Aurein's POV
Today marked the beginning of our grueling, all-out training for the grand competition between the seven armies of the Kingdom of Ardentia—only one month away.
For our morning routine alone, General Voltaire had already driven us through forty relentless laps around the vast crystal lake. My lungs burned at first, my legs screamed in protest—but strangely enough, I had grown used to it. What once felt impossible now felt... normal.
At the moment, we were given a brief chance to rest. General Voltaire had stepped away, saying he had something to attend to. So we collapsed where we stood—on the grass, on the dirt, wherever our bodies gave up.
"You don't get tired easily anymore, Prince Aurein," Asper said between heavy breaths as he lay flat on his back, staring at the sky.
"That's true," Dante added with a smile. "You've really adapted."
"I'm more determined than ever," I said with conviction. "From this day forward, I'll train even harder to prove my worth to those people who think I can't compete with the other warriors."
"I wish I had your kind of drive, Prince Aurein," Ton-Ton joked. "Because the only thing that motivates me is food."
"That's still good," I told him sincerely. "It means you have something that pushes you to do your best."
Dante's smile faded slightly. "But do you think one month is really enough for us? Can we truly stand against the experienced warriors of the other armies?"
"I cannot even think about the day when we are about to compete with those other warriors. Did you see them at the celebration?" Asper shot back. "They were massive. Built like real veterans—like they've survived countless battles."
"Don't tell me you're all already intimidated," I asked.
"It's hard not to be, Prince Aurein," Ton-Ton said quietly. "I overheard warriors from another army mocking and laughing at us during the celebration."
"Laughing?" My jaw tightened. "What did they say?"
"They said we looked like children playing at being warriors," Ton-Ton continued. "They even said I probably just eat during training instead of getting fit—that I'm fat."
My irritation flared instantly. "Who said that?" I snapped. "Which army?"
"I didn't see clearly," Ton-Ton admitted. "But it sounded like it came from General Zavier's army. They were beside us."
"Just like their general," I muttered bitterly. "Arrogant to the core. But aren't many of his warriors originally from General Orion's army after his passing? From what I know, they weren't typical warriors either when they started out."
"You're right," Asper said. "Which means the ones who insulted us probably weren't from General Orion's men."
"I've spoken to some of them before," Dante added. "Those who came from General Orion are kind. It's the original warriors of General Zavier who act that way."
My eyes narrowed.
"I've always hated General Zavier," I said bluntly. "Even when I was young, I could already tell how arrogant he was."
"The way he looks at us," Asper said, "it's like we're nothing—like insects beneath his boots. Good thing General Voltaire never stoops to his level."
"Hm... I wouldn't say that," I said quietly.
They all turned toward me in curiosity.
"Just between the four of us," I lowered my voice, "don't tell anyone—but at yesterday's meeting, the two of them actually fought."
Their eyes widened in shock.
"Seriously?" Ton-Ton blurted out.
"Yes," I said, frowning. "General Zavier mocked General Voltaire's army. He mocked me. He even mocked General Orion. General Voltaire lost his patience and punched him." I smirked faintly. "And honestly? He deserved it."
Asper shook his head with a sigh.
"When the competition begins," Ton-Ton said, "they'll underestimate us, I can see it. They'll think we're the easiest army to defeat.
"That's probably true," Dante admitted, scratching his head. "We might get trampled on by General Lysandra's army. Have you seen the female warriors there? They are far too aggressive."
"Even if it's true, don't say it out loud," Asper snapped.
"But what if we really can't defeat them?" Ton-Ton said quietly. "What if we truly are the underdogs?"
"Guys," I said, and when they looked at me, they saw the seriousness in my eyes. "Then let them think that. Let them believe we're weak."
"Why?" Dante asked.
"Because it's a perfect strategy," I said steadily. "If they think we're powerless, they will go easy on us. They'll lower their guard. And when the day of the competition comes..." I raised my fist slightly. "Boom. We strike. We shock them. We conquer everything. Just like winning a war!"
