Chapter 78: Tempered (4)
[Adiluns POV]
Haaaah... Haaaaah
Ragged breaths escaped from my lips involuntarily.
It had already been an hour since Physis and I started running in the training grounds. I could truly feel how rigorously the knights were being trained.
I felt tired, and my legs were starting to lose strength, but I didnt stop. Once I joined the subjugation party, I would face even harsher situations, and there might be instances where I needed to conserve mana.
If I relied too much on magic, I could easily find myself unable to cope with unexpected events. Although dragons were said to have unlimited control over mana, as a human with dragon blood running through my veins, I couldnt enjoy infinite mana.
It was true that I possessed an overwhelming amount of mana, but it wasnt infinite, so there would inevitably be monts when my mana ran out.
To prepare for such situations, I had to conserve mana without fail, and eventually, the ti would co when I had to push my pitiful body to its limits.
There was still so ti before the subjugation party was ford, so I had to build up my stamina until then... at the very least.
But in the end, my legs gave out.
Adilun, are you alright?
Uh... yes.
I forced myself to say that I was fine, but Physis imdiately understood from my expression that I wasnt okay.
Lets take a break. Youve been running for quite a while. If you can keep up with my pace for an hour, your... basic stamina is remarkably good. Even well-trained soldiers cant run like that.
R-Really?
Yes. It seems like the dragon blood flowing through your body has manifested a little more... Did you always have such good stamina?
No, Ive never exerted myself so vigorously before, so I didnt know the details.
With this level of basic stamina... if you put in a little effort, youll be able to keep moving without getting tired during the subjugation partys activities.
Im relieved...
Upon Physis encouraging words, I slumped down in my place. Physis followed suit and sat beside , gently patting my head as if praising my efforts.
Youve been through a lot.
Its only you who undergoes this training every day.
Hahaha, is that so?
To be honest, I understand now after running in the training grounds today. How much effort our knights put in... It was incredibly challenging.
Because thats what were supposed to do.
He spoke calmly and looked at very affectionately, gently stroking my hair. I couldnt help but think how amazing he and the knights were as I leaned into his touch.
Just the fact that you work hard at what needs to be done is remarkable. Honestly, there are tis when I get distracted while doing the tasks assigned to ... You and the knights train rigorously every day.
Its inevitable. If we dont train rigorously, well be killed.
Ah...
Well, thats partly a joke... Actually, its because we receive corresponding rewards. I think what youre doing to beco an excellent successor, wrestling with various docunts and practicing magic late into the night, is more remarkable.
As I ntioned earlier, do you find ti for other things in between?
As humans, we need so rest, dont we? We also have our own resting ti. In fact, I think what you do is even more impressive. Ive heard that you handle the tasks that His Excellency takes care of as well.
Thats true. Maybe once this incident is over, I might start receiving proper successor training.
Is that so?
Yes. And maybe... as soon as the successor training is over, my father will pass down the duchy to . He has been thinking of resigning from the duchy and traveling with my mother for a long ti.
Hahaha. My father was like that too.
Count and Countess had a good relationship, right?
Thats right. Considering how nobles used to engage in extramarital affairs as if it were a daily routine... its quite a rare case.
Thats true. And co to think of it, in other territories, problems caused by extramarital affairs often arise. Issues like illegitimate children...
Let us not do that.
Heh. If you ever do that, Ill kill you and then kill myself.
...Dont say such scary things. And I would never betray you. Besides, my gaze doesnt wander to other won in the first place.
Really?
Have you ever seen divert my attention to soone else, leaving you aside? Ive always looked at you, except for when I had to dance with Princess Lobelia during the National Foundation Day.
Lets not talk about that.
I spoke to him with a slightly annoyed expression. In any situation, at any ti... I didnt want to hear another womans na coming out of his mouth.
Ah... Sorry. I was thoughtless.
No, its not that serious... Its just that thinking about it at that mont put in a certain mood.
