Beautiful Pain

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 5

As soon as the training was over, I was completely out of breath. We argued the entire time all while I still learned useful techniques so I guess i'm grateful.

I went to go wash myself up after the exhaustion had took over

...

A couple of days later

Rumia has been teaching me swordplay these past few days & our bickering, slowly turned into silence...where we only focused on the clashing sound of the swords.

I know I was pretty decent in swordsmanship from the beggining, but it doesn't hurt to learn a few things, especially given how well Rumia fights.

"Felix." The Emperor says my name so clearly, through the echoes of the inside halls.

"Yes, your Majesty?" I turn around. "What is it?"

He strolls closer to where I stand. Footsteps heard so loudly.
Why is my heart beating so fast all of a sudden?

When he steps right in front of me, his scary appearance frightens me. "I heard you were taking sword lessons from my daughter."

I step back, taking in a big gulp. Why is he suddenly so intimidating? is it because he stands tall while looking down on me? His eyes appear as if they have burning flames in them.

"Y-yes...s-sir..." I stutter. "Sh-e...has been teaching me a few t-things..."

He glares at me coldly, lifting his arm up. I flinch as he puts it on my shoulder roughly.

"That's wonderful!" He exclaims. "Nothing wrong with learning a thing or two!"

What?
I look back up at him. His smile is genuine...why was I scared just now? did I see him as the scary man my mind had created just now?

"That...and i'm so glad you & Rumia are getting along!" He tells me.

I point my eyes to the side, avoiding eye contact.
If he only he knew we bicker more than a divorced couple.

"You know..." He begins. "Rumia had a tough life growing up...she always keeps to herself & she is a very serious girl...i'm glad that you at least spend your days talking with her."

He puts his hands on his hips & sighs. "Til' this day, I still don't know what goes on in her head on a daily basis."

I do get where he's coming from. Rumia is very mysterious & I still haven't gotten close enough where she's ready to open up about her inner thoughts...but perhaps it's for the best. Maybe there's a reason she's not saying anything, even though I am aware that she's full of secrets.

"I think she just doesn't want to trouble you with her thoughts." I assure him. "I do know that she cares about you a lot."

I have been seeing Rumia out in the gardens late at night almost every day. I don't want to involve myself like I tried to do last time but at least she comes back safe.

"Felix..." The Emperor breaths. "When i'm gone...I know Rumia will live a full life..."

Where is he going with this?

Staring directly into my eyes, he gives me a full kind hearted smile. "A life where she needs someone by her side...and so...I want you to be the one whom she'll care about more than her old father..."

The Emperor still appears young & healthy so i'm not sure we he speaks this way so suddenly.

"I trust this matter to you."

My eyes open wide with surprise.

I didn't do anything really, so i'm not sure what he means by that.

"W-hy me?" I mutter.