"Wow! You're beginning to sound like General Voltaire now." Asper said slowly but a bit curious.
Oh no! At this rate, I might end up catching his personality just from being with him all the time.
Nooo!
"But what if they still crush us because of their years of experience?" Dante added.
"Then we prepare for the worst," I said firmly. "We train harder than ever. I made a promise—to prove that we can win. We either succeed, or we become their eternal joke."
"I don't know whether to feel inspired or terrified," Asper admitted.
"And if we lose," Ton-Ton added, "they won't just mock us. They'll mock General Voltaire too."
"Which is exactly why we must give our all," I said. "We will show them that General Voltaire's army is no joke. That even if we don't look like monsters... we are still capable."
Asper stared at his thin arms. "If I get matched with the bigger warriors, I don't even know how I'll survive."
"Asper," I said gently, smiling at him, "you told me once that even if you're thin, you're fast. Use that agility. Turn it into your weapon."
He chuckled softly. "You're right, Prince Aurein. I just hope I can actually use it, since we don't even know what kind of competition awaits us."
"If only we knew the nature of the fights," Dante said. "Then we'd know what to focus on."
"I hope there's a food-eating contest," Ton-Ton said eagerly, rubbing his cheeks in anticipation.
"Don't even hope for that!" Asper scolded.
I laughed lightly. "But who knows?"
"If that really happens, I'll be speechless," Asper said.
Dante suddenly looked at me. "Prince Aurein... aren't you scared?"
I hesitated, then smiled. "I am. I won't lie. I am scared and anxious. But whenever I think that I am with all of you, I believe we can do this."
"When I see how confident you are," Dante said, "I feel like I can do it too. Like we can do it."
"Of course," I said. "General Voltaire won't abandon us."
BLAG!
We all jolted as something heavy crashed onto the ground in front of us. Bundles of bamboo scattered across the field. We instantly stood, startled.
"What is that for, General Voltaire?" I asked in confusion.
"For your intense training," he said simply.
Our eyes narrowed in uncertainty as we stared at the towering stack—unsure of what hell he had just prepared for us.
"We will begin with a training exercise that will test your balance," General Voltaire said strictly. "You will stand on a single foot atop a pillar while holding a bamboo staff with your arms extended forward."
"But... where exactly will we balance?" I asked in confusion. "We don't have any pillars to stand on."
A slow grin curved across his lips. "While you were resting, I already prepared the field for this training. Follow me. Quickly. And bring your bamboo."
We followed him across the training grounds—only to freeze in shock.
Buried into the earth before us stood fifty-one wooden pillars, every single one planted deep into the soil.
"You did all of this?" I asked in disbelief, staring at the formation.
"Of course," he said with a grin.
I clutched my head in disbelief. I had no idea how he had done it—and worse, I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"This is what you will do," he said calmly. "You will stand on one foot atop the pillar, arms extended forward, the bamboo resting across your hands. Like this."
He stepped onto the pillar with perfect ease and demonstrated the stance.
Watching him made it look effortless.
And that terrified me.
When he stepped down, he looked at us again. "Now climb onto your pillars. You may use both feet for now."
We obeyed—but before the actual training even began, many of us were already swaying.
Once everyone had climbed up, his voice cut through the air again.
"You must maintain your balance for fifteen minutes," he said.
Fifteen minutes... will it be an easy training or not?
I stared at the bamboo in my hands and took a slow breath.
"Ready... go," he said.
And not even one second later—
Blag!
Smack!
Thud!
Warriors crashed to the ground in every direction. Some were even struck by their own bamboo. I nearly fell myself when Ton-Ton toppled beside me—I barely managed to leap away in time.
General Voltaire covered his face with one hand and shook his head. I could almost hear his thoughts—this wouldn't be easy.
"Reset your positions!" he barked.