I see. You must have been quite upset then.
...Yes.
Dont worry. Ive never felt any romantic attraction toward other won even then.
Yes. Ill trust you.
Anyway, do you want to run a little more, or should we call it a day?
I want to run a little more. But, could you keep doing this for a little longer?
Saying that, I nestled into his embrace. I buried my back into his chest and held his strong arm around my waist.
The intense warmth made my whole body pleasantly tired. It was comfortable. I wanted to stay like this forever.
As much as you want.
Thank you. Oh, speaking of infidelity... When do you want to get married?
Right now.
Lets skip unrealistic talk.
Well, if thats not it... how about in six months? It seems suitable when the deadline we promised each other ends.
I feel the sa way. That works out well.
Marriage, huh...
He seed to have so renewed thoughts as he lifted his chin from my head and looked up at the sky.
Will I be able to do well?
Well both have a lot to learn. But as my mother said, marriage is about complenting each others weaknesses and growing together.
Indeed.
As long as we have trust in each other and dont betray one another... I believe we can overco anything.
Yes. I hope it cos soon.
too. We should... finish what we started last ti, right?
I tilted my head back and smiled teasingly at him.
Hahaha... You might faint, you know?
Well, I wont know until I try. Actually, todays run and the subjugation party... they are also preparations for that. To endure with your monster-like stamina, I also need to have so level of stamina...
Arent you often saying things that are too embarrassing?
Well, whats wrong with that? Its just the two of us anyway. Oh, by the way, how many children would you like to have?
...The more, the better.
I laughed softly at those words and nodded my head.
That matches my thoughts. Well, shall we start running again?
Sure.
Lets go.
I stood up from his embrace, glanced at the sky for a mont, and then looked ahead.
It was ti to run.
* * *
[Physis POV]
I watched Adilun as she ran.
Wearing clothes that were sowhat tight to the body for training and running hard to build up physical strength, the appearance of Adilun had remarkable beauty in itself.
It wasnt just about her physical appearance or the curves of her body; her determination and effort were admirable.
Those who put in effort always shine.
And even more so, soone who strives in an area that is not their expertise, fearing they might inconvenience others... they alleviate the suffering of others to that extent.
So I should also strive harder. So that no one, not a single person living in this land, will have to mourn the loss of a precious person. So that Adilun wont have to experience sadness because of that.
I thought as I followed behind Adilun, running at a slower pace.
Adilun continued to run, even as her breath beca heavy. What kind of future does she envision? And how will her happiness be fulfilled within it?
I was curious about that.
If I stayed by her side and observed that scene, what would I feel?
It was still a story of an unknown future, but I could only hope.
That our future... moves in the ideal direction that we both envision.
.
.
.
.
From the next day onward, Adilun and I continued our training. The surprising thing was that Adiluns stamina was increasing noticeably.
Perhaps it was due to her dragon bloodline. Even during our run today, she didnt show any signs of fatigue like she did yesterday.
Both she and I felt a sense of disbelief at that fact.
Is this really okay?
In addition to that, I even gave her so instructions on the martial arts I use. At least she should have the basic self-defense skills.
And... more than just her stamina increasing quickly, I was astonished.
Adiluns rate of growth was extraordinary.
It was as if she wasnt soone learning martial arts for the first ti; she easily followed my movents. It wasnt just mimicking the motions.
She replicated not only the movents but also the distribution of power and the principles of how to strike the opponent more forcefully.
Haha.
An incredulous laugh escaped . It didnt matter to , but if other knights were to witness this, they might feel that the world is truly unfair.
Why?
Well, just... because the world seems so unfair.
What?
Oh, nothing. Adilun, try not to show your martial arts skills to others as much as possible.
Of course. Its more effective to keep things like this hidden.
Yes...
Well, maybe it was better to have sothing good after all.
--- End OF The Chapter ---
[ TL: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 10 chapters ahead of the release: /taylor007 ]
Reviews
All reviews (0)