Chapter 405 - Side Story (William)(4)(unedited) (2/2)

”Good morning imperial knights.” I greeted. ”As you know, today is the first birthday of the second prince, Prince Leonhart. Today, the imperial couple will have a family only celebration, but later in the evening a grand ball will be held for all the noble persons in the empire to attend. Like always, it is our duty to make sure of the order and security inside the palace. I have already given you your ȧssignments beforehand, just be sure to get to your post and do your job perfectly. Is that clear?”

”YES, CAPTAIN WILLIAM!” The imperial knights replied.

”For the apprentice knights, you will be partnered with senior imperial knights as a part of your training.” I said. Some junior knights gave a piece of paper to the apprentice knights. The piece of paper contains the names of the senior knights they are partnered to. ”Watch them carefully and learn from them. For the senior imperial knights, do your job as ȧssigned and be a good instructor to the apprentice knights that are partnered to you. Keep in mind that you are their role models and they are the future of our empire.”

”YES SIR!” The imperial knights replied once again.

”That is all.” I said. ”You can now go to your respective designations.”

”THANK YOU, SIR!” The imperial knights replied in unison and dispersed.

Philip came to me with the paper he was holding.

”Captain, it is said here that I am partnered to you sir.” Philip said.

”Yes, that is correct.” I replied. ”The twins would want you close to them, and because I am tasked to guard the imperial couple then you can guard the two while they run around and play.”

”I understand sir. I will do my duty carefully.” Philp said with a salute.

”That is the spirit, young knight.” I replied with a salute of my own.

The twins looked like they were getting bored in their seats and so Philip and I walked to them.

”It is a little boring that you do not have sword training now.” Alphonse said getting up from his seat.

”Unfortunately, there is no training this morning because it is a special day.” I replied. ”The imperial knights are tasked with the safety of the palace.”

”Then will brother Phil guard us as well?” Aerith had twinkling eyes in joy.

”Yes, that is correct little princess.” I patted her head and smiled.

”Yey, that means brother Phil can play with us all day today.” Aerith said with joy. ”Come brother Phil, let's play in the garden.” She pulled Philip's hand.

”Y-Yes princess…” Philip replied awkwardly and looked at me.

”Go on. You can guard her in disguise of playing.” I whispered to him and he nodded. He let Aerith pull him.

”Uncle William.” Alphonse had his hands up wanting to be carried and so I picked him up in my arms.

”I cannot play with you my little prince. I am tasked to guard your imperial mother and father.” I said. ”Let me carry you to the garden so that you can play with Philip and your sister. It will be not long before your cousins arrive.”

”I know.” Alphonse replied calmly.

Sometimes the little prince acts so mȧturėly from his real age. Maybe it is because he was destined for something great when he grows up.

”When I grow up will you also teach me the sword, Uncle William?” Alphonse asked while we were on the way to the palace gardens.

”I think your father the emperor would be the one teaching you swordsmanship your highness.” I replied. ”He is a much skilled swordsman than I am.”

”Really? But I also want to learn your techniques as well.” Alphonse replied. ”I can see how you are training brother Philip and he also gets swordsmanship lessons from father as well. I think he would be a great swordsman with both your teachings, so I want to learn from you and father as well.”

”Then if his majesty the emperor approves of it, I will teach you my own sword techniques.” I replied.

”Yey!” Alphonse clapped with joy. ”I will also want to learn from Uncle Dimitri, and Sir Chris and maybe Uncle Gladiolus…” He trailed off with the names of persons that had great sword techniques.

I was looking at the young boy before me being happy about learning the sword, but I also see a glint in his eyes that seems to contain his eagerness to learn. I felt proud as a father would, to see that the little prince has set his goals for the future. I promised to myself that I would do everything I can to help the prince to prepare for his quest in the future.

I may have no family of my own, but I consider everyone in the palace as a family. I am happy being here, and this is what gives me happiness. I may not know what the future holds, but for now being here is where I should be.