IOPAFP 10

Not long after, both the Märchen and Lewendiff carriages arrived at Princess Celestia’s palace simultaneously. As if by agreement, the two baedong personally selected by the newly-changed princess stepped into the palace together—Prince Killian Märchen and Adelaide Lewendiff.

Despite concerns that the novelty would fade, Celestia continued to call them every other day, faithfully spending time together.

When the carriage doors opened, two seven-year-olds dismounted—barely nodding to each other at first. Still, they greeted Princess Celestia with warm smiles.

“Killian, Adelaide—welcome!”

Celestia, linking arms with both, chided lightly:

“I told you two to greet each other properly, okay?”

“Hello… ahem… Adelaide.”

“Ahem… hello, Killian.”

“That’s better—come on!”

With excitement, she walked them out, beaming proudly.

“Would you two like to try something today? How about you, Adelaide?”

“I’d like that, Your Highness,” Adelaide replied shyly, twisting a strand of platinum hair decorated with a delicate corsage.

“Great! Let’s change first. Liz—let Sir Briven know today we’re learning swordsmanship too.”

“Are you sure, Lady Adelaide?” Liz asked, concerned. Understandably, as Adelaide was still recovering from malnutrition, and sword training might be physically demanding.

“I’m fine—as long as Princess Celestia’s with me.”

Despite knowing the difficulty, I insisted on academy training: partly to relieve stress, partly to see Adelaide’s knightly side—but mostly to spend time with Killian.

There was still an awkward tension between the two. We’ve met over ten times, and they still only greet each other properly when prompted—even though they chat easily with me. At seven, children usually bond quickly—but not them, even though they’re the story’s protagonists! So I decided to be their matchmaker.

Once dressed, Adelaide held my hand as we walked to the indoor training grounds. Her timid grip was endearing—she had her own charm.

How will such a shy girl become a fearless warrior later?

I swallowed that thought and comforted her:

“Adelaide, you don’t have to force anything. If it becomes tough, let me know.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I…I think I can do it. Killian’s doing it too.”

“What determination. But you have that divine power—you’ll be fine, right?”

I smiled and we entered the practice hall where Sir Briven prepared. Killian secured his wooden sword and joined us shortly.

“Princess Celestia. Lady Adelaide.”

“Sir Briven, good to see you. Liz told you we were coming?”

He nodded. Because of me, he’s kept fresh juice stocked and actively encourages my visits to the practice hall. I guess I really became their matchmaker.

Sir Briven looked concerned:

“Are you sure? Swordsmanship isn’t easy and you’re still young.”

“I may not beat Killian, but I’m athletic—and Adelaide wants to try. Right?”

“Yes! Of course!” Adelaide replied.

Killian exhaled sharply—maybe realizing the rivalry?

We moved to center court. Sir Briven held up wooden swords:

“You both seem confident. Shall we begin?”

Adelaide and Killian eyed each other, then stood next to me. I paused the lesson to give Killian instructions:

“Killian.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You learned the basics—go show us what you’ve got.”

Though hesitating, he nodded and started practicing solo. Adelaide and I lifted our swords next.

“Let’s start with stance,” Sir Briven instructed.

He moved patiently and kindly—pointing out:

“Excellent posture, Your Highness!”

“Thank you.”

“Very good too, Lady Adelaide. Try extending your arm—even more. Yes, just like that.”

“This is… harder than I thought.”

Adelaide was visibly struggling—understandable—but I felt guilty for enjoying it so much.

I recognized echoes of my own past in martial arts training. I kept at it, following Sir Briven with dreams of becoming a sword expert someday.

And he lingered past anyone’s expectations, excited by our progress.

“That’s enough for today.”

“Woo! That was so fun—thank you, Sir Briven!”

“I must say, Princess, you truly have a gift for swordsmanship.”

Liz offered fruit juice just at the right moment. Briven accepted my sword back, and I gathered Adelaide.

“You did well too!”

“Thank you—my arms are a bit sore, but I’ll improve.”

“Great job, Adelaide!”

She pouted slightly—but kept looking across at Killian with hope.

“Would you like to watch closer?”

“Um—not yet, Your Highness.”

Yet her eyes didn’t leave him.

And who could blame her—he was radiant in motion.

Killian’s form improved strikingly. His swing had become smooth, composed—mature beyond seven. His style was refined yet powerful—utterly him.

I watched proudly with Adelaide until hunger hit.

“Killian! Let’s go—Strawberry tart?”

“Yes, Princess.”

“That sounds good—thank you.”

Meek Adelaide smiled; shy Killian blushed. I exhaled a long sigh of relief.

At this rate… maybe I can reach a decent ending after all.