The Flower Of Darkness

Chapter 2: The Coming of Light

That day was the first time Blanche wielded a wooden sword. Ever since Theodore brought her to the city, Theodore taught Blanche how to sword and fight. Theodore suggested that Blanche take the royal soldier entrance exam and work there instead of having to work as a maid. 

Being a female royal soldier is more respected than being a maid. Maid in the city are considered very lowly, maid are not treated like humans but like tools that can be used at will. Conversely, a woman who becomes a royal soldier will be seen as equal to a male soldier because she is part of the shadow that protects the light (kingdom). 

Every day Blanche trains hard. As fate would have it, Blanche, who originally could not hold a sword, is now very skilled in combat. In a short time she was able to understand the many sword and fighting techniques taught by Theodore. Like a professional, she also defeated Theodore twice in battle practice before she took the royal soldier entrance exam. Like a Goddess of war, Blanche gracefully swung her sword like a dancer, very shrewd and looks beautiful.

- Royal Soldier Entrance Exam -

The 13th of the 10th month of the year 345 of the royal calendar, the day Blanche started her new life by doing something she had never thought of, taking the royal soldier entrance exam. During the exams, Blanche always wins the competition branches of the tests that must be followed. Along with 300 other people who were selected, Blanche fought together for the first position as the best candidate for the royal soldier's student. 

A few days before the fight, Blanche regularly did training at the training camp with the other students. When she was practicing, a tall and thin man appeared in front of her, asking her to practice together.

"Hi, Lady. We meet again."  said the man with a big smile. 

Blanche, who heard the man's words, was surprised, "Aah, you startled me! Pardon me, but who are you? I don't rememb-- ehhhh? I seem to know your voice.. Wait a moment.. aahh, you were the man who was buying medicinal plants at my grandma's shop! "  Blanche said with a face that became displeased. 

Hearing Blanche's answer, the man laughed freely "Hahahaha.. Lady, you are so funny. I told you, you will definitely meet me again, it's like fate."  he said proudly. 

Blanche, who was annoyed to hear that, didn't care what the man was talking about, she turned her face away from him. 

"Ah, pardon me, Lady. My name is Arthur Haschwalt. You can call me Arthur. I am from the east." 

"I am Blanche Schrinz. You may call me Blanche. Sir Arthur, I think you must learn to see things through."  said Blanche.

"Pardon me, Lady. I'm just so glad we finally met again after that meeting." said Arthur with a smile. 

Blanche could only sigh as she continued her training. 

"Lady, can I practice with you every day? I have no friends here, I hope you will be friends with me." said Arthur. 

Blanche who was in the same condition agreed, she thought it would be fine if she had one friend, "Okay, I don't mind training together with someone. But I hope you don't cause trouble and trouble me. It will be difficult like that. Let's focus to the next match" 

Arthur was very happy to hear Blanche's kind response, "Alright, Lady. Thank you." 

Both of them have always been together since that day, training together, resting and eating together, even going out for leisure time together. They are like old friends who haven't seen each other in a long time.