We climbed back up.
Our bodies swayed violently as we tried to balance on one leg.
The second attempt lasted longer—but once again, one by one, warriors fell.
"Each time someone falls, the clock resets for everyone," he announced. "You will all finish together."
I swallowed hard.
This was going to be exhausting beyond belief.
* * *
Minutes passed.
And truthfully?
We weren't improving at all.
No matter how hard we tried, someone always lost their balance. Even I slipped again and again.
"Everyone, step down!" General Voltaire ordered. "I've only given you fifteen minutes, yet it feels like we'll be here until nightfall."
Shame crushed us. If we couldn't even do this—what more during the actual competition?
For a brief moment, I wondered if we would truly become nothing more than a joke.
General Voltaire sighed and scratched his head in frustration. Then he walked into the armory hut and returned carrying a pillar and two bamboo staffs.
We watched in confusion.
Then—
Blag!
He drove the pillar into the earth using nothing but his bare hands.
No hammer. No tools.
Just raw, terrifying strength.
Our throats went dry.
"I feel like General Voltaire could crush our bones if he wanted to," Ton-Ton whispered fearfully.
"You can say that again," Asper muttered.
"I feel like General Voltaire could crush our bones if he wanted to," Ton-Ton whispered again.
Asper gave him a side eye from actually saying it once more.
"That pillar went in with a single motion," Dante said in disbelief.
I swallowed hard. So that's how strong he truly is...?
And suddenly a wild, horrifying thought crossed my mind—
What if someday... I had to face that kind of strength in something more intimate... something only lovers do?
No. No. Absolutely not. He wouldn't be that monstrous, right?
"I will train with you," General Voltaire said suddenly.
He stepped onto the pillar with one foot—
And lifted two bamboo staffs instead of one.
Our eyes widened.
"I will not step down until all of you complete the fifteen-minute balance," he said calmly. "This is to prove that if I can do this... then so can you."
He turned his gaze toward us.
"Begin."
We scrambled back onto our pillars and mimicked his stance.
This time, we pushed ourselves harder.
Our knees shook. Our arms burned. Sweat poured from our bodies.
Yet we tried—truly tried.
Still... we fell.
Again and again.
General Voltaire commanded coldly. "Return to your positions."
If we were suffering... he was unwavering.
Focused. Disciplined. Unshaken.
How could he remain so steady? Was there a secret? Or was he simply built different?
Or... did he hide some terrifying power even greater than this?
If there was a secret—
Tell me.
* * *
We pushed on.
Four minutes.
That was the longest any of us lasted. After every fall, hope weakened further.
Thud.
I collapsed again.
I wanted to complain—but when I looked at General Voltaire, he was still determined.
Still balanced.
Still unwavering.
It felt like he had already surpassed the fifteen-minute mark—yet not even a flicker of strain showed on his face.
"Are you giving up, Prince Aurein?" he asked coolly.
I scowled at him and glared. "I never said I was giving up!"
I climbed back onto the pillar.
There had to be a way. How could he remain so steady without showing pain?
"How do you do it, General Voltaire?" I asked through trembling legs.
"Practice," he said. "And focus. Calm your mind."
Thud!
Dante and Asper fell beside me almost simultaneously. One tripped forward. The other landed hard on his back.
"Watch Ton-Ton," General Voltaire said.
We all turned and froze. Of all of us—Ton-Ton had lasted the longest. Sweat poured down his face. His body trembled violently. His eyes were tightly shut.
Yet he remained standing.
Despite his size.
Despite his weight.
He was enduring through sheer will.
"Ton-Ton," I called out. "How are you lasting that long?"
"It's simple, Prince Aurein," he said with his eyes still shut. "I'm imagining that after this... we're going to eat a massive feast."
A laugh burst from my chest. Of course. Only Ton-Ton could turn suffering into hunger.
