The Next Prince

02 No Way We'd Ever Meet Again

"Actually, the number one in the Fencing club... still has a lot to work on."

'Still has a lot to work on.'

Those words still echoed in Khanin's ears, even though a day had passed. His hooded eyes were fixed on his father's face while the saber in his hand was poised in a ready stance.

Khanin stood there, preparing for a bout. His well-defined face was serious, as if ready for intense training, though his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the stranger.

A signal from Tatdanai brought him back to focus on the present.

The young man dodged the gleaming blade thrusting from the left, then twisted his body to avoid another strike from the right.

Khanin seized a split-second opportunity to raise his arm to counterattack and score a point. But perhaps due to his lack of concentration, everything he'd planned in his mind didn't go as hoped.

Missed... He missed the opportunity so foolishly.

"Nin," the scoring signal sounded, accompanied by a heavy sigh from his father.

Khanin pressed his pale lips together tightly, immediately sensing what'd come next.

"..."

"You have no focus at all. Do you realize that?" Tatdanai's stern voice cut through the air. He turned to unplug the wires from his armor and remove his metal mask, then stood with arms crossed, scrutinizing his son.

"I know," Khanin said, trying not to make any excuses. He sighed, frustrated with himself for letting someone influence his thoughts so much.

That bastard—who did he think he was, pointing out my flaws and even having the nerve to say that the top fencer at the club should be better? No one had ever dared speak to me like that before.

"What's distracting you?"

"Just something unimportant."

"Khanin, if that unimportant thing is making you lose focus during a match, you know what that means, right?" The use of his full name indicated a heightened seriousness.

The young man didn't respond but understood what Tatdanai was implying well.

Hesitation and lack of precision... were paths that never led to victory but only defeat.

"You should spend some time reflecting on yourself."

"Dad, if I adjust my stance and try not to move my left shoulder before striking, do you think I could beat you?" The question slipped out before he could think it through.

"Huh?" Tatdanai paused, turning to look at his only son with undisguised curiosity.

"Well... never mind," Khanin closed his eyes slightly, gripping his saber tightly as he realized he'd let slip a thought that had been lingering in his mind. He tried to brush it off, intending to end the conversation, but Tatdana's reaction was entirely different from before.

"Say that again... What you just said, say it again."

"It's... Ugh, I said if I adjust my stance and try not to move my left shoulder before striking, what would happen? I mean... What do you think?" The younger man reluctantly repeated himself, observing his father's reaction. Every second seemed to drag on until Tatdanai finally responded.

"I think you could." The usually calm and composed eyes now showed a hint of satisfaction.

"..."

"I'm glad you're now aware of your flaws."