Almost half of a year has past since I've first started training to be a knight. That's right. You've heard me. A time skip. It's one I've been waiting for since I've first arrived. It's a shame it couldn't time skip to the point where I could legally drink.

In fact, these b*tches still won't let me drink coffee!!! I wish this world had social services....

Anyway, I thought the time skip would magically appear in an instant. Unfortunately, I still had to experience it. I still had to attend boring class. I also still had to be tortured by Dante in what he calls exercises.

I thought I would eventually get used to it, but my muscles still ache everyday. My only saving grace is Lona who massages my muscles. She should really pursue becoming a masseuse. She wasn't entertained by this idea though.

Despite my best efforts, I was still weak. I couldn't even make Dante nudge a bit during arm wrestling and stupid William is still faster than me. Did I mention I hate testosterone? Unfair advantage. That's what it is.

I'm not salty though. (She is) I am still much better than them.

Once we were released from class, me and Millie made our way to the cafeteria following our usual routine. Ever since I started to go over to Williams and Dante's house, I've noticed the whispers surrounding me have grown. It's a good thing I'm too lazy to care about what they actually said.

Millie, on the other hand, seems to be quite disturbed by them.

We sat at the table and she looked at me concerned, "Are you alright Seri?"

I took a bite of cake, "Yes. Why do you ask?"

She looked at me guiltily, "Because of the new rumor."

Dante and William sat down at our table. I reached out and slid Williams cake over to me. He doesn't even notice it anymore. I've trained him well.

William sat back thinking, "Oh yeah. This time it's about her having an extra toe, right?"

I laughed, "Oh. I like that one."

Ahhh. The stuff children find to be insulting. It's so refreshing.

Millie shook her head, "I can't believe you don't even care about it."

I shrugged, "It's just the chatter of immature children. Why would I listen to it?"

Dante spoke, "Don't worry too much about it Millie. She wouldn't even know about it unless you told her."

Millie sat back crossing her arms, "I know. But it just makes me so mad. That nasty Ilene." She covered her mouth quickly and sheepishly looked at William, "I'm sorry."

He shrugged, "I don't care."

I smiled, "Millie you are too nice. She's not nasty. She's a b*tch in training."

William glared at me, "Don't say that."

"Oi, why does Millie get an I don't care but I get yelled at?"

"That's because Millie didn't curse."

"It's preferential treatment."

Dante looked at William, "Have you given it to her yet?"

William froze and looked away sheepishly.

"Given me what?"

I looked between the both of them in confusion. Did I do something to get another gift?

Dante smiled, "So he hasn't."

"Shut up!" William said looking away.

Dante elbowed him, "Why are you making it such a big deal? Are you nervous you'll be rejected?"

Rejected? Oh god. Is this like a love letter? But we both hate each other. I must be jumping to conclusions. I looked over at him trying to hide my nervousness.

"Come on, William. Out with it."

Please don't keep me in suspense.

He shifted uncomfortably and was jabbed again by Dante. "If you don't do it, I will."

"No!" He shouted before looking down in embarrassment, "I will do it."

He pulled out a fancy looking letter. Oh my. Has he had that on his person all day?

He handed it to me and I took it. Oh god, it even smells expensive.

"It's nothing important. It's just an invitation to my birthday party. You don't have to come if you don't want to. It's no big deal."

I'm starting to get the feeling that William is a tsundere.

Dante burst into laughter, "Why are you acting so embarrassed? Listen to this, he wanted to invite you personally so badly that he stayed up several nights in a row thinking about it."

I looked at him. I guess now that you say that, he does have bags under his eye.

"I did not!!! My mother just wanted me to invite you personally because she likes you. She forced me!!"

I sniffled, "So you don't want to me to come?" I hiccuped and covered my eyes.

William looked at me taken aback, "No! I do!"

"No you don't! You said you only invited me because of your mother!" I broke into sobs. William froze at a loss for what to do.

He looked at me full of concern, "I lied! Honest I did. I really want you to come so I convinced my mother to let me invite you myself."

I sniffled, "R-really?"

He nodded quickly, "I promise."

I smiled at him and stuck out my tongue, "Gotcha."

He jumped up with a red face, "Y-you tricked me??"

I nodded, "I told you to stop being so gullible."