"Alright, Ton-Ton. If all of you manage to balance for a full fifteen minutes, I will treat everyone to food after training. We will all eat and drink together," General Voltaire said.
"Th-thank you so much, General Voltaire!" Ton-Ton said through trembling emotion, his eyes glassy with excitement as he pushed himself even harder.
"It looks like Ton-Ton is trying to show off now," Asper said with a teasing grin.
"At this rate, our friend might actually surpass us," Dante added.
"We cannot let Ton-Ton defeat us," I said with a smile. "The competition has not even begun, yet it seems we must already compete against each other."
With renewed determination, we climbed back onto the pillars and steadied ourselves once more.
"So you can eat as much as you want later, I will do my best too, Ton-Ton," I said warmly.
"You really are kind, Prince Aurein," Ton-Ton said, almost in tears.
"I also want to enjoy myself and eat freely—especially since it is General Voltaire who is paying. He rarely ever does this," Asper said.
"Same here! We can do this!" Dante shouted.
And so, not just the four of us—but every single warrior under General Voltaire—pushed harder than ever to maintain balance.
This time, exhaustion wrapped tightly around our bodies. Our muscles trembled. Our knees burned. Our breaths grew ragged. And yet—no one wished to surrender. Every one of us wanted to win. This was only the beginning of our training, and I knew countless trials still awaited us. But I was certain of one thing—none of this suffering would be in vain.
* * *
"Congratulations! You have successfully completed the balance training!" General Voltaire announced proudly as he stood perfectly upright.
Meanwhile, all of us lay scattered on the ground below, utterly drained.
I clutched the bamboo stick to my chest as though it were the only thing keeping me grounded, my legs completely numb.
"How are you still standing so perfectly, General Voltaire?" I asked weakly, my voice nearly breaking from exhaustion. "You stayed in that position for three hours."
"It only feels unbearable at the beginning," he said calmly. "In the coming days, you will no longer feel it. This is only one of the many daily trainings I have prepared for you. There will be far more brutal ones to ready you for the competition."
If this is just one of those training, how much more brutal will be the rest of his rigorous training!
I looked around at the warriors beside me. Not one of them looked discouraged. Instead, I saw fire in their eyes—a fierce desire to prove their worth. I smiled and lifted my gaze to General Voltaire. When our eyes met, he gave me a slow, knowing smirk.
And I knew that smirk meant something entirely different.
So I immediately looked away.
"Rest for now. We will resume shortly for our next training—sword drills," General Voltaire said.
He then stepped toward me, which puzzled me. And then—he sat down beside me.
My body stiffened instantly.
Out of every place he could have chosen, he sat right beside me. Even Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante stared at him in open confusion.
"Why are you sitting here beside me?" I whispered to General Voltaire.
He leaned closer, his face tilting toward mine.
"Why? Am I forbidden from sitting beside my queen?" he whispered back with a wicked grin near my ear.
"Stop it!" I said, flustered, pushing him away.
"Do not push me away. You are breaking my heart," he whispered again as he leaned closer once more.
"You are disgusting," I said through quiet laughter.
"Would you like me to kiss you right here?" he murmured smoothly.
"What are you saying, General?!" I blurted out in shock.
"Ahem..."
I immediately glanced toward Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante, as if they were gossiping something about me and the general!
"Turn your backs! Move farther away—now!" General Voltaire commanded.
Not even a full second passed before they all obediently turned away and repositioned themselves at a distant spot.
"There. Now I can kiss you properly. You will not be embarrassed anymore," he whispered.
"You said we must act normal outside, yet you are the one doing all these things," I said in frustration.
"I cannot help myself," he said with a mischievous smirk.
"Then control yourself. Do not drag me into your madness," I warned.
"How many children would you like to have, my queen?" he teased softly.
"General!" I exclaimed, gripping his arm in pure embarrassment.
Suddenly, I felt as though someone was watching us. I turned sharply—only to find Ton-Ton and the others instantly whipping their backs toward us again.
