Shooting Stars: Chapter 3
For as long as I can remember, I have been learning swordsmanship at my master's side. He is the grandmaster of swordsmanship on Philos, and also the Grandis Knight of the Lightseekers, as well as the person by the King’s side who the King trusts most.
I had known from a long time ago that I have a named Xavier; he is Philos's prince, his swordsmanship is also and very impressive.
But in the many years after that, I had never met him at all, but my master said protecting him will be my duty in the future.
Because in the future, he will become the King of all of Philos.
And my mission is to become the bravest, most reliable, and most loyal Grandis Knight by his side.
Later that day, Xavier gives me a piggyback ride and we return to our master's mansion.
MC: Xavier, I can really walk by myself…
Xavier: Did you really cry just now?
MC: It's all just Jeremiah overexaggerating. You really believed it?
Xavier: Then let me see.
Xavier puts me down and moves in close.
Xavier: The corners of your eyes are so red, if you didn't cry, that probably means you’re ill.
MC: I'm clearly completely fine.
Most of the light is blocked by his figure. He cups my cheek, presses his thumb on my lower eyelid, and solemnly stares at me for quite some time.
And then—
, he blows a breath of air directly into my eyes.
MC: Xavier, you…!
Xavier: So, it’s because there was a strange person's shadow inside.
Xavier: Now it's fine.
MC: What strange person? Surely you're not talking about Jeremiah?
Xavier: Leaning so close to you for no reason, and even putting an arm around your . Is he not strange?
MC: …Suddenly saying that with a serious face, I think you're the strangest one instead.
I pretend like I’m going to tease Xavier, but he surprisingly just stands there, and then cushions my body as he falls on the carpet.
MC: …!
MC: You… Why didn't you dodge?
Xavier: If it's sprained a second time, it'll be difficult to completely heal.
MC: But if you also get injured, Master will surely not forgive us, he will surely nag us again—
Xavier: “The Grandis Knight is a sharp blade in the King's hands. .”
Xavier: I can recite it from memory even .
MC: Oh right… is Master returning soon?
MC: The technique he taught me, I haven't practiced thoroughly. If my homework is checked, I'm doomed…
Xavier: Master is leading the knights on an expedition; he won't be back for a while.
Master: …Cough.
Xavier: Master? You've returned early?
MC: That… Congratulations on your triumphant return!
Master: Who taught you that knights salute while sprawled on the carpet?
Master: Stand up.
Perhaps it’s to celebrate the triumphant victory; tonight’s dinner at Master's place is particularly sumptuous.
He has waged war for so many years, even when he changes out of his armor and sits at the welcoming dining table, he is still shrouded by an intimidating aura of death.
Xavier: Master, did the Knights' expedition go smoothly this time?
Master: The Knights were on the way back when we received a secret order, saying a member of the royal family had gone missing, feared to be amongst the stars, and ordered us to find them.
Master: If it were not for this matter's interruption, I'm afraid it would have been much smoother.
Master: So how was it? You've spent the entire winter patrolling the stars in space; have you any insights?
I can’t help but hold my fork tighter.
Based on past experience, the more casually Master speaks of a matter, the more serious it signifies. This meal tonight is destined to be hard to swallow.
Xavier: Regarding this matter, I did indeed do wrong…
I glance across the dining table, and only see that Xavier has just stuffed a piece of roast chicken into his mouth, his expression heavy as he chews.
Xavier: Philos's galactic starfield is vast, and the school's patrol teams are limited. Next time, I should just go with the Knights.
Master: Hmph. I, on the other hand, may not even be willing to bring you.
Master knows Xavier habitually avoids serious matters and focuses on , so he turns to me.
Master: And you, how did your ankle get sprained?
MC: Me? ...I was careless while training.
Master: So hardworking. So, who won today's contest?
MC: We didn't compete!
Xavier: I'm the one who forced her…!
Xavier and I unwittingly interrupt each other, and amidst a , we exchange a glance that says, “"
Master: This is the first time I've ever heard that a Grandis Knight was used for the purpose of helping a King skip class.
Master: Since you both love competing so much, how could a draw be sufficient.
Master: Why not go back out and exchange another thousand moves. If victory is not decided, then don't come back.
Xavier and I glance at each other, resentfully put our cutlery down, and get up to leave the table.
Without having lifted a foot to take a step, an unnatural sigh comes from behind us.
Master: Eat your fill and then go.
The Holy Sword of the Goddess Monument stands tall under the night sky. Two swords collide with a ‘clang’, producing sparks like bright starlight.
Xavier takes two steps back, and steadies his body.
MC: Xavier, you lost again.
Xavier: How wonderful, you won again.
I catch my breath, rubbing my sore forearm, and raise my sword once more.
MC: Again.
Xavier: You really want to exchange a thousand moves with me? You listen to everything Master says.
MC: I listen to my senior too; otherwise, how would I have gotten hurt.
Xavier: Then your senior wants you to sit down and rest right now, will you listen?
He gently tilts his chin towards my hands still holding the sword.
Xavier: At the very least, let's deal with the bloody blisters on your hands.
At the base of the Holy Sword of the Goddess monument, Xavier and I sit shoulder to shoulder.
He pinches my fingertip, sprinkling medicinal powder over my bloody blistered palms.
MC: Hiss… You sprinkled too much, it hurts.
Xavier: Seeing you so persistent, I actually thought you didn't know pain.
MC: Master punishing me is one thing, even you have …
Xavier holds the back of my hand, and begins to carefully wrap the bandage.
I turn my head towards the tall sword monument behind me.
MC: But honestly, I can understand his intentions.
MC: This Holy Sword of the Goddess monument is from the swords of Philos’s Grandis Knights who’ve fallen in battle.
MC: Master made us train here because he wanted me to not forget—
MC: A knight's sword must point towards the place the King points.
Xavier: But you aren't a knight.
MC:
I hug my knees and rest on my forearms, admiring the focused expression Xavier has while bandaging my wounds.
MC: Oh right, this time your family’s retainers came looking for you; what was the matter?
Xavier: It's still that same line, asking I return.
Xavier: The Royal Messenger said the is already being prepared.
MC: The Titulus Ceremony?! This is a big deal, so suddenly…
Although Xavier is Philos's only prince, there are many etiquettes when it comes to the royal family. From “Prince” to “Crown Prince,” the difference is only one word, but not a single one of the convoluted formalities can be missed.
Ancient maple vines are entangled around the sword monument. There are fireflies flying out from under the leaves.
Starry specks of light cover Xavier's face, but his eyes dim for a moment.
Xavier: This time, he might really not make it.
This “he” is referring to Xavier's father—Philos's King.
But for a long time now, Xavier and his father's relationship has been a taboo topic that could not be mentioned.
MC: Then, this time… will you go back?
Xavier shakes his head.
Xavier: That incident—there’s no way for me to forget it.
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