so he would show her around.’ Talimus replied from behind his Sam shield. He had fluffy curly hair that hung over his eyes.
Talimus must be one of the guides. I hadn’t noticed him; he must have been behind Sam and Marie all the while. (Zuben: You can guess why Volker chose him)
‘Breslin, you know better than to disrupt the command system. And Talimus, do you have to acquiesce to everything your superiors say? Is this how a Royal Knight behaves?’
Certainly, if you did that any superior could overrule a command, especially as a Royal Knight guarding the Royal family.
Yet, I don’t think he needed to scare poor Sir Talimus this way, he looks like he’s shrinking. I felt bad for him.
‘I’m sorry, Volker. I heard there was a guide but I followed General Breslin, whom I knew. I’m really such a child, so embarrassing.’ I said softly coaxing as I covered my face with my fan and hung my head.
I was just curious about his work so I didn’t want to bother anyone too much.
I peeked up at him from between the lace of my fan. He groaned like he was still thinking.
‘Come now, Volker, your wife is so kind. Please let it go.’
‘You, shut up.’ Volker said gruffly, but he released Breslin’s clothes. He sighed and waved Talimus off.
He gave me a smile and put his arm about my waist, ‘A mock battle with the Western Army and the Royal Guard is about to begin, would you like to see it, Fredericka?’
I heard Talimus gasp behind us, ‘General Brennan smiles?!’
Maybe Volker didn’t smile at work. I love Volker’s smile, but it must be that he keeps his emotions at bay.
He led us to seats that looked out at the training field, it must be for visitors because the benches were arrayed like a small stadium.
Volker fussed around me like an anxious father, so I told him I just wanted to quietly watch which helped him calm down a little.
It seemed we were the only visitors that fine day. I asked Marie and Sam to sit beside me, but they refused. When we were out of the house, they made sure not to cross the barrier between master and servant, but I felt a little lonely. For one thing I didn’t want them to have to stand all day, and for the other I wanted to chat to Marie about the goings-on.
I wish I could get rid of the troublesome things like status.
General Breslin sat beside me as a matter of course, it seemed he had no intention of going back to his own duties, but I was a little worried that Volker might get angry with him again.
‘The First Knights of the Royal Guards are the King and Queen’s guard,’ Breslin explained to me, ‘The Second Knights are assigned to the Crown Prince and other royal heirs. The Third Knights are assigned to staff and dignitaries. And the Fourth Knights do patrol. Brennan oversees all of them.’
His legs were casually crossed as he watched the Knights on the field preparing for their mock battle. Although his posture was relaxed, I could tell he was thinking of something complex.
‘In the past, because most of their duties involve ceremonies rather than war and defence; the previous generals were often focused on looks and splendour. Because of that, the Royal Guard was treated like weak fops by the other battalions. But your husband changed that.’
When Volker was made the General of the Royal Guard, he began a training regime to raise the strength and armed force of the Guard, and personally implemented it. Such activity had been unthinkable for the previous Generals, but he gradually worked with each unit until he was satisfied with their progress and then appointed a unit Knight Commander.
‘Of course, the aristocrats who joined the Royal Guard just because of the pomp and pageantry all ran off saying they didn’t join the Guard to suffer. Some veterans even began to exclude Brennan because of this. It drove that guy nearly bald!’
I grabbed his hand
‘Eh? Hey, madam…’ he called in nervous surprise as I held his hand in both of mine.
‘Thank you for supporting Volker in his difficult times.’ I said.
Volker who took everything so seriously must have really had a good friend in Breslin who joked and laughed about things.
‘Madam…’ Marie called from behind me, ‘Your husband is looking at you with a terrifying face.’
I turned to look at where Volker sat, and he had a demonic glare in our direction…and do I see a dark aura. Yup. Yup.
‘General Breslin, let’s slowly let release each other so he doesn’t get suspicious.’
He nodded in understanding and we parted nonchalantly, with an eye on Volker and carrying on chatting as though nothing had happened.
Then Marie came round and knelt before me.
‘Pardon me, madam,’ she said before producing a damp towel.
Hmm? Was it time for snacks? But as I hesitated, Marie forcibly pulled my hands and wiped them.
…
Was General Breslin dirty? I wondered why she was doing this. But then, she turned and looked over at Volker who gave her a thumbs up. Ah, it’s a plan between her and Volker.
I turned sheepishly to Breslin, ‘I am so sorry,’
I was worried he would be offended, but he was laughing so hard his shoulders shook.
General Breslin was a very good person. When we get home, I need to have a good chat with Volker about his silliness.
The simulated battle looking like it was being held tournament style, winners advancing ahead to duel each other. And the losing knights cheering their colleagues on, or just relaxing around the field.
A knight in full armour came over to where we sat.
‘Madam Brennan, thank you for the other day.’ It was Sir Maug. He had a bright smile on his face. I quickly rose.
‘Hello Sir Maug, I’m sorry to bother you at your workplace today.’ I was going to curtsey but I remembered that it had bothered him, so I refrained.
He looked relieved.
‘The number of combatants has decreased, and it would be hard to see from here; why not come closer?’
‘Wouldn’t I be a distraction if I move closer?’
I really didn’t want to stand out because of what happened earlier.
‘That’s ridiculous. The men are even more enthusiastic because you’re here. If you don’t come closer, their morale will fall!’
Was it like that? General Breslin had also said so earlier.
Breslin rose from his seat and offered his arm, ‘Why don’t we go closer?’ he suggested with a grin.
I also really wanted to see the combat up close.
‘Then, I will bother you.’
General Breslin took me closer to the action. The air was buzzing with excitement; oh I loved this feeling!
Sir Maug and Sir Talimus brought the bench and placed it down at a nice vantage point. I thanked them and sat with Breslin.
‘By the way Madam, what is in the large basket?’ he asked indicating the large baskets Marie and Sam were carrying.
‘It’s a gift of snacks that I wanted to give out later.’
Sam and Marie opened the baskets to show their contents.
Our chef, Marie, another maid and I made cookies. I had thought knights wouldn’t like sweets, but Volker told me it would be a good quick way to recover from fatigue. So, I happily made them.
I made lots of other different flavours; tea, chocolate chip, cheese, herb and such. I put them in little packages so they could eat them or if it didn’t suit their taste they could give it to someone else.
‘Did you make them?’
I gave a shy laugh, ‘Yes, with our chef and the maids. But it isn’t anything special…’
I mean they were a bit haphazard, nothing like a professional patisserie would make. The ones I made really came out distorted. I had never made cookies before; they were definitely harder than sandwiches. Hekon…
Let’s have Volker eat those ones, the nice ones could be given to everyone else.
However, General Breslin rose, picked the package of distorted cookies and held it in the air. How could he find that one so accurately?! Was it so noticeable?
‘Right, gentlemen. Who ever wins the match will win a packet of cookies personally made by Madame Brennan!’ He announced to the Knights still on the field.
Eh? Isn’t that a punishment game?!
But there was aloud ruckus!
‘What? Really?!’
‘Why didn’t you tell us earlier?!’
‘I request a redo!’
‘Seriously, personally made?!’
‘Let’s regroup, quickly!!’
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Bouchra for their kind donation, I am very grateful for your support.
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