Royal Chaos

Chapter four

Duking it out for hours. Being slammed to the ground, thrown around, and my face was beaten on a couple of times.

Every part of me is sore and I just want training to be over for today.

I spat at the ground, the slight taste of metal making me wish that Reiji could have aimed somewhere other than my face.

"Alright, training is off for today," Reiji stated before placing his shield and sword on the weapon rack.
"You did good, I can tell you've improved," Reiji continued with the addition of a nod of approval.

"We start again tomorrow. I'll go over some adjustments you can perform when defending and attacking next time," He added.

"S-So, we good for today?" I asked, still catching my breath.
"Yes, but do remember to get up at exactly six. I don't want to have to break your door down to wake you up," He said.
"Alright, alright, I get it," I sighed.

I put my shield and sword on the weapon rack before making my way inside the palace.

I softly placed my hand on my face, wincing slightly due to the soreness.

I get that this training is supposed to prepare me for the worst situations but does it have to leave me beat and bruised afterwards? I feel like if I were to ask that question to Reiji he'd look at me as though I was stupid again.

That seems like his go-to response.

Walking through the garden was peaceful at least. That's the one good thing about going to training and leaving training. It's that nice moment of walking in such a magnificent garden, the arches covered in thick bushes blocking out the sun for shade and the variety of flowers that smelled amazing just by walking past them.

Once entering the palace, I spot multiple servants rushing down the hallway. Each of them carrying various cleaning supplies, freshly washed clothes and dishes, along with newly picked flowers.

Hmm, they must be preparing for something important.

Oh well. I'm sure if it was important enough, Reiji would have already told me about it. Even though his a bit rough around the edges he does makes sure I have a decent idea of what's going on around the palace.

Each step I made echoed softly throughout the hallway. My mind wandered with random thoughts as I tried to ignore my sore face.
It was kinda hard to ignore it not gonna lie.

But just as I was going to make it to my room, I lifted my head with my eyes going wide.
My heart beating slightly faster all of a sudden.

There was Nomi before me, walking in the opposite direction of me. His arms folded behind his back, his eyes staring down at the ground, his brows furrowed with his face showing his irritation with something.

Is he okay?

"G-Good evening, Nomi. I-I mean lord Nomi, haha," I smiled, awkwardly correcting myself.

He finally looked up from the ground, his gaze softened once he realized who was speaking to him. His expression more gentle than before.

"Good evening to you as well. And you don't have to be so formal when it's just the two of us, I actually prefer it," He said with a soft smile on his face.
"Alright, then I'll keep that in mind," I smiled.

I noticed his eyes somewhat widen slightly, his smile gone as worry took over.

"What happened to your face? Are you okay?" He questioned, taking a step closing to have a better look at my bruise.
"Oh, it's not a big deal. It was just from training today. Does it look that bad?" I chuckled.
"I'm mainly concerned about you, do you need medical attention?" He pressed on.