The day has arrived. They gathered in the royal meadow.

"Alright everyone, we're going camping. Are you ready?" shouted the excited Taddeus.

The soldiers were no less excited, then said, "Ready!"

"Camping is not only for physical training but also mentally. Besides that, we can relax for a while in a new atmosphere," said prince Claes.

They also rejoice, including myself, who is equally enthusiastic. We went on each horse to the camping site where I usually rest when I was at Helcia's inn. As for the equipment, they brought a carriage. I kept my distance from the prince and watched him from behind.

"I'd better not come any closer." I think it's better.

On the other hand, the prince thought, "How will I behave in front of Ryan?"

Finally, when they arrived at the location, they built a tent, a simple training ground, and prepared cooking utensils. Ryan also helped build the tent.

"Ryan, please get the equipment bag on the table."

"Well," I say with enthusiasm.

When I turned around, I bumped into someone.

"Ouch. So... sorry..." I bowed my head.

"That's okay." He replied.

"I think I am familiar with this voice... He is a prince!" my mind.

Then I looked up to see it and it was true!

"P-prince..." I stammered.

We were both so awkward.

"Excuse me, prince," I said as I walked past the left side of his body.

"Even though I purposely approached him, why is it so awkward?" Claes' mind.

On the other hand, Ryan thought "Why am I so embarrassed and dare not meet the prince? Arrrgh..."

This camping time is free. Some use their time to practice, some rest by enjoying the natural atmosphere, and get to know other colleagues so that solidarity is established. In the afternoon, Ryan chose to practice archery. At that time, the prince took a walk enjoying the scenery. Not far from where he was, the prince saw Ryan practicing. Then he went over to his and touched Ryan's shoulders and arms to just fix his posture while saying, "It's better like this."

Ryan who noticed the touch was surprised and turned around to find it was Claes. Then Claes also looked back at Ryan. They both looked at each other.

"Now the look in the prince's eyes is warm and why is he so close to me?" In Ryan's mind. He was embarrassed and his face was red. Then Claes started a conversation so that there would be no more awkwardness between them. He said, "Can I borrow the bow?"

"Please, prince," Ryan said.

The prince also tried to shoot his arrow and hit the right center of the target."

"It's great." Praise Ryan.

"Actually, your archery skills are also good. Since when did you study?" asked the prince.

"Since childhood prince," Ryan replied.

"No wonder."

Then there was a moment of silence and Claes continued his conversation, "Ryan, please forgive me that time."

"Eh??" Ryan was surprised to hear Claes' apology then he replied with a smile, "It's okay, prince."

"Can we go back to like before?" asked Claes.

"Of course," I said cheerfully again.

"Phew... Then I can relax now." The prince lay down on the ground.

"This place is beautiful and peaceful too." Prince continued.

"Yes," I answered while sitting down.

Not long after, Taddeus came over, "Hey... Turns out you were here."

"Ah... Taddeus." Prince said.

Taddeus then put his arm around Ryan as he said, "Ryan let's have a soak together. It's getting dark." Said Taddeus.

Prince and also I must be shocked to hear that.

Then they said in unison, "Hah???!"

"Eh... What's the problem?" asked a confused Taddeus.

Claes immediately pretended to cough to divert the atmosphere. Ryan also said, "Uhm... Commander first. I don't want to take a bath yet."

Prince Claes who heard it smiled.

"What about the prince?" Said Taddeus.

"Me too later." Replied him.

"Yes alright. I'll go first then." Said Taddeus who then left.

After Taddeus left, Ryan also intended to return to the tent. "My prince excuse me first."

"Yes alright." replied the prince.

Around the tent has been prepared a bonfire and food.

"Hey... Ryan... Let's eat." Invite soldiers.

"Yes," I answered happily. I am grateful that they are friendly and welcoming to me.

*****

When it was quiet, I headed to the slightly hidden pool to take a shower. I don't like crowds, so I waited for them to leave first, then I took off my clothes and went into the pool. "Ah.... It's the perfect place to unwind after a long journey." The sound of gurgling water and flowing water makes this atmosphere peaceful. "It's time to calm the heart and body," I muttered to myself.

Somewhere, Claes said to another warrior, "Have you seen Ryan?"

"No, prince."

"Ah... Is the prince looking for Ryan? After I take a soak, I saw him going there."

"Oh. Thank you for the information," replied Claes.

"Looks like he's taking a shower. Incidentally, I also haven't showered." Then Claes took a set of clothes and headed over there with an oil lamp. When he arrived, he heard someone humming. Claes headed that way and how shocked he was by what he saw.

He saw a figure in the pool under the moonlight with his long hair pushed aside so that reveal his back with a dragon pattern glowing golden. Only on a full moon night and directly illuminated by the moon, the mark will shine. Claes was fascinated by the figure he saw. But what a surprise when the figure turned to the side so that Claes knew it was Ryan! The surprise didn't stop there, when Ryan was about to turn around, Claes immediately closed his eyes and turned back. His face was red and blushing. "Deg... deg... deg..." Claes's heartbeat was getting louder.

Then there was a sound in the bushes. "Who is there?" asked Ryan.

