With every word, the senior's shoulders rose with pride while the younger guard's slumped lower and lower. Finally, the younger guard silently turned back to his locker, beginning to pack his things.
"Hey, what are you doing? You're not quitting, are you?" the senior called out, half amused and half concerned.
The younger guard turned back with a blank expression and replied, "…Just trying to focus on reality. I've given up completely. Honestly, if it's Count Michael, even I'd want to marry him."
There wasn't a hint of regret in his voice. After all, how could anyone compete with a man destined to become a legend?
Princess Astrid had no idea that a farcical drama was unfolding elsewhere because of her. Today, she was deeply engrossed in a lesson with her father, King Charles V, learning about the mindset and choices required of a ruler.
