《Cards of the Royal Guard》Chapter 3: Time Lapse
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10 years pass in the blink of an eye.
King dedicated himself to training in the sword as well as learning the manners of the nobles. However, he could never fully understand the reason as to why the nobles went through so much trouble to decorate themselves in eloquent words and beautiful dresses. Although he dedicated himsefl to learning the manners of the nobles, he rarely used them only in cases when he would address Queen in public. When it came to addressing others that was not Queen, he would rudely talk to them.
The reason as to why King was allowed to rudely talk to the other nobles and look down on people was due to the fact that he had a name and was a Royal Guard member. With Queen's influence King was able to establish his own hierarchy within the castle.
Although King often referred to nobles rudely, he was often kind to those of the lower class. Perhaps it was because of his origins that caused him to turn out this way, but undoubtably King was a kind soul.
Queen had given King free rein over what he wanted to do. The only thing Queen ever ordered King to carry out was training as a knight and learning how to write as well as read. Occassionally he attended classes to learn more about the kingdom causing his intelligence to soar. Originally, King had a high disposition to learning, therefore he quickly picked up on the ideas being taught to him. In particular he excelled heavily in politics and military strategies, which earned him high expectations from Queen.
This fact earned him praise from Queen, who would jump up and down in joy whenever he gave her advice.
She would say that "he was a worthy advisor".
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Although King never understood what she meant by that.
The plan that Queen had come up with immediately after King had recieved his name was put on hold. Queen wanted time to plan out ways to get rid of the rotten apples in the castle. King agreed quite willingly as at the time he also didn't know quite what to do.
Aside from his studies King, would constantly practice on using the sword whenever he was free or bored. This matter eventually caused him to perfect his sword techniques and even allowed him to beat all the teachers of the army. Seeing as he excelled in combat, Queen eventually appointed him as the leader of the armed forces with her newly appointed power.
Queen steadily garnered power as the years went by, although she still kept her hidden schemes under wraps so as to not be noticed by anyone. She rarely flaunted her power as if she kept it hidden it was easier to ambush those who underestimated her.
King was aware of Queen's plotting as he would also be participating in the coup d'etat when the time came, but for now it was often quite leisure.
King happily endulged himself in his life of training and learning. He was grateful to Queen for picking him up and as the years went by he quickly noticed a change in his attitude towards Queen.
This change evidently reaffirmed his resolve to help Queen.
King swung his sword fiercely in a vertical line in consecutive strikes.
He worked himself until his skin practically turned red from over exercising. However, he wasn't the least bit bothered by his red skin as he grabbed a cooling cloth from the maid nearby.
"Thank you."
"Yes it is no problem, Sir King."
He thanked the maid politely.
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Using the cool cloth to wipe off his sweat as well as cool down his red skin he sat himself on a nearby bench.
All around King's surroundings were a variety of soldiers swinging their swords vigorously.
The soldiers worked hard as King was watching them. The soldiers especially did not want to get on the bad side of King therefore they worked diligently whenever he was around. They weren't particularly too scared about King though. The reason was because often King was actually quite kind to the soliders especially the ones who were enlisted from the slums. The only reason they worked harder was because King would often praise and reward them making them feel as though they were worth something.
It was a feeling that they didn't get often especially from one of such high status.
Usually those of high status abused their powers and would often ridicule them. However, because the soldiers couldn't really do much against those of higher status they often had to grit their teeth in frustration.
King was much different in this regard.
He treated them as humans and often told them to take things casually. He would tell them to not strain themselves lest they would be unable to work for their families if they were to get injured or sick.
The soldiers felt a sense of respect for King. They wanted to prove themselves worthy of his concern and thus worked hard. Of coruse, they were careful not to overexert themselves.
King, who was sitting on the bench watched intently at the soldiers swinging their swords.
He liked the expression on their faces as though they were doing something worthwhile.
"What are you smiling at?"
King turned his head into the direction of the voice calling him.
"Joker?"
"Yes, it is I" replied Joker who came from behind.
Joker was another member of the Royal Guard that King and Queen met 5 years after their first meeting. They recruited him as his abilities were high and his honest character was something desired in Queen's Royal Guards. Joker had long black hair that was tied into a ponytail. His body was also quite tall and he bordered near King's height which was approximately 6 ft. Joker also chose butler-like clothes as his wear. His primary job was to be the informant of Queen, but occassionally he would also help in organizing the papers that she worked out. His job was almost never done. Unliked King, who spent his time training to be a super soldier for Queen, he spent his time researching and understanding various fields to improve the conditioning of the country.
"Is something the matter?"
"Nothing really. I was hoping you could convince Her Highness to do her work."
King frowned.
"Is she skipping again?"
"Rather than skipping... She is refusing to work anymore and lies on the couch eatting snacks from the west."
Joker twirls his long black hair with a finger.
"Hah... Is she even aware she is a queen?"
"I believe in her mind being queen-like is the least of her concerns."
She really knows how to tug Joker's strings.
King chuckled a little to himself realizing that Queen's attitude had pushed Joker this far to come for his help.
"I'll go see her."
"That would be most appreciated."
King gets up from his spot on the bench and hands the maid the cloth. The maid takes it and bows her head as King leaves with Joker.
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