章節 29: Preparation (1)
Erin Starlance
After the training session with Raphael ended, we gathered our things and went our separate ways—each to our own homes.
Ever since Raphael chose me as his personal bodyguard, my life had changed drastically. I was no longer just an ordinary cadet but someone of much higher status among the orphans, except for the other bodyguards like me.
I was even given a last name—Starlance, the surname borne by all of the Earhart family's bodyguards.
Though I was still officially a cadet, the new status brought with it a number of privileges. For example, I no longer lived in the cadet dormitory. Now, I lived in a spacious mansion near the main castle.
The mansion looked like it had been taken straight from the cover of a magazine about luxury living. Its walls were made of noble pine, adorned with intricate carvings, and the roof was crafted from rich redwood. Just the sight of the building inspired respect and awe. Inside, servants kept the rooms clean and prepared meals. Chandeliers lit the hallways, and the floors were covered in soft carpets, making it comfortable to walk barefoot without worrying about splinters. Every bodyguard had their own room, furnished with a large bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a couple of chairs.
Compared to my old room, this place was paradise. And it made me realize how much status mattered in this family. If Raphael hadn't chosen me as his bodyguard, I'd still be living in that miserable little cubicle.
If I'd be alive at all.
The memories of my old dormmates beating me for half a year resurfaced, and I couldn't help but wonder if I would have survived if not for Raphael's intervention.
In my mind, I thanked him once again and continued on my way to the bodyguards' residence.
As I approached the gates, I heard a voice behind me.
— Erin! Wait!
I turned my head in confusion. It was a girl my age, with dark hair similar to mine, but streaked with silver that shimmered elegantly in the sunlight. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at her beauty.
It was Alice Earhart, Raphael's younger sister.
As she ran up to me, I bowed politely and greeted her:
— Good afternoon, my lady. Is there something you need?
— Phew... — Alice was breathing heavily, bent over with her hands on her knees. It seemed like she had been running for quite some time.
I decided to let her catch her breath before speaking again.
Once she finally recovered, Alice straightened up and flashed her radiant smile. That smile always amazed me. In the four years since we met, I had never seen her look sad.
— Erin, I told you to stop being so formal with me! — she said, half-serious.
— I'm sorry, but I can't do that unless we're alone.
— Ugh, you're such a buzzkill! Fine, come on!
— W-where? — I didn't get a chance to finish before Alice grabbed my hand and started pulling me along.
We walked for about five minutes until we reached a lake near the castle. Its nearly transparent surface reflected the sunlight, making it seem like we were standing in front of a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and the sun's rays.
Alice led me to a cozy gazebo by the shore and sat me down on a bench. I took a moment to look around, enjoying the peaceful beauty of the scene. A forest surrounded the lake, but it didn't scare me like it did five years ago when Raphael and I went on that "walk." This was a picturesque, serene forest—the embodiment of natural beauty.
I glanced up and saw birds soaring through the sky. Then, looking down at the water, I noticed colorful fish swimming in the lake, like tiny spots in a glass of water. Gentle ripples spread across the surface, adding a magical touch to the scene.
I wondered if Raphael had ever seen this beauty. How would he react to it?
I realized I was thinking about my lord again. Lately, it was happening more and more often.
Yes, it's normal to think about someone who saved you, someone who's your friend. But why do I think about him so much?
Honestly, I even signed up for the tournament just to prove to Raphael that he hadn't made a mistake choosing me as his bodyguard. I wanted to show him what I was capable of.
But these selfish desires made me feel worthless. Did I really need this boy's approval so badly?
— Hey, Erin, why is your face turning red? — Alice asked suddenly.
— Huh?
I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing my cheeks were indeed burning.
Oh no… This is so embarrassing. Just kill me now!
— I don't know what you're talking about... — I tried to dodge the question.
But Alice just gave me a sly grin, making me feel even more flustered.
— Oh really? Maybe you were thinking about my brother?! — she teased, tilting her head with a mischievous smile.
— Wha—?! N-no!
I tried to deny it, but my voice had a slight tremor of hesitation.
Can she read minds?
I swallowed nervously, hoping she wouldn't notice my unease.
— Alright, — Alice said with mock indifference before adding seriously: — Anyway, I wanted to ask you something…
I finally calmed down and turned my full attention to her.
— Hmm? What is it?
— You were training with my brother today, right?
At these words, I noticed Alice hesitated a bit, as if the question was difficult for her.
— Yes, I was just heading home after the training when you stopped me, — I nodded.
— How is he? Do you think he'll win the tournament?
Ah, so that's what it was. Alice was worried about Raphael and the upcoming tournament. I couldn't help but smile softly—there was something so sweet about her concern for him.
I hesitated, unsure how to answer Raphael's younger sister.
Lying wasn't an option, especially since her concern was genuine. But at the same time, I had no way of knowing Raphael's true chances of victory. The tournament would include not only older cadets but also other members of the Earhart family.