I quickly returned my gaze to General Voltaire.
"Go back to being strict, stern, and cold General Mode before they suspect something," I whispered anxiously.
"That general is still resting," he replied with a raised brow. "For now, you only have Voltaire—the real and loving Voltaire."
"General!"
"I told you, that general, he is not here," he teased.
"You are unbearable," I said, torn between laughter and irritation.
Then his eyes drifted to the necklace around my neck, and his teasing softened into something tender.
"Every time I see you wearing the necklace I gave you, it makes me happy," he said gently.
I grew shy and lowered my face, clutching the blue crystal tightly.
"It makes me feel as though you truly belong to me. As if your body itself carries a mark that you are mine alone," he whispered. "That this crown prince is mine."
"Stop it!" I said, flustered and irritated—because my heart knew he was right.
I was a prince. Royalty. Someone whose status towered above his in the eyes of the world. If people learned that I belonged to him, they would call it treason.
But to me—it was love.
I could surrender everything for him. Even my title. Even my crown.
"You never had a relationship with someone before, did you, Aurein?" he asked.
"None. Not with anyone. You are... you are my first," I admitted softly.
I wanted to hide my face, yet I desperately wanted to see his reaction. And when I looked up—I saw how brightly he smiled. As if the thought that he was my first filled him with indescribable joy.
I was thinking, are we already in a relationship after those kisses? But whenever I remember about those kisses we did, it makes my mind go into explosion!
I knew the truth—that he had many relationships with women before me. I could not escape that reality. And yet... it still made me feel jealous.
"I know you are aware of my past," he said earnestly. "And I have never loved a man like you before. So forgive me, Aurein, if I treat you as if you were a true lady."
I could no longer look at him.
And yet—my heart leapt with joy.
The thought of being treated that way by him—it comforted me deeply. He saw me as a man physically, yet he chose to love me in the way he cherished women. It sounded absurd. It sounded forbidden.
But inside my chest, something thrilling bloomed. There was only one fear that haunted me.
The thought that I could never give him a child.
And that terrified me.
"You suddenly look troubled, Aurein," he said.
"It's nothing. Don't mind me," I replied casually.
"Were you thinking that because you're a man, you won't be able to give me a child?" he asked.
My head snapped toward him instantly, my eyes wide in shock.
"How did you know that? How can you read my mind? Do you actually have some kind of power?" I asked, staring at him in disbelief.
"That's simply the only thing I could think of that might trouble you," he said calmly. "Don't worry. That has never been my priority."
For a moment, I was rendered completely speechless.
"All I want," he continued softly, "is to see you happy—alive, safe, protected, by my side. That alone is already enough for me," he said.
My chest fluttered violently at his words—and then, without warning, I suddenly glared at him.
"Oh?" he asked in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Who knows?" I snapped. "You probably used that same line on all the women you slept with!"
He simply sighed.
"And... also... about that thing..." I muttered with a pout, unable to bring myself to say it outright.
"Hmm?"
"That thing," I snapped irritably. "You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
"Which one?"
"General, don't pretend to be clueless! I know you understand what I mean!" I said, thoroughly annoyed.
He paused, thinking—then realization dawned.
"Ah," he said, followed by a soft chuckle.
"What's so funny? That's a serious topic! It's not a joke!" I fired back.
"Why are you already thinking about that? You think too fast," he teased. "We just started, and you already want to go straight to the exciting part?" He smirked. "You want it that badly? Don't worry—I'll treat you like a real woman when the time comes."
"General!" I gasped, my eyes going wide.
"Don't think about that yet, Aurein," he said smoothly. "I'm not after your body. I'm not driven by lust. I'm not in a rush. I take everything slowly... and gently."
"Good," I replied with a huff. "Because I think most womanizers just want to... you know—do it. Right away." I sighed, my irritation softening. "But thank you. At least now I know you're not after my body. Because... I'm not ready. I don't know what to do."