He looked as if he was about to cry, "I hate you!" He quickly ran away from the table without even touching his food.

I froze. I didn't think he'd be that dramatic. Dante burst into laughter.

I looked at him, "Did I take it too far?"

He shrugged, "I think you made him cry."

I snapped my fingers, "Darn. I wanted to see that, but there's no way I can catch up to him now."

Dante looked at Millie, "We've already sent an invitation to your parents."

She nodded, "Yes. I've received it. Thank you. But I am a bit surprised. Has Prince William ever given a personal invitation before?"

He shook his head, "Nope."

Millie looked at me, "You are very special Seri."

I flipped my now shoulder length hair, "I'm not surprised. It's about time you all noticed how amazing I am."

After we finished and went to the library, William was there waiting. He still refused to look me in the eyes. What an immature child.

I sat back and thought. Wait, if I'm invited to a birthday party. Don't I need to get him something? But I have no idea what. I don't want to spend any major money on him. I'm too cheap. Should I just make something?

I stared at William over my book. He likes history books. That's a bit boring though. Why can't he have more of a personality?

"Why are you staring at me?"

I flinched. D*mmit. How did he catch me?

"What do you like?"

"Excuse me?"

"Like, do you like swords? Or toys? I'm not sure what boys your age are into."

"Why do you ask?"

"It's your birthday right? That means I have to get you something."

He shrugged and looked back down at his book, "Anything is fine."

I frowned. Even though I dislike William, I am obligated to give him the best present out of everyone who attends.

"Alright. I will give you some bugs then."

He growled, "Don't you dare."

"You said anything."

He looked at his book clearly pissed, "Just think about it yourself. Since you're so smart I bet you will think of something."

Hmm. This will be hard. I've only ever seen him read books before. I don't want to give him one though. I have a feeling he has read almost everything at this point. I see him with a new book almost every day. I should have been paying more attention to him then I wouldn't be in this dilemma.

Later that day, I went to Williams house for another day of training. As I lay there dying from the torments of Dante, I noticed William looking at a flower. However, he appeared to be scared of it. I bet there's a bug on it.

"Hey. Get up already."

I stood up after Dante's command and rubbed my backside. Why does he keep having to knock me over on my butt? He's a cruel child.

"Why are you so distracted today?"

"What do boys like, Dante?"

He blinked, "You're still on that?"

"Yes."

"Why do you care so much?"

"I refuse to be someone who brings the worst gift."

"So this is about your pride again?"

"Just answer the question."

"Boys like women."

I glared and emphasized my sarcasm, "Such amazing advice."

He chuckled, "Well, you asked."

Should I get him like a nudie book or something? But, he's only a kid. Just when do little boys get interested in that kind of thing? Don't they discover their urges before girls do?

I looked over at William. Gross. I don't even want to imagine him with urges. Nudie book denied.

Once I was riding with Lona back home, I asked her. "Lona. What do boys like?"

She stopped stroking my hair and looked down at me curiously, "Why do you ask?"

"Williams birthday is coming up and I have no idea what to get him."

"Oh." She started running her fingers through my hair, "I'm sure he would be happy with anything you get him."

"No. It has to be the best."

"I see. Hmm. Well William is mature for his age. Perhaps a book?"

"Denied. That's too boring."

"A new shirt?"

"Denied. Also boring."

"Well, I'm not sure then."

"Ugh. Why is no one helpful. I hate using my brain this much."

I kept thinking about it in the ride home, almost to the point where I fainted from motion sickness.

Once I was home, I walked throughout the halls trying to come up with an idea. I walked outside and heard banging in the distance. I followed the sound and noticed a blacksmith making horseshoes.

That's it!

I ran into the house and sketched out a design. I rushed back to the blacksmith.

"Mister, can you help me make this?"

He pulled off his goggles revealing the soot around his eyes, "I suppose so. Do you want me to make this for you?"

"No! It's important I do it myself."

He hesitated before nodding, "I guess it will be okay if I supervise you."

We both began to collect metal as he taught me exactly what to look for and how to do it. I grabbed the hammer and went to work. As I stared into the fire, I couldn't help but get excited.

I wiped the sweat from my face and held up my finished creation.

Yes. My masterpiece has been completed! William will surely sing my praises when he sees this.