Chapter 58 (1/2)

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Chapter 58 – First Day (Part 1)

“Yeah, it really does look awesome,” Wynn mumbled to himself. He had been to the Lemmroussell palace before, but it still looked large and imposing. He stared at the gates that stood before the heart of the empire: the Emperor's residence. He stood in the middle of a wide plaza, surrounded by luxurious estates owned by n.o.bility. The residences of wealthy merchants and knights lined the outer areas of the n.o.bles' district. It was an area that ordinary citizens had difficulty approaching. In the past, Wynn had pa.s.sed through those streets, and those gates, many times while delivering letters.

Clang Clang

”Oh, sorry!”

The sound of a bell behind him brought Wynn to his senses. He apologized to the driver as he moved out of the way of a carriage. The carriage rushed past him and entered the palace grounds. Wynn continued to gaze up at the gates until his neck ached.

It's okay, no need to be nervous.

Wynn clenched his fist to raise his spirits and stepped towards the open gates.

I just don't feel like I belong in there. I guess I'll have to get used to it eventually.

He may have yearned for it all his life, but once Wynn pa.s.sed through the gates, he would be entering a world beyond anything he'd ever imagined. He was a commoner through and through, so even the gates were a huge hurdle.

One by one, glimmering golden carriages pa.s.sed by Wynn as he hesitated to take his next step. Elaborate family crests or flags were prominently displayed on each extravagantly grand carriage. They were a whole level above the merchants' carriages that normally pa.s.sed him on the streets. The first time he saw one, he had thought, Isn't that too bright and s.h.i.+ny? But he was about to set foot into a world where such carriages were the norm.

Looks like I have to get used to this. It's not like I can just hang around here all the time.

Wynn steeled himself and began walking. After a few steps, he stopped again.

Last time, I came with Leti, so I didn't get lost, but what do I do now?

Behind the gate was a resplendent pathway lined with countless evergreens on both sides. He followed the path to a wide plaza. Water gushed from a fountain at the center. Men and women of all ages—Wynn a.s.sumed they were servants—were hustling and bustling through the plaza. Like Wynn, they weren't riding a carriage as they headed towards the palace. Wynn blew out a sigh, relieved that he wasn't the only one walking. He thought that everyone else would be riding in a carriage. He had heard that not everyone who worked at the palace were aristocrats, but he couldn't shake off his anxiety until he saw it for himself. Now that he confirmed it with his own eyes, he was able to relax.

Green buds were beginning to sprout on the trees flanking the walkway. Flowers bloomed. Birds sang happily. All were signs that marked the coming of spring. Wynn felt a cool breeze across his face. He closed his eyes for a while, enjoying the melodious chirps. He had wondered whether the birds within the castle would sound different, but was happy to know that the cheerful birdsong was the same both in and outside the castle.

It seemed as if a veritable forest grew on either side of the path. Perhaps it was better to call it a grove, as it was certainly cultivated by palace gardeners. Occasional glimpses of buildings could be seen between the trees, hidden from the casual observer. Wynn stopped to admire each building he saw, oohing and ahhing before he continued on.

This was his second time at the palace. Leticia had brought him here the first time, but he hadn't had the presence of mind to enjoy his surroundings. Then, he had simply walked straight through the plaza and into the palace.

This layout kind of reminds me of the Knight Academy.

Eventually, he reached the castle walls for the second time in his life. The gate into the castle was smaller than the main gate.

“Please stop. Beyond this point, you need permission to bring weapons any further. Please put your name into this logbook.”

Wynn walked up to the small guard station, where an Imperial Guard was busy receiving guests.

“I understand.”

“Wynn Bard… Oh, could you be… ”

The guard looked down at the logbook, and then looked back up at Wynn.

“I've heard of you. You have permission to carry arms within the palace. Please enter.”

“Thank you very much.”

Nervously thanking the guard, Wynn made his way into the castle. Unbeknownst to him, several Imperial Guards were eyeing him critically as he walked away.

That's the Master of the Brave? The one who is going to become Princess Cornelia's guardian knight?

What is Prince Alfred thinking, allowing an unknown boy so close to the unmarried princess? What will he do if something happens?

The princess' guardian knight should have been chosen from the Imperial Guard, who all possessed known pedigrees. Their gazes were filled with both envy and curiosity as they watched the young man walk into the castle.

”It has been a while, Sir Bard.”

As soon as he entered, a woman called out to Wynn.

”Oh, you were the one who guided me last time…”

”I am Mary, a maid who serves Princess Cornelia. It appears we both serve the same master. I look forward to working with you.”

The maid, Mary, started walking, signalling for Wynn to follow. She appeared to be two or three years older than Wynn. She carried herself with an air of refinement, which was unusual for a maid. Could it be that she had been a lady from a n.o.ble family? As they walked down the winding halls, Wynn observed the elaborate decor. From the pillars, to the ceilings and walls, it all came together as a single ornate masterpiece.

”If I may ask, I believe that you had been given the uniform of the Imperial Guard. However, you are still wearing a student's uniform. Why is that so?”

”Umm, well, I'm still a student… and each time I look at the uniform — How should I put it… It feels more and more like I don't deserve it.”

”This is the inner palace. Few are allowed to even set foot in this place. The clothes you wear reflects your status here, so please remember to wear the uniform next time.”

”I understand.”

”Please try to get used to it. It may feel strange at first, but it will get better eventually.”

”Just like that?”

”Just like that.”

Mary flashed a sidelong grin at Wynn.

”If you don't, it'll become a problem when you have to accompany the princess during her official duties.”

”Umm, Mary? I can just call you Mary, right? Will I also have to accompany the princess during her official duties?”

”Of course. As her guardian knight, your duty is to guard the princess. However, there are Imperial Guards who are also responsible for guarding Her Highness, so you will seldom have to do so. However, unlike the Imperial Guards, anyone other than His Majesty and Her Highness are not allowed to give you orders.”

”I-I don't fully understand what you've just said…”

”Anyone in the royal family can give an order to the Imperial Guards, but only the emperor and the princess can give orders to you.”

Giving Wynn a bitter smile, Mary led him to a room within the inner palace.

”This room is for your personal use. To be more precise, it is for Princess Cornelia's Guardian Knights.”

”I have a room inside the inner castle!?”

”Therefore, please quickly change into your uniform.”

Wynn looked down at what he was wearing. His knight academy uniform was appropriate to wear to ceremonies, but that was it. The design was cheap, and Wynn's uniform was quite worn. Wynn figured that it would be tasteless to appear in that alongside Cornelia. Inside the room was a large, round wooden table and a luxurious-looking chair. There was also an empty bookshelf.

”You are presently the only one staying here, so the room is a bit bare. But sooner or later, as more Guardian Knights are recruited, the room will become more furnished.”

“This was different from what I imagined… I thought I'd be working from outside the castle.”