He smirked and lifted both brows slowly.
"What does that mean?" I asked suspiciously. "Why does that look like seduction?"
"I'm not seducing you," he said calmly. "You're simply feeling that way." His voice lowered as he leaned closer. "But let me remind you, Aurein—don't tempt me too much. Or else, I might not be able to control myself."
His words were barely a whisper—but the intent behind them sent a violent shiver through me.
I immediately turned my back to him. I couldn't take it anymore.
But the moment I turned, my eyes widened in horror.
Ton-Ton and several others—were peeking straight at us.
The moment I caught them, they immediately dropped flat on the ground as if surrendering for their lives.
"General," I whispered fiercely without turning back, "if we get exposed, this is all your fault!"
He only chuckled smugly.
Then he stood up.
"Everyone! On your feet! It's time for sword drills!" he commanded loudly. "Get your swords and line up."
Thank goodness—he was finally back in General Mode. At last, the teasing stopped.
Everyone rushed to their feet.
Just as I stood up to grab my wooden sword, he suddenly stopped me.
"No need to get the wooden sword, Aurein," he said calmly.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
I noticed his gaze falter—his eyes blinking in visible surprise.
Curious, I followed where he was looking.
And then—
I froze.
My face ignited in flames as I immediately looked down.
"It seems you already have a hardened sword inside your trousers, Aurein," he whispered teasingly.
I spun around in embarrassment, covering my bulge in panic.
This was mortifying.
Why did he even notice it?!
Why did my body react like that?!
What if he thought I was that kind of thirsty?!
"Stop it! You're in General Mode now—don't tease me anymore!" I snapped, and with that bolted away from him trying to hide my embarrassment.
Because the longer I stayed by his side— the more I feared I would lose control of myself.
A single touch from him was enough to drive my mind into chaos.
That was my greatest weakness now.
Even the brush of his finger, or his whispers could make my body betray me.
What did you do to me?
Is it because of this necklace? Maybe this necklace has an enchantment that makes me go wild!
Damn it.
* * *
The training ended in exhaustion—but it was the satisfying kind, the kind that seeped into your bones and told you that every ache had been earned. My muscles throbbed as we walked, yet beneath the fatigue was something brighter.
Pride.
Slowly, I was beginning to see the progress of our improvement. Especially in my swordsmanship. I was not exceptional—not yet—but at least now, I finally knew how to wield a sword properly instead of merely flailing it about like a helpless noble.
All thanks to that man who practically owned me.
We were on our way to the city market—his entire army of fifty warriors, the General himself, and me walking together in one formidable procession. True to his word, he had promised us food and drinks for the night.
"We'll eat at your favorite all-you-can-eat meat stall, Ton-Ton. Sound good?" the General asked.
Beside me, Ton-Ton was practically drooling. He had been waiting for this moment all day.
"Perfect! Absolutely perfect!" he exclaimed excitedly, clutching his stomach. "I'm starving..." Then he glanced at me with a wicked grin. "I might even eat you, Prince Aurein, with how hungry I am."
"You're too much, Ton-Ton! Don't forget you're speaking to a prince!" Asper scolded.
"It's fine," I said with a smile. "I actually like it when you treat me casually. It makes me happier."
"Prince Aurein, do you even drink alcohol?" Dante asked. "Because it looks like we're drowning in it tonight."
"I've never had alcohol before," I admitted. "I only just turned eighteen, and my parents never allowed me to drink before I came of age. Now they serve me alcohol during meals, but I still never touch it. I only drink water."
"In that case, do you want to try it now?" Dante asked curiously.
"Prince Aurein will not drink," General Voltaire said firmly. "I do not allow it."
"I want to try it!" I protested. "I want to know how it tastes! I want to know what it feels like to drink alcohol. Every time I see Father drinking, he becomes so cheerful and laughs so easily. I've always wondered—does alcohol really make everything funny?"
