In The Heat of Summer Sunshine

Chapter 1

Suga looked to his left at an empty leather scabbard next to him and felt another pang of mixed emotions rising to his throat. The sword that used to fill in the scabbard had pierced permanently on the tombstone up in the hill of Helligar, the royal knight's graveyard. His grandfather's death was as untimely as it was unexpected. Why did they all believe that he died of old age? He was as healthy as a young man despite his age a day before. He was a proud royal knight who once served the King before he had to leave the city for some untold reasons.

Suga had always admire his grandfathers doing. He told Suga that being a royal knight doesn't only mean you are a strong man. It took courage, loyalty, and bravery to hold the responsibilities. Those are the highest quality of a human being can achieve. Yet, to stay humane, a knight also needs a heart. A big heart which can hold the whole world and everything in it. Those words from the only relative he ever know all his life engraved in Suga's heart as he prepared to join the royal knight himself. Suga packed his bags and cleaned his house before went to his bed. He is ready to leave the town for the city in a few hours.

—*—

The dawn was breaking and the wind was blowing to Suga's freckled face. He closed his eyes to feel the air holding him on his way to the city as if it supported him. He put on a tiny smile on his thin lips. Finally, a one and only chance to be the royal knights. I have to make it! He held tight his empty scabbard and started to run as he saw the city gate.

Suga entered the city in excitement. It had been 8 years since his last visit to the city. The last time was when his grandfather's took him to see the parade for the princess' 10th birthday. Since then, the city hadn't changed at all. A lot of people on the street selling breads, meats, clothing, and even jams were found everywhere. They looked so friendly and happy unlike the Havergers who mostly had a stoick profile all day.

A stranger suddenly approached Suga and tapped on his back. "Joining the competition too aren't you?" the stranger said, his voice low and friendly. Suga assumed he must be one of the entrees too judging from his packed rucksack and baldric hanging on his left shoulder.

Suga nodded.

"I am joining too so we might be a rival later, but for today let's just be friends. My name is Hope, what's your name?"

"I'm Suga from Haverg. Nice to meet you," Suga replied in excitement. A friend on day one is a good start anyway.

"Oh, Wow! Harverger! I have a tough rival here ohoho.. Need to watch this guy closely apparently," Hope replied while teasing Suga and poking his shoulder. "Let's sign our name first then we can start strolling in the city! I'm from Beafl by the way and this is my first time in the city. I can see city girls are gorgeous unlike in my town. Their faces are always full of mud and they always smell like a sheep crap. Eww..." Hope hissed.

Befl was known as the city of farmers. Majority of the people there owned huge lands and the city itself supplied most of the kingdom's dairy needs. People from Harverg usually went to Befl to buy milk or eggs as it was closer to go there rather than to the market in the city.

As Suga and Hope reached the signing table for the competition, a guy with full suit of armour welcomed them. "Let me see your documents first and you can sign your name here," the guy pointed at a paper with name list on it.

Suga and Hope took out their documents and moved on to the list. It was almost full. The royal knight was an honorary position and the selection itself is challenging. Hence, people would want to try entering the competition. Some people also entered the competition only for showing off because girls wanted their man to be tough and well known.

"Alright, I've seen the documents and you two are good to go. Let me show you where you will be staying," the guy stood up and walked out the tent while gesturing his left hand to give a sign for Suga and Hope to follow him.

The three of them reached a building inside the castle gate. It was the first time for Suga and Hobi to ever pass through the castle gate. The guy then showed the two of them a room with three bed in it. "You two will be staying here during the competition with one other guy. Dinner will be prepared and sent to your room by 8 p.m every day so you don't need to worry about that. If you have anything to ask, just find me or my colleagues. Oh, and my name is Rapmon by the way. Goodluck on the competition," he then left.

"I guess we will be a roommate, huh? Not bad hahah," said Hope.

"Well, a Belf man for a roommate. I hope my room won't smell like a pig," replied Suga jokingly.

"Hey, man! Watch out what you are saying! I might come from Belf, but I am NOT a farmer, okay? I have trained to be a knight all my life I never touch the barn!" Hope replied while furrowing his eyebrows.

"Yeah yeah, whatever float your goats mate. Now shall we take a walk outside the city?" said Suga while pointing his right thumb to the door on the right and tilting his head in the same direction.

Hope showed a bit of hesitation before making his decision. "I'm pretty curious on this one guy which also is our roommate. Look at his messy bed!" he pointed at an occupied bed in the corner left of the room. "But, city girls got my curiosity more. Let's hook up with some in the city! We might find rare gem there," said Hope while circling his arm around Suga's neck and both then left for the city.

—*—

"Your majesty, I am very sorry but I couldn't find Princess Chia anywhere... I am afraid that she is sneaking to the city again," a maid bowed in front of the Prince while in panic.

"Oh Lord... This girl is really a pain! No worries, I'll asked Rapmon to search for her later," the Prince replid calmly.

"Are you calling me, Jin?" asked Rapmon approaching the Prince from the hall.

—*—