Raphael was certainly strong, but assessing his odds without knowing the full extent of the other participants' strength was tricky.
I had to come up with something.
— Honestly, I can't say for sure, — I began carefully, — but I think his chances are pretty high. Especially since he's been training with Lady Aurora and has already mastered some techniques from the Stellar Radiance.
Alice's eyes widened in surprise.
— Whoa! I didn't think he'd pick it up that fast!
It really was impressive, even for an Earhart. When Raphael had mentioned it casually, I'd been taken aback too. Not because I doubted his abilities, but because Stellar Radiance was incredibly difficult to master.
— Isn't that one of the hardest swordsmanship styles? — Alice asked, as if reading my thoughts.
— I think so. But you'd know better as a family member.
— You're right. I haven't really studied it much myself, but from what I remember, Aurora, Liliana, and even the Matriarch said Stellar Radiance was the hardest style practiced by the Earharts.
I'd heard the same thing from Lady Aurora and Sir Kazimir. Unlike other styles that focused on either power or speed, Stellar Radiance demanded mastery of all three: speed, precision, and control.
— Plus, Raphael's using a rapier, — I added absentmindedly.
— Yeah… — Alice nodded.
Oops. I'd said that out loud. Thankfully, Alice didn't seem to notice how casually I had referred to Raphael. The three of us had agreed to be informal with one another, but it still felt strange to do so when we weren't alone.
Sensing my unease, Alice quickly broke the silence.
— Well... if it's my brother, I doubt he'll have any problems. At the very least, he'll beat Theo easily.
— Haha… — I let out a nervous laugh.
Remembering their last sparring session—or rather, the beating—made me uneasy. Raphael had dealt with Theo so effortlessly it had almost been painful to watch.
I never thought a person could run away that fast...
— Ahem, is that everything you wanted to ask? — I quickly tried to change the subject.
— Oh, right! One more thing!
— Hmm?
Alice suddenly gave me a mischievous smile and asked:
— So, how are things with you and Raphael?
I tilted my head, confused by her question.
— In what way?
— Oh, you know… in a romantic way! — Alice, clearly enjoying herself, leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
— Wha—What?! — I froze, stunned by her words.
What did she mean, romantic way? Raphael and I were just friends! Well... I was his bodyguard. His servant.
Yet despite my reaction, Alice kept her playful smile, as if she had just uncovered a secret I didn't even know myself.
— Oh, come on. Are you saying you don't have any feelings for my brother?
— Of course I worry about him, — I tried to answer calmly, — but not in a way that I'd call romantic or… love...
— So you feel nothing when Harumi flirts with him?
Alice's sharp, expectant gaze made me squirm.
Ugh, this girl!
— I don't know… — I finally managed to say.
And it was the truth. I really wasn't sure how I felt. Sure, it bothered me when Harumi constantly flirted with Raphael, but did that mean I had romantic feelings for him? It seemed more like I felt gratitude and respect. Love? That sounded too... complicated.
— Hmm, well, I think... — Alice began, but before she could finish, someone interrupted.
— Lady Alice!
We both turned to see a girl running toward us, her short, light brown hair swaying as she approached. Her hazel eyes matched her hair perfectly, setting her apart from others due to her heritage from the Eastern Continent.
Alice squinted, recognizing the figure.
— Huh? Chinatsu?!
It was Chinatsu Starlance, Alice's bodyguard and my only real friend besides Alice herself. Chinatsu had always treated me well, even when we were cadets. In the three years she'd been with the family, she'd shown impressive growth—even Raphael had acknowledged her skills. About a year ago, she moved into the mansion as my neighbor and became Alice's bodyguard.
I noticed Chinatsu was wearing casual clothes: loose athletic pants, a t-shirt… and pink slippers. It was a little strange to see her dressed like that.
When she reached us, her face was full of reproach, and she immediately scolded her lady:
— Lady Alice, why did you skip training?! The instructor drilled me for hours because of you!
Oh, so that's why Alice was in such a rush earlier...
— Ugh, I was tired! And I'm sick of sitting around absorbing mana! — Alice pouted in response.
Her reaction reminded me so much of Raphael at that moment.
— That's not an excuse! Let's go back! — Chinatsu, unbothered, grabbed Alice's arm and started dragging her away.
Before leaving, Chinatsu turned back to me with an apologetic look.
— Sorry, Erin!
— Oh, it's fine, — I smiled, watching the two of them.
What a funny pair. I watched as Chinatsu dragged Alice along, who kicked at the ground like a stubborn child being forced home after playtime.
Once they were out of sight, I returned my gaze to the lake. The peaceful surroundings fell back into silence, the surface of the water reflecting the sun like a living mirror.
A few more minutes passed before I slapped my cheeks, determined to focus.
— Alright, I need to get ready for the tournament too! — I said to myself.
I stood up and walked away from the gazebo, leaving behind the quiet, serene scenery.
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