Claes just sat there and was silent. The atmosphere was quiet again.

"I'd better get out of here soon," Ryan muttered.

Even Claes still can't believe what he just saw.

The next morning, they all returned to their kingdom on their horses.

"It's fun camping," said the soldier.

"Yes. I hope this event will be held again." Another answer.

Happy faces radiated from their faces except for Claes.

"Claes... Claes..." called Taddeus.

"Hah. What's up?" replied Claes who came out of his daydream.

"What is wrong with you? You seem to be thinking about something," said Taddeus.

"Ah... No... No..." he answered.

Then Ryan called out to the two of them.

"My best regards to the prince and his loyal guards." Greeted Ryan who came from behind and was beside Claes.

Claes was surprised and turned his face away.

"Yes." He said nervously.

"Can you sleep, prince? It seems you seem unfocused today." Asked Ryan.

"Ah. I couldn't sleep last night." He answered. "How can I sleep so well when I know who you really are." Claes' mind replayed last night's events. And his face started to turn red.

Ryan and Taddeus looked at each other.

"Are you all right, prince?" asked Taddeus.

"Yes. It does not matter. When I get to the kingdom, I will rest."

In Taddeus' mind, "The prince's attitude is so weird."

"Hey, Ryan. Let's race who can arrive the fastest." Invite Taddeus to lighten the mood.

"Well!!!"

"Are you guys ignoring me?" said Claes.

"Ah... We see the prince is not fit." Ryan replied.

"Am I weak enough just from lack of sleep?"

"Eh... That's... He-he..." Ryan smiled.

"Then let's get started." Taddeus gave the signal.

"Hiyyaaaaaaa."

The three of them left the soldiers behind.

"Can't they relax?" said the soldier.

"Yes. Aren't they enjoying the scenery around?" reply to another.

"Come on friend. We shouldn't lose heart from them either."

Hiyaa

The soldiers got carried away.

Claes looked at Ryan as well as Taddeus who was in front of him.

"You are like my two wings," In Claes's mind. Then he noticed Ryan who continued to advance in front of him. They all rode across the vast field as the sun rose before them.

"Hopefully in the future, this land will be more shining. Even if there are obstacles in my way, I'm not afraid because there are both of you as well as loyal soldiers." Claes muttered in his heart.

"Let's all create a prosperous land and make this kingdom even more successful. No matter what obstacles come your way, the spirit must not fall."

"Yes. That's right." Ryan and Taddeus said.

The order of positions arriving at the kingdom starts with Claes, Taddeus, and Ryan.

"Arrrgh. It's quite exhausting in the morning." Ryan said.

"Yes." Hosh... Hosh... Taddeus panted for air.

"Even though the prince wasn't focused at first, he was able to beat us."

"Yeah, who would have thought," Ryan replied.

Finally, Claes said what was on his mind, "Taddeus, Ryan... Thank you. I'm grateful to have met you," said Claes.

Their hearts are touched when they hear it.

"There's no need to hesitate, prince," Taddeus answered.

"You are like wings to me," added Claes.

"It's an honor to be praised by the prince," said Taddeus while crossing his right arm over his left shoulder as well as Ryan who then said, "Thank you prince for your trust in us. We will continue to serve and do our best for this kingdom." Ryan replied.

The three of them smiled. I hope our relationship will continue like this. They put their arm around each other's shoulders. Before long, the soldiers came and marched.

"Today we will be free one day from training. Please rest."

"Yes. Long live the prince," Felling of joy rose from the line of the soldiers.

Late afternoon, one day, Claes was lying in the meadow, he was contemplating, if the problems in this world are over, I will return to heaven. But will I be able to let Ryan off?" While he was thinking about that, Ryan suddenly appeared above Claes.

"Hey prince, are you enjoying the view of the sky?" Ryan said while smiling warmly.

Obviously, Claes was surprised to see Ryan. They stared at each other for a while before Claes immediately got up.

"Quiet twilight," Ryan said with a smile radiating from his lips.

"Deg... Deg... Deg..." Claes' heart was beating fast. "Yes..." He said nervously.

Ryan also saw that the prince's face was slightly red.

"Prince, are you really okay? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?" Ryan approached Claes' face while touching his forehead.

The prince couldn't hold back anymore, then brushed Ryan's hand away.

"It's fine."

"S-Sorry prince if I was presumptuous," Ryan said.

"That's not what you meant. It's okay. I was just shocked," replied Claes.

"Looks like I have to go back," continued Claes.

"Yes," Ryan answered in a small voice.

"Does the prince not like me anymore like that time?" Ryan muttered inwardly.

The meaning is 'like' here in the sense of being a close friend.

In his room the prince was confused," How should I behave in front of Ryan? I guess I'll just have to ask her later to make it clearer. Actually, she is a lady.

At night in Ryan's room, she took out a necklace from her drawer and looked at it. What's my past really like? Who are my real parents? Why did she leave this? Where do they go?"

So many questions in Ryan's mind. But she still couldn't find the answer.

Then she put it back on and went to lie down. That's when there was a knock on the window.

"Knock...knock..."