knight's Royal Duty || Gonkillu ||

《Nameless》

As Killua stared at the new guard bowing before him, his mind buzzed with annoyance. The idea of someone constantly trailing after him was beyond irritating. But something about this individual was different from what he had expected. Unlike the older guards he was used to, this one was younger, probably around his age.

"I will do my duties and protect you, my prince," the guard said, standing up straight. His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable energy behind it.

Killua’s gaze narrowed as he studied the new addition to his life. The armor was standard, nothing particularly special, but something about the guard’s stance and presence seemed more relaxed than the usual stiff, robotic knights he was used to.

“What’s your name?” Killua asked, feeling an odd impulse to know more about this person.

The guard paused, and for a second, Killua thought he hadn’t heard him. But then the guard lowered his head slightly. “I’m not allowed to say, your highness.”

Not allowed to say? Killua's brow furrowed. That was strange. He had never encountered a guard who couldn’t give his name. "Not allowed? By who?"

“Orders from the queen, your highness,” the guard responded softly, not lifting his head.

Of course, it was his mother’s doing. Killua bit back his frustration. His mother loved secrets and control. She would have placed restrictions like this just to further annoy him, or worse, to test him. What could possibly be so important about this guard’s identity that even his name was a secret?

“Well, that’s ridiculous,” Killua muttered, turning away from the guard, already feeling suffocated by the situation. “Whatever. Let’s hope you can keep up.”

Without waiting for a response, Killua strode out of the throne room, his boots echoing against the marble floors. Behind him, he could hear the soft steps of the nameless guard following at a respectful distance. Killua’s thoughts churned as he walked through the familiar castle halls. Why was this guard different? And why had his mother chosen someone so young—and secretive?

The idea of someone constantly watching him made Killua’s skin crawl. It wasn’t just the presence of the guard itself—it was the constant reminder that he was trapped, unable to make his own choices. He had always cherished sneaking out of the palace, exploring the city streets or the forest beyond the castle walls. But how was he supposed to do that now with this shadow following him?

When they reached his chambers, Killua stopped abruptly and turned to face the guard. "Look, I don’t need you hovering around me all day. Just... stay out of my way."

The guard stood still, his face hidden behind his helmet, but there was something about his posture that seemed unbothered by Killua’s harsh tone. “It’s my duty to ensure your safety, my prince,” he replied, his voice calm and unwavering.

Killua frowned, feeling the familiar sting of frustration rise in his chest. “I don’t need a babysitter. If something happens, I’ll call for you.”

The guard remained silent for a moment, as if considering his words carefully. Then, with a quiet nod, he said, “As you wish, your highness.”

Without another word, Killua pushed open the door to his chambers and stepped inside, shutting it behind him with a quiet thud. For a moment, he stood still, leaning against the door. The silence of his room was a relief, but the unease of having someone constantly watching him lingered in the back of his mind.

His thoughts shifted to his mother, to the way she had announced that he would have a personal guard as if it were an honor. He knew better. It wasn’t about protection—it was about control. His mother, the "perfect queen," always found a way to pull the strings, even when she wasn’t directly involved.