"You are not allowed," the General snapped. "I refuse to return you to the palace drunk and face the King and Queen like that."
"Hmph!" I scoffed, then leaned closer to Dante and whispered stubbornly, "I'll still drink. No one can stop me."
"I heard that," the General warned. "Do not tempt me, Prince Aurein, unless you want to be punished!"
"Hmph!" I muttered again, rolling my eyes at him.
Moments later, I suddenly felt his arm drape over my shoulders.
"General," I whispered in surprise.
"It's just an arm around you. No one will notice," he murmured. "I want to hold your hand, but that would be too obvious. This will have to do for now. But you are not drinking. Do you understand?"
"You're so annoying," I muttered.
"Still," he added with a faint smirk, "if you really insist on tasting it, I'll allow it. Just a sip."
"Really?" my eyes sparkled.
He grinned.
"Yes. I want to see your reaction once you taste it," he said.
"It's definitely sweet," I declared confidently.
"Let's see," he replied calmly.
* * *
Not long after, we arrived at the all-you-can-eat meat stall. The place was completely occupied by our sheer numbers. Since there were no long tables available, we were split into smaller groups.
At my table sat General Voltaire, Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante.
At the center of the table was a metal grill where we could cook whatever meat we wished. The raw sliced meats were delivered in large buckets by the staff.
Blag!
A server set down a heavy bucket of uncooked meat in front of us. Ton-Ton nearly melted at the sight.
"It's an honor to have the prince dine here tonight," the man said warmly.
"Thank you very much," I replied with a polite smile.
"If you need anything, please let me know," he said. "I'll bring your drinks shortly."
"Sure!" I said cheerfully as he walked away.
The moment I looked back at the bucket, I nearly jumped—it was already in Ton-Ton's hands.
"Don't tell me you're going to eat that raw?" I asked in disbelief.
"Of course not, Prince Aurein! I'll grill everything for all of you," he said proudly. "Just wait there."
"Just make sure the meat actually reaches us first and doesn't go straight into your mouth, Ton-Ton," Asper teased.
I glanced at General Voltaire beside me. His arm was draped casually over the back of my chair.
The position made it look as though he were still holding me—claiming me.
He was relaxed, leaning back comfortably, as if he owned the space around me. As if he owned me.
Well, he does now actually.
"What are you staring at, Aurein?" he asked.
"Nothing!" I snapped quickly. But in truth, my heart felt strangely warm. It was as if he were silently declaring that no one else was allowed to be this close to me. Then I suddenly remembered. "What about Serena? Don't you need to be at her side right now?"
"Tch," he muttered in irritation.
I chuckled softly.
"So the General really can't stand her," I whispered teasingly.
"Don't even get me started," he said. "If only you knew, Aurein. My ears are suffering. Today, they are finally resting from her endless chatter."
"Well, if anyone asks—especially my parents—I'll tell them we finished late. Don't worry about Serena. She'll help me make an excuse," I assured him.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "She may be annoying, but she's one of the few people I trust completely."
Blag!
The server returned, placing a large jug of pale golden liquid on our table along with four glasses.
"Enjoy your night," he said with a smile before leaving.
"There it is! I finally get to taste alcohol!" I exclaimed excitedly, clapping my hands like a child.
General Voltaire straightened and slid a glass toward me.
"You really want to try it that badly?" he asked with a faint grin as he poured the drink into my glass. The liquid was yellow and looked uncannily like apple juice.
"I'm certain it's going to be delicious," I said confidently.
Once General Voltaire had poured the drink, he handed the glass to me. I accepted it with both hands—and the moment I did, I felt it.
All of them were staring.
Every single one of them looked intrigued, expectant, as if they were waiting for something spectacular to happen.
"There's a bathroom nearby in case you need to use it, Prince Aurein," Asper said casually.
"Huh? Why? For what?" I asked in confusion.
"For... for when—" Dante began.
"Let him discover the taste for himself," the General cut in coolly. "Our prince is stubborn. Let him learn." Then he looked at me. "Go on. Drink."
I swallowed.
Then I brought the glass closer and sniffed it first.
The scent was strange—almost like bread, with a faint citrus sharpness mixed in. I couldn't quite place it. Confusing. Warm. Oddly inviting.
And then, gathering my courage, I took a gulp.
The instant the liquid touched my tongue, my eyes flew wide open. Instinct took over. I practically shoved the glass straight back at General Voltaire while shaking my head violently, my entire face twisting in disgust.
"Why does it taste like that?! It's so bitter!" I shouted.
Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante burst into laughter at once.
"Now you know," General Voltaire said calmly.
"But when I see everyone else drink, they look like they're enjoying it!" I protested, already gagging just remembering the taste as it lingered stubbornly on my tongue.
"Do you still want to drink alcohol?" the General asked.
"No! Disgusting!" I declared immediately.
"What a shame. I was hoping to see Prince Aurein get drunk," Asper said with mock disappointment.
"Same," Dante added, laughing.
"How do you even get drunk?" I suddenly asked, genuinely curious.
At once, the three warriors exchanged looks.
Dark, dangerous looks.
"All you have to do is drink a lot more alcohol," Ton-Ton said eagerly.
"And when you start feeling dizzy, that means it's beginning to take effect," Dante added.
"But I don't want to feel dizzy," I said nervously.
"This is a special kind of dizziness, Prince Aurein," Asper explained. "It feels like you're floating. Your body becomes light. And everyone reacts differently to alcohol. Some people cry easily. Some laugh nonstop. Some get angry and start picking fights. Others become chatterboxes. Some suddenly love to dance. And some... becomes touchy."
"And don't worry," Dante added reassuringly. "At first, it really does taste bad. But after a while, you won't notice the bitterness anymore. You'll start saying alcohol tastes good—and before you know it, you'll be drinking more and more."
"And it's best paired with grilled meat!" Ton-Ton said with a grin.
"Really?" I said, hesitating. "Then... I'll try again. Wait—have you ever seen General Voltaire get drunk?" I asked suddenly.
"I don't get drunk easily," the General replied smoothly. "No one has ever seen it."
"Then I challenge you, General Voltaire," I declared with conviction.
"A challenge? You don't even drink," he pointed out.
"I will try."
"No. I said you weren't drinking," he said firmly. "I just allowed you to sip and have a taste of it."
"I'll do whatever I want," I shot back. "Give it to me!" I added, quickly snatching my glass from him again—and this time, I downed the entire thing in one go.
Smack.
"Ahhh!"
I slammed the empty glass onto the table. Ton-Ton stared at me in shock, his jaw practically hitting the floor.
"It's still bitter, to be honest," I said shakily, feeling oddly proud of myself. "But that was an achievement, wasn't it?"
I saw Ton-Ton swallow hard.
"Prince Aurein... we forgot to tell you," he said with worry. "You get drunk faster when your stomach is empty."
"Really?" I asked, startled—and I turned to General Voltaire, who let out a slow, tired sigh.
"From this point on, I already know you're going to become stubborn and difficult because the alcohol is starting to take effect," he said. "I'll allow you to drink. But the moment your vision starts spinning, you tell me. Okay?" As he spoke, he gently rested his hand on top of my head.
I nodded and smiled up at him.
"Understood, my love," I said cheerfully.
General Voltaire's eyes widened.
"...Did we just hear what you called General Voltaire, Prince Aurein?" Asper asked in disbelief.
"My... love?" Dante echoed.
"That's what I heard too!" Ton-Ton exclaimed.
Oh no.
Did I just—
Did I seriously—
Right now, all of them were staring at me with burning curiosity.
This is bad. This is very bad.
And General Voltaire? He could only shake his head in silent defeat.
Curse you, alcohol!
End of